Masquerade
"Yumiko. You will be having mandatory crash course dance lessons all this week. I understand you were taught at school, but I wish to refresh your steps."
"But, there are rehearsals all this week. I was planning on at least attending two of them", Yumi argues.
"Then I suppose you will have to apologize to your little friends. There is a Masquerade Ball this weekend. We will be attending, and I refuse to have my grandchild looking a fool, while fumbling on the dance floor. You will be attending all lessons", Utako orders.
"Fine!", Yumi huffs, "but I am choosing what I wear and will arrive separately."
"Fine by me." Yumi thanks her grandmother and stands to leave. "Oh and Yumiko, hone in your flute playing. There will be surprise performances. The participants will know what they are playing, but not who they play with." Yumi gives a stern glare.
"I am guessing you signed me up." Utako smiles. "I better go practice then. Gokigenyou, Obaa-sama." Yumi forces a smile and leaves. She stomps to her room and grabs her flute case and calls for Eiji-san, who meets her at the door, thankful it was Sunday and she actually got a day to breathe.
"Where would you like to go Yumiko-sama?" He opens the front door for her and she walks out, heading straight for the car.
"The park, please?" Yumi gets into the car.
"Of course, Yumiko-sama." Eiji shuts the door for Yumi and drives her to the park.
"I'll return in a little while Eiji-san. I just need time to myself." Eiji nods in understanding. Yumi walks off. As she walks aimlessly on, getting lost in her thoughts, she runs into a tree. "Owowow…Who's puts a tree there?", Yumi complains, rubbing her head. She looks around the tree the sees a pond. "Wow….", she breaths. The sun, now a little lower in the sky, reflects beautifully off the surface of the water. A smile places itself on Yumi's face. She looks left and sees a building that sells rental boats. On the side of the building is a ladder. Yumi's smile widens as she walks towards it. She looks up the ladder, adjusts her flute case, and begins climbing. Oka-san always hated it when Yuuki and I climbed things. Yumi chuckles to herself. She reaches the roof and looks out over the water. "What a view…", Yumi sighs. She opens her case and assembles the flute. She brings the flute to lips and plays a solemn melody. Not too far off, someone is having troubles of their own.
"Sa-chan wait!"
"I said leave me alone Suguru-san. I just want to be alone." Sachiko continues to storm off. Suguru stays and watches her go. I wish this could be easier Sachiko. I really do. Suguru enters his car and waits.
Sachiko continues walking. It's not fair. I didn't ask for any of this. Why must I suffer for the rest of my life in this marriage? Why can't I be happy and with the one I love? Yumi… Tears fall down Sachiko's cheeks as she stops in front of a pond. As she calms down, she notices a sad melody. She clasps her hands in front her chest and closes her eyes, focusing on the melody. It's almost as if this song understands me. The song ends, then a grunt is heard, followed by a thump. Sachiko jumps and turns around. On the ground just behind her is a flute. She walks over to it and looks at it. She looks around, trying to figure out where it came from. She looks up and thinks she sees hair disappearing behind the edge of the building behind her, but shakes her head. Couldn't be… Sachiko decides to leave the flute where it is just in case the owner comes back for it. She walks away.
Back on the roof…
Yumi plays from the heart a piece she learned. Tears fall down her face as she plays with her eyes closed. As she finishes, she opens her eyes and sees the beautiful scenery of the pond. It's not fair! She grunts and throws up her arms, releasing the flute in the process. Whoops. She watches as the flute falls off the roof and sighs. At least there's grass down there. She walks closer to the edge and looks over for her flute. Her breath catches. Sachiko… She sees the tear tracks on Sachiko's face. She was crying… She watches Sachiko approach her flute and look around. When Sachiko's head turns upward, Yumi drops to the floor. She doesn't breathe. Please tell me she didn't see me…Yumi stays perfectly silent until she hears fading footsteps. She exhales. Too close… Yumi rolls over on her back and looks up at the sky that as already begun to darken. It's late. I should go back to Eiji-san. Yumi dusts herself off and climbs down the ladder with her case. She walks over and inspects her flute. No scratches or dents. Thank you healthy park grass. Yumi disassembles the flute and puts it in the case and heads to the Eiji.
"Better, Yumiko-sama?" He smiles.
"A little. Let's go home Eiji-san."
"Of course Yumiko-sama."
Yumi sits up in her room, reading over the script some more. Even though I can't make the rehearsals, I'm going to practice my lines. Her phone rings. She looks at the number. Hmmm… It's not Onee-sama or Touko, who else did I give this number to? Yumi answers the phone.
