Thank you for your kind reviews.
For those that noticed any minor grammatical error, please feel free to point them out so I can fix them.
Sorry for the delay, I have difficulties writing some scenes. Hopefully I managed to convey what I wanted.
"Do you think that you can remember all of that, Nishikata ?", I frowned as I flipped all the charts that we are discussing for the past 3 hours.
Nishikata let out a sigh and shrugged. "I am not sure. But if I wanted to pass any makeup test then I will need to do my best". Nishikata closed his notes with a thump.
"Studying on weekend ?", a woman suddenly popped on the side of Nishikata's bed.
"Mom, you are early", Nishikata frowned.
"Nishikata-san", I greeted her with a bow.
She just nodded in return. "I am surprised to find you here on today. It is Saturday and young girls usually have other plans, right ?", she gave me a polite smile.
"I have promised to help Nishikata study. I can do my plan any other day", I return the smile. "Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom", I rise from my seat and walked towards the door.
"Mom ... you are being rude", Nishikata hissed.
"Nonsense, we are just having a polite conversation", she shooed Nishikata's remark.
A polite conversation indeed, with a healthy sprinkle of question about my motive. I can't help rolling my eyes at what I heard on my way to the door. But after having been asked the same question by my mother, I totally understand her concern. I visit Nishikata way too often for just another classmate.
Maybe the frequency of my visit can be considered normal if we were dating ? My mind suddenly raise the question as I entered one of the cubicles.
Dating ... that one word caused a giddy feeling that I quickly tried to suppress. I would be ecstatic if Nishikata and I ended up dating each other but there would be quite a lot of hurdle to get through before we can get there.
"You are still in middle school. Too early for romance", I sighed while mouthing what my mother said before.
I gave the toilet a through flush before existing and heading to the sink.
"Focus on studying first", I muttered while turning the faucet.
At the very least Nishikata grade need to become my first priority, other people's opinions are the least of my concern.
I looked up and closely examined my reflection on the mirror. I took care to tuck in any stray strands of hair and pluck any lint on my top.
"I wonder if my appearance made any difference to her", I sighed as I pushed the bathroom door open.
"Is there any problem with the x-ray, sensei ?", I heard the sound of Nishikata's mother just as I took my first step.
"Calm down, why don't we take a seat", I heard Nishikata's doctor replied.
The sound is coming closer, they are probably heading to the lounge. That means that they will pass this bathroom since the lounge is somewhat in front of the bathroom. Immediately I stepped back inside and stood in front of the sink nearest to the door.
I heard their footsteps passing the bathroom and waited with baited breath until I heard the sound of creaking chair. I slightly pushed the door so that I could peek through the gap. To my relief I saw the doctor's back facing me.
"... me ... wrong ... ?", I heard snippets of question from Nishikata's mom.
"... X-ray ... expected", I heard the doctor's reply.
I put my ears on the gap, praying that nobody would enter the bathroom until they finish their discussion.
"... when ... ?", Nishikata's mother seemed to ask something.
"... end ... this week", the doctor replied.
"... rehabilitation ... ?", she asked another question.
"... don't know ... sure ... came off", came his reply.
For a moment there is silence. I peeked again to make sure that they are still on the lounge.
"That's all ... Excuse me", I see the doctor stood up.
Quickly I ran towards one of the cubicles, just in case Nishikata's mother decided to go to the bathroom afterwards. As I leaned my back against the door, my mind automatically replayed the snippets of conversation I heard.
Rehabilitation, that one word that I dreaded. It seemed that the doctor is still not sure about it. Previously he said to me that they won't know until the cast is taken off. I think that is supposed to be done this weekend.
"Monday ...", I whispered.
As it happened, the new term also started on Monday. Usually, there is the class placement announcement, welcome speech for the first year and homeroom. Lesson will not start until the next day.
'Monday will be a new beginning for both of us', I sighed, starting to feel giddy.
I slapped my cheek to focus on my current situation. I need to return to Nishikata's room.
Slowly I opened the cubicle and found the bathroom empty. With a relief sigh I started walking out, making sure to glance at the mirror on my way out.
"Are you sure you got everything ?", mother asked with a frown when she saw the content of my basket.
