She stared at her friend's car until it disappeared completely from her sight. It bothered her that she had got away like that, with a bitter taste in the mouth, when that was supposed to be a pleasant evening with friends. She was worried and angry at the same time, she also wanted to go home without even warning, but she had promised to Jodie that she would return in order not to ruin what she had obtained at the cost of a big sacrifice. She took a deep breath, ordering her legs to move toward the door and went back into the hall, where Shinichi was waiting for her still sitting on the couch. At his side, as if nothing had happened, the man who was the cause of his anger and the Jodie's pain was smoking a cigarette, without showing the slightest sign of repentance. This increased even more her anger, pushing her to assume that frown expression she did whenever she was nervous about something. A gesture that didn't escape to her detective friend.
- Is something wrong? Don't tell me that you have argued with Jodie…- he asked.
- You shouldn't do this question to me!- she answered bluntly, sitting down with little grace on the couch and staring menacingly at Akai.
The FBI agent caught the cutting remark, but instead of responding limited himself as usual to one of those mischievous and ironic smiles, which had something arrogant in themselves.
They continued to stare at each other that way, with Shinichi who shifted his gaze from one to the other in search of an explanation, as long as the sniper finally spoke.
- It seems our Princess is angry with me again. I can't do anything right- he puts out his cigarette butt in the ashtray.
She clenched her fists, twitching her nerves: he had the courage to be sarcastic after the way he had behaved?! She wondered for the umpteenth time what her sister and Jodie had found in him, she would have avoided like death a guy like that.
- After all in this story I'm the bad guy, while she is the "good person"- he emphasized those last words, the same ones she had used to define Jodie when she talked about the person who convinced her to return to him.
She had promised to Jodie she wouldn't have argued with him again, breaking that relationship that was still under construction, but at that time she couldn't not defend her, not after her sacrifice.
- Yes, it is! As much as you want to make her look like a telltale, Jodie is a good person and I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her, keep that in mind! And then look who's talking, you tell other people to meddle in their affairs?! You, who for months have controlled every single move I did?! At least Jodie has been honest when no one wanted to be, so there is nothing you should reproach to her! You should kiss where she walks for the mere fact that I'm talking to you! Think about it before treating her again like that and have respect for her feelings!-
She stopped when she realized that she had crossed the line. Not with the words used, not with the tones, but with the content. It would have sufficed to add a little more and she would have confessed what Jodie felt for him in her place. She couldn't do that, although on several occasions she encouraged her friend to express what she felt. It was something that only Jodie could do, when and how she would have considered it appropriate. She hoped that Akai hadn't grasped the true meaning of those words, amid all the talk, but considering that in one day he had unmasked them there was no surprise if he would understood that too.
For a moment she noticed that on the face of the young agent had appeared an expression of astonishment, a sign that her words had hit him. As with any other emotion, however, he tried to delete it as soon as possible, returning to his usual impassivity as ever.
- I see, it will mean that I will apologize to her tomorrow at work- he simply said, closing his eyes.
Now she was her to be amazed at the ease with which she had managed to convince him to retrace his steps and admit his mistakes. He was a tough cookie, one who probably always thought to be better than the others, the fact that the words of a eighteen-year-old young girl spoken in a moment of anger had even convinced him to apologize, it was a rare event. He had really changed his mind, or he was doing it just to do her a favor and avoid spoiling their relations already not too flourishing? She couldn't know it, but in any case she was happy if she had done something good to help Jodie, it was her way to reciprocate her.
- Now it's better if I go home- she stood up, aware that she couldn't stay there anymore because of the climate that had been created, she would have ended up spitting venom at every word uttered by Akai until the anger wouldn't subsided altogether.
- But it's still early, why don't you stay a little while?- intervened Shinichi, who until then had done nothing but listening to the conversation trying to figure it out.
She knew that the request was a favor he was trying to make to his friend, but she really didn't want to stay. Even Shuichi must have understood it, because he didn't try in any way to stop her.
- It's better if I come when there will be less tension, really-
Understood that it was better not to insist, the young detective just sighed, standing up to accompany her to the door. Certainly he wanted an explanation, so she had to be ready to the avalanche of questions that would come.
As expected, as soon as they were alone at the door of the house, away from the room where they had left Shuichi alone, Shinichi began with the questioning.
- Do you want to explain me what the hell happened?- he spreads his arms.