"Hello. This is Yumi."
"Good evening Yumi-sama. It's Kurosaki Kazumi. I hope I am not calling too late or disturbing you."
"Oh Kazumi-san. You're not disturbing me at all. I was just going over my lines."
"I see. Will you be coming to any rehearsals this week?", Kazumi asked.
"I won't be able to. Obaa-sama has scheduled dance lessons for me. There is no way I can't get out of it. I'm sorry, Kazumi-san."
"It's alright. I understand. Would it be possible me to come over to Shigemi Mansion and rehearse with you some time?", he asks hopefully.
"That would be wonderful. I really need the practice. I want the play to be a success."
"Great", he says excitedly. "What times are you free?"
"I'm free between the hours of five and seven. Are those times inconvenient for you?"
"Yes. Those times will work nicely. I look forward to working with you Yumi-sama. I will ask Yuuki-san for the address."
"And me with you. Thank you for calling Kazumi-san. I'll see later then. Good night."
"Good night Yumi-sama."
Throughout the week, Yumi struggled with all the work. From classes to dance lessons to homework to rehearsal with Kazumi and back to homework, Yumi was almost on her last leg.
"Will you be having dinner Yumiko-sama?"
"I have much to do Himeko-san. Would you please apologize to Obaa-sama for me, and don't give me that look. I'll have a snack later. I'm fine really." Himeko sighs and gives Yumi an unconvinced look, but Yumi just keeps smiling at her. Himeko bows and leaves Yumi to her work. Once she's gone, Yumi drops the façade and the true exhaustion appears on her face. She goes back to work, forcing herself to stay awake.
"Yumiko-sama. Kazumi-sama has returned", Eiji informs her an hour later.
"Thank you Eiji-san. Tell him I'll be right there." Eiji nods and walks off. Yumi organizes her work on the desk then stands. She stretches her arms and rubs the sleep from her eyes. She gives her cheeks a light smack to wake herself up then goes to greet Kazumi.
"Hello Yumiko-sama. It's good to see you." Kazumi sees the slight redness of Yumi's eyes and her slightly slouched posture.
"It's good to see you too Kazumi-san. Shall we begin?" Yumi gives him a smile. He nods and she leads him to a music room.
"How have rehearsals been so far, Kazumi-san?", Yumi asks while setting up the CD player.
"They're going well. It's mainly just been cleaning bit by bit." Yumi grabs her script. "Everyone really misses you." Yumi gives a sad smile. "Would you like me to relay your feelings to them?" Yumi thinks and pictures an angry Sachiko getting angry at her for seeing Kazumi and not her. She smiles.
"That wouldn't be such a good idea." Kazumi gives her a confused look. "Shall we begin?" She begins spouting some random lines and Kazumi catches on. They go through the play and sing their lines.
"I believe we have improved Yumiko-sama." Yumi nods, tiredly. "Are you alright? You seem extremely tired."
"Oh, I'm perfectly fine Kazumi-san, thank you for asking." Yumi gives a weak smile. Eiji enters the room.
"Yumiko-sama. I have brought the recording of your partner's piano playing for you to rehearse to."
"Thank you Eiji-san. You can place it on the table just over there please. I will practice as soon as Kazumi-san and I are finished."
"We can be finished now Yumiko-sama. You seem tired, and I don't wish to keep you up late."
"If you think we are fine for today." Kazumi nods. "I'll walk you to the door." Yumi begins to move, but Kazumi stops her.
"No need Yumiko-sama. You gone on ahead with your practice. Eiji-san will walk me out." Kazumi looks to Eiji.
"Of course." Eiji bows.
"Good night Yumiko-sama."
"Good night. Thank you for stopping by." Kazumi and Eiji leave the room.
"I'm worried about her, Eiji-san. She seems exhausted."
"She is. Yumiko-sama has been very adamant about her work lately. There is just so much piling up on her", Eiji confirms.
"Has she gotten thinner?"
Eiji sighs. "She has been skipping meals to finish work and practice."
"This will all end soon right? She must have a limit."
"I'm not sure. Yumiko-sama can be very stubborn." Eiji smiles and stops at the front door. "Please watch over Yumiko-sama." Eiji bow to Kazumi.
"Of course. Good bye." Kazumi leaves and heads towards his car.