"Textbooks will be given at school, so I only need some new notebooks and a few writing utensils", I shrugged explaining the few items on my basket.
"And the sketch books and marker ?", my mother raised her eyebrow.
"Well ... I need to replenish my stock", I mumbled.
Yeah, to make those explanation chart for Nishikata.
"What about those preparation books ?" mom pointed out to a section on the display marked with bold letters.
"Better buy them after the first few months, that way I would only need to buy one per subject", I answered after thinking.
"I just wanted to be sure", she smiled. "I will take this to the cashier then", she took over my basket and started walking towards the line of people queueing near the exit.
As my mother started walking, I decided to check the new release section for anything that looked interesting. I saw some biographies of recent politicians and businessman. Also, there are photobooks of old trains and young idols. Near the end I saw a stack of one familiar book.
"Hmm ... they have a new volume ?", I raised my eyebrows as I picked one from the stack.
Suddenly I remember buying the previous volume about a month ago. Being a monthly series, I guess it made sense that the new release came now.
"Should I buy this one too ?", I muttered.
I glanced forward and saw my mother at the middle of the queue. Deciding to take my chances, I took one and walked towards her.
"Can I buy this one too ?", I show her the book.
"100% Unrequited Love, huh. You read shoujou romance ?", mom raised her eyebrow in question.
"One of the girls lent me the previous volume. It is somewhat interesting", I shrugged trying to tone down my interest.
Mother stared at me for a moment before nodding. With a smile I hold the book and stood next to her in the queue.
"So I guess I will see you again after the new term started ?", Nishikata asked with a hint of hope on his voice.
"Of course. You will let me know once those cast came off, right ?", I smiled while putting back all of the books and utensils into my bag.
"I will leave you a message", Nishikata nodded.
"Good ...", I nodded back. "I will be waiting", I smiled.
"Have a safe trip", Nishikata said.
"Thanks, see you again", I replied before I walked out the door.
As I walked the very familiar halls of the hospital, I can't help feeling sad.
"I wonder if this is the last time ...", I muttered to myself.
In two days Nishikata's cast will be taken off and the next day, the new term will begin. If everything went well, I would soon have Nishikata sitting next to me again. IF there is no rehabilitation and IF we end up in the same class.
That is two really big IF ... I don't really like the odds.
I felt a squeeze on my heart as I consider those probability.
"Can I do something about it ?", I whispered.
'You can pray', my mind whispered back.
Pray ... for what ? Luck in class placement or Nishikata's recovery ?
'Why not both', my mind answered.
Both ... 'The study shrine is still in the school's neighborhood but the health shrine is on the other side of the town', I cringed.
'Do you want Nishikata to have rehabilitation ?', my mind countered.
Definitely no. I wish for Nishikata to recover as soon as possible.
'You are free this Saturday, right ? Why not go to both shrines', came another whisper.
'An hour for the first shrine, another three hours for the second shrine. That's almost half the day', I lamented.
'This is for Nishikata. Surely it will be worthed', my mind try to soothe my agony.
"For Nishikata ...", I whispered. "I will go ...", I decided.
"Should I go ... ?", I stood at the foot of the stairs looking up while other people around me started their trek.
"Well, since I am already here ...", I shrugged before starting the climb.
Soon I arrived at the altar, waiting in line to do the ritual before prayer.
'Kami-sama, please ... put Nishikata and me in the same class', I silently whispered.
On my way out, I take one of the charms from the collection and waiting in another queue to pay.
"I guess I am not the only one anxious about the new term", I sighed as I looked around and saw a lot of young people around the shrine.
Half an hour later, with the charm in my bag I leave the shrine.
"One down and one more to go", I muttered to myself, preparing for the long train journey ahead.
"Finally ... I have arrived", I half shouted to myself as my feet cleared the last steps.
Seriously, why did all shrines have so many steps. I thought I read somewhere that it represents something, but no steps will surely make visiting shrines much easier.
I took a glance at my watch. Tt is slightly after noon, so I have to hurry so I can be home before three PM. With a determined steps I approach the altar. Having deposited some money on the offering box, I rang the bell, clapped and prayed.
