Chapter Ten
Haruna's NSX rolled to a stop outside Tomomi's house. The large black GT-R was parked comfortably in the garage but the Cube was nowhere to be seen. Haruna looked around the neighbourhood. It was affluent with large, square houses with matching square cars in the driveways. Tomomi's job clearly pays a lot she thought.
Tomomi removed her seatbelt and prepared to leave the car.
"Thank you Haru," she said.
"No worries," said Haruna.
"I'll take the bus tomorrow," said Tomomi at once. "Or ask Keisuke."
"Sure," said Haruna.
"But thank you," said Tomomi. "I'm very grateful."
"I know," said Haruna nodding.
They were silent for a moment.
"Do you want to come in?" asked Tomomi.
She just realised what she said and then burned bright red in embarassment. Haruna however, just shrugged it off.
"Another time maybe," she replied. "When more...water has passed under the bridge."
Tomomi nodded. She opened the door and made to leave. Haruna grabbed her arm.
"Wait," she said. "Do you have Mami's phone number? I feel like I should call her and speak with her. It's been a while."
Tomomi opened her bag and pulled out a pen and an old napkin. She scribbled down her phone number, and her address. She handed them to Haruna.
"Why did you give me her address?" asked Haruna.
"It would be better if you go to see her," replied Tomomi. "Trust me."
She exited the car and closed the door. Haruna watched her walk into her house before she started the engine and drove away. She reached the end of the road and signalled to turn left, that was her way home. However, she hesitated and indicated to turn right in the direction of Mami's house.
She accelerated hard along the deserted street. Her mind was racing, why did Tomomi suggest that she visit Mami's house. What was so horrifying about it? Haruna drove absent-mindedly towards Mami's house, she knew where to go but her mind was occupied with what she was expecting to find when she arrived at her destination.
Half an hour later of recklass driving on Tokyo's busy night time streets she arrived at her destination. She slowed to a crawl and took in her surroundings. If she could describe it, she would call it a slum but it looked more well kept than a slum. They had power, running water and even a police box. Even so, it looked like a dismal place to live. She found a parking space next to a narrow alley filled with immacualty clean dumpsters. She climbed out and locked her car door. It looked distinctly out of place in these surroundings, an expensive supercar sat in a backdrop of misery and humdrum. She crossed the deserted street and up the pavement to Mami's building. She climbed the stairs until she reached the top floor. Glancing at her napkin, she determined that this must be the address. She sighed and knocked on the door.
Mami sat on her sofa, she was watching the nightly episode of a TV Soap Opera. She looked up at the door. The caller knocked again.
"Who is it?" asked Mami.
It was quiet for a moment.
"It's Haruna," said the voice.
Mami froze, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Haruna? Here?
She got up and approached her front door. She peered through the spyhole and indeed saw Haruna standing uncomfortably at the front door.
Mami unlocked the door and pulled open the door.
"Haruna!" cried Mami.
She threw her arms around her and bear hugged her as tightly as she could.
Haruna out her arms around her and returned the hug. It was at this very moment, she realised how much she missed her old bandmate. Not only did she miss her but also felt incredibly sorry for her.
Mami released her.
"You should come in," she said. She stood aside and allowed Haruna to enter her home. Haruna stepped in and Mami closed the door wiping her eyes, overwhelmed with happiness.
"Please sit," said Mami. She gestured her to sit on the ruined couch. Haruna sat and tried to make herself as comfortable as she could. Mami bustled into the kitchen and made them both a cup of steaming green tea.
She returned and gave a mug to Haruna.
"Thanks," she said taking it from her and placing it on the coffee table.
Mami took a sip from her own mug and looked intently at Haruna.
"What are you doing here?" asked Mami.
"I was in the neighbourhood," replied Haruna.
"Liar," declared Mami. "You live in Odaiba, nowhere near this place."
"You got me," said Haruna smiling.
There was silence.
"I came to see you," she said. "Tomomi gave me your address."
Mami choked on her tea.
"Tomomi?" she spluttered. "Last I remember you hated her."
"She crashed into my Honda," said Haruna. "I think the prospect of meeting me again scared her senseless."
She was fighting back the urge to laugh.
"So in panic she crashed into my car," she continued. "She bust her Nissan pretty bad so I gave her a ride home."
"That's very kind of you," said Mami.
"Well, I felt like I owed her," replied Haruna.
Mami giggled.
"Why are you really here Haruna?" asked Mami.
Haruna took a gulp of tea.
"I got the letter," she replied awkwardly. "You know from NHK."
Mami set her cup on the table. She listened intently.
"And?" pressed Mami.
Haruna sighed.
"Look," began Haruna. "Let me just clarify, I don't want to do it. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since our SCANDAL days."
Mami looked crestfallen.
"However," she continued. "Tomomi told me about Haruka. Is it really true you need a lawyer to get her back?"
Mami nodded.
"I'm sorry about your daughter," said Haruna. "I want to help you Mami. But it can only just be for one night and one night only."
Mami looked up. Clearly she misheard her.
"Are you saying you'll join us for the reunion?" asked Mami.
Haruna nodded.
"Yes," she said at once. "Yes I will."
Mami screamed in delight. She leapt onto Haruna and hugged her like she'd never hugged anyone before. A feel of pure euphoria surged through her bloodstream.
"Thank you," gasped Mami positively crying with happiness. "Thank you very much."
Haruna put her arms around her sharing her moment of ecstacy.
After a moment, Mami let go of her and returned to her seat wiping her eyes.
It was silent for a moment, the only sound was a TV broadcasting to an audience that wasn't listening.
"Mami," said Haruna. "Why do you live like this?"
"It's all I can afford," said Mami. "Sweeping the streets doesn't pay much."
"What if I could get you a new job?" asked Haruna. "Something better than cleaning the streets?"
"You could?" asked Mami.
"Sure," replied Haruna. "Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" asked Mami. "Oh...okay. Yes."
"Great," she said. "Bring yourself to Tower Records in Shibuya at 10am. Wear your glad rags."