Chapter Eleven
The subway car slowed and stopped at Shibuya station. Mami moved towards the door and prepared to exit. The train stopped, the doors opened and she exited the vehicle. Mami eased her way through the packed station towards the exit that would take her topside. Her choice of clothes blended in well with those around her; a plaid skirt with blouse and blazer. They were a little worn but still fit and looked the part, besides that was all she had.
She ascended the stairs and stepped out into downtown Shibuya. In the distance she could see her destination, Tower Records. It was across the street from her. To get there, she had to brave the famous "Shibuya Crossing". She stood at the roadside and looked around her.
In front of her was the Starbucks coffee shop, infamous amongst tourists and locals alike underneath was the Tsutaya book store. She could see the Forever 21 neon sign a few meters ahead of her, but this was concealed by a new sign. Last time she was here, she remembered a HMV sign, but this had since been replaced by a company called Hisamitsu. She'd probably heard of the name before but couldn't remember where. The large neon advertisement in front of her was advertising the new AKB48 single. She chuckled to herself.
All around her people were milling around waiting to cross. Japanese sporting interesting new fashions, businessmen glaring at their iPhones and foreign tourists who are just along for the ride. The traffic lights change to red and the crossing turns green. In one movement a machine of people crossed the road, all with a defined purpose. Mami marvelled how it worked, this sea of people all crossing as one with no chaos, a feat that is usual in day to day life of Tokyo.
Mami approached the Tower Records and stood at the doorway. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door. The shop was empty with only a few customers milling around browsing. A greeter bowed and welcomed her as she entered. Mami smiled polietly and addressed the cashier.
"Good morning," she began. "I'm here for an interview."
"What's your name?" asked the cashier.
"Mami Sasazaki!" called a voice from at the back of the shop.
She turned to find the manager striding over to her. Mami bowed at him. He bowed at her in return and put his arm around her. The manager lead her to the back of the store.
"I'm Matsui," he replied. "It's a surprise to see a customer of such caliber in my little store."
"It's hardly a little store," said Mami looking around. "Plus, I'm not a customer."
He chuckled.
"Of course not," he replied. "I know exactly what you are here for. Your friend told me everything."
He lead her up a flight of stairs and into his office. He allowed her to enter first and Mami noticed Haruna sat in a chair opposite the desk. It seemed she had dressed herself with a little more composure then last time a pair of jeans, flannel shirt and flat pumps; much opposed to her trademark hot pants.
She beamed as Mami entered. Mami smiled back and took a seat beside her. The manager sat at his desk and looked at them both.
"What a day," he said. "I have one half of the greatest female rock band in the world sat in front of me."
He chuckled as the girls blushed.
"Haruna told me to come here today," said Mami at once.
"Well she was right to," said the manager. "I have something for you. Something I think you might enjoy."
He picked up a small teapot and poured them all some steaming green tea. They were silent as they each drunk their tea. The manager lowered his mug and looked Mami.
"Before we go any further," he said. "I won't force you into accepting this job but you should know it's not what you are expecting."
Mami was silent, listening intently.
"I heard your story," he said. "But I'm not doing this out of sympathy. I'm doing it because I like you, and I think you will be excellent at this job."
"So what's the job?" asked Mami.
"Come and see," said the manager.
He stood up and led them out of his office. The girls stood up and followed suit. They walked along a corridor towards a small windowed room. Inside were several equalizer banks and a large microphone. It looked almost like a
"...Tower Records radio!" exclaimed the manager.
Mami looked at him in confusion.
"I'd like you to be the DJ for our store," said the mananger.
"But don't you already have a DJ?" she asked.
"Coconuts?" asked the manager. "He quit yesterday. He's gone to London to DJ for Ministry of Sound."
"Coconuts was awesome," said Haruna. "He's going to be a hard act to follow."
"You're telling me," said the mananger.
"That's not helping," said Mami dismissively.
"Sorry," they said in unison.
There was silence. Mami used this time to come to a decision. Granted, they were right, Coconuts had huge shoes to fill; size 45 in fact. But on the other hand this would be so much better then sweeping streets in suburban Tokyo. Besides, being a guitarist would being a DJ so hard?
"When can I start?" she asked.
Haruna beamed at her as the manager stared at her in awe.
"Wow," he said failing to hide his surprise. "You can start now if you want."
"I'm not ready now," said Mami at once. It was partially true. "How about tomorrow? Can I start tomorrow?"
"Sure," said the manager. "Tomorrow is fine."
He bowed at her. She bowed in return.
"See you tomorrow, 9 am," he said before returning to his office.
Mami stared at the radio room. She could hardly believe what had just happened, after all this time she was at last leaving that terrible sweeping job and back to something she loved. Music. Haruna tapped her on the shoulder, inturrupting her thoughts.
"Come on Mami," she said. "Let's get some coffee to celebrate."
Mami smiled her. Haruna put her arm around her and led out of the shop towards the Starbucks across the street.
A few moments later they sat at a table in the corner with a steaming mug of autumn special coffee in front of them. Haruna continued to smile at her.
"What are you smiling at?" asked Mami as she took a sip of her coffee.
"Nothing," said Haruna. She picked up her cup and quickly took a swig.
Just then Mami's phone rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and looked at the caller.
There was no name but she recognised the number.
"I have to take this," she replied.
She stood up and dashed outside pressing the accept.
"Hello?" she enquired.
"Good morning Mami," began a familiar voice. "It's Kihiro, your lawyer."
"Good morning," replied Mami. "I trust you aren't calling to give me good news."
Kihiro was silent for a moment.
"Alas," he began. "I wish I could contradict you but you are right. I do not bring good news to you."
"Let's hear it," said Mami. "Whatever it is."
"Your ex refused your request of full custody," he said. "We will need to fight him in court."
Mami was speechless.
"Don't worry," he said. "The time hasn't been arranged yet, so we can work out our defence. You will get your daughter back Mami, I guarantee it."
"How can you guarantee that?" asked Mami tearfully.
"Do you trust me Mrs. Sazasaki?" asked Kihiro.
She was silent for a moment.
"Yes," she said. "I trust you."