'Please fully cure Nishikata ... No rehabilitation, please ...', I said silently.
'Please let me hear good news tomorrow. You can punish me instead, just have mercy on Nishikata', I added.
'And if you can work together with the god of study to make my earlier prayer come true, that would be great too', I said in afterthought.
Finished with the prayer, I walked out, passing the charm stall on the way.
"Should I ... ?", I glanced at the line of health charm hanging on the side. "Why not ...", I muttered while taking one and stepping aside to pay for it.
After paying I carefully put the charm in my bag, next to the school charm that I bought earlier.
"Now I can go home", I let out a sigh, imagining the long train ride home.
I stared at the ceiling for the last few minutes, having awaken roughly fifteen minutes before.
'Should I just leave the bed ? The alarm should go off soon ...', I pondered.
Right on cue, said alarm beeped, my hand jutted out to smack it into silence.
"All right then, let's go to school", I tried to rouse myself into action.
Half an hour later with my morning routine done, I grabbed my cellphone to see if Nishikata left any message.
"Still no reply ...", a sinking feeling began to bloom on the pit of my stomach.
'Morning Nishikata, I am leaving for school. Let me know if you got the cast removed', I typed and placed down the cellphone on my desk.
After checking my bag, I grab it and left the room. I left a short message for my mother on a post it by the dining table. Then I relocked the front door and pushed my bicycle to the road.
The morning air felt cold against my cheek as I pedal through. I must have been eager to go to school since I ended up arriving way earlier than usual.
The school yard is still somewhat empty considering the early hours, so nobody greeted me as I parked my bike and headed to the main entrance. I saw a couple of students on the shoe locker but did not recognize anyone so I proceeded to change my shoe and straight to the notice board afterwards.
As I neared the board, my left hand unconsciously went inside my skirt pocket and thumbed the two charms inside.
Twelve pieces of papers are put on the board in two groups of six each. I started from the one labeled 2-1, skipping the names on the top and zeroed to the middle of the list.
"M ... Nakano, Nakiri, ...", I mumbled each names beginning with N.
Having not found Nishikata's name, I the skipped towards the end where names beginning with T are placed.
"Not 2-1", I smiled.
With hope I proceed to the next roster, scanning the N and then the T.
"Not 2-2", again I smiled and felt my hand tighten inside my skirt pocket
I repeat the same steps with the third roster, again not finding what I am looking for.
"Not 2-3", I smiled, but I can also feel my heartbeat racing.
Now I am scanning the fourth roster, this time I also came up blank.
"Not 2-4", my heartbeat pumping even faster with two more to go and my fist clenched tight.
The fifth roster, N is bereft of Nishikata's name.
"Tadashi, Tahiro, Taka, Takagi", I found my name on the list.
Immediately my mind screech into a halt. My name is on the list. I am in class 2-5.
My eyes flickered up, re-reading all the names that begins in N. None of them is Nishikata.
Nishikata is not in 2-5 !, my mind screamed.
I took deep breaths and even gulped to calm myself.
'Relax ... It's just like mom said, you got separated into different class. The previous rosters did not have Nishikata's name so he must be in 2-6', I reasoned silently.
With renewed determination I scanned the last roster.
"Nagaki, Nibari, Nishibata, Numa, Maki", I slowly pronounced each one.
'No Nishikata ! How can this be ?', again my mind screamed.
My eyes flickered upwards to re-read the list. Nishikata's name is not listed.
With desperation, I began to re-read the previous rosters.
'Kami-sama, please ... ', I begged.
Yet the list of names does not changed. I stood frozen in front of the board.
"No ! ... why do I have to be in a different class", a boy shouted.
"Hah ... that's heaven's punishment for you", a friend of his replied with a chuckle.
'Heaven's punishment ... for me ...', my breath hitched.
'No, there is a logical explanation for this. I just need to find one of the teachers', I looked around while thinking.
Up ahead in the end of the hallway I saw the tall form of Tanabe-sensei walking away.
"Tanabe-sensei !", I shouted while I ran towards him.
Tanabe sensei turned around, frowning when he saw me running to him.
