Chapter 9: An Eventful Night

- Because the message you were talking about before, the one your sister has sent to Shu before she died...He still keeps it on his cellphone-

After that revelation even Shiho, who until then had prevailed in the interventions of their conversation, had remained for a few seconds in silence. To be told by him that his sister was really important was one thing, words like other she didn't know how far to take it seriously, but having such an overwhelming evidence was an unexpected confirmation. She too, in a sense, would rather be surprised at this, because awareness of knowing sometimes killed her.

- How do you know it?- finally asked the girl.
- Some time ago I asked Shu to borrow me his cell phone to send a message to James, since my had run out of batteries. It was a different model from mine so I wasn't able to use it to perfection and by accident I ended up in the archived messages and found it- she confessed - I didn't allow myself to open it and read it, but taking into account of the date and sender I quickly realized that what it was-

She looked down again, trying to fight the pain that the memory had caused her. She had never told Shuichi she had found that treasure he hid and kept jealously, as she had never said how it made her feel and what she still felt for him after all this time. She got terribly angry every time Shuichi lied to her, but come to think she wasn't very different. She had always thought that between them had remained a certain complicity despite everything, but the truth was that to prevail were lies, secrets and silences full of unspoken truths. Certainly not a good basis for a relationship.
After another silence in which neither of them knew what to say, Shiho resumed the conversation.

- Maybe he just kept it as a memento. If my sister was really important to him as he says, it would be plausible. But this doesn't mean he can't be interested in you or see you as something more than just a colleague-

This was what she had always hoped, a vain illusion that for a moment gave her joy. A joy destined to vanish as soon as the reality took over again. The truth was that she was Jodie the colleague, not Jodie the woman to invite to come out or Jodie the woman to love. She was no longer even Jodie the ex, because Shuichi had never really apologized for having sacrificed her and had never asked her how she felt or if she got over it. He had taken it for granted, simply. As he fell in love with another woman, she also must have get over their break, logically. Perhaps it was this more than anything to hurt her, the fact that Shuichi had given so little importance to their history and to all what was derived from it, including feelings.

- The reason why he treasure it is that he never stopped loving your sister, even after having severed relations with her- she shook her head.
- And if what you think is love actually was just guilt? Akai-san failed to protect my sister and you can't deny that if he hadn't approached her, perhaps now she would be still alive- she looked into her eyes, but taking a little time to process the pain that the memory of her sister's death still caused her - You too would feel guilty if you fail to prevent the death of a loved one, right? Even more if you were aware of being the cause. That message could also be a reminder, a memento that he held to remind him every day that he had failed once and that he didn't have to fail again, but he had to do his best to remedy and to avenge and to fulfil the promise he made to whom wasn't there anymore- she ended.

For the umpteenth time she was astonished by the fervor and conviction with which the girl was able to express her beliefs. She didn't know if she was just trying to convince her, to convince herself or if she really believed in what she was saying; in any case the fortitude she could pull out was surprising. She had determination to sell and self-confidence, two qualities that not all women could boast. But she knew that sometimes the belief is not enough to ensure that something is like we want or believe it. Humans don't have the power to shape all the way their destiny. If she had believed her words it would be yet another opportunity to refuge in the little world of lies she had built, where she returned from time to time to delude herself. Including through efforts, she couldn't think of another reason why Shuichi treasured that message in particular on his phone, except that he had never forgotten her and that still didn't want to forget her. Perhaps he had created a little world of lies too, only that apparently he didn't want to get out of it. Staying there was easier than going forward, and she knew it well. She knew exactly the stages of grief, she had experienced them at first hand.

- I think you should talk to Akai-san and be honest with him, because hiding doesn't lead anywhere and I learned this on my skin- she said convinced.
- Things are more complicated than they seem…- she sighed, lowering her head.

How could she tell her that she had been Shuichi's girlfriend before her sister became it? How could she tell her that Shuichi had ditched her to begin that apparently false relationship with Akemi? She had understood how difficult it was for her to face a speech over his sister, she didn't want to pass off the latter for a boyfriend stealer or anything, nor she wanted her compassion for being "the abandoned woman". If she had said it to her, surely Shiho would have felt guilty for having done all those insistent questions. She herself felt embarrassed because she was having a similar conversation with the younger sister of the woman who had "stolen" Shuichi's heart out of her hands. The only thing he could do was keep that last secret to herself. She had already revealed too much.