Once the men leave, Yumi lets out a big yawn, not even trying to cover her mouth. That's what I needed. Yumi stretches a bit then walks over and pick up the CD Eiji left for her. She pops it into the CD player and sits, listening to her mysterious partner. It sounds nice. Their playing seems oddly familiar. Yumi listens till the end. Their tempo isn't bad. I should be able to keep up. Yumi goes to retrieve her flute and practices with the recording. I feel strangely connected with this person playing. It's comfortable. Yumi finishes the song. We should be able to give a good performance with this. I better go finish my homework. I would like to go to bed sooner. Yumi goes up to her room to work. She dozes off in the middle of working, but her phone abruptly wakes her.
"Hello! This is Yumi."
"Did I wake you Yumi?", a worried voice asked.
"Yes, but it's a good thing. I fell asleep trying to finish my work. There is still a bit to go."
"I'm sorry Yumi."
"It's perfectly alright Onee-sama." Yumi rubs her eyes. "Did you want to talk to me Onee-sama?"
"Yes. Since you are always so busy. I was wondering if you could take a break for a day and go out with me. We haven't spent much time together and I understand your situation, but I feel as though I'm not fulfilling my role as your Onee-sama."
"You're the best Onee-sama ever. I would love to go out with you, Onee-sama, but I'm really behind on my work. It might be some time before I can go out again. I will try to make it to rehearsals next week though." I can't believe I turned Sachiko down. I must be crazy.
"You aren't pushing yourself too hard, are you? You sound terrible", Sachiko says with concern.
"I'm fine Onee-sama. No need to worry. I really must go though. There is still much to do. Thank you for waking me Onee-sama. I miss you."
"I miss you too Yumi. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Yumi hangs up the phone and groans. I need something to wake me up. Yumi steps out of her room and heads towards the kitchen. She searches the cabinets. Caffeine…caffeine…Ah… Yumi grabs a box of instant coffee and studies it. This will be new, but I heard it helps. Yumi reads the instructions and makes a pot of coffee. She fills up a cup and takes a sip. "Bleh!" That is disgusting. It needs something. I think I remember Oto-san putting milk or was it cream and sugar in his. Yumi walks over to the fridge and sees a bottle with a picture of coffee. This seems about right. She pours some in, then searches for sugar. This place has too many cabinets. How am I ever supposed to find anything? Yumi finally gets her hand on some sugar and puts a lot in her coffee. She takes another sip and smiles. Much better. Yumi heads back to her room with her coffee and takes a seat at her desk. She cracks knuckles and neck. Back to work.
The night of the masquerade, Yumi waited for her grandmother to leave.
"Do not arrive too late", her grandmother said before Eiji closed the door to the car and drove off.
"Well, time to change. Himeko-san, are my clothes ready?" Yumi asked as she walked to her bedroom.
"Yes ma'am", Himeko responds following her.
"And the cup of coffee?"
"On your desk."
"Thank you Himeko-san. I shall be out momentarily. Please have another car prepared to go." Himeko nods and leaves Yumi to change. She walks into her room and grabs her cup of coffee then proceeds to her closet. Yumi sees her formal attire hanging on her closet door and smiles while taking a sip of her coffee. I'm an angel, huh?
At the party, many guests had already arrived. Masks adorned their faces, hiding some, but not all identities. Shigemi Utako had arrived not long ago with Eiji-san. "Ojou-sama, I have received word that Yumiko-sama is on the way." Utako nods in understanding.
"Utako-sama." She turns to see the Ogasawaras.
"Touru-san. It's good to see you. It has been a while." She smiles and they shake hands.
"Yes it has. I believe you remember my wife, Sayako, and my daughter, Sachiko." Sayako and Sachiko smile and bow.
"Of course. How could I forget the beauties of the Ogasawaras?"
"You are too kind Utako-sama", Sayako blushes.
"I heard you recently obtained a granddaughter?",Touru asks.
"Why yes I have. She should be here momentarily, but I'm not sure if even I'll be able to find her. She wouldn't allow me to see what should be wearing tonight. I probably won't even recognize her. Utako chuckles. Eiji-san leans down to whisper in her hear.
"Yumiko-sama has arrived." Utako turns to the door and her breath catches.
There standing gracefully is an angel. Her white dress stops a little before her knees in the front and cascades down to her ankles in the back in frills. The spaghetti straps criss cross on the back. Her hair is done up in a curly bun with two curls hanging in front of her face. White feather earrings hang from her ears. Her mask is also white with some silver decorations and white feathers flowing from the tips. Legs seem to go forever from the tall silver heels to the end of her dress. Her eyes shine like the stars in the sky and smile just like her perfectly glossy lips. Everyone is awestruck by her beauty, still trying to figure out if she is real. Kazumi walks up to her and offers his hand. She gladly accepts and he takes her to the drink table.