"What is it Takagi ? Is there an accident ?", he barked.
"... I need to ask you something ...", I huffed as I approached him.
"Can't this wait ? I need to head to the assembly hall", Tanabe-sensei started to make an excuse.
"Its about Nishikata", I said, hoping to persuade him to stay.
Tanabe-sensei raised his eyebrow, waiting for my question.
"I cannot find Nishikata's name in any of the class rosters", I quickly ask my question.
"Oh ... well we don't know when he is coming back, so we removed him from the list for now", he answered.
"But Nishikata's cast is taken off yesterday. Surely he will return in a couple of weeks", I protested.
"How do you know that ?", Tanabe-sensei narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"We send messages during the holiday. He said his doctor is supposed to take the cast of yesterday", I answered.
'But he did not send me any reply. Does that mean that the cast has not been taken off ?', my mind reasoned.
Tanabe-sensei looked troubled, as if he is trying to avoid a problematic situation.
"Come on sensei, surely you must know something", I begged.
Tanabe-sensei sighed. "The Principal said that Nishikata's mother call last night. She said Nishikata need to undergo rehabilitation. They don't know how long it would take", he finally answered.
"That's all I know, now I need to go to the assembly hall", he added before walking towards the end of the hallway.
I could not say anything because my mind went blank when I heard the word rehabilitation.
"Takagi-san ... Takagi-san", I heard someone calling my name.
Slowly I blinked to bring my eyes into focus. Then I saw an adult female face in front of me. I think she is the school nurse.
"What happened ?", I asked.
"You are in the infirmary. You fell down when someone bumped intoto you. They say you are walking in daze", she explained. "What is the last thing you remembered ?", she asked.
"I remember talking to Tanabe-sensei. I think I dazed off after that", I replied.
"Hmm ...", she said, before putting out her index finger in front of my eyes. "Try to follow this", she said as she moved her finger sideways.
"OK, I don't feel any bump when I inspect you earlier", she let out a relief sigh. "Please rest here until I came back from the opening ceremony. Then you can go home", she said.
I closed my eyes while I tried to remember what got my into a daze. I heard the sound of the door opening, indicating that the nurse is leaving.
"Come on, lend me some money please", a boy whined.
"No, you reap what you sow", another boy replied.
"Shouldn't you be in class already ?", the nurse scolded them.
"Sorry ...", they mumbled before I head the sound of the door closing.
"You reap what you sow ...", I muttered. "Heaven's punishment ...", I added.
"Yeah, I get it. This is all my fault ...", I chuckled bitterly.
I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. Somehow I felt reluctant to move any part of my body.
"Maybe this is what Nishikata felt, laying all in bed all day long, wrapped in casts and bandages", I whispered.
I blinked myself awake and I turned towards the window as I felt the room darkened.
'Should I closed the curtain and turned on the light ?', I felt that I should get up but at the same time very reluctant to do so.
The sound of keys inserted into the front doors lock save me from making any decision.
"Yui, are you home ?", I can hear my mother's voice.
"Here mom", I feebly croaked.
"Geez, why are you not turning the light", mom grumbled.
I can hear the sound of curtain being closed, followed by a thump of something heavy on the floor.
'Ah ... she has groceries. I really should get up and help her' I tried to pull myself up.
Suddenly it felt like there is a flashlight beaming straight to my eyes, prompting me to wince them shut.
"Oh ... you surprised me", my mother exclaimed seeing me in the couch, hanging to the backrest.
"Too bright ...", I murmured as my sight slowly came to focus.
I can now see my mother looking at me with concern on her face.
"What happened ... ?", she frowned and stepped closer. "Have you been crying ?"
Unconsciously I raised my arms and touched my eyes with the back of my hand. They felt ... raw.
"What happened ? Talk to me", mom gently placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Nishikata's name is not in the list", I mumbled.
For a few seconds there was silence. "You mean Nishikata is in different class ?", mom asked.
"Nishikata is not in any class", I furiously shook my head.
My mother eyes widened in surprise. "Have you tried asking any of the teacher ?"
"Tanabe-sensei said that the school have no information when Nishikata is coming to school", I replied.
