Disclaimer: This is a work of a fan. I am not associated or do not own "Memoirs Of A Geisha." Some themes and scenes might be similar.

Ch.1

I can remember exactly how it began. I was only four and I had to go with my sister to run an errand that day. We were returning home when I first saw a geisha. It was odd where I lived. It was a middle-class place, not for the elite. I rememberd her kimono. It was a dark blue with waves like water on the edge. I had no doubt it was made of silk. Her painted face was turned from me for she was looking at the water. I could only think that she must be happy, since she was so pretty. She looked up and I caught her eye for a second. And I could not read her face. Her eyes appeared pained for a moment, and then she turned away.

"Kiryuai!" My sister's sharp voice caught me off guard. She grabbed my arm and gave me a gentle swat. "We are going to get in trouble! Come!!"

And before I could look back my sister, Kira pulled me over the bridge. She forced me to run and the two of us ended up home exhausted and a bit travel worn. Mother would not be happy. Kira seemed to know this and she hurridly tried to brush off her kimono. I imitated her but, noticed the dust would not come off.

"Daughters!" Mother's loud voice cut through as she stepped out to meet us. She took in our clothes quickly and gave a small frown which she quickly covered up. I saw a lady behind her. She wore a dark black kimono made of silk. I could not understand why she was here. But, curiosity got me and I started to walk up to her. My sister, whom was older than me by far at twelve raised her hand and stopped me. She held the back of my kimono tightly so, I had to stay.

"These are my only girls. Kira whom is twelve, and Kiryuai whom is four." My sister made me bow to the woman.

"They are very nice girls. May I?" She raised a hand out towards us.

"Yes." Mother said.

The strange woman had us turn around in circles for her but, said nothing. She had us walk back and forth but still nothing. Then she looked at Mother.

"I will call with my descision tonight."

"Thank you." My mother bowed to the woman and she left. Then she turned and smiled at us both. "You did a good job."

"Mother, who was she?" Kira asked.

"She is the owner of an okiya. If you are lucky you will go live with her."

"But..."

"No. I am not discussing this. You must be ready to go."

"Mother.." Sister broke down crying. I was too young to understand but, I was scared. Why was she acting so? My mother turned to me quietly. "Go get ready for a trip."

I nodded. I like trips. If we were going on a trip with Mother why was Kira so sad? I smiled and hurried to pack my favorite stuffed animal. A bunny I named Kiryai just like me. Sister walked in our room silently. She pulled out our suitcases and began to put our clothes in them. She did not look at me but at the room. If I was old enough I would have said she was saying good-bye. I heard the phone ring and my mother's chipper voice. And somehow I knew the trip was coming.