A Picture of Summer
by: Venusskies
email: venus_skies@excite.com
Standard disclaimers apply.
Author's Notes:
There. The reason that I took such a long break was because I've revised the whole story, so I suggest that you re-read this from Chapter 1 once more. Actually, my grammar and literature teachers had something… err… 'inspired' me to do this. (
I apologize for the inconvenience, but like I said, this is still a draft, and I might make some major changes in the story anytime. I've changed the format, since I found it hard to read the first draft with the lines so close to each other. I decided to type my story using Word, double-spaced, instead of FrontPage. This is just 5 pages long in my Word document, so this'll be pretty short compared to the previous version. Also, I've changed and cut some scenes to better suit the story. You'll just find out for yourself. (
Tell me if you like the first draft better than this one. I'd love to hear your comments. (
Please R&R!
Chapter 1: Invitation
Chiharu my cousin lives in Osaka. She's the daughter of my father's third cousin, whose husband is a rich Englishman. They live in a big western style house, lavishly furnished. They have maids, helpers, drivers and gardeners. I've always enjoyed my vacations there, since every time I was pampered like a princess.
Chiharu's quite spoiled. Although she's a very nice person, she's used to getting things done her way. Her father used to buy her everything she wanted when she was just a child. Her room was filled with porcelain dolls, velvet curtains, cushions and pillows stuffed with goose feathers. She spoke and wrote good English, though her Japanese was broken most of the time. And she's as beautiful as a princess. She's got long brown hair she let grow up to her waist and hazel nut eyes, just like her father. She was fair-skinned, and her creamy hands never touched a needle in all the days of her life.
I used to envy her beauty and grace. She stood straight and tall. She never lost her temper as easily as I did. If ever she did, she wouldn't throw things at people or screech right at their ears. She was super neat. She would always keep her hair tied in a bun or a high ponytail like mine and seldom let it loose. And her voice… It was the best part of her. She spoke like an angel, her tone soft and melodious, very much pleasing to the ears.
She was the perfect lady.
Yesterday, I received two letters, in one envelope. One was from her, and the other was from her mom Aunt Mikako. They were going on a trip, to Europe, and they wanted me to come along. Quite strange it was, since Uncle John (Chiharu's dad) seldom invited people to come with him and his family in trips like these. I don't know the miracle, err, reason, behind this. He must've drunk some bad tea or something… But then, they were giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I knew that I had to go.
In the letter, Chiharu said that we'll be sailing to London on a cruiser, which would take about two or three months depending on the captain. Then we'll start touring after a few days, reaching Bristol, Bath, Paris, Rome, and see sights like the Eiffel Tower and the famous baths (at Bath of course). I suddenly felt so excited. I've heard Chiharu tell stories of her father's trips whenever I'd visit her. She'd describe every tiny detail in a breathless voice, clearly showing her yearning to go with her father someday. I'd listen to her intently, taking in every word, every sound. I silently wished with her that we were there instead of her father.
That thought strengthened my desire to go with them. After all, I couldn't just stay here and rot in the dojo with every daily routine. I would go and learn new things, see new places and meet new people. I would go and do what I have always wanted to do, and nobody can stop me. I didn't bother to consult with my friends on my decision. I quickly wrote my yes and ran out clutching my purse to mail my letter.
On the way out, I met Kenshin.
"Where will you be going Kaoru-dono?" he asked.
"To the post office," I replied. "I'll be back by dinnertime Kenshin. Don't worry."
"Hai de gozaru," he flashed his rurouni smile. "I'll see you by then."
My trip to the post office was short, and I was back before dinnertime. At the table, I merely picked at my food, not really that hungry. Actually, I was too anxious to eat. I didn't know how to spill the beans at my friends, who were all munching away on their food as if nothing's going to happen. I just couldn't find the right opportunity. Finally, I saw it.
Sano had started talking about his plans on leaving Japan to see the world. He said he wanted to go and see new places, meet new people and learn new things. Expectedly, Megumi scoffed at him, telling him that it was such a lame idea. Besides, where in the world would he get the money to finance his journey? I piped in the conversation.
"Well, I agree with you Sano," I said. "I mean, I've always wanted to go and see the world, see new places, meet new people and learn new things. I think I'll be leaving too myself."
Sano seemed very pleased at my statement.
"Hear that? Jou-chan agrees with me!" he exclaimed, pounding his fist on the table. The crockery rattled a bit. "Way to go Jou-chan. Now that's talking."
"But the situation's a little different for me Sano," I continued. I was finally going to tell them. "For you, you're just planning, talking aloud what's been in your head for a long time. But for me…"
"What's so different with you busu-sama?" Yahiko interjected. I pounded on his head before I continued.
"But for me, there've been plans, and there've been arrangements. They were merely waiting for my reply," I continued.