- Is there anything else you haven't told me, by any chance?-

She raised her head up, staring into her eyes with the fear of one who knows to have been discovered. How did she figure it out?! Was it really that easy to read in her eyes what she felt? Certainly she hadn't done much to disguise it, but it worried her that that girl could understand the lighter shades of her thoughts.

- Can we change the subject, please?-

Her had seemed more a plea than a friendly request, but she really wouldn't be able to support that conversation much longer. It hurt, too much. She wasn't ready to deal with it and perhaps would never have been.
Shiho must have understood, because she lowered her head sorry.

- I'm sorry, I exaggerated. I interfered in your personal affairs and went beyond without realizing it. I just wanted to help as you did with me-
- I know, and I thank you for this- she genuinely smiled, placing a hand on her one - I don't blame you, really-

Despite their exchange of smiles and the knowledge that none of them had taken a dislike to the other, the rest of the dinner didn't go on exactly as if they had imagined. They exchanged a few, fleeting words, just to make less awkward that silence made of thoughts, and when her expression became sad at the thought of all what had been said, even Shiho's one became sad in turn. The last thing she wanted was to make her feel guilty because she tried to help her; on the contrary she appreciated that she had taken to heart the situation so much.
Although the sushi was delicious, she could barely swallow a few bites, including that sweet mochi she needed so much at the time. Now both evidently full, by mutual agreement they decided to pay the bill and leave.
She pulled her wallet out of her purse, but she didn't have time to open it because Shiho's hand stopped her.

- Since I ruined the evening I think that offer dinner is the least I can do to remedy- she smiled, although her face had the look of someone who is regretful for having just made a mistake.
- Oh, no, I can't accept!- she declined the offer, being careful to do so in the most friendly way possible not to made her think she was angry with her.
- Then let me do something to make it up. Maybe we could go somewhere else, in a place that you like. It's still early to return home immediately- she ascertained after throwing a quick glance at the restaurant's clock.

It made her smile as she found sweet that attitude: until that moment Shiho had shown herself as a determined girl and sometimes too hard with herself and with others, but now she was showing a new side of herself, more sentimental and probably even more hidden. Maybe she was privileged to see it: for this reason she absolutely had to make her understand that she had nothing to be sorry and that their relationship had not been undermined by what she had said.

- But what if we did something that we both like?- she winked, regaining that liveliness that for a few hours seemed to have eclipsed into thin air.
- Now that I think of it, we've always talked about other people but we've never talked about us, so we do not know what the one of us likes and what the other one likes. I know you're an FBI agent but I don't know who Jodie is when she doesn't do her job. And you know who is Ai but you don't know who is Shiho- she pointed out.

To think of it she had a point. By talking so much about Shuichi they had never really said who they were Jodie and Shiho, regardless of amorous, family dramas or other things. All that talk and were still two strangers.

- Then let's introduce ourselves now, what do you think?- she proposed
- It might work- she accepted.
- Ok! I'll start: I love video games, I'm very competitive in this regard! As a good American, I like movies, so going to the cinema. I prefer action to sappy stories, but generally I look a bit of everything. I like to walk at night along the illuminated streets full of life of New York and since I came here I like to walk in places where you can see the sea. Finally I like board games though perhaps I'm a bit grown up for those!- she smiled enthusiastically.

She could have never seen herself, but when she spoke of what she liked her eyes lit up. She was a woman with many interests, yet all simple and ordinary. They seemed more the interests of a little girl than the ones of an adult woman, but she was like that and was proud of it.

