· Chapter 3 ·

"Wow. This was fast." I mumbled under my breath while sitting and waiting.

"I can't believe it's really going to happen! I have waited a long time, but... am I ready? I don't feel ready. Maybe he can stay in a hotel over night and for a few days as a vacation and we can try it again another time. Like when I'm unconscious or something. Heh heh heh..." Sakura looked tense.

"Don't talk like that. You're being crazy. I get you're nervous. Honestly, I don't know how you feel. I've never been in your situation before, but I will say this. He'd be crazy to not like you. Out of his mind. And if he does come to that conclusion, which is highly unlikely, he is certainly missing out. I'll always be there. Heh." After I said that, she jumped up and hugged me.

"Thanks." She said. She really is nervous.

Yes. Saturday has come very soon. Sakura's father is about to land soon. Are we ready? Nope. Not a bit. I mean, what do you say to your FATHER that you have never met before? Or to your best friend's father she's never met or you heard a thing about?

It is interesting, but heart wrenching and suspenseful. We only know of one picture and that was of him, Sakura and Sakura's mother. All we know is he is rich. Interests, food, preferences? We know none of that. We don't even know if he'll be bringing anyone along. Now, all we can do is wait.

=-=-=Time Skip=-=-=

There was a lot of noise around us. I was getting bored but my interest in meeting Sakura's father kept me slightly entertained, but not so much as before. I had already gotten up twice to get snacks and drinks for everyone. I would listen to music, but I want to be aware of if anyone shows up. Same thing with the option of taking a nap. How good would it look if he walked up and saw me taking a nap or listening to music? I feel it would be a bit rude, maybe... I want to look presentable.

Eventually, Sakura and I decided to entertain ourselves. We started playing Speed, a very popular card game now. I tend to win a lot. I brought the cards just in case we did get bored or something. That and it was already in my purse. I just decided at the last minute to leave them in my bag. I came along because Sakura asked and her aunt and uncle felt it was fine. They said it would be nice to have Sakura's friend there to accompany her. They knew her father but I didn't, so I had an idea, better than they did, of how she felt.

I wanted to make a good impression so I had wore a nice dark blue tank top with a light purple shirt over. The sleeve were short and the bottom of the shirt kind of flared. I had on a nice skirt that was a bit below my knees. I had some nice tennis shoes that went up to the ankle but I'm not quite sure if you'd call them high tops. My hair was in a nice ponytail, parted to the left, my bangs were left out.

We were currently playing our 6th round and I've won three and she two.

"It looks like I'll be winning this." I said kind of cocky as I put down my second to last card. My final card was a queen, so I was waiting on a king or a jack. She had four cards left. I had this in the bag.

The cards on the pile had a 7 and 6.

"Can you continue?" I asked, putting my hand on one of the draw decks.

"Nope. Ready?" She said, reach her draw deck. We flipped. I was hoping for one of the two cards I was looking for.

The cards that came up were a 2 and 4. She quickly put down two cards. A 3 and 4 on top of the 2. She put her hand on the draw deck again. I did the same. We drew.

She threw down her last two cards, a 9 and 10 on the 8 that came up. I still couldn't do a thing. The other card was an Ace.

Sakura started laughing it up. She won while I was being cocky. Seeing her so happy right now was nice. Considering how she was before. This was a whole lot better.

We were having a nice time. We had been sitting on the floor next to our seats, and even with all of the racing and jumbled footsteps and talking, I heard one set of steps that peaked my interest. They seemed to have been calmer than the rest,out of place you might say. It could have been the feel of authority they carried. And they fact they were drawing nearer came after I looked up. I spotted a man in a nice tailored suit, black hair, and glasses. He had another man there next to him with 2 luggage, also in a nice suit.

I noticed he was coming directly towards us. I picked up the cards and stood. I dusted off myself and seeming to understand what I was doing and why, Sakura did the same.

The man stopped for a second. He must have been double checking. He started walking again and finally came up to us. Sakura's aunt and uncle came up and greeted him first.

They were speaking Japanese. Fluent Japanese. Words I didn't understand. I caught a few but couldn't fully put them together. And it seemed Sakura had the same problem. She may have been Japanese, but she grew up speaking English mostly. We watched and read Japanese, but then again, first there were subtitles on the anime but here it was happening right in front of us. And in the manga, we could take our time to understand it and translate it. These guys were going fast. We couldn't understand a thing.