"That would her…", Utako mumbles out, amazed how her granddaughter just froze time.
"She's like an angel", Sayako whispers.
"She is an angel", Touru confirms.
"She's my next heir." Touru's eyes widen. "She has been taking many lessons to catch up with her studies and she has surpassed my expectations. There is no doubt that she will take over." Utako smiles. "She already wishes to combine our forces Ogasawara-san." Touru's eyes widen yet again. "But that discussion is for another day. Let's enjoy ourselves tonight." Sachiko watches the angel from across the room. She gives off an aura just like Yumi's, but slightly different. But she really is an angel.
"Will you also be participating in the concert Sachiko-san?" Utako asks. Sachiko snaps her head back.
"Yes ma'am. I will be accompanying someone on the piano." Utako smiles.
"I can't wait to hear you play."
"Thank you Shigemi-sama." Sachiko bows. Once the adults are back to conversing, Sachiko looks back over to the angel, who is now surrounded with company.
"Can I get you another drink Yumiko-sama?", one of the many men offers.
"No thank you. I still have some left in this glass", she replies kindly. Kazumi notices Yumi's face twitching slightly. His would too if he had to answer so many questions so politely. It's hard being a girl.
"Yumiko-sama. May I have this dance?" he extends his hand.
"Of course." Yumi passes her glass to one of the other guys and takes his hand.
"Can I dance with you later Yumiko-sama?", many of the boys asks. She turns around and winks.
"Maybe." She walks off to dance.
"Thank you", Yumi says while dancing.
"No problem. Those dance lessons seem to have really paid off. You're amazing." Yumi blushes. "How are you feeling by the way?" He looks down at her concerned.
"What do you mean?" Yumi feigns innocent.
"I could tell you were exhausted this whole week Yumiko-sama. I'm surprised you haven't collapsed." He frowns.
"I'm perfectly alright. No need to worry."
"You will run out of juice sometime." Yumi just sighs. As Kazumi leans her back, Yumi's eyes make contact with Sachiko. It's almost as if time froze yet again. The moment is all their own. Sachiko… The music ends and everyone claps. Someone walks on to the stage and grabs the mic.
"I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. While everyone continues to have a good night, the surprise partner contestants will be performing shortly. So if those who are participating could please come backstage."
"That would be me. Thank you for the dance Kazumi-san." Kazumi kisses her hand, which causes her to blush. I will never get used to that. Yumi walks off. She proceeds backstage. Eiji brings her, her flute and she blows into it in order to warm it up. She can feel the eyes on her. She cringes a little. This is worse than school and the Yamayurikai fans. She sighs and looks foeward. Her eyes widen. Sachiko. I should have expected this. Of course Sachiko's parent would sign her up. I wonder what piece she will be playing and with who? Yumi feels jealous. I wish I could play with her again, like that time during Cinderella. As if Yumi spoke, Sachiko turns her gaze towards her, but Yumi snaps her head around and acts as though she's inspecting her flute. And I thought I could do a good job at avoiding her. Good work Yumi…Good work. Yumi sighs again. Every now and then, Yumi glances at Sachiko. Onee-sama is absolutely beautiful. Sachiko is wearing a long elegant black dress with her hair down as usual.
The applause goes off once again. OMG! How many pieces are there? My feet hurt from standing for so long and I'm extremely tired. There are not many more people left. Ugh… I'm so tired. I'm crashing as soon as this night is over. "Next up, will be a duet of Rachmaninov's piece Vocalise. Finally! Yumi begins walking towards the stairs to the stage. She sees movement close to her and turns. She nearly shouts, but her eyes just widen. She laughs lightly. It would be Sachiko. Yumi takes her place on stage and Sachiko sits at the piano. Everyone stops their idle chatter to look upon the two beauties. Yumi lifts the flute to her lips and peeks over at Sachiko, to signal her to begin, and so she does. Yumi begins right after the first few notes.
It's as if all the people in the room disappeared. It was only the two of them and the music. I'm playing with Onee-sama. This is better than the time we played Ave Maria. Now, we're almost equals.