- You really like videogames?- asked incredulously Shiho, perhaps with a hint of reproach as if to say "but aren't they things for children?".
- What's wrong?- she shrugged.
- Nothing, it's just that I'm very surprised. I mean, who would expect that an FBI agent in her free time played video games?- she smiled.
- Look, we FBI we are normal people like everyone else!- she winked - Now it's your turn! What do you like?-
- Let's see ... I like animals, science, fashion and riding a motorcycle- she listed in a few words, so typical of her.
- Riding a motorcycle?- she opened her eyes wide.
- Why? Do you think I can't drive it?- she looked at her defiantly.
- No no, it's just that I can't imagine you on a motorcycle playing the role of the reckless biker!- she shook her hands, being ironic - You're always so quiet and taciturn-
- Then imagine me with a signed leather bag- she joked too.
- Fashion, eh? Do you like shopping?-
- Let's say I'm not a spendthrift, I'll settle for a dress or a purse, provided they are trendy-
- I occasionally allow myself the luxury of some nice dress too!- she confessed.
- Unfortunately the shops are closed at this time, then I fear that we should put off shopping at another time-
- Even the shops and animal parks are closed. Let's go for a walk?-
- Actually I don't particularly like to wander for avenues at night, even if there are many people. Indeed, too much confusion annoys me and the couples who pass by the hand even more- she wrinkled her nose.
- It looks like we don't have much in common- she thought.
- It doesn't matter if I don't like something- she stared at her seriously - If you want to do it, let's do it. I want you to choose, so I can make it up to you for being intrusive. I know you're not mad at me but I still feel guilty- she confessed.

There was nothing to do: If she hadn't given her the opportunity to remedy she would feel guilty for the rest of her days. She was stubborn even in that.

- Ok!- she finally accepted - But on one condition: next time we'll see, we'll do something that you like, so we're even! Ok?-
- Sure!- she nodded, satisfied that she had achieved what she wanted.
- Then we go to the arcade!- she clapped her hands happy - It's been awhile since I've played videogames-
- I've played a few times with the children, when the Doctor invented a new one, but I've never been in an arcade- she admitted.
- You'll see that will have a lot of fun, it's wonderful!- she let out and Anglicism, as she used to do when he was very excited about something.

Both agree on the destination and about having finally solved the question "guilt", they paid the bill and left the restaurant greeting.

….

- We're arrived!- said Jodie, stopping the car not far from the entrance of the arcade.

During the journey they had begun to talk casually, as if the inopportune conversation they've had just before was only an embarrassing parenthesis between friends. Just as well, she really didn't want to miss the unexpected complicity that she had established with Jodie. From now on she would be more careful about the subject Akai, because she knew that there was still something that Jodie was hiding and that perhaps would have never said. Not because she didn't trust her as she thought, but because talking about it caused her, for some unknown reason, too much pain. She had things she didn't want to talk to anyone, so she resolved to respect Jodie's choice.
They got out of the car, heading for the door. She stopped for a moment to look at the giant neon sign placed above it, that spread throughout the stained glass of the room, bringing the writing "Game On Game". During the day, it could also noticed little despite the size, but at night when it was all lit up by the play of light that were running it didn't even look like the same.

- Are you ready?- Jodie called her, opening the door and winking.

She nodded, smiling and going in that place which was new for her. At first glance it wasn't quite the paradise of her dreams: a large number of guys of all ages (and even adults) were delighting in many different games, someone even raising the voice overheat. They seemed to her a group of possessed nerds who lived for that. All those keen and crowded players didn't make it certainly the ideal place for her, accustomed to silence and solitude. However, she said nothing, she had to do it for Jodie. For an hour she could also be patient.

- Is there anything in particular you'd like to play?- asked her the blonde, inviting her to look around to find a game that could interest her.
- Choose you, for me everything is fine- she gave a hint of a smile.
- So let's start with one of my favorite games!- she grabbed her by the arm, dragging her among the other players up to one of those shooter with a light gun.

Caught off guard, she stared for a moment the game screen as if she was numb, and then move the look on the fake gun and finally on Jodie.

- But isn't this a bit too "FBI"?- she asked bluntly.
- What does it means "FBI"?- replied the blonde didn't understanding.
- I mean that your work also includes shooting at criminals, so I expected that going in the arcade to distract you, you did something different from shooting at someone- she crossed her arms across her chest.
- But chasing and shooting the criminals for work is very different!- she justified - Games make it seem funnier. And it's a good exercise to take aim!- she said satisfied.
- If you say so…-
- Come on, try it!- she took the light gun putting it in her hands.
- No, it's better if you do it- she declined her invite, handing it to her.
- Don't you like it?- she stared at her with that disappointed air that only children had, but that she imitated to perfection.

How could anyone say no to two big blue eyes that invited you in that way? Jodie had the ability to look like a puppy when she wanted, a weapon that she surely knew she had and she used the right times to get what she wanted. It was also true that she was tough to convince, but since they were there because she had to make it up it didn't seem too cute to act like a snob.

