Chapter 4
I had the morning off today, I couldn't stay in this stupid penthouse anymore. I went straight to my apartment. I first had a shower, the shower had special braille on the levers, so I could tell what temperature I had the shower set to. After my shower, I relaxed on my bed and got dressed into a pair of jeans and a vest top. It was nice to be back here and there was one thing I had been dying to do.
Across from the bed, in a big trunk was my collections of vintage recorders and on top of the trunk was my violin. I picked up the case and took it out, I had been ages since I had played this. I ran my fingers over, taking in every detail from the string, so the varnished wood. Along the back of the violin was engraved braille and it read;
"To our darling daughter, happy 12th birthday, love mum and dad".
I set the violin on the bed, got out one of my favourite recorders and placed it the record player. I pressed the play button, I got ready with my violin and started to play alongside the record. My fingers moved up and down the violin effortlessly, I matched note for note.
My heart felt like it had wings and that it was flying! I moved faster and faster to keep up with the music, tears started to roll down my cheeks as the song's climax finished and then the song ended.
"Wow." I said tearfully and used my thumb to wipe the tears away.
My music meant everything to me. I loved playing the Violin, it was so soothing and calming. I played to a further four songs when the penthouse pager vibrated again.
"Seriously?!"
That evening, after I had got changed and done up at the salon Eisuke took me downstairs to the casino.
It was so noisy! It was filled with people, I could hear slot machines ringing every five seconds and gentle classical music played far away. I assumed it was being played at the back of the room. The room was filled with the smell of cigarette and cigar smoke, alcohol and I wasn't sure but I thought I could also smell vomit. This place was bound to be plagued with drunks.
"There are still guests from the I.V.C staying here. And the hotels Casino is the best place to show off our relationship to Mr Bucci." He said as we entered the casino.
It was so bright down here, Eisuke was nice enough to let me wear my sunglasses but I wasn't allowed to use my cane. So as always, we were linked together arm in arm.
He moved his hand to my waist and we walked up to a table. I reached out and felt a think wooden frame around the outside, I hear some kind of spinning and bouncing sound from the table.
I have never even been inside a casino so I had no idea what to expect.
"We're at a roulette table. It will be easy for even a beginner to understand." He said and pushed me forwards so he was stood behind me.
Our bodies touched as he leaned over me, I could feel his broad chest against my back.
"I've never gambled before." I said.
"You'll be fine, I'll teach you." He said tenderly, he then gave me a light kiss on my temple in front of everyone.
I smiled and giggled girlishly and leaned in to him.
"So, basically you bet on any numbers from 1 – 36. If the ball on the spinning wheel lands on the number, you'll win. The numbers are either red or black. Bet on whatever you want." He said.
"Umm.. Ok number 1 then." I said.
I was giving my best performance, he'd better appreciate this.
"The trick to roulette is to spread your bets and watch for patterns but don't worry, I'll watch for patterns for you." He whispered in my ear.
It made me shiver ever so slightly.
"You have a good memory, so I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time." He continued.
I felt his warm lips brush against my cheek, I wanted nothing more than to pull away but instead I leaned in and he kissed me again.
"This is really fun, I never thought I'd be able to gamble like this. Thank you." I said and it was true.
I never bothered to try going to casino because it would just be a waste of time. But, I was actually having fun. I turned to face him, I could make out the outline of his face. I reached with my hands, placed them on his soft cheeks and pulled him in for a quick kiss on the lips.
They were so soft and moist, his cheeks were as smooth as silk. I bet he was quite handsome, I could feel his short hair brush against my fingers as I let him go.
We stayed at the roulette table for ages but I was starting to get bored. The music playing was catching my attention, the instrument that was being played was a chelo. It sounded slightly out of key. I wondered if they had a violin here?
"Eisuke, do they have a violin here?" I asked.
"I think so. Why?" He asked sounding suspicious.
"Well no offence but your chelo player over there, sucks. I can play the violin and I can do a much better job than him. I would like to have go."
"You can play violin?" He asked.
If I wasn't mistaken, I could sense a tone of pride in his voice?
He put his hand around my waist and led me through the crowd, he brought me to a stage and handed me a medium size violin. It was the same size as mine. A bright spot light shone down on me as I stood on the stage. I could feel everyone watching me but I was quite excited, it had been a while since I played in front of people.
I started off with a slow tune but then upped the tempo, I had memories every note and played faster and faster. When I finished the song, I was met with an instant applause. I pushed my sunglasses down and I could make out what looked like a crowd in front of me.
