"Long time no see, grandpa Simone,"
I heard the jerk talk to the old man. So, he knew him. The old man blinks his eyes countless times and stretches his eyes to know who is the person in front of him.
"I'm afraid you are... Kawaki?!" he utters surprisingly and taps his shoulders. The little boy beside him seems confused about what is happening around him. He looks at me and I smile. He hides behind his grandpa's kimono. Even I am glad that this jerk knew Mr. Fujiyama.
"You're a grown-up now. I barely recognize you," he chuckles and moves him closer to his chest like he is going to hug him. The jerk did not complain nor object to the old man's gesture.
"By the way, who is this beautiful girl right here? Is she your girlfriend? Are you paying a visit to us together?" the old man concludes and I almost puke at his statement. His girlfriend? Why would people think that? The last time we were called boyfriend-girlfriend was when... the moment my first kiss was stolen. Argh! I hate to reminisce about that obnoxious memory of him stealing my precious first kiss.
"No, no, no! That's not it. We are here to..." I'm quick to refuse and I shudder when I utter those words to him.
"We're here because you called for our help," the jerk finally says and Mr. Fujiyama switches his gaze at him and twitches his brow in confusion.
"We are here for our community service requirement for our graduation," I add and he looks stunned.
"You mean, you are students from that school I wrote to a week ago?" he says while nodding his head.
"I'm sorry to keep you standing outside. Please come in," he invites us inside. I carry my things with me and the jerk walks straight inside the old man's house.
"I am Sarada, nice to meet you, Mr. Fujiyama," I offer my hand for a shake and he accepted it.
"No need for Kawaki to introduce himself because I already knew him," he laughs. The jerk just shakes his head. I notice that the little boy is tugging on Mr. Fujiyama's kimono and the old man finally notices him.
"By the way, this is Taki, my grandson. You haven't met him before Kawaki," he speaks to him, and the jerk looks at the kid.
"Is he Yukito's son?" he asks the old man and he nods to confirm it. I don't know what they are talking about. So I think I'll just listen to them silently.
"I see. Where's Yukito?" he asks and the old man gets inside the house and we follow him. He is leading us to his son's room. When he opened it, his sick son is lying on the mattress.
"Sarada, dear. It looks like your bag is heavy. Let me show you to your rooms while you stay here," he says and leads us to our rooms. He turns left and tells the jerk that it's his room and the right one is mine. Our rooms are facing each other.
"After you unpack your things can you proceed to the living room?" he asks and we nod as a response to him.
"Well then, see you there," he waves goodbye at us. I look around the room and it feels lovely in here. The design is simple yet elegant in the eyes. I wonder who's room is this. I unpack my things and prepare my clothes to wear when we get to work.
After I brought out the clothes, I head to the living room as per Mr. Fujiyama's instructions.
As I walk near the living room, I hear indistinct voices chattering and I figure out that they are all there talking including Taki.
"So, Taki's mom died a year ago?" I hear the jerk said. The old man nod and I can see how Taki's face gloom.
"Why don't you join us, Sarada?" Mr. Fujiyama notices my presence and I join in.
"I'm sad you haven't met her. She was as great as your mom," he laughs bitterly when he said it. I can tell. I think this is a family talk and I am not in the position to hear all about this. I noted that the jerk stays silent when Mr. Fujiyama talked about his mom.
"Well, I think let's get to work," he says while smiling at me. Taki smiles at me too. His gloomy face becomes brighter now.
"Yeah," I utter as my reply to him.
"Yukito has already planted some vegetables on the farm before he got sick. I asked for help to harvest the cabbages and lettuces to be sold in the market. I'm too old to do all the work. And if we don't harvest and sell them, we will starve to death. Taki is just three and doesn't know how to do this stuff," Mr. Fujiyama explains and we nod.
"Do you know how to farm and garden, Sarada?" he asks me and I was startled.
"Yeah, I know... a bit..." I give him an unsure laugh and the jerk scoffs.
"I taught Kawaki how to farm when he was young. I bet he still knows how right, Kawaki?" and he laughs. The jerk did not respond but smirk.
"Oh, I see," I muttered awkwardly.
"Okay, get change and I will show you how to farm," Mr. Fujiyama laughs and Taki laughs with him too. He is so cute with dent teeth.
So, I change my clothes. Mr. Fujiyama gave me a spare of his farming outfit glad that it suits me.
I went out to look for them and they are waiting for me on the farm. Taki waves at me as if to say that I should hurry up and come to them quick. I run and walk in their direction. The jerk is on his farming outfit too.
I look around the place and it's really beautiful. I wish I have family in the countryside to pay a visit during summer vacations.
"Emilia's outfit suits you," Mr. Fujiyama remarks. Is he complimenting me?
"It's flattering, Mr. Fujiyama," I reply and I think my cheeks blush.
"Just call me grandpa or Simone, that would be better," he says and sighs.
"By the way, who is Emilia?" I ask and Taki's face saddens.
"Taki's late mom, right?" the jerk confirms, and Simone nods.
"I'm sorry," I mutter and look down. I didn't intend to bring her up.
"No worries. It's okay. Let's get to work. I will teach you how to harvest the cabbages and lettuces," he says and smiles.
"Yay!" Taki jumps and yells joyously. The little boy seems to enjoy it. Simone laughs at his grandson's demeanor.
"Taki loves going here with us," he tells and I nod and smile at the young boy.
"Okay, look how I do it," he tells me and he starts to teach me how to harvest the lettuces. It's really fun to watch him do it. He let me try it and it is not that bad for a first-timer like me.
"You're doing good, Sarada," he comments and I smile at him. I glanced to my right and the jerk is effortlessly harvesting the cabbages. Wow! I can't help myself from being amazed. So, he did this before. I move closer to Mr. Fujiyama and watch him harvest some of the lettuce on his side.
"Hmm... Mr. Fujiyama," I call out to him and he stops from his work.
"Hmm," he responds to me and I clear my throat before speaking again, "You and Kawaki are relatives?" I think my curiosity will kill me in no time. He laughs before he answers my question.
"We are certainly not related," he snickers and I utter 'oh' in surprise.
"But how do you know each other?" I keep asking like a reporter and I don't know why I am asking him anyway.
"You two aren't that close, are you?" he asks with gauging eyes. I startle when he said it.
"Not really..." I stammer when I reply to his question.
"I see. I haven't seen you chat since you got here," he remarks and it makes me feel bad. I just give him an awkward smile.
"My son Yukito used to work in the city before and his apartment was right next to Kawaki's house. I met Kawaki when he was eight," he tells a story.
"I visit Yukito every once a year and I found Kawaki at his apartment and they were hanging out together. At first, I wonder why my son who is a lot older than Kawaki would hang out with him, and later on, I figured out from Yukito that he treated Kawaki as his younger brother. Yukito sometimes brings him here before and I taught him how to farm or harvest vegetables," he reminisces, and some things are clear to me now. I keep listening to him narrate the past events.
"I am relieved somehow that my son wasn't alone in the city but that boy has changed," he says and gazes at the jerk. I'm urged to look at him too while he is harvesting the cabbages. I wonder what he meant by he had changed.
"The last time I saw him was from his mother's funeral that was six years ago," he continues and I unexpectedly get goosebumps. His mother was dead?
"I didn't know about that, " I stutter and glance at the jerk.
"You sure did. Yukito told me that Kawaki has changed. He doesn't smile and laugh anymore like he used to. He isn't the boy I met years ago. I can see through it right now," he notes. He and I are kinds of missing one of our parents. It's so sad.
"It's so sad losing someone you love," I mutter unconsciously.
"Indeed," he agrees.
"I lost my dad too when I was still very young," I confess, and Mr. Fujiyama seems to be surprised.
"I'm sorry to hear that, Sarada," he apologizes and I shake my head.
"I know dad won't be pleased if I will live my life in loneliness. So I have to be happy and strong for my mom," I say filled my chest with hope and positivity.
"That's right. I know Kawaki will get through it one day," he says with high hopes in his voice.
The day ends with all the vegetables harvested. I wipe the sweats on my forehead after my gloves and boots were removed. It's getting dark too and I think we will resume by morning.
"You guys clean yourselves up and I will prepare our dinner," Mr. Fujiyama says pointing at the bathroom.
"Hey, I will help you cook our dinner," I volunteer, and he snickers.
"Are you sure? You must be tired now," he assures and I shake my head.
"No worries. I will change and clean myself up a bit and will help you in the kitchen," I say and rush towards my room and get my change of clothes. I head straight to the bathroom and start washing my face.
"Taki, after Kawaki you clean yourself up, okay?" I hear old man Simone tell Taki and the little boy nod while smiling at him. He is really cute.
"I'm done!" I say and breathe heavily.
"Get out of the way," the jerk suddenly appears and slightly moves me to the side.
"What a grumpy jerk!" I scowl and I hear old man Simone and Taki laugh.
"You seem not on good terms, huh?" he chuckles and I pout. I then change the subject real quick.
"Let's get to the kitchen and cook," I say and he nods. Taki sits on the chair waiting for his turn in the bath.
"We will prepare ichiju-sansai for tonight because we are celebrating our first day of good harvest," old man Simone says and I just nod smiling at him. So we started preparing the food. After an hour and we are finished.
"What a feast!" Taki yells when he sees the foods served in front of us.
"Sarada cooked all of them," old man Simone says and I think my cheeks flush.
"Let's dive in!" old man Simone mutters and we all say, "itadakimasu" at once and stare at the food for a second.
"I'll taste first," Taki says and picks from the plate and immediately puts the food in his mouth, he munches and stretches his eyes.
"Delicious!" he shouts. I clench my chest in relief. He liked it.