- Your friend has treated badly Jodie just because she told me personal things about him just to get me back here to clarify the matter with him!- she explained - She didn't deserve it! It's only thanks to her if I'm here!-
- I see, but this is a matter between them and you shouldn't take it out so much. They are two adults, they can resolve it themselves- he declared.
- Instead they are also my business because Jodie has taken the blame for telling a truth that concerned me!- she replied.
- You're really friends, huh? Who would have thought!- he smiled.
- I really like to stay with her, she's always so cheerful and playful. She uplifts my spirit, somehow- she admitted - And also it's my only friend since I came back to being an adult, if you exclude Ayumi but it's a child-
- So why don't you go out with Ran, Sonoko and Masumi sometimes? So you might get new friends of your age. Ultimately, it's as if you already knew them, you just have to make sure that they know Shiho instead of Ai- he suggested.
- You know very well that Sonoko isn't fond of me because she thinks that there's something between us, I won't feed the rumors and create trouble between you and Ran- she explained.
- You do not have to worry about what Sonoko says, it's all nonsense and Ran knows it. Why don't you come with us to the cinema tomorrow? It would be a good opportunity to make friends!-
- I'll let you know- she acted like a snob - Now I have to go-
- Look, I'm counting on it, grumpy!- he greeted her jokingly.
- Sorry, what have you said Sherlock Holmes of the poor?- she returned with her acid way to make.
- Hey, that's a low blow!- he complained, making her laugh.
Perhaps his proposal wasn't that bad, after all Jodie wouldn't remain in Japan forever and when she would return to the United States she would find herself alone again. The truth was that he didn't know where to begin to make friends, and that scared her. She always had the fear that people will misjudge her, that she didn't deserve the friendship of anyone. Maybe it was time to overcome that fear, that too was part of her new life.
….
- Are you sure it won't happen a scandal?- she asked again, unconvinced.
- But what kind of scandal are you talking about ?! Now you exaggerate!- he reprimanded her - I've already told you that I warned Ran of your presence and she seemed happy, so there are no problems-
Finally she has decided and had accepted the invitation, in part driven by the Doctor who had encouraged her to enter that already formed group of friends. Shinichi had been happy and this cheered her up: it was nice to know that even though he had regained his body and his old life he hadn't forgotten her. But the fear of facing Ran and Sonoko remained. She was the reason why Shinichi had become Conan, an outcast who had created a drug that can kill or, at best, to reverse the age of people. Who would want to be friend with a criminal who worked for a criminal Organization? She wondered what she would tell them to introduce herself. As she asked herself questions after questions, they arrived under the Mouri Agency windows, where Ran was waiting for them along with Sonoko and Masumi. She opened her eyes wide at the sight of her, so physically similar to her brother.
- You did not tell me that there was even her!- she whispered almost annoyed to her friend.
- Why, is it a problem? You know her too, right?-
- She's Akai-san sister!-
- So? Don't tell me you have something against the whole family now!-
It was useless to talk to him, he couldn't understand certain things. They were feelings that only her could feel and that she couldn't explain.
- Here it is our perennial latecomer!- it was the unfriendly greeting of the heiress Suzuki.
- I'm not late!- answered back the friend.
She thought that the quarrel would still continue for a while, instead everyone turned to look at her as if an evanescent entity of undefined nature had appeared. Certainly they were studying her, she also did it when she met someone for the first time. Also she should take into consideration the fact that only Ran had been warned of her presence by Shinichi, and the other two had every reason to be surprised. But certainly those eyes focused on her didn't help her to loosen up.
- Hello Shiho, I'm very glad you decided to join us!- Ran greeted her warmly, giving her one of those angelic smile that reminded her of her deceased sister.
Well, at least she had the confirmation that she didn't hate her and that what Shinichi had told her weren't just nonsense to convince her. One out of three was on her side.
- Thank you- returned with a shy smile.
She could have tried harder, but that was already a milestone for her. Unfortunately, someone didn't appreciate her efforts, perhaps not understanding them. Who was? Nothing less than the person from whom she expected to be judged more than any other in that group: Sonoko. The latter limited herself to make a grimace of disapproval, letting her know that unlike Ran she wasn't happy to have her with them.
- Hello, do you remember me?- Masumi intervened, coming up to her and pointing at herself.
How could she not remember? Those eyes were the same that the previous night had made her so angry. She didn't want to judge her by the appearance, but she really was too much similar to her eldest brother to not associate her to him immediately. This perhaps was even worse than the Sonoko's coldness.
