Her thoughts were mixed as she wandered down the hall to her room. 'He was attractive, but why would he be interested in someone like me? Exactly what has Luci been telling him all this time? How do I know I'm not dreaming again?

Minako pushed open her door and walked directly to the closet, pulling out an elegant, flowing dress. It was pale pink, decorated with iridescent beads that followed the v-cut, and the back was compiled of frills that resembled the petals of a cherry tree blossom, though not nearly as small. The dress was feature hugging and sleeveless, and was the exact opposite of anything Mina usually wore.

This was the first time in fourteen years that she'd laid eyes on it. When she was little she used to cuddle the dress at night and cry herself to sleep, but when she turned five, she hung it up in the closet and forgot about it. Holding it again brought a tear to her eye and she slipped it off the hangar and held it up to herself in the mirror.

She could see now why everyone said she looked like her mother. From the picture that she had on her night stand of her parents, she was nearly identical. If it were not for Luci entering her room, she probably would have started crying again.

"Now what way is that to celebrate my engagement? No tears Mina. You've no need to cry. That's a wonderful dress to wear. I'm sure Mr. Haikara will absolutely wet himself when he sees you." She sat down upon Mina's bed and stared up at her.

"Luci.....what, exactly did you tell him?" Alone at least, Luci would have no choice but to answer her.

"Oh Mina, relax! I would never say anything that wasn't true. Besides, Arturu and I have secrets of our own that I wouldn't want to leave the bedroom!" She almost looked hurt by the question, but gave that same mischievous grin.

"LUCI! You haven't!"

"I have! And it was amazing, Mina! Oh I can't wait until you take a husband so you may know. All those books we used to read together, Mina, they're true! Arturu showed me!"

"Does your father know? I'd imagine he'd disown you!"

"No, of course not! I want to marry Arturu, not attend his funeral! Oh Mina don't be angry with me! You'll understand when you find a love like mine!"

"I'm not angry Luci, promise, I just thought you were saving yourself for marriage that's all."

"Well, I'm to marry him either way so what does it matter? I'll have to let you borrow the books again when you settle down. But honestly, I didn't tell Jonasan anything, Mina. Don't you trust me?" She should have been suspicious after hearing about her friend's confession, but Mina smiled and nodded, untying the sash from her faded blue kimono and hanging it on the back of her chair.

"Yes, I trust you, and I'm sorry Luci, there's just a lot on my mind. Something happened today and I just....well...I'll tell you...no! I'll show you later, alright? After my grandparents have gone to sleep. Just you and me. It'll be like old times. Remember when we used to sneak around Mr. Siotoshi's rice farm?"

"Yes! And his nasty old cat would chase us out! Of course I remember! Then there was the time you twisted your ankle and we were nearly caught. I had to carry you out and we got into so much trouble, coming home dirty and soaked like we did. See Mina? Luci always comes to the rescue! I wouldn't have said a word to Jonasan if I thought you wouldn't like him. Now come on, get dressed and I'll do up your hair."

"You're right Luci. I'm sorry if I seemed ungrateful." Minako gave a quick hug to her friend and slipped behind the changing screen. She hung the gown over the top as she undressed, tossing the kimono up beside it and taking it down in turn. The dress fit her perfectly, hugging her body like a second skin and the skirt flowed wonderfully, allowing her free movement.