"Thank you, Taki," I say almost whispering. I'm overwhelmed by his remarks on my cooking.
The two men start picking and eating the foods I made and old man Simone seems to like it. The jerk didn't say anything and keep munching on the food.
"She's better off cooking than harvesting on the farm," he comments. Just what? I am not sure if it is a compliment or an insult.
"What did you say?" I scoff and he is not looking at me.
"Forget it," he says still munching on the food and not looking at me. I pout in disgust. Old man Simone and Taki laugh at us.
"You know I haven't done farming or harvesting before. I am still learning jerk!" I retaliate.
"You know what? You remind me of Yukito and Emilia. They are like this sometimes. Fighting over silly things," old man Simone reminisces. I disregard his comment and focus on the food. I did not talk to the jerk anymore.
"Big brother Kawaki, If you will marry big sister Sarada, she will cook you delicious foods like this every day," we both puke and cough at Taki's statement. Old man Simone laughs at us and I think my entire face turns red.
"Not going to happen!" the jerk and I shout at the same time! The kid has a silly mind and they burst out laughing.
We proceed to rest after our dinner. This day was tiring as ever but I have learned a lot. I didn't notice that I was yawning countless times now. It's time to sleep.
Squawking birds wake me up. I look at my watch and it's 5:20 a.m. I get up from the bed and head straight to the bathroom to take a shower. After a few minutes and I'm done. I dress up and proceed to the kitchen to help old man Simone to cook for breakfast but when I got there, the foods were already served on the table still hot.
"You made all of these alone?" I say and he startles. "I'm sorry if I surprised you," I apologize and he shakes his head.
"Come on, sit down," he invites me and I accepted his offer. I sit on the chair facing the food he had prepared.
"They look delicious," I remark and he chuckles. "Of course, they are made by one and only me," he says then laughs.
"Good morning," Taki greets and he settles on the table. The jerk is behind him, all dressed up.
"Good morning boys," old man Simone greets back and he speaks again, "Taki, my boy, can you bring this tea to your dad's room?" The little boy nods and descends from the chair and gets the cup of tea from his grandpa and went to his dad's room right away.
"Okay, let's eat when he gets back," he says upon settling on the chair. I smile as a response to him. A few seconds later, Taki comes back and we started our breakfast. It was just a normal breakfast for normal people of course. Then after that, we get back to work.
"This part is not that broad just like yesterday. We will finish it by 10 a.m. Sarada, you will harvest the cabbages today. Kawaki, can you teach her how to do it?" old man Simone asks him and he did not answer. I just notice that he is not using his tramp card against me. Hmm... What happened?
"Watch closely," he says and he starts harvesting the cabbage.
"Hey, can you do it slowly? I can't see it properly. And can you give me the steps?" I tell him and he looks annoyed.
"Just watch, you're a fast learner, right?" he smirks and gets back to his work. He intentionally makes it fast so I can't keep up. What a dirty trick!
I follow what he was doing and I can manage somehow. Old man Simone tells me I'm fine so I guess it's okay. So I keep doing what I have started and gladly it went well.
I hear Taki laughs like he's tickled and when I glance at him, the jerk is truly tickling him. They are hanging around. The jerk chases him and when he gets a hold of him he will tickle him to his side and Taki's going to laugh. Both of them are shabby. Dirt is all over their clothes but they look happy with each other's company.
I stun when I see the jerk laugh and smile at Taki. It was the first time I saw him smile, ever. So he certainly knows how to smile but it's quite costly on his part.
"This is the first time I saw Kawaki smile after his mother's death," old man Simone suddenly appears like a mushroom beside me.
"It's my first time seeing him laugh too," I say with honesty.
"You two have the most unlikely bond but I think you will overcome it and you will become very good friends when the time comes," he says vaguely.
"I doubt it," I say pouting.
"You know what? You look adorable when you two fight," he laughs hard this time. I shake my head in disbelief. He is joking, right?
"Thank you for everything, Mr. Fujiyama," I say and bow my head.
"Come on, you don't have to be that formal, Sarada. I should thank you both for helping us out," he says and gestures in front of me like 'it's nothing' and laughs like his usual demeanor.
"Big brother Kawaki, please visit us some time," Taki tells the jerk. The jerk again smiles at him and messes with his hair.
"Taki's right, you two must come here for a vacation. I am hoping you will. And I wish by that time you are no longer fighting with each other," he laughs again and the jerk smirks. I give him an awkward laugh.
I wave goodbye at them and we wait for the bus to pass. After a few minutes, I eye on the bus coming our way. It stops in front of us and I grab my bag from the floor but before I completely get inside I unconsciously tell the jerk, "You should smile sometimes, it makes you less grumpy," then I hop inside the bus I slightly hear him say, "huh" but I ignore him. I look for a vacant seat and settle down.
This trip sure was insane, but I loved it so much...
To be continued.