She studied her with a quick glance, noticing that as always she wasn't dressed like a woman. It didn't make things easier to see that as well as having the same face she also dressed like him. They already knew each other before the final battle against the Organization, but it wasn't a real conversation that could establish a relationship of friendship. Later they haven't had the chance to talk again. Masumi had shown immediately a certain interest in her and this reminded her, in a negative way, of her brother. Unlike the latter, however, she was much more exuberant, she didn't hide in the dark to peek at her but tried the direct approach.
- You're Akai-san sister, right?- she finally answered.
- You know my eldest brother, right?- she asked smiling.
What could she say? "Yes, your brother is the former boyfriend of my defunct elder sister who used her to infiltrate a criminal Organization of which I was a member. Ah yes, I forgot: he pretended for months to be another person and liked to peek at me". No, definitely she couldn't come up with such explanation; so she did what she had done for most of the time since she had arrived: she remained silent.
- Look at Miss "I Snub You All", she thinks she's the only one to be beautiful?- she whispered in the ear of Ran, not even too slow to not be heard.
This time she couldn't restrain herself and returned the jibe with a glacial glare, who cringed even Shinichi. Maybe she wasn't the life of the party or the number one in the world to relate to others, but she wouldn't allow anyone to criticize her and give her nicknames like that, especially from a spoiled little girl who had everything in life. She was beginning to think that accepting that invitation had been a colossal mistake.
- I think she's just a little bit timid, so let's try to put her at ease!- Masumi intervened in her defense, leaving everyone surprised, herself included.
She stared at her with wide eyes, wondering why she had done it. They had spoken once, maybe two, so why defend her rather than support her longtime friends? At that moment she seemed very different from her brother, although come to think of it he had defended her his own way.
- Please, forgive her, no one wants to be rude here- apologized sincerely Ran.
- Don't worry, it's even my fault, I hadn't introduced myself with proper manners- she accepted the apology, promising to be less strict.
- So what do we do?- asked Masumi, that in terms of hyperactivity was unbeatable.
- Why don't we let Shiho choose? So we help to put her at ease- proposed Ran.
- Everything is fine with me, as long as they do not have to do with murders and cases to solve- she squinted at Shinichi, who replied wrinkling his nose.
- Why? Don't you like to solve mysteries?- asked Masumi almost shocked, as if for her everyone should be keen on corpses and killers.
- I've had enough and I would like to have a break- she simply said, without alluding too much to her old life.
- What do you like to do?- asked Ran.
- Let's see... I like animals, science, fashion and ride the bike- she responded exactly as she had done with Jodie.
- I have a bike!- brightened up Masumi, as if they had said her that she had won the lottery.
- R-really?- she pretended not to know it, not knowing how to approach.
- And so you like fashion...- intervened Sonoko, who until then had remained silent after the gaffe she had done a little earlier.
- Is it a problem?- she asked, with a not too friendly tone after the treatment received.
- Not at all, in fact, we have something in common it seems!- said the heiress shaking hands and smiling.
- Why don't we do some shopping then?- purposed Ran - Or just go around the shops to see what's new-
- Please no…- complained Shinichi, the only man in the group.
- We can look in the men's department!- Masumi tried to encourage him, as if it were normal.
- What do you think of the cinema instead?- she intervened, remembering how Jodie had seemed excited when she told her of her evenings dedicated to movies - Maybe we find a movie that satisfies everyone-
- That sounds great!- accepted at a good pace Ran.
- Yes, it's fine for me- Sonoko followed her.
- I'm in!- nodded Masumi - And you?- she asked to Shinichi.
- Okay, if you do not get any better- he replied listlessly.
- So let's go- she invited them to follow her.
As they walked directly to the cinema, she thought that the meeting with those people who she already knew but who didn't know her wasn't started in the best way, but in the end she had even managed to brought them together on what to do. She even had something in common with Sonoko, who seemed the one who detested her the most. If she had behaved with them as she behaved with Jodie, in a natural way and pulling out the best part of herself, she didn't have to fear a negative judgment. She could make friends too, if only she wanted.
Arrived at the nearest multi-screen cinema, they came to the exhibited posters to consult the various movies planned. There was an embarrassment of riches,from the romantic film to the horror one through the dramatic, the comedy and the crime drama. Unfortunately, along with the variety of genres there was also their variety of personal tastes and that was how they started the debate on what to watch.