I didn't even pick up the man's name.

Soon enough, the adults turned to us.

"Sorry. We had something to talk about really quick. Anyway, Sakura, this is your father. He'd like you to call him father or something similar. It's still not too good for the word to get out. Remember, you can't be too careful with this kind of thing." Her aunt said.

She nodded then turned to her father. I could tell she was thinking and was extremely nervous and unsure of what to do.

I turned to him, too. In manga, I read it was customary to bow. Hugging was fine, but to show respect, I'd bow or shake my hand.

So I bowed. "Hi sir. It is nice to meet you. I am Yuki Jackson. May I call you Sensei since you are the head of a company and great things?" I tried my best to be respectful. I rose from my bow to face him.

He smiled fondly. "That's just fine. And it is a pleasure meeting you miss Jackson. And, may I ask, how you have such good Japanese manners?"

"Hmm. Well, I'm very much into manga and anime. I have known Sakura since the seventh grade and then, she was reading a manga and I had gotten interested. Since then, we have been together. Best friends. We are also neighbors. And please, call me Yuki. I have a younger sister. Her name is Kasai. It would get confusing calling us Jackson." I smiled.

"Oh. I see. So your the friend she asked to bring along to Japan? You have a great friend Sakura." He said turning to face her.

She had finally made up her mind. She ran up to him and hugged him. "I'm so glad I finally get to meet you." She said into his clothing as she hugged him. He hugged her back.

"I missed you very much." He said.

=-=-=-=Time Skip=-=-=-=

Sensei, as I call him, was going to be staying in their guest room. It was only for a week. He said we can be ourselves. Act like we usually do. As if her weren't here, or was always here. It would be hard for some, but I didn't seem to have a problem. It did feel odd that he was watching us a lot, but he just wanted to get to know his daughter. Later on, we put the video on the t.v. and showed it to everyone. Mr. And Mrs. Haru said it was quite touching and loved it. Sensei said he loved it too and asked for us to send it to him.

Saturday went by quick. Mr. and Mrs. Haru had us over for dinner. My father and and sister, too. We talked and laughed a lot.

The next few days went by quickly. It had almost been a week. Sensei was going home in two days.

So far, we just did what we normally do.

Monday started work. Sakura works at a smoothie place while I work right next door at a frozen yogurt shop. It was easy for me, the boss said I just had to make sure the toppings were filled and stayed at the register. I had a stool, too. I told him I could do other stuff, but he said I didn't have too. I could if I wanted but not to put myself out. With my having fake legs, I could hurt myself. But I'm careful. And he has seen that for a while. I have gotten a few raises since I started here, and my coworkers didn't and don't complain. They actually put in the request FOR me to get a raise.

We came home an hour after the regular lunch time. 11-1 is the lunch time rush. It dies down some after one. Enough to switch shifts.

Afterwards, we would hang out, read and watch something. But as of late, we have been playing cards and talking with sensei.

It was now Thursday after dinner. We were talking and playing cards. He was currently telling us of Japan.

"Is it true that cherrie blossoms are extremely beautiful in spring like they say in anime and manga?" I asked, curious.

"Yes. I honestly enjoy them very much. Very relaxing. But seeing them on a screen or in a book doesn't do it all justice. It's better to view them in real life." He said.

"Yeah. I bet. I'd love to see them." Sakura chirped.

"Same here. On a screen, it's beautiful, so I can only imagine in person, and even that's not good enough. It only gets me more excited. To bad I'm broke." I laughed.

Sakura did the same. "Heheh. Same here."

"What do you two think? Come." He said.

"What? That's a bit vague... what do you mean?" I asked.

"Isn't the school year starting soon? You guys will be third years, I mean seniors, in twelfth grade?" He asked.

"Yeah. That's right. Why?" I asked, getting a bit curious, suspicious and intrigued.

"There is a school that I'd be happy to send you too. That is, if you'd go to Japan with me. Spend your senior year abroad in Japan. I can pay for you to go, if you'd like. Both of you can go. My treat. It is a private school. There are a lot of students there. You should make good friends with them. And you will be staying at my place with is very safe. A mansion with maids and butlers to cater to your needs. What do you think?" He set out an amazing offer.