"I thought you said that the cast on his legs came off yesterday ?", mother frowned in confusion.
"I also told Tanabe-sensei that", I nodded.
"He did not believe you ?", her frown deepened.
"Tanabe sensei said that the principal called Nishikata's mother yesterday", I shook my head.
This time my mother did not say anything.
"She said that Nishikata needed rehabilitation after the cast is taken off. They don't know yet how long it is going to take", I lowered my head.
Mom took a sharp intake of breath right after I mentioned rehabilitation.
"Did you ask Nishikata about any of this ?", lifting up my chin, mom looked at me.
"I sent him a chat", I muttered.
"I am guessing that Nishikata did not reply ?", my mother raised her eyebrows.
I merely shook my head as confirmation to her question.
Again there is silence, albeit somewhat longer.
"I will try to contact Aiko", mom sighed. "But you need to stop pushing Nishikata or Tanabe-sensei for answer", she glared at me.
Wordlessly I nodded. Mom sighed before going to the kitchen. Then she returned and pushed me back to the couch.
"Close your eyes", she commanded before putting something cold over my eyes. "Hold it there until dinner is ready", she added.
As I climb the final steps for the second floor, I felt the urge to follow a very familiar right turn. I have to force myself to walk into the opposite direction. With a few more steps, I reached the door of my class, being the closest one from the stairs. I hesitated as I stood in front of the door.
'Please not the seat in front of the teacher's desk', I silently prayed.
"Good morning Takagi-san", Mano suddenly popped out in front of me. "Come in", she dragged me inside towards the back. "You can sit there", Mano gestured to the corner seat.
"Really ?", I asked in wonder. "How ?"
"I talk to sensei to switch seats since I figure you wanted a corner seat", she smiled.
"Thanks Mano", I smiled back. "So where do you seat ?", I ask.
Mano pointed to the seat in front of the teacher's desk. Immediately I grimaced.
"It's OK. I got used to sitting at the front", she had a faraway look on her face.
"So ... anyone else here from our old class ?", I tried to interrupt her reminisce.
"Yukari is here ... also Nishima and Kato ...", Mano counted off with her fingers.
As I head Yukari's name, inwardly I facepalmed myself. 'I really hope she stopped obsessing over Nishikata and me', I groaned.
A loud chime interrupted any further musing on my part. Immediately everyone tried to return to their seat, forcing me to sat down and tried to prepare for my first school term.
As I hang my bag and took out my pencil case, I notice a boy coming over my way. He has curly black hair with a very intense gaze. When our gaze met, his eyes widened before a slight smirk bloomed on his face. Dropping his bag on the table next to me, he turned to face me.
"Nice to meet you, I am Nomura", he smiled and nodded.
"I am Takagi , likewise", I replied.
He looked like he wanted to chat, luckily the arrival of our homeroom teacher bring the whole class to silence.
I jotted down some notes as our teacher talked about causal relationship between sentences and the need for specific words to indicate such relationship.
"As an example ... He uses a wheelchair", he scribbled on the board.
The corner of my eyes caught a sudden movement. I glanced to the side and saw the student next to me sitting rigid, staring at the board.
'She looked frozen', I noted how her hand stopped just as she is about to write.
"To explain the cause of this, we can use the word Due To or Because Of", the teacher continued. "So we can add ...", he put another scribble in front of the example.
Retracting my glance, I jotted down what the teacher wrote.
However, a clatter startled me, then I felt something bump my feet. Looking down I saw a pen, the same pen that I saw earlier in her hands.
'How does it end up here', I frowned as I picked it up.
As I straightened up, I saw her face and noticed her wide eyes and how her left palm now covered her mouth.
"Is this your pen ?", I asked, hoping to startle her out of her frozen pose.
As expected, she turn her head towards me and looked at the pen in my hand.
"Yes ... thank you", she croaked as she grabbed said pen and used it to hurriedly jot down some notes.
I glanced towards the board, making sure what she is indeed looking at the example our teacher had written.
"Due to an accident, he uses a wheelchair", I readout the sentence.
Seemed like a perfectly normal sentence, I titled my head in confusion. Does she have an adverse reaction to hearing the word accident ? Or maybe the word wheelchair ?
