Goldenrod 30

Goldenrod-encouragement, good fortune

Hakuba residence

7:15

Isabelle's pov

Hakuba and I had finished setting up for my up coming performance and headed back to his house for dinner. We came in the front door and took off our coats.

Saguru's father came up to me and greeted me with a hug,"I've got news," He said excitedly, "Since you have Monday the 21st off of school, so your mother and I are sending you to my parents house in the mountains. In fact I even arranged for some other kids your age to come."

"Who~?"Saguru asked trailing off as if he was scared of the answer.

"Kuroba Kaito, Nakamori Aoko, Toyoma Kazuha, and Hattori Heiji. Their parents have already consented, you'll all leave Friday the 18th after Isabelle's performance," He said in a tone that seemed to say he had no other choice.

"Okay but why?" Saguru said, clearly not liking the idea.

"I'd like to see you get along with other people your age. I'm not saying you have to be greatest friends with them, but at least enjoy yourself, the cherry blossoms will bloom around that time and if the weather behaves you might be able to go stargazing," he said turning around and exiting the hall.

London

Arens residence

September 10th 2016

11:30 pm

Isabelle's pov

I sat on my bed unable to sleep,"Saguru where the fuck are you," I said to myself,"I hope nothing bad happened,"I muttered. I flopped over onto my back hugging the china doll he'd given me close to my chest. Saguru hadn't gone to school the past two days, and he wouldn't answer when I called.

My phone rang, I quickly sat up and snatched it off the nightstand. I looked at the caller ID, it was him.

"Where on earth have you been?" I scolded before he could even say anything,"I've been worried sick."

There was a brief moment of silence where all I could hear was his breathing and mine.

"I-I'm sorry, I would've called sooner but I just got off my plane," he said.

"Plane? Please don't tell me you're in France again," I said, rather annoyed.

"What no, I'm in Japan actually. A few days ago I got a call from my house keeper saying that I've been asked to participate in a competition between some other high school detectives like myself for a television program," He said.

"Good for you,"I said, sarcastically,"Now is that all you wanted to tell me?"

"Well I'm going to be staying a bit longer than you might expect, but only because there are a few things I want to check out before I head back to London. I'll be back by the end of this month,"He said the tone in his voice seemed downcast.

"Promise?"

"I promise," He said, his voice more cheerful.

Silence,"So why did you want to tell me this anyway?" I asked curious.

Saguru took a sharp inhale, I could hear him hold his breath, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, he exhaled slowly,"Because I didn't want you to worry about me."

I blushed.

"Besides I wanted to make sure you'd be alright without me," he continued.

"I'll have you know, I don't need you, I can take care of myself,"I retorted.

"Wha- I didn't mean it like that, It's just that I've got this feeling . . . that I'm not going to see you in a long time."