A chance to go to Japan?! REALLY?! A private school, maids, butlers, abroad, cherrie blossoms!!! Wait...

"What about my sister, Kasai? Can she go?" I asked.

"I would allow her to go and I would pay for her, but it is pretty expensive and it would be a wonderful experience for her. I'll think about it. I may have money but I do have to watch my where I spend my money and how. I'm not saying it's not worth it or its a waste, I just have to be cautious of how I spend it. When I got here, I was only planning on asking just Sakura, but I decided to bring you both because it could help break the ice for her and be an excellent opportunity for you, Yuki-San. But I didn't plan on your sister. And the situation is different for her, too. You see, you two have each other. I can request you have the same classes, or most, depending on your classes, if they are the same. But, you would have some classes together. Your sister has no one. You may walk and talk with her in the halls and walk with her to her class and eat with her, but in the classroom, she's alone. It would be a bit harder for her." He explained.

"I understand. I totally understand. The money and the sister part. But you don't have to worry about my sister. She's great with people. She's made everyone in her class her friends, anytime, any year. My friends seem to like her, too. Young, old. She has a lot of friends. I think she'd do well. The thing I thought of was the language. There will be a Japanese class, I suspect, but she knows NO Japanese at all. Sakura and I know some. She grew up with her aunt and uncle. I knew her for a long time so I picked up on some. And we both read and watch Japanese stuff. In both English and Japanese. We could do well and improve but she'd be starting from scratch. She'd probably need a tutor, too. We could help be we would still have our own work." I said.

He nodded in listening and understanding. "I see where you are going. The tutor is not a problem. I could get a tutor and have someone translate her classes for a while but that would be more money, too. I think it could be good if you three did go. I'll think about it. Yuki-San, you ask your father about you and THEN your sister. Tell him what I said and you said. About the concerns. Tell him he doesn't have to pay a penny, I just have to recalculate. And that I'm also thinking of another way that could also save money. There is something I'm forgetting about right now. I thought of it on the plane as I was thinking of different plans, but I can't recall. Sakura, your aunt and uncle said it was fine. It's all up to you. You can tell me later. You have until the day I leave because when I get back, I would have to get you settled and register you into the academy. *yawn* Its already 10 o'clock. After this round, we shall call it a night." He said. He looked at his cards.

I chuckled. "Then I'll be heading out." I put my cards down. "I win."

Sensei looked surprised. "I have never been beaten before. Not even by... a very intelligent kid. Hmm." He said, putting down his cards. He almost won.

Key word, ALMOST.

We were playing poker. Not betting, just for fun. He just taught us how to play yesterday. On our break, Sakura and I played a quick game. We didn't finish, but I was still close to winning, and at least we got better at the game play.

"I guess it's true. A first for everything. Hehe. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night." I said and went home.

I explained everything to my dad. My sister had fallen asleep watching a video. It was kind of early for her to be asleep but sometimes she just gets bored and falls asleep.

I told my dad everything about the offer. My dad seemed be like sensei. She he was kind of liking the idea. He even understood the valuable points I brought up on my own, and the ones sensei did. Even the ones that included Kasai.

"I'll think about it. But I'm feeling that's it's a yes. But it still depends on so few things. He is thinking of if Kasai can go. I'm a bit worried about her going, too, with her lack of Japanese. I don't know any Japanese either, but I'm not planning on going. And does she want to go is also a factor. You should ask her tomorrow. Well. I'm going to get to bed. Go do what you want." He said, standing from the computer and going to his room.

I mentally yelled. YEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!

I went back to my room excited. I got a text from Sakura. She was asking his answer. I said I'd tell her tomorrow. I was wiped.

The next morning, we didn't have to go to work, so I went over to Sakura's house. My dad and sister came, too. Kasai came to help with breakfast. She liked to cook and cooking with Sakura's mom was like cooking with our mom. Our dad did cook, but it was kind of boring. He didn't make it fun. Out mom made whatever she did fun. Cleaning, cooking, laundry. She had fun with it, which made chores less of boring work and more enjoyable to where were didn't actually hate doing it.