"Take a bow Freya." Eisuke said.
He appeared out of nowhere and placed his hand back around my waist.
"Thank you very much." I said and bowed before we left the stage.
"It's rare for someone to impress me." Eisuke said in his normal cold tone.
"Oh. Is that a compliment?" I asked teasing him and punched him in the shoulder again.
This time he was less rigid and I even heard him chuckle after.
I got a whiff of cigar smoke.
"You're such a show off Eisuke." Mr Bucci said.
He appeared behind us. We both turned around.
"Mr Bucci, are you enjoying yourself?" Eisuke asked.
"Somewhat, I'm just getting a little bored. Show me around the hotel?"
"Yes, of course. I was hoping I'd get a chance to show you around sometime. Besides the Casino, we have an art museum, theaters, bars and plenty of other places you can enjoy yourself."
"Will Freya be joining us? There is nothing better than the company of a beautiful and talented woman." Mr Bucci said.
I smiled "I'd love to."
"As my girlfriend, Freya knows the hotel well. She'll be happy to help me show you round."
"I look forward to it." Mr Bucci said.
"Then let's show Mr. Bucci around shall we Freya?"
I nodded.
After we finished showing Mr Bucci round, we returned to the lounge in the penthouse.
"Welcome back." Baba greeted us.
Everyone was here as usual.
"What's everyone doing here? Something happen?" I asked as I sat down on the sofa.
"We have to review the latest auction. Make sure nobody was dealing under the table." Ota explained.
"Did you and Freya have fun at the casino Boss?" Baba asked.
"Yes, I gambled for the first time and I played the violin for everyone." I bragged.
"You can play the violin?" Ota asked sounding shocked.
"Yes, since I was 10. I'm actually pretty good, I'll have you know."
"Ha! You can play for me anytime." Baba laughed.
"Fine but be warned, I charge for the privilege of hearing me play." I laughed back.
"Hmm. This woman is useless." Eisuke sneered interrupting our fun conversation.
The atmosphere instantly turned to ice.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
I heard him sit down on the sofa next to me.
"You totally clammed up when Mr Bucci asked how we met."
"Not my fault, if you actually let me have a word in edge ways it might not have taken me off guard." I replied.
"Luckily I covered for you and told him it love at first sight. But if you do that again, he'll find out we're lying. And if that happens.."
I could guess what he was going to say, i held up my hand to stop him.
"I'm doing my best you know, you could at least pretend to be grateful." I said.
"You shouldn't threaten her so much boss." Baba said.
"How else to expect the kid to act in front of a mob boss?" Kisaki said.
"I don't care, what I say goes." Eisuke said.
"Asking a normal to pretend to be your girlfriend what your first mistake." Soryu said. "You should have just hired a prostitute."
"Bucci would be able to spot a prostitute a mile away. I figured he hasn't seen many girls like Freya. I just have to make him believe that Freya is a normal girl."
"Just don't slip up." Soryu said.
I was bored of them talking about me as if I wasn't in a room and phased out of the pointless conversation. I had learnt to pick my battles with Eisuke, otherwise we'd be fighting all the time.
"If anything happens, I'll make sure she takes full responsibility." Eisuke said.
He really did love to threaten me didn't yet? Yet, despite all of his threats he hadn't laid a finger on me. I wasn't scared of him.
"Will you be free after the deal with Mr Bucci succeeds or will you disappear off the face of the earth? I can't wait to find out." He said with an evil laugh.
I sneered and held my middle finger up to him. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of him scaring me.
"It looks like to me your enjoying the negotiations with Bucci." Soryu observed.
"I only do things I enjoy." He said and then stood up and headed to the stairs.
The next morning,
I had another day today. My alarm on my phone woke me up, it was 08:30am. I went straight to the shower. It took me ages to figure it out, when I first tried it I ended up burning myself with the hot water. But I seemed to have found the right settings.
I towel dried my hair, got changed into a pair of jeans and another vest top before I left the room and went to the living room with my cane and glasses.
As usual, Eisuke was sat on the sofa drinking coffee and typing on his laptop.
"Morning." I said and joined him on the sofa.
"You have a day off today, right?" He asked.
"Yes. Why?" I asked.
"I'll let you have some freedom today, you need a break if you're going to do your job correctly." He said.
"Ha! You'll let me? I was going to leave the hotel regardless, even if I didn't have your permission." I stated firmly.
"But if I page you, be here within thirty minutes."