- All right, I'll try it- she accepted, sighing - But just because you ask me to-
- Yessss!- she overjoyed happily, inserting a coin to start the game.

She stared at the screen that showed an imaginary world populated by monsters, the same to whom she would have had to shoot. In fact it had nothing to do with reality, come to think. When the game started the fateful countdown she positioned herself with her gun, ready to shoot. Beside her Jodie began to give her advice on how to aim and shoot properly, but after a while she realized she wasn't a rookie, although she didn't reach her level.

- Wow, you're good!- she complimented at the end of the game, seeing the really satisfying result for a beginner.
- Not for nothing I was part of a criminal Organization- she looked at her with malice.
- Yeah, sometimes I forget it...- she admitted.
- Now show me what you got, FBI agent- she challenged her.
- Watch out little girl- she warned her, though you could see he was joking.

When he saw her in action, as well as to understand how much Jodie was expert about videogames, she realized that maybe she dared a bit too much in challenging her: she was showing that she received the FBI training and above all that she had learned what she had been taught excellently.

- Congratulations, a true champion!- she congratulated when it appeared at the end of the game the writing "Perfect!" on the screen.
- I'm good, huh?- she boasted raising her thumb, while not showing any signs of malice or conceit - What game do we do now?-
- I don't know…- she looked around, continuing to see only thousands of keen nerd players.
- Right!- suddenly brightened the blonde, as caught by a flash of genius, beating a closed fist into the palm of the other - You said you like to ride the motorcycle, right?-
- What's that have to do with this?- she asked perplexed.
- You'll see!- she winked, grabbing her again by the arm and dragging her around the room.

When she was still in the shoes of Ai, sometimes she found tiring having to keep up with those children so lively that they wanted her and Shinichi to get involved in their childish games. She had spent some time with Ayumi in particular, who always dragged her with her euphoria of a seven-year-old child. Here, that night she felt like she was back again when Ayumi asked her to play with her. Jodie was one of the adults in the room, yet she seemed to belong to the category of teenagers. The old Shiho would be irritated at having to have anything to do with such a person, but her new herself, better in some ways, was enjoying this breath of fresh air. It was as if, being with Jodie, she was infected by her vivacity. She wanted to have fun, to do also something stupid: she wanted to live. They stopped in front of those racing game placed in a row next to each other. They were mostly video games that simulated a race with cars, but Jodie had brought her in front of the unique four locations where instead there were those sketched fake bikes, that could bend to the right and left just like real motorcycles. Certainly it wasn't like riding an Harley Davidson, but it was a nice gesture on her part.

- What do you think? Is it ok if we have a race?- she suggested.
- Why not!- she accepted, this time without needing to be persuaded.

She had to admit that she was starting to have fun. It hadn't been such a bad idea to go there. She pulled her wallet from her purse, taking some coins and offering them to Jodie.

- This time it's on me-
- Ok!-

They positioned themselves on the fake motorcycles, being careful not to put on a show considering the clothes they were wearing, not really suited to play the daredevil biker. Firm hands on the handlebars, the maximum concentration.

- Ready?- asked Jodie.
- Yes!- she nodded.
- Go!-

They inserted quickly and simultaneously the coins, so as to start the game. They selected the "challenge" mode and exchanged a cool glance, before starting to play seriously. Pretty soon a crowd of guys gathered around them, even if she didn't understand the real reason why they had come, if because they were lured by their skill or from the fact that two young women on a motorcycle were bread for their hormones. In any case either one paid too much attention, as they were taken with that race. They were having fun like crazy, they laughed and teased each other, in a healthy competition between friends.
When the match finished they enjoyed the applause of the audience, together with comments such as "terrific!" or "you are beautiful!".

- Congratulations, you've won again!- she held out her hand to the blonde.
- There wasn't much difference in the score, you've been very good!- she reciprocated.
- I'm out of practice, I haven't driven for a long time-
- Well now you can restart, maybe by borrowing the car from the Doctor!-
- And if you lend me the beautiful FBI Mercedes?- she looked at her with a sly air.
- Unfortunately it's not mine, you have to ask James- she shrugged - Meanwhile, however, you can always practice on those!- she pointed to the false next to the motorcycles with which they had just played.
- How about another game on those?- she suggested.
- Ah, I see you're starting to like video games!- she tapped on her shoulder with the hand.
- In fact I have to admit they're not bad-
- Well, then let's go!-

They continued to play for two hours straight without even realizing it, going from one video game to another. It seemed they had come in the arcade for ten minutes, but when Jodie checked the time on the phone she realized that it wasn't so.