Sakura and I went to her room. An hour later, my dad and sensei came in.

"I remembered last night what I wanted to mention. It was a scholarship. The school I'm planning on has a scholarship chance. There are some rules you must follow to continue having the scholarship. You'll get the packet when you go to sign up to take the test. I think you would be an excellent candidate, Yuki-San. Sakura can also take the test, but they only take a hand full of students, but that's if enough pass. Some may take the test, but not many pass. So far, only one has passed. I'm not sure how many try, or do it just for fun, but I think you two would be excellent. Your sister could also try. If you make it, then your free, you just have to get the uniform, but I'll get that for you. If you don't get the scholarship, I will still pay for you. It just gives us a chance to save money and put you at the top. At this school, your name and grades get you into a certain class. You have to take an entrance exam. The higher grade you get, the higher class, but that's not all. It also depends on your family's status, too. Not as heavy as grades. Being a commoner and going to this school, if you could pay and make decent grades, you could be put in the middle. Get the scholarship and you can be put in the higher classes. I'd ask for you to be put in the higher classes, but it's best if you do so in your own. Self-satisfaction. It's up to you. And no matter what, your sister can come." Sensei explained everything to us.

I thought of it. "I better get ready then." I said happily and excited. Sakura gave me a bear hug.

"Same!" She said.

Kasai called out that breakfast was ready. We all went down and sat at the table. We ate some of the food until sensei said he had some news. He looked to me and nodded.

He wants me to say... okay then.

"Sakura, Kasai and I are going to Japan!!!" I got excited saying it.

Kasai jumped up. "What!!! JAPAN!! I heard nothing of this." She said.

I chuckled. "Sorry. Forgot to tell you about it. Well, you did say you would like to visit Japan one day with me. Well how about a school year at a private school?" I shrugged.

"How? We have no money." She threw at me.

"Allow me to elaborate." Sensei said. He continued to explain the summarized version of the offer.

"REALLY!!? Thank you so much. Of course I want to go!! I have got to tell my friends and pack!! OMG!" Kasai said about to jump out of her seat. She was restless right now.

We all finished dinner and went about our day. It was Friday and sensei was heading home tomorrow. He said if we weren't done by tomorrow he would just reschedule the flights for Sunday. But I wanted more time to adjust. So I hurried home and got the things I wanted to bring. I sat them out on my bed. I figured we could buy a lot more clothes there so I brought a good bit. Not too many but not too little. It's not like I was moving there and it would be extremely hard to bring my whole room. Other than clothes, I got jewelry, hair stuff, my stuffed animals... don't judge. I'm sentimental. I brought important things to me.

I sat them out on the bed. I didn't have a suitcase to use and neither did Kasai so we planned on a time to go out and buy some. That and pick up our checks and quit. Heh. Yeah. It's sad. But it's not like we would be able to continue working here when we were in Japan.

She picked me up and we did what we had too. When we told our bosses we were quitting, they were baffled. They were prepared to give us raises to keep us. To be honest, I didn't ever think this would happen. Our bosses said we were the best employees he's had. I had no words for that. But we explained why we were quitting and they understood.

They were happy for us, actually. They said that if we come back and want the job again, you'd be hired on the spot. It's ours.

That was nice to hear. After, we got our luggage and packed our things. It was quicker than I thought. Kasai was done, too. I helped a bit, but she was pretty good at judging what to bring.

When we were done, we put our stuff to the side. I went to my room and text Sakura that we were done and would be ready for tomorrow. I even had my outfit already pulled out. A nice black skirt, white short sleeve shirt with a nice elbow length classy jacket. To top it off, I had a nice necklace and black, small-heal sandals. My heal can't be too high. I'll hurt myself. Fake legs make it hard to choose many things.

And so far, sensei hasn't even mentioned my legs. He probably thinks of it as a sore subject, maybe.

Not too long after I sent the message, Sakura text back that we were going to leave early. She'd call to wake me. I went and made a small sandwich, not feeling too hungry, and went to bed.

Saturday...

So far so good. Still no idea who the farther is... or do you? There are clues, if you see them.

I'm very much enjoying this story. Thanks for reading. See you soon. Bye. 0