I frowned at the conclusion. Seemed like this Takagi is not your average boring girl.
As my feet stepped past the classroom door, I saw three familiar figures inside the room.
'Oh no ... Yukari and her friends are inside', I started to panic. 'Should I go somewhere else to eat ?', I pondered.
"Takagi-san, come and eat with us", Mina waved, causing the other two to turn and looked at me.
'Too late !', my mind screamed. Reluctantly I walked in towards where they are sitting.
"I already ate", I smiled hoping to avoid any questioning from Yukari.
"Grab a seat and sit here", Mina scooted closer to Sanae, leaving a space next to Yukari. "The two of you can chat together", she threw Yukari a smile.
Yukari, however, glared at Mina for the very obvious setup.
"I need to catch up on my study", I gave a feeble excuse and started to veer to the right towards where my seat is.
"You were absent yesterday, did you catch a cold or something ?", Yukari turned towards me.
"Something like that", I shrugged.
"Did Nishikata have something to do with it ?", Yukari asked again.
Her question caused alarm to go off in my head. 'Did she made a lucky guess or did she actually know ?', I debated with myself.
"No, it has nothing to do with Nishikata", I turned around and gave her a stoic stare.
'Poker face', I whispered to myself.
"My mother got sick at the end of the week. She somehow passed it to me", I shrugged.
"Really ?", Yukari smirked. "I saw you talking with Tanabe-sensei. You seemed upset, and I heard Nishikata's name mentioned", she gave me a challenging stare.
"I asked Tanabe-sensei why Nishikata's name was not on any class list", I calmly replied.
"And what did he say ?", Yukari gave me a pointed look.
"Go ahead and ask him yourself. I am not telling you anything", I challenge her.
Yukari seemed to ponder my explanation, looking for loopholes she can exploit.
I am about to turn back and went to my seat when my stomach suddenly growled.
'Damn it!', I cursed my traitorous belly.
"I thought you already have lunch ?", Yukari gave me a frown.
"I guess the portion is too small", I mumbled.
Letting out a sigh, Yukari stood up and take something from her lunch box.
"Here, you can have this", she offered me a piece of croquet.
I hesistantly looked at her and food she offered.
"Take it. I can grab one of Mina's side dish", Yukari huffed. Her remarks cause a yell of protest from Mina.
"Thanks", I took the piece and went to my desk.
As I sat, I glanced at the trio. They seemed to be arguing over who took what from each of their lunchboxes. Somehow they reminded me when I used to argue with Nishikata.
With a sigh, I take a bite off the croquet. I wondered what Nishikata is doing right now.
'Maybe he finally answered my chat', I wondered.
For a moment I curse the school rules that prohibit students to carry cellphone to school.
I guess I won't find out until I got home.
"I'm home", I muttered as I opened the door of my house.
Leaving my shoes on the foyer, I headed upstairs to change out of my uniform.
Fifteen minutes later, I trotted toward the dining table and glance toward a board placed on the wall behind the table.
'Karagee on the table for dinner, Mom', I read what is scribbled on the board. I glanced at the dining table and see a plate covered with cling wrap.
"Ten ... that's more than enough for side dish", I counted the pieces. 'What about rice ?'
With a sigh, I entered the kitchen and check the rice cooker.
'Well ... at least there is plenty of rice', I shrugged as I closed the lid. 'Let's see what's in the fridge', I opened it and peeked inside.
"Sausages ... onions ... eggs ...", I muttered as I took note of any available ingredient that I could use. "Should I cook fried rice ... ?", I wondered out loud.
Suddenly my stomach growled, reminding me that I have a very light lunch.
"I need to eat something first, onigiri then", I sighed.
I took out the sausages, peeled them and cut them in dice. Then I scooped a handful of rice, put some sausage in the middle and cover them with more rice. Lastly, I squeezed the rice into a triangle.
Again my stomach growled as I finished one onigiri.
"Be patient", I scold the monster while I repeat what I did earlier. My tummy replied with another rumble.
"I guess yogurt or milk won't be enough for lunch", I sighed.
'But you can't afford to buy more !', my mind protested.
