Chapter 2: Searching For the One
When they got back to the bus, Ami helped out Yumi with finding that special person.
Ami: Now one thing you need to know about men, Yumi, is that they look for generosity. They themselves are generous. Let me show you.
Ami dragged Yumi out of the bus, and brought her downtown.
Ami: Excuse me, sir? Let me tell you that it is your lucky day, because this lovely lady is super-generous, and is willing to do anything to fill your heart with joy.
Man: Sorry. I already have a girlfriend. Besides, I wouldn't spend Christmas with a rockhead.
Ami: You're not helping in the slightest!
Ami screamed that last sentence as he was walking away.
Ami: Okay, so not all men like generosity… or rockstars, but we'll keep looking.
At this point, Yumi was burrowing her head under her hood, embarrassed by Ami's attempt to find a guy for her.
Ami: Hey, sir. My friend here is desperately looking for someone to spend Christmas with.
Man 2: No thanks. Got another waiting at home.
Ami tried and tried again, but to no avail. They were all the same answer.
Man 3: Definitely not.
Man 4: She's better off by herself.
Man 5: Who wants to spend Christmas with her?
Man 6: Taken.
Man 7: Ew, no.
Ami eventually gave up and tried something else.
Ami: Well, that didn't work as well as I'd hoped. I'm sorry they all said those cruel things to you, Yumi.
Yumi: It's ok, Ami. I honestly expected it because that's what everybody in this town thinks of me. Just some stuck-up, heartless, cynical rockhead. Every year, every Christmas, they always say that to me.
Ami: Yumi, that's awful. Why haven't you said anything?
Yumi: Because I like coming back to this town, despite the harsh comments. It's like their reminder that they can never get rid of me.
Ami: Hey. I might know somebody who's really interested in you.
Yumi: Somebody here? I doubt it.
Ami: Hai. I can call him right now. -Dials the man's number- … -Waiting for an answer- … -Finally gets one- Hi, Jared. Listen I got an old friend of mine, who's also my bandmate here. You know her, it's Yumi. She's so lonely, and is looking for someone to spend Christmas with. … Oh, I see. You already found someone? … Oh, ok. Well, you two have fun. -Hangs up- Well, there WAS somebody I knew.
Seconds after she put her phone away, Ami heard it vibrate. She pulled it out again to see a text message from Kaz. It read that there was a big party going on at the town hall, and that Ami and Yumi were invited.
Ami: Cool! Let's go, Yumi. Maybe the party will help you clear your mind from all this.
Yumi: Actually, Ami, I'm just gonna stay here and watch some TV.
Ami: Are you sure, Yumi? All that's on TV right now are those Christmas love stories from Hallmark. I don't want you to feel even more lovesick.
Yumi: It's ok, Ami. I'll be fine watching TV.
Ami: Well, ok. Just remember, Yumi, if you need anything, don't be afraid to call me.
Yumi: K. Thanks, Ami. Have fun.
Ami: See you later!
Once Ami left, Yumi was free to put some time into her thoughts. She turned the TV on, and just like Ami said, every channel had a marathon of Hallmark Christmas movies. Yumi just sat there on the couch, and watched one in particular that got her thinking. The movie's events between the man and the woman were so similar to the events that she and Ami shared. The casual walk in the park, the one time when they went to the state fairgrounds, and even the song that played while they were sitting on the bench. Well, that last one didn't happen yet, but Yumi hopes that one day it does.
Yumi: (Sigh) How am I gonna tell Ami? Sooner or later, I have to. I can't deny my feelings anymore. -Turns TV off- I think I need a nap. Maybe that'll help.
Yumi went into her room, and covered up in her sheets. In a little under five minutes, her eyes slowly closed, putting herself to sleep.