Sachiko watches her partner play, matching her tempo perfectly. That sound. She has the sound as the person in the park by the pond. Could they be one in the same? Her partner peeks over at her while playing and they make eye contact then she immediately looks away. Her eyes are so familiar. Everything about her is familiar, but it couldn't be. Why do I feel so connected to her?
For never playing together, the two of them were perfectly in synch. They kept in time with one another and produced beautiful music.
"Our children work well together", Touru states.
"They do. I hope they can keep this up in the future." Utako smiles at Touru.
The girls receive the largest round of applause. They exit stage. Many of the other participants congratulate them. They nod and receive the praise graciously. When Sachiko goes to speak to Yumiko, she finds her gone, and thus goes looking for her.
Yumi leans against the wall in a dark hallway. I wander if Obaa-sama will let me leave now. I've socialized and participated in that contest. Why don't they serve coffee at these things. Yumi swirls the contents of her champagne glass.
"Yumiko-san." Yumi jumps and turns around to see Sachiko.
"O-On…Sachiko-sama." Yumi stands upright, catching her slip. "How can I help you?" Please don't let her find me out. Good thing this hallway is dark.
Sachiko noticed her posture before. "Are you alright Yumiko-san?"
"Perfectly fine. It's just been a long night. It's nice to finally meet you." Yumi bows and Sachiko returns the favor.
"You were the person playing in the park that one day, weren't you?" Sachiko sees Yumiko's eyes widen and her cheeks redden. "I thought so. You should be more aware of where you toss your instruments."
Yumi begins bowing repeatedly, shocking Sachiko. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to. I was just so frustrated. And…and…I threw my arms up. Next thing I knew it was falling off the roof. I'm so sorry Sachiko-sama. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
"It's alright. Calm down." She places her hands on Yumiko's shoulders to hold her steady. "I forgive you. Just be more careful next time. You might actually hurt someone."
"Hai!" Sachiko receives the brightest smile. She chuckles. This feels like something Yumi would do.
"You remind me of someone I know." Yumi freezes. "You have that same energy and carelessness."
"Ha…really now?" Kazumi comes running up to them.
"Yumiko-sama, your Obaa-sama is looking for you. Hello Sachiko-sama." Sachiko nods. Yumi sighs.
"Thank you Kazumi-san. It was nice speaking with you Sachiko-sama. I can't wait to work with you in the future." Yumi gives Sachiko a sly smile and leaves with Kazumi.
"Ah Yumiko. You played beautifully." Utako gives Yumi a kiss on the cheek. "I believe you know the Ogasawaras."
"Hello", Yumi, says giving a bow.
"You and Sachiko were really amazing, Yumiko-san. You worked like perfect partners even though this was your first time together. I'm sure this is a sign for the future", Touru says.
"I hope so, Ogasawara-sama."
"Pleased to hear that." He shakes Yumi's hand. "Ah Sachiko. You were wonderful", Touru says as he sees his daughter approaching.
"Thank you Otou-sama." Something catches Sachiko's eye and she freezes up a bit. Her mother follows her gaze and chuckles a bit.
"It seems these two have drawn quite a crowd", Sayako says. Everyone peeps over Yumi and Utako's shoulders to see a large group of men throwing glances their way. Yumi also freezes as she looks over her shoulder. Ughh…No wonder Onee-sama tensed up.
"Why don't you offer them a dance Yumiko?" Yumi looks over at her grandmother with a wide eyed expression. "You are available. Why not entertain them?" Yumi frowns, but refuses to say anything. Yumi turns to the boys and takes a deep breath, throws a smile on her face, and goes for the challenge. Bring it on.
Why won't this night end? How many times have I danced with someone? I can't even remember their names. Just keep smiling. Yumi finishes another dance and sees no more guys. Thank you Maria-sama. She tries to walk steadily to a wall for support. As she stands there, a drink is presented to her. She looks up to see Sachiko and accepts the drink.
"Thank you." She takes a sip and stand there with Sachiko. She sighs again.
"You're like an angel fallen from grace."
"Hm?"
"You are an angel, yet you are forced to entertain these mortals. How can you bear it?" Yumi smiles.
"We all have something worth fighting for. Some fight harder than others. I'm one of those that refuse to give up."
"And what is it that you are fighting for?", Sachiko asks very interested.
"Love", Yumi says simply. "I have someone I care about that I need to save. It's not fair that I could live happily and they can't."
"So, everything you do is all for them?" Sachiko looks at Yumiko and Yumiko looks at her.
"Yup", she answers simply. She smiles and leaves Sachiko to her thoughts. "All for you", Yumi whispers.