- Damn it is late!- she opened her eyes wide - It's better if we go home, I don't want the Doctor to worry-
- Like I said, I'm eighteen, I can stay out even until after midnight- she complained.
- But I promised to Doctor Agasa that we wouldn't be late, so I have to do the responsible adult- she put her hands on her hips, in a pose almost statuesque.
- But if up to two minutes ago you seemed a little girl at the amusement park!- she pointed out.
- Being a responsible adult doesn't mean not to have fun, but just do not go overboard in doing so. We can come back here another day if you got you into videogames!- she winked.

She liked a little less than when she entered in the "prudent mother" mode, but as always she was right about everything. On the other hand she hadn't almost thirty years for nothing.

- Alright then- she snorted.

…..

She stopped the car in front of the gate of Doctor's house and she get off the car, to make sure that Shiho came into home safely. Although there was nothing to fear, after all they had gone through with the Organization it was right to took time before trusting in leading a completely normal life. They get through the gate and headed to the door, speaking softly so as not to wake anyone.

- Did you have fun?- she asked.
- A lot!- she admitted glad.
- I enjoy that!-
- Although I feel sorry for that conversation to the restaurant, I apologize again if I have seemed inappropriate- she sighed.
- Now stop apologizing, it's not necessary- she reassured her - I understand that you wanted to help me and I thank you, it's just that...- she closed her eyes, without finishing the sentence.
- You don't feel ready- she concluded in her place.
- Yeah…-
- If one day you should be, you can count on me- she said seriously.
- Thank you- she smiled.

She really enjoyed the support she was giving her, she had just met her and yet she was behaving as if they had been friends for years. Few people had shown her what she had shown. She didn't know if she would ever feel quite ready to confess that her sister was the woman her ex-boyfriend had left her for, but for sure she would take account of her support, that would have been returned.

- So, will we go out together again before you'll come back to America?- she broke the silence.
- Of course! But next time you'll decide what to do! We made a deal, remember?- she asked, referring to what they had promised each other to the sushi restaurant.
- Sure- she nodded smiling - So good night and thanks for everything-
- You're welcome!- she lovingly rubbed a hand on her shoulder - Goodnight to you too-

She returned to the car, but before opening the car door and sitting in she threw a last glance at the door, to make sure that Shiho entered and closed in. Not that she thought she would run away to revel in some pubs as soon as she was gone, she had understood she was a wise and levelheaded girl, she just wanted to make sure there were no prowler hidden nearby, ready to emerge from the darkness. She saw her opening the door and turning around to see if she was still there, probably having not heard the car engine starting up. They greeted each other with a hand gesture and then Shiho closed the door. Satisfied and reassured, she also got into the car and started the car, ready to go home. When passing in front of Kudo's house, she couldn't avoid to glance inside, thinking inevitably to the conversation she had had with Shiho a few hours earlier. The lights were all turned off, a sign that Shuichi and Shinichi had already gone to sleep.
As she went away more and more along the way, she wondered wistfully if she would one day also had the opportunity to be able to live under the same roof with Shuichi or if that would have remained just a dream like any other. Lost as she was in her thoughts and especially too far from the window of the house, she didn't see those eyes which, hidden behind the curtain in the dark, had witnessed the whole scene.

AUTHOR'S CORNER

And here we are at the end of the ninth chapter, which ended (I hope) with suspense! Who is that has seen Jodie Taking Shiho back home? Shinichi or Shuichi?
I make some clarifications about the chapter:
- Speaking of Jodie's passions, the only things confirmed are that she likes movies (remember the famous phrase "like in movies"?) and videogames. I have invented the rest thinking of what could please her.
- Speaking about Shiho's passions, the only one that couldn't be considered canon is the fact of riding a motorcycle: in fact, I took this particular from the movie Lupin vs Detective Conan where she claims to be able to ride a Harley as in the past she had one.
- I'm not a fan of videogames and I've never played any videogame, so if you find anything stupid in the description of the arcade, please forgive me! My knowledge stops at the small itinerant arcades you find in fairs and at what we have seen in episode 245 where Jodie appears for the first time! XD
As always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I hope this story continues to thrill you!