- Let's see this beautiful love movie, it's so romantic!- Sonoko got excited.
- It seems a very sweet story- Ran supported her, then looking at Shinichi and blushing, probably imagining himself to shake his hand during the whole movie.
- I would prefer to see this- Masumi pointed to the poster with the crime drama.
- It doesn't seem a story of the most exciting but actually seems to be the best choice among all- said Shinichi, supporting his detective friend.
- Don't you have other things on your mind?- she reprimanded them, exasperated by the continuous research to immerse themselves in the world of investigations.
- She's right!- Ran and Sonoko supported her in chorus.
- Don't tell me you want to see that tiresome movie too!- his friend folded his arms across his chest.
- No, actually I was thinking of something funny, maybe a comedy- she contradicted him, relishing in doing so.
- Of course, because you're Miss Fun!- he teased her, alluding to her sombre character.
Unexpectedly, Masumi interrupted their theater putting an arm around her neck in a friendly sign, then getting her face close to hers and winking at her.
- You could take the break from mysteries another day, I'm sure that you would rather see the crime drama!-
She wished to react and refuse, but all she could do was swallow loudly and staring transfixed. It was stronger than her: every time she looked at her, her face was replaced with Akai's one. A rather disturbing image that put her in awe.
- Hey, don't try to bribe her- Sonoko admonished her, pointing the finger at the detective, but getting in exchange only an innocent smile.
- Since the romantic movie will remain in projection for the whole week, we can come to see it another day, so we keep everybody happy- she suggested, trying to recover from the paralysis.
- I think it's a good solution!- supported her Masumi, who seemed to not want to remove the arm from her neck.
Again, with no small surprise, she succeeded in brought all them together. So they went to the ticket office to pick up the ticket with the number of their seats, finding a bit of queue. Taking advantage of a moment of distraction of the other three girls, Shinichi approached her with inquisitive eye.
- Tell me , why did you give up so quickly to Sera-chan's request?- he whispered to not be heard.
- But did you see her? She's identical to Akai-san! I can't have a normal conversation with her!- she admitted.
- Are you still mad at him to the point of been angry even with his sister just because they resemble?- he smiled.
- Yes until he apologizes to Jodie!-
She expected an answer to her stubbornness, but something more important captured the attention of her friend: his girlfriend who was about to pay the ticket. He didn't want to watch romantic movies, however he had no problems to do some gallant gesture; so he stopped her in time and offered to pay in her place, making her blush.
- What a touching scene, all that's missing are the cherry petals flying graceful in the air!- said Sonoko, as if she were starring in a play - It won't be that behind all this gallantry hides an ulterior motive? Tell the truth, you can't wait to get into the darkened room to make out with her!- she scowled at him.
- But what are you saying, stop immediately Sonoko!- Ran scolded her redder and redder in the face.
- Don't you ever get tired of saying stupid things?!- he supported her, perhaps even redder than her.
She couldn't suppress a chuckle, followed closely by Masumi. She turned to look at her astonished, as if until that moment she had considered her incapable of laughing just because her brother never laughed. When she realized she had her eyes set on her, the girl smiled and winked at her again, forcing her to swallow loudly a second time. She had to stop associating her with her brother, otherwise she would never be able to be friend with her. After all she and Akemi were profoundly different too, blood ties wouldn't necessarily lead to an equality of character. So she forced herself to smile back.
When everyone had had their ticket, they got ready to take place in the movie theatre. As she sat between Shinichi and Masumi, she thought that after all that weird company wasn't bad, she could even get used to hang out with them.
….
For the umpteenth time she took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes, unable to continue reading. Having spent the night almost sleepless certainly didn't help to give the best of herself, despite being aware that the work he was doing was vital for her future. She had spent a lifetime waiting for the moment when she would avenge her father and slammed Vermouth in prison, but if she had presented at the trial what she had done that day, for sure she would have been the one to go to jail. She felt heavy eyelids and puffy eyes, not to mention the drowsiness: she must have looked terrible. Even James had noticed it, inviting her to lunch to pursue the matter. He asked her if she felt good not mince words and she had responded that she had woken up with a strong headache. She knew that her boss wouldn't buy that and in fact she immediately noticed his expression not convinced; however he hadn't insisted neither made further questions: probably he understood that the reason for her discomfort was related to Shuichi, now after all those years together he had learned to distinguish her "Akai face". He knew perfectly her brusque reaction when she was forced to speak of him in delicate moments, if he would have investigated further he would only unleashed her anger. However he continued to hang around her all day, calling her with a pathetic excuse to work in his office rather than be alone: it was his way to demonstrate that he was there, that he wouldn't have abandoned her. She appreciated this paternal side of James, it was like having another father, the figure of support that we all need despite the age.