Yeah, those train rides to the hospital cost me. Not to mention those two charms and the fare to the other side of town. I am practically penniless until the end of the month.
"If only I can bring a bento", I muttered.
'There is rice ... lots of it ...', my mind whispered.
That's true, mom cooked rice every day and usually there are leftovers since she often came home late and already had dinner elsewhere.
"Fried rice everyday ... ?", I shuddered. "Yukari will surely comment on that", I sighed.
Another loud roar interrupted my train of thought.
"Seesh ... I heard you loud and clear the first time", I looked down at my rebellious belly. Then my gaze met the pile of onigiri that I make while thinking out loud.
"Four ? ... that's too much", I whined. "And I used up all the sausage too", I pouted.
As I took one to bite, I turned around towards the dining table and the plate of karaage.
"Onigiri for dinner and lunch ... or fried rice for lunch", I muttered.
Well ... at least there are two options, right ?
Grabbing the second onigiri, I took out my phone and open the messaging app.
'Still no reply from Nishikata', I sighed as I stared at our last conversation.
'I promised Mom not to bother him ... but ...', I hesitated as my finger hovered over the keyboard.
'The owner insisted that I join him for drinks tonight', a message suddenly popped up from my mother. This is accompanied by a sticker of a woman begging for forgiveness.
Drinks ... does that means she is goint to a bar tonight ?
'If you are going to a bar, can I have half a dozen yakitori ?', I typed.
'Why ?', came her reply.
'For bento. I made too much fried rice', I type in my reply.
A thumb up came as her reply.
"All right then ... let's cook plenty of fried rice", I pumped myself into action.
"I'm home", I heard my mother's voice from the foyer.
Rising from my seat in between the living room table and the couch, I walked towards the foyer.
"Welcome home", I said to my mother as she put her shoes into the rack.
My mother smiled and gave me a small paper bag. I rushed to take the bag into the kitchen, tore the paper open and put it into a plate.
"Would you like some water ?", I asked my mother as she came to the living room.
Seeing her nod in reply, I took out a glass and pour some water from the jug inside the fridge.
"Here you go", I walked over and gave the glass to my mother as she took a seat on the couch.
"Thanks", she muttered. "New memory aids for Nishikata ?", mom asked as she lifted up a large paper with diagrams from the table.
"I need to do something productive while waiting", I muttered.
My mother sighed as she placed the paper down. Then she patted the seat beside her.
I sat down and looked at my mother with hope.
'Please let there be good news !', I prayed.
"I have called Aiko", my mother began. "As you have heard, Nishikata need rehabilitation", she continued.
I felt my stomach sink as I heard the word rehabilitation.
"How long ... ?", I whispered.
"Depend on the progress", my mother answered.
"What should I do, mom ?", I asked. "There is no reply on the chat, and I don't know what to say to him", my voice quivered.
"Say that you have some more study guides for him. Ask him when you gave give those to him", my mother smiled.
For a moment I considered my mother's suggestion. "I will ask him right now", with renewed vigor I grabbed my phone and start typing.
"Right now ? It is 10 o'clock", my mother chuckled at my enthusiasm.
"Then it will probably get delivered in the morning", I shrugged as I hit send.
"Aren't you forgetting the yakitori ?" my mother asked when she rose to get a refill.
"Oh, right", I rose and continued to attend to those six stick of skewered meat.
"Thanks Mom", I smiled towards my mother.
"Where is the remaining fried rice ?", mom asked as she observe me pulling out each skewer.
I just nodded towards a bento box at the end of the counter. My mother opened a drawer and took out a spoon. Then she proceeded to scoop a small portion.
"Not bad", she shrugged after swallowing her first bite. "Not sure the karagee would keep until noon tomorrow, though", she added.
"I will check them first before eating", I nodded as I walked over and dumped the pieces of meat, fully covering the rice.
"Make sure you properly clean up everything", my mother warned as she walked out of the kitchen towards the stairs.
I gave her an affirmative reply as I covered the bento box.
Sorry to disappoint those of you that wanted Takagi and Nishikata to stay on the same class. I figure that this would give me the change to explore their interaction with more people and also for us readers to see the result of such interactions.