It's here! My 70th fanfiction! And it's a new one this time. Special, actually. ^_^ Well, I've had this idea for a little while, and I started this over the weekend and worked through it until today.
I love When Marnie Was There. :) It has such a great storyline, and the animation is enchanting. Plus, the music is good. I titled this story after Priscilla Anh's song of the same name.
Figuring out Anna's birthday was a nerve-wracking task. Emily didn't look like she was showing, but she was wearing a heavy coat. So I headcanon that she was three months pregnant with Anna, and gave birth in the summer. It's my theory after all.
A lot of things need to be explained, which you will see at the bottom for details.
That's basically all I have to say, let's get on with the story.
"You excited to be here again, Anna?," asked Setsu.
"I am," retorted Anna, pulling her eyes away from the car window.
"You missed this place, didn't you?," remarked Kiyomasa, looking over his shoulder, winking.
"I did," replied Anna, smiling, "but there's another reason I was eager to come here."
"Oh?," uttered Setsu. "And what's that?"
"It's a secret," said Anna.
The car crossed the bridge and made a left turn. The quaint seaside town of Kissakibetsu rolled in. Anna recognized a few spots she saw the last time she came here. The sky above her was a clear, untroubled blue with a cluster of white clouds hovering overhead. In the distance, she saw the old silo on the cliff. Anna remembered every moment she spent in this town, and was ready to spend the summer here again.
Kiyomasa parked the car, turning it off. He got out of the car, and as soon as he did, so did Anna, and finally Setsu. Anna pulled out her orange duffle bag.
"Here," offered Kiyomasa, circling the car, "I'll help you with that."
"Thank you," replied Anna, handing him her bag. "I'll carry the other one." She picked up the tan-colored carry-on bag strapped to her shoulder.
"Hey, Anna," quoth Setsu, "did your hair get longer?"
"Oh," muttered Anna, she looked at herself on the car window. Her hair, which was once short, just barely capping her chin, was now skimming her shoulders.
"You growing it out?," asked Setsu, waltzing up to the house.
"Not really," answered Anna, following her and Kiyomasa. "I'm leaving it like this. Besides long hair makes it harder to move when I draw."
"I can understand that," said Setsu, putting the keys into the keyhole.
As soon as she opened the door Anna stepped inside, taking her shoes off. The house was how she remembered it; everything from its eclectic decor to the potted plants were eye-popping in their own right.
"Here we go," said Kiyomasa, walking past Anna. The girl followed him up the stairs.
"I'm glad I decided to come back this year," mused Anna, looking from the walls to the ceiling.
"Well," said Kiyosama, "we're glad to have to you here anytime."
Kiyosama led her to the door to her room, or rather, his daughter's room that Anna was staying in.
"The room's just how it was last," said Kiyosama, gripping the doorknob. He opened it; Anna stepped inside.
The bed was in the same place as before with its green walls. The closet opposite the bed, the desk with the Tiffany lamp was to the left of the bed, the lantern lamp in the ceiling, and the balcony which was Anna's favorite spot. She placed her bag on the bed, then took the one Kiyomasa handed her and she placed it on the desk, unzipping it and rummaging through the collection of stationary and postcards.
"I'll let you get settled," he said, striding toward the door.
"Thank you," said Anna, pulling out the stack of postcards.
Kiyosama closes the door after her stepped out.
Anna strode toward the balcony, pushed the curtains, slid open the door, and stepped outside, relishing a gentle breeze.
The view was as beautiful as the first day she saw it. She could see the marsh, just the way it was. The trees enhanced the look of the marsh, the sun glistened on the water's surface. Boats glided atop the water, and the sound of birdsong could be heard in the distance. The sky was calm and the peace that pervaded was a sight to behold.
Anna drifted back inside, and flopped back on the bed, a sigh escaping her lips.
"Anna!," called Setsu from downstairs.
"Yeah?," called Anna back, sitting up.
"Can you give me hand down here in the kitchen?," hollered Setsu.
