Chapter 9: Dinner Time

"So, Jake. Did you tell your parents about your visit in California here?" asked Mrs. Blake.

"Oh… Uh, ya! I told them I'm getting… a job here… and at the same time… visiting friends… yeah…" replied Jake.

"More like girlfriends." Muttered Ayumi and Tum-Tum laughed.

"Did you choke on something, Ayumi?" asked Kimiko.

"Oh, no. Nothing at all…" replied Ayumi.

Colt was just looking down at his food and eating peacefully.

"Why did I even agree to come here? I should be at home right now watching television!" thought Colt.

"So, I've heard all of you are ninjas! That's cool." Said Jake.

"Yeah, we are. We started at the age of… I don't know… 5 or something…" Replied Rocky.

"Wow. That's really cool. And all I know is just bikes!" laughed Jake.

"I'm going to get a drink." Said Colt and went in the kitchen.

"I think I'm going to get a drink, too…" replied Kimiko.

"Well, ok! I'll follow you…" said Jake.

"Oh, Jake! Tell us how's our country there? Good, bad?" asked Rika, covering up for Kimiko.

Once Kimiko entered the kitchen, Colt was pouring his drink.

"Do you mind pouring for me?" asked Kimiko.

Colt just kept quiet but poured for her.

"What's wrong, Colt?" asked Kimiko.

"Nothing. Just a loss of appetite." Replied Colt avoiding her eyes.

"I don't think so it's just a loss of appetite. It's more than that. (Pause) Is it about just now? Listen, I'm sorry if I said anything mean, harsh, rude or whatever, okay? Please forgive me?" said Kimiko.

"No, its not." Replied Colt.

"Then what is it? (Pause) It's not Jake, is it?" asked Kimiko.

Colt ignored her and went back to the table.

Kimiko sighed.

"Stubborn as ever…" thought Kimiko and returned to the table. "Like me I suppose.

"So, Kim, who you going with for the School Homecoming Dance?" asked Jake.

"How did you know about that?" asked Kimiko.

"Oh… Uh… I overheard your teacher said it in the classroom... Yeah… Anyway, who are you going with?" asked Jake again.

"No idea." Replied Kimiko, taking a sip from her drink.

"Well, how about going out with me?" asked Jake.

"Well, I wish I could but it's only for students in OUR school and unfortunately, you're not in my school… Sorry Jake… Maybe next time…" said Kimiko.

"I can always sneak in! Simple as that." asked Jake.

"Oh. (Looks at Rika and Ayumi) Okay. Fine with me…" said Kimiko.

"He asked Kim out in front of me! Why can't he just go outside and do it! Damn it! What the hell is his problem?" thought Colt. "Wait, what the hell is MY problem? I'm acting like I'm so jealous about Jake going out with Kimiko! Yeah, right. I'm not jealous of them! Sheesh. Am I?"

"Why did he ask me now? What more in front Colt! WHY NOW! DAMMIT! GAH! I hate this!" thought Kimiko.

Ayumi coughed.

Kimiko glared at her.

After dinner, Jake went home. While the six of them just sat in the living room watching television.

"I can't believe Jake asked you out like that! He's so not romantic." Said Ayumi.

"Well, say that to him." Replied Kimiko slouching on the couch.

"Seriously Kim, you should trust us! Ayumi and I saw him with another girl… Do you trust us more or do you trust him? The guy that you only knew for 3 months!" asked Rika.

"You know what? I can't stand this anymore. I'm going to sleep." Said Kimiko and ran up.

"Told you she wouldn't listen." Said Ayumi.

After a few minutes, Kimiko came down.

"Where are you going?" asked Rika.

"I'm going out to meet Jake. Won't be long." Said Kimiko and left.

Everyone was silent.

"When will she EVER learn?" asked Rika.