"Sure, I'll try." I said but had no intention of obeying. This was my day off and I could do whatever I wanted.
"If it means the deal with Bucci will succeed, come back with a new attitude." He said before he stood up and walked past me, our arms touched as he moved past me.
I was so excited for my day off, it meant I could actually leave the hotel. I first went to my apartment, made myself breakfast.
My mobile then rang with the tune Beyonce's tune sweet dreams. That tune played when my mum rung me. My phone had a keypad with braille on it so I could text and call people and when I texted people, it would say the letters as I pressed them.
"Hello." I answered.
"Hi sweetheart. How are you?" Mum asked.
"Fine. How are you? How's dad?" I asked.
"We're fine. Me and your dad are in town, we were wondering if you wanted to meet up for lunch?" She asked.
"Yes! That would be great!" I said practically shouting.
"Oh ok, no need to shout sweetheart. Would you like us to pick you up?"
"Yeah that's be great. Where are we going?" I asked.
"There's a new english cafe that's opened up in town, it's called Joe's Cafe, they sell actual english food and tea." She beamed.
I laughed "Great, can't wait. What time you guys picking me up?" I asked.
"11.30?"
"Cool, see you then. Bye."
I sighed happily, I hadn't seen my parents in ages. I couldn't wait, I jumped in the air and laughed but I still had a few hours to kill. I wasn't in the mood to play my violin so I got out one of my braille books from the shelf and started reading.
A few hours later, I was waiting outside the hotel for my parents. I held my cane in my hand, I had my handbag over my shoulder and my sunglasses on.
All I could hear was traffic on the street and people chatting as they walked by.
"Freya!" Mum shouted.
I smiled, turned to where the voice came from and opened my arms. She ran over to me and we hugged.
"I've missed you so much!" I said and buried my head into her shoulder.
She felt the same as always, her hugs were always so gentle and soft.
"I've missed you to. Your father is in the car." She said.
She took hold of my hand and led me to the car. I opened the door and slipped in. I was instantly greeted by the smell of my father smoking his normal cigar.
"Hey dad."
I leaned forwards, reached around the seat and wrapped my arms around his big, strong shoulders.
"Hey sweetpea." He said and tenderly rubbed my arm.
My dad was a soldier, we moved to Japan from England over 10 years ago because he was dispatched here to train soldiers. He was a big, well built guy and held the rank of General.
I let him go and pulled on my seat belt, he started the car and we shot off. It didn't take long till we reached the café. Dad opened the door for me and mum and we all sat down.
The cafe didn't seem too busy, it wasn't very noise. I could smell cooked food from the kitchen, the smell made my stomach growl. It smelt quite good, I could smell cooked bread, bacon and the strong smell of coffee.
"So Freya, on the menu it says-"
I interrupted my mum "I already know what I'm having, I googled the café before you guys picked me up. Dad, I'll have a cup of english tea, a bacon and egg bagette and a lemonade please."
"Sure. Mary?" Dad asked mum.
"A cup of tea and a prawn salad please." She said.
"Ok." Dad stood up from the table and left to give the café our order.
"So, how is your job going?" Mum asked.
"Fine, no complaints." I said.
"Good and the staff are all being nice to you? The hotel are accommodating you well with your blindness?" She asked.
I sighed, she was such a worry wort though it was nice she cared.
"Yes, everyone is lovely." I said and smiled to her.
"Good."
Dad then returned with our drinks and placed them on the table.
"I've put your pot of tea in front of you Freya." he said.
I nodded.
I reached out and felt the teapot, I gripped the handle with one hand and then gripped the cup with my other hand. I moved the pot till I felt the spout touch the inside of the cup, I then started to pour the boiling hot liquid. The cup started to warm up as I filled it, I continued till I could feel the cup heat up near the top. I then poured myself a little bit of milk.
"So, managed to get yourself a fella yet?" Mum asked.
What an ironic question.
"Uh… no."
"What's wrong? None of the men tough enough?" Dad asked and laughed "Just remember when you get a guy, he'll have to go through me first."
I laughed "Yeah, well that's if I find a guy. They're on short supply right now."
"I pity the guy that's gonna end up with you. He'll have his hands full, that's for sure." He said and chuckled.
"Of course he will, I'm your daughter after all."
"Exactly. You show them who's boss, don't let anyone push you around." He said firmly.
"I promise."
We both burst out laughing.
"George, you shouldn't encourage her to behave that way. She's a young lady." Mum said clearly not amused.