- Hey, Jodie? But are you listening?- he called her attention, noticing that she was distracted again.
- Sorry James, my mind isn't all here today- she admitted - Could you repeat?-
- Never mind- sighed the man, closing his eyes - Why don't you go out and get some fresh air? It's not the case that we continue on an important point if you are not concentrated to the maximum-
- No, now I put myself back on my feet and we continue, we have to finish this work as soon as possible!- she tried to be as convincing as possible, despite the fatigue.
- You're not in the mood today, I understood it- he made her desist - Go take a walk to clear your head-
While guiltily she decided to take James advice, he had a point. Stay there only physically and taking a walk was the same thing.
She left the office direct to the coffee vending machine, thinking that that stimulating drink would help her to recover a bit. She walked with her head down, afflicted because of what had happened last night and also for the weakness that she couldn't overcome. When she was less than four meters away from the machine, she looked up and found the very last person she wanted to see: Shuichi. On the other hand she had to imagine that he was there, where there was the coffee he was there. Stupid to not have thought of it before! She stood on the spot, undecided about what to do: go get that coffee was tantamount to face him, and go away to not see him meant giving up on coffee. She had no desire to face him, she still felt not ready for a face-to-face; so she chose to return to the office along with James without having taken anything. Just took her first steps in the opposite direction, she heard Shuichi's voice behind her.
- Jodie?-
She swallowed hard, but her breath became heavy. She thought of being able to leave without him noticing her, instead he had caught her in the act as a thief who escapes into the night. What should she do now? Ignore him or answer? If she just pretended to not have heard him surely Shuichi would have followed her, he wasn't the type who gave up easily, so she took courage and turned to look at him, but didn't say anything.
- Do you have a minute? I would like to talk- he asked.
His tone was calm, there was no trace of the poison that he had spat on her the night before. Too bad she was still feeling the pungent odor on herself, as if her body had been impregnated.
- I'm sorry, I have no time, I have to get back to work- she hastened to dismiss it with an apology.
- I will steal you only a few minutes- he insisted.
- Now it's not the time- she shook her head, returning to start down alongside the hall and leaving him there alone.
She had no idea of what he should say to her, she thought he had been already too clear last night. Maybe he wanted to make her an apology? It wasn't like him, Shuichi the perfect man who humiliate himself to apologize for his mistakes. Moreover, it wouldn't have pleased her another "thank you" like the one that still resonated uncomfortably in her head. She was still too angry to hold a civil conversation with him, so for the moment it was better avoiding it.
- Are you running away, Jodie?- she heard him provoke her, his voice was more and more distant.
She clenched her fists, trying to contain the anger that could explode at any moment. Her nerves were on edge and being provoked didn't help her to calm down.
- I'm not the one who run away- she replied coldly and suggestively, hoping that man understood the true meaning.
She received no answer, she not even turned around to see if the arrow that had shot had hit the target. She didn't care, she just wanted to go away and get away from him.
Before returning to James office she made a stop in the bathroom: she couldn't have a coffee but at least she could freshen her face. She removed her glasses and put them in her pocket, then opened the tap and with a hands took a bit of water and swabbed it on her face. When she looked up and saw her reflection in the mirror she wrinkled her nose: she really had an awful aspect. If she had made a challenge of bags under the eyes with Shuichi for sure she would beat him. It made her wonder if her relationship with him was definitely worn as her face. She had passed a break up, three years of distance, a fake death; yet she couldn't overcome a spat that apparently seemed much less serious than all the rest. Yeah, apparently… because for her those words had a much larger weight of a "that's why we have to put an end to this" or "if you want to fool your enemies you have to fool your friends." She had managed to remain her friend despite the feeling that she still felt for him, but now she didn't know if she would be able to approach again to him as a friend. He had refused her as a girlfriend and now, in a sense, had also refused her as a friend. Perhaps it would be better to be simply two colleagues working together, but in her heart she knew that this would have been difficult to achieve. Feelings can't be erased only with the will. What would become of them, then?
Aware that she couldn't control her emotions and foresee the future that awaited her, she remained to stare sadly at her own eyes in the mirror, waiting for an answer that never came.