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Chapter 19: An Afternoon with You – Part I
I make my way home, my mind swirling with intermingling and conflicting thoughts of the conversation and implications of its contents. One thing is certain, however, Kyo has no intent to even reestablish his former relationship with her. The path cleared before me, confidence remains the final step and exists only within my power. However, the doubts that had been revealed earlier linger at the surface, resisting my efforts at submergence. While I have spoken and met with her since the reunion, these have been merely friendly, infused with harmless yet meaningless chatter. But now I must forge ahead, or live forever with regret.
This thought in the forefront of my mind, I approach the phone and pick up the receiver and steadily dial the numbers.
Her cell phone rings twice before the sound of it being answered is heard.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Tohru-san, it's Yuki."
"Ah, Yuki-kun! How good to hear from you!"
"It's very nice to speak with you as well. I read in the newspaper that a new aquarium opened recently nearby, and I thought that Tohru-san would enjoy seeing it."
"Oh, yes, I definitely would, I read about it, too."
"Are you perhaps free this afternoon?"
"Yes, actually, I just finished up the chores that I needed to do."
"That's fortunate. Would you care to meet me there, then?"
"Sure, that sounds like a great idea!"
"Is 14:00 all right?"
"Sure."
"In that case, I'll see you then."
"Ok!"
I hear her hang up the phone, and move the receiver to its cradle.
At 1:55, I find myself seated on a bench in front of the entrance shaded by the branches and leaves of a tree. When we had spoken earlier on the phone, I had not specifically stated that our meeting was a date, and I assume, rightfully in my belief, that she interpreted my invitation as an afternoon with a newly gained friend. A few quiet minutes pass before I see her approaching, waving as she sights me. I smile in return and stand while I wait for her to approach.
When she arrives, she smiles as she says, "Hello, Yuki-kun, I hope that I haven't kept you waiting long."
"No, not at all, Tohru-san, I'm glad that you could make it. Shall we go?"
She nods her head yes vigorously. We both walk towards the door, I can tell Tohru-san with great anticipation.
As we approach the counter I say, "I can pay for your ticket, Tohru-san."
She turns and smiles as she says, "When we met two years ago, Yuki-kun was kind enough to pay for my smoothie and carry my groceries, today will be my treat."
Not sure what type of reaction I should have, I am able to say, "That's very generous of you, Tohru-san."
"I'm happy to do so."
As she purchases the tickets, I ponder what she had said, uncertain what the meaning of her words was, if any. She finishes and hands me my ticket, which I accept with a smile. I notice a pile of brochure maps and pick one up.
I show it to her and say, "Would you like to use this to decide what you'd prefer to see first?"
"Why, thank you," she says as she takes it from my outstretched hand.
She opens it and carefully inspects it.
After a few moments, she looks up at me and says, "Could we see the tropical fish section?"
"Of course," I answer with a calm smile.
Excitedly, she folds up the brochure and points as she says, "It's on the second floor in that direction."
"I'll follow you," I answer, but stop suddenly, struck by the similarity of the present with an instance in the past – but with one glaring omission.
"I was thinking it might be nice if we started off our day together at the zoo."
"Here, use it to decide what you want to see."
"Is there any exhibit that you'd like to see first, Tohru-san?"
Indeed, this is like the last Sunday that Kyo and I spent with Tohru-san. Kyo – what now? He made his decision clear, but yet, doesn't she have a right to know? There was nothing certain between them, but why am I making excuses? I shouldn't keep this back from her, I have to be honest about this - and everything - from the very beginning.
"Yuki-kun?"
I look up and see her stopped, a concerned expression on her face.
She steps closer and says, "Is something wrong, you stopped moving and you don't look well."
Not wanting to upset and distract her, I decide to speak with her after we have toured the aquarium.
I smile calmly and answer, "Not at all, shall we go to see the tropical fish?"
Reassured, she nods her head yes and begins to walk towards the direction she had been previously moving, I following close behind.