"Why? I don't want some guy pushing her around and taking advantage." Dad said back.
My mum sighed heavily and continued to sip her tea.
Mum had always hoped to have a girlie girl for a daughter but unfortunately for her, I was too much like my dad.
A few hours later, mum and dad left the café to head home. I wanted to stay and walk around the center, I had my mobile which also had a sat nav with headphones so I could find my way to places.
I was still sat in the cafe, finishing off my tea.
"Freya! What a coincidence!" Takahiro said.
"Hey!"
"Are you alone?" He asked.
He was stood just to the side of me.
"Yes I am, would you like to join me?" I asked.
"Yes. What are you having?" He asked.
"Um.. I'll just have another pot of tea please."
I heard him walk off, but he quickly returned. He brought me my tea and a coffee for himself. I hated the smell of coffee so it was easy to recognize.
"Thanks. So, what you doing here?" I asked as I poured myself another cup.
"Doing research on popular places for tourist information. Have you tried the food here? Is it authentic English food?" he asked.
"Seems to be. My parents were just here, they really liked the food." I said.
He chuckled softly "You come from England right?"
"Yes, me and my family moved here because of my dad's job. He's a soldier."
"I see." he said.
He was such a guy, as we sat there the conversation I had with my parents ran through my mind. Had I found a guy yet? Why couldn't I just ask Takahiro out? He was a nice guy and we got on well, what did I have to lose?
"Takahiro, I was wondering if-"
As I spoke the stupid penthouse pager went off.
I sighed and hung my head, what did he want now?
"Is everything ok?" Takahiro asked.
"Uh yes, I have to go. But before I do." I reached into my handbag and got out a card.
One side was braille for me and on the other, was normal text. On the card my name and contact number was written.
"Here's my number. Call me." I said with a smile.
"Your number?" He questioned.
I felt him take the card, he sounded shocked or surprised. I couldn't tell.
"Yeah, when you get a chance call me. I'd love to go out sometime." I said before I left the café.
My heart pounded, it's been a while since I asked a guy out. I hoped he would call, I left the ball in his court so it was up to him now.
I put my headphones in, typed in the address of the hotel on my phone to my sat nav and slowly made my way back. It was only a 25 minute walk to the hotel but I was going to walk as slowly as possible. I mean I was blind after all, it would easy for a helpless blind person to get lost. I wondered how late I could be?
39 minutes later, I reached the penthouse and as usual everyone was there.
"You're late." Eisuke said angrily as I entered the room.
"Well I'm sorry if the blind person was late whilst walking through the city. I got lost, I took a few wrong turns." I said.
"If you knew you could get lost, why didn't you get a taxi back?" He asked.
"Because I wanted to walk. What is your problem? I got here as fast as I was able, remember I'm blind." I said and pointed to my eyes.
I hoped I was making him feel really guilty, the others were silent for a minute. Unsure of how to respond.
Oh how I loved being blind!
"I think you enjoy calling her like this, Eisuke." Ota said after a few minutes of silence.
"It's worth it, to her see come running to me." Eisuke said smugly.
"It makes me want to have a dog again." Ota said.
So I came all this way just for them to make fun of me? Hm, I'm definitely glad I didn't rush to get here.
"Why am I here?" I asked.
"I want you to take tomorrow off too. Carolina's arriving. You'll show her around Tokyo with me." Eisuke said.
"Fine but was that all you wanted to tell me?" I asked.
"Yes." He answered.
Was it really necessary to call me all the way here?
"You look like you've got something to say." He said.
"Well yeah, you could have told me over the phone or when I got back to the hotel." I said.
"I wanted to tell you now. Is that a problem?" He asked.
"Yes it's a problem! I was having lunch with my parents, you can't just summon me whenever you like." I snapped.
"Who do you think you're talking to? Did your day outside give you amnesia? No matter where you go, you still belong to me. Do you understand?"
My grip tightened around my cane, I wanted nothing more than to whack him with it.
"Yes I understand." I said through gritted teeth.
"Soryu, I want you to come tomorrow to." Eisuke said.
"Why do I have to come?" He asked.
"Carolina's the daughter of an Italian mob boss. No harm meeting her, right?"
That's right, Soryu was part of the Hong Kong mafia.
"Yeah, I guess that's fine then." He agreed.
"Despite all of your arguments, you and Soryu sure are close, Eisuke." Ota said.
So, it was all decided. Me, Soryu and Eisuke would show Carolina around tomorrow. I just kept telling myself that this would soon be over.