"Who's been waiting for your reply? I don't get it," Kenshin said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Alright. I'll make this straight to the point, no beating about the bush," I said. "My cousin and aunt wrote to me, and I've just read their letter. They're both inviting me to go with them on a trip to Europe. They'll be staying there for a year, while the trip itself would take some months. Meaning, if I go, I'll be gone for 2 years at least."
"Two years? That's a long time de gozaru," Kenshin reacted. "Are you going?"
"Of course she's going," Megumi answered for me. "Who would pass up the chance of a lifetime? You're going, ne Tanuki-chan?" I flinched at the name she called me but nodded anyway.
"Aa," I replied. "I'm going. I've already mailed my reply, and I won't change my mind."
I never thought I did, but momentarily, I saw Kenshin's eyes grow sad but then they quickly returned to normal. There was a pregnant pause that followed.
"So," I said, piercing the silence. "What do you think?"
Another pause followed, and then Sano spoke up.
"Well, from the looks of it, there's nothing that we could really do, since you've already made up your mind and you won't change it," he said.
"I agree with him Kaoru," Yahiko said. "There really isn't much we could do."
"Any attempts to stop you would be futile," Megumi voiced.
I was quite glad to know that they knew that, and that they wouldn't dare to stop me. That is, the three of them wouldn't dare stop me. I had yet to hear Kenshin's voice. I turned to his direction and asked him, "Well, Kenshin, what do you think?"
He thought a little before opening his mouth to say, "They've pretty much said everything. When will you be leaving?"
"Next month," I replied. "We still have to prepare the papers and everything else."
"When will you probably be back?"
"In… two years…"
Then, he stopped talking. And that was it. Our conversation had ended.
The news of my departure spread like wildfire, thanks to Megumi's and Tae's big mouths. The next day almost everyone in the market place knew that I would be going abroad, and the vendors kept on nagging me to buy some stuff that were "essential" in my trip. Personally I thought that they were unnecessary, but I couldn't very much tell them to the face ne? That would be so impolite of me.
Apparently, it had also reached Kyoto. Megumi must've sent a carrier pigeon to the Misao and the Oniwabanshuu telling them the news, that Misao (chaperoned by Aoshi) straightaway left for the dojo saying that she'll be staying to see me leave. So now, I have two visitors under my roof, one overly perky ninja and another stone-cold former okashira who still refuses to speak.
Two weeks after sending my reply, Chiharu wrote back to say that she'd be coming over to help me prepare. Upon her parents' orders I daresay. She said that she would stay until our departure, which was next week, and that her parents would arrive the day before. We would use the dojo as a meeting place since it was closest to the docks. That gives me three guests to take care of before I leave. Mou… So that means Chiharu would be sharing the room with me & Misao. Hmm… I wonder how those two will get along.
I couldn't forget the scene I beheld when Chiharu arrived. She stepped down the carriage in her brown traveling dress, high-heeled shoes and a pretty sun hat. She held her white handkerchief close to her as she instructed the footman on her baggage. Her brown tresses were tied in a high ponytail just like mine, and she stood tall and straight against the sunlight. She seemed to have grown prettier over the past years that we haven't seen each other.
The instant she saw me, she smiled.
"Kaoru-chan, it's so good to see you!" she ran towards me hugging me tight.
"How are you?" I smiled, not letting go.
"Fine, thank you," she replied. "And you?"
"Still the same Kaoru-chan," I grinned.
"I'm so glad that you're coming with us!" she exclaimed. "You can't imagine how happy I was when I read your letter. We're going to have the greatest time!"
"I'm looking forward to it," I laughed. Then I turned around and introduced my friends who were there with me.
"Chiharu, meet my friends, Takani Megumi, Sagara Sanosuke, Myoujin Yahiko, Himura Kenshin, Makimachi Misao and Shinomori Aoshi," I introduced, pointing at them as I said their names. "Minna, meet the daughter of oto- san's third cousin, Chiharu Marc."
They all bowed at her courteously, Chiharu curtsying.
"Pleased to meet you," she said.
Later on, when Misao and I were helping her unpack, Chiharu explained to me everything we had to do before the trip.
"First of all, we have to get you some clothes," she said. "You'll need dresses, not kimonos. People would laugh at you there if they saw you in a kimono. Father gave me money to buy you some, and we'll go tomorrow. We'll take the carriage to town. You want to come Misao?"
"Sure!" Misao replied. Chiharu nodded.
"Then Kaoru-chan, we'll have to pack. Mother and father might take long in preparing our papers so you'll have enough time to get ready, and enough time to give a temporary goodbye. We'll be leaving in… a week and four days. You're going to have to practice your English beforehand."
"So close…" I murmured.
"I can't wait to go!" she exclaimed.
Yeah… I just can't either…
To be continued…
by: Venusskies
email: venus_skies@excite.com
Standard disclaimers apply.
Author's Notes:
There. The reason that I took such a long break was because I've revised the whole story, so I suggest that you re-read this from Chapter 1 once more. Actually, my grammar and literature teachers had something… err… 'inspired' me to do this. (
I apologize for the inconvenience, but like I said, this is still a draft, and I might make some major changes in the story anytime. I've changed the format, since I found it hard to read the first draft with the lines so close to each other. I decided to type my story using Word, double-spaced, instead of FrontPage. This is just 5 pages long in my Word document, so this'll be pretty short compared to the previous version. Also, I've changed and cut some scenes to better suit the story. You'll just find out for yourself. (
Tell me if you like the first draft better than this one. I'd love to hear your comments. (
Please R&R!
Chapter 1: Invitation
Chiharu my cousin lives in Osaka. She's the daughter of my father's third cousin, whose husband is a rich Englishman. They live in a big western style house, lavishly furnished. They have maids, helpers, drivers and gardeners. I've always enjoyed my vacations there, since every time I was pampered like a princess.
Chiharu's quite spoiled. Although she's a very nice person, she's used to getting things done her way. Her father used to buy her everything she wanted when she was just a child. Her room was filled with porcelain dolls, velvet curtains, cushions and pillows stuffed with goose feathers. She spoke and wrote good English, though her Japanese was broken most of the time. And she's as beautiful as a princess. She's got long brown hair she let grow up to her waist and hazel nut eyes, just like her father. She was fair-skinned, and her creamy hands never touched a needle in all the days of her life.
I used to envy her beauty and grace. She stood straight and tall. She never lost her temper as easily as I did. If ever she did, she wouldn't throw things at people or screech right at their ears. She was super neat. She would always keep her hair tied in a bun or a high ponytail like mine and seldom let it loose. And her voice… It was the best part of her. She spoke like an angel, her tone soft and melodious, very much pleasing to the ears.
She was the perfect lady.
Yesterday, I received two letters, in one envelope. One was from her, and the other was from her mom Aunt Mikako. They were going on a trip, to Europe, and they wanted me to come along. Quite strange it was, since Uncle John (Chiharu's dad) seldom invited people to come with him and his family in trips like these. I don't know the miracle, err, reason, behind this. He must've drunk some bad tea or something… But then, they were giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I knew that I had to go.
In the letter, Chiharu said that we'll be sailing to London on a cruiser, which would take about two or three months depending on the captain. Then we'll start touring after a few days, reaching Bristol, Bath, Paris, Rome, and see sights like the Eiffel Tower and the famous baths (at Bath of course). I suddenly felt so excited. I've heard Chiharu tell stories of her father's trips whenever I'd visit her. She'd describe every tiny detail in a breathless voice, clearly showing her yearning to go with her father someday. I'd listen to her intently, taking in every word, every sound. I silently wished with her that we were there instead of her father.
That thought strengthened my desire to go with them. After all, I couldn't just stay here and rot in the dojo with every daily routine. I would go and learn new things, see new places and meet new people. I would go and do what I have always wanted to do, and nobody can stop me. I didn't bother to consult with my friends on my decision. I quickly wrote my yes and ran out clutching my purse to mail my letter.
On the way out, I met Kenshin.
"Where will you be going Kaoru-dono?" he asked.
"To the post office," I replied. "I'll be back by dinnertime Kenshin. Don't worry."
"Hai de gozaru," he flashed his rurouni smile. "I'll see you by then."
My trip to the post office was short, and I was back before dinnertime. At the table, I merely picked at my food, not really that hungry. Actually, I was too anxious to eat. I didn't know how to spill the beans at my friends, who were all munching away on their food as if nothing's going to happen. I just couldn't find the right opportunity. Finally, I saw it.
Sano had started talking about his plans on leaving Japan to see the world. He said he wanted to go and see new places, meet new people and learn new things. Expectedly, Megumi scoffed at him, telling him that it was such a lame idea. Besides, where in the world would he get the money to finance his journey? I piped in the conversation.
"Well, I agree with you Sano," I said. "I mean, I've always wanted to go and see the world, see new places, meet new people and learn new things. I think I'll be leaving too myself."
Sano seemed very pleased at my statement.
"Hear that? Jou-chan agrees with me!" he exclaimed, pounding his fist on the table. The crockery rattled a bit. "Way to go Jou-chan. Now that's talking."
"But the situation's a little different for me Sano," I continued. I was finally going to tell them. "For you, you're just planning, talking aloud what's been in your head for a long time. But for me…"
"What's so different with you busu-sama?" Yahiko interjected. I pounded on his head before I continued.
"But for me, there've been plans, and there've been arrangements. They were merely waiting for my reply," I continued.
"Who's been waiting for your reply? I don't get it," Kenshin said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Alright. I'll make this straight to the point, no beating about the bush," I said. "My cousin and aunt wrote to me, and I've just read their letter. They're both inviting me to go with them on a trip to Europe. They'll be staying there for a year, while the trip itself would take some months. Meaning, if I go, I'll be gone for 2 years at least."
"Two years? That's a long time de gozaru," Kenshin reacted. "Are you going?"
"Of course she's going," Megumi answered for me. "Who would pass up the chance of a lifetime? You're going, ne Tanuki-chan?" I flinched at the name she called me but nodded anyway.
"Aa," I replied. "I'm going. I've already mailed my reply, and I won't change my mind."
I never thought I did, but momentarily, I saw Kenshin's eyes grow sad but then they quickly returned to normal. There was a pregnant pause that followed.
"So," I said, piercing the silence. "What do you think?"
Another pause followed, and then Sano spoke up.
"Well, from the looks of it, there's nothing that we could really do, since you've already made up your mind and you won't change it," he said.
"I agree with him Kaoru," Yahiko said. "There really isn't much we could do."
"Any attempts to stop you would be futile," Megumi voiced.
I was quite glad to know that they knew that, and that they wouldn't dare to stop me. That is, the three of them wouldn't dare stop me. I had yet to hear Kenshin's voice. I turned to his direction and asked him, "Well, Kenshin, what do you think?"
He thought a little before opening his mouth to say, "They've pretty much said everything. When will you be leaving?"
"Next month," I replied. "We still have to prepare the papers and everything else."
"When will you probably be back?"
"In… two years…"
Then, he stopped talking. And that was it. Our conversation had ended.
The news of my departure spread like wildfire, thanks to Megumi's and Tae's big mouths. The next day almost everyone in the market place knew that I would be going abroad, and the vendors kept on nagging me to buy some stuff that were "essential" in my trip. Personally I thought that they were unnecessary, but I couldn't very much tell them to the face ne? That would be so impolite of me.
Apparently, it had also reached Kyoto. Megumi must've sent a carrier pigeon to the Misao and the Oniwabanshuu telling them the news, that Misao (chaperoned by Aoshi) straightaway left for the dojo saying that she'll be staying to see me leave. So now, I have two visitors under my roof, one overly perky ninja and another stone-cold former okashira who still refuses to speak.
Two weeks after sending my reply, Chiharu wrote back to say that she'd be coming over to help me prepare. Upon her parents' orders I daresay. She said that she would stay until our departure, which was next week, and that her parents would arrive the day before. We would use the dojo as a meeting place since it was closest to the docks. That gives me three guests to take care of before I leave. Mou… So that means Chiharu would be sharing the room with me & Misao. Hmm… I wonder how those two will get along.
I couldn't forget the scene I beheld when Chiharu arrived. She stepped down the carriage in her brown traveling dress, high-heeled shoes and a pretty sun hat. She held her white handkerchief close to her as she instructed the footman on her baggage. Her brown tresses were tied in a high ponytail just like mine, and she stood tall and straight against the sunlight. She seemed to have grown prettier over the past years that we haven't seen each other.
The instant she saw me, she smiled.
"Kaoru-chan, it's so good to see you!" she ran towards me hugging me tight.
"How are you?" I smiled, not letting go.
"Fine, thank you," she replied. "And you?"
"Still the same Kaoru-chan," I grinned.
"I'm so glad that you're coming with us!" she exclaimed. "You can't imagine how happy I was when I read your letter. We're going to have the greatest time!"
"I'm looking forward to it," I laughed. Then I turned around and introduced my friends who were there with me.
"Chiharu, meet my friends, Takani Megumi, Sagara Sanosuke, Myoujin Yahiko, Himura Kenshin, Makimachi Misao and Shinomori Aoshi," I introduced, pointing at them as I said their names. "Minna, meet the daughter of oto- san's third cousin, Chiharu Marc."
They all bowed at her courteously, Chiharu curtsying.
"Pleased to meet you," she said.
Later on, when Misao and I were helping her unpack, Chiharu explained to me everything we had to do before the trip.
"First of all, we have to get you some clothes," she said. "You'll need dresses, not kimonos. People would laugh at you there if they saw you in a kimono. Father gave me money to buy you some, and we'll go tomorrow. We'll take the carriage to town. You want to come Misao?"
"Sure!" Misao replied. Chiharu nodded.
"Then Kaoru-chan, we'll have to pack. Mother and father might take long in preparing our papers so you'll have enough time to get ready, and enough time to give a temporary goodbye. We'll be leaving in… a week and four days. You're going to have to practice your English beforehand."
"So close…" I murmured.
"I can't wait to go!" she exclaimed.
Yeah… I just can't either…
To be continued…