"Coming!"
Anna dashed out the bedroom and down the flight of stairs. She strode through the kitchen where she saw Setsu with a bowl of tomatoes. She pulled out of a knife from the drawer.
"Wanna give me a hand?," she asked.
"Of course," replied Anna, taking the knife.
The blue-eyed girl took the knife, and took a tomato from the bowl and placed it on the carving board.
"So," said Setsu, taking out another knife, "are you writing to 'Aunty' with postcards?"
"My mother, you mean," corrected Anna teasingly, "and yes, she gave me a whole set of postcards, envelopes and everything."
"Are you still drawing?," asked Setsu, placing a tomato on the carving board. She cut it in half.
"Of course I'm still drawing," replied Anna, smiling, "I can't go a day without drawing."
"I would like to see some of your drawings," quipped Setsu, turning one tomato half over. She chopped it into thinner slices.
Anna's dexterous chopping slowed.
"I," she began, "I would like to. But...when I feel comfortable, and ready to show you."
"Of course," said Setsu, "of course." She picked up another tomato and sliced it in half, then took one half and sliced it in thin strips.
"Yeah," said Anna, "I'm glad to be here. I'm really looking forward to meeting my friends again."
"We were looking forward to having you over again, Anna," said Setus, "I hope you have as much fun as last year."
Anna chuckled.
Anna strode through the trail, an envelope in her hand. This being the shortcut to the post office, she was eager to get this postcard delivered, then walk down to the marsh. She leaped over the log, and jogged the rest of the way down. She was in the road leading into town, it was a long walk, but she didn't mind. She rather enjoyed the scenery. Soon, she saw the post office, and spotted the mailbox, quickening her pace. She dropped the envelope in. Looking around, she checked the area, after seeing it was empty, she made the walk to the wooden steps, leading down to the beach.
She saw the boats, one of them being Toichi's rowboat. He was already at a distance, completely unaware of Anna's presence. The water crashed in and out against the grainy shore. Beach grasses blew in the wind, Anna took a deep breath, relishing every moment. She didn't know how much she missed this place.
Anna stepped onto the damp sand. Her eyes trained over to the mansion on the other side of the marsh. It was different than it was last she was here. Although it had a new paint job, the right side, where the blue window was, remained the same. To this day the mansion was still the capstone of her artwork. She made a mental note to come back here with her sketchbook and charcoal pencils. Back home in Sapporo she took up painting, and bought an easel and some canvases. Some of her recent paintings were half-finished, but couldn't bring her easel with her. She figured she finish the paintings when the summer ended. After all, there was plenty of time to work on her paintings.
A thought crept up her mind. The tide wasn't high enough and she so badly wanted to see Sayaka and her family, if they were home that is. Marsh birds flew past her in flocks, squawking in the air. Some of the flocks pecked at the sand a distance away from where she was. Anna took off her shoes and socks and walked. The sand was soggy between her toes, sometimes her feet sunk with each step.
"I have so much to tell her," mused Anna to herself, stepping on a patch of grass. She continued the walk, excitement riling in her.
She felt a sense of familiarity with the Marsh House. Since that summer last year, Anna had been eager to come back. She missed this place so much, but she missed the mansion even more. Since she found out the secrets of her past, Anna felt more in tune with herself and found her place in the world.
Anna was closer now. She stepped onto the small dock, and looked through the gate and up toward the stairs. She made the ascend.
"Hello?," she called out. Anna peeked over the bushes. "Anybody home?" She peered over to the left.
"Who's out there?," shouted a girl's voice.
"It's me!," said Anna. "Anna!"
"Anna!?," peeped the voice.
Anna saw her come out from her right. Sayaka's brown hair was worn in her signature pigtails. Dark eyes behind red spectacles. She was wearing a strapless flowered dress and she was barefoot.
"Anna!," she cheeped. She flung her arms around Anna's waist.
"Hey," chirped Anna, wrapping her arms around Sayaka. "I missed you."
"I missed you more!"
"Mom!," she called over her shoulder, breaking the hug. "Anna's here!" She ran toward the double doors.
"How are you?," queried Anna.
"Fine," replied Sayaka, gripping the door handle. She opened it, stepping aside for Anna to step in. Anna dropped her shoes next to the door and stepped inside.
The room was garnished with expensive-looking furniture and floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with knickknacks ranging from glass animals to books to miniature fake terrariums. The chandelier that was once covered with years worth of dust was now freshly-polished. The floor looked like it got a recent cleaning, the light gleamed off the hardwood.
"Mom!," chirped Sayaka, cupping a hand around her mouth.
"In the kitchen," replied Sayaka's mother.
"Come on," said Sayaka, looking over her shoulder.
Anna followed Sayaka down the hall, taking the moment to look at photos of Sayaka's family. There was a picture frame with a photo of Sayaka and her older brother. The one next to it was of the whole family.
"Mom," said Sayaka as she entered the kitchen.
"Hello," said Sayaka's mother, turning away from the stove.
"Hi," said Anna, bowing, "it's good to see you again, Mrs. Doi."
"Likewise," said Mrs. Doi. "Would you like something to drink? I have a whole pitcher of lemonade in the fridge."
"Oh, I'd love some lemonade," said Anna. "Thank you."
"We're going to sit outside," proclaimed Sayaka, "can you bring us the lemonade there?"
"Sure, sweetie," said Mrs. Doi. She waltzed over to the fridge, opened it and pulled out a clear pitcher of lemonade.
"Come on, Anna," said Sayaka, tugging her arm.
Sayaka led Anna back the way they came, and once they were outside, Sayaka took her to a glass-top table with about four chairs and a blue-and-white umbrella. Anna took a seat, and the pigtailed girl sat across from her.
"How's Sapporo?," cheeped Sayaka.
"Well," began Anna, but she was cut short by the sound of footsteps approaching from behind.
"Here you go, girls," said Mrs. Doi. She carried a tray with the pitcher and two glasses. She placed the tray on the table.
"Thanks, Mom," said Sayaka.
"Enjoy your lemonade," said Mrs. Doi.
The woman strode away, leaving the girls to enjoy themselves. Anna grabbed a glass and poured herself some lemonade.
"You were saying?," quipped Anna, setting the pitcher down.
"Oh yeah," said Sayaka, "how are things back in Sapporo?"
"Everything's fine," answered Anna. She paused to take a sip. The lemonade was sweet with a tart note. "My Mom is fine, and things in Sapporo are better."
"Really?"
"Yup." Anna smiled. "I have new friends, and I'm still sketching. I actually started taking up painting."
"You're painting?," blurted Sayaka, eyes protruding. "Just like Hisako. That's great!"
Anna chuckled.
Sayaka poured herself a glass of lemonade and took a long swig.
"How is Hisako, by the way?," questioned Anna.
"She's fine," replied Sayaka, putting her glass down on the table. "I've been going over her to house since you left. She's showed me her painting of my house. And she's showed me her other paintings. She'll like to hear that you're painting."
"I'd like to see them," mused Anna. "I can't wait to see her again." She drank her lemonade. "How's Toichi?"
"Toichi?," repeated Sayaka. "Oh, he's fine. I like to go on his rowboat."
"Does he talk?," asked Anna.
"Not much," said Sayaka. "He doesn't say much than a few words."
A breeze blew in from the south. The tree branches swayed in the wind, the chirping of ducks could be heard over the calling of crickets and other forest critters, along with the long trill of cicadas.
"How's Takeshi?," inquired Anna.
"He's okay," answered Sayaka, "Dad's actually picking him up from soccer."
"He plays soccer?" Anna smiled.
"Yeah." Sayaka's eyes softened. "You didn't know, you didn't stay long enough to learn that."
"Right." Anna turned her head, the view drawing her gaze. Boats anchored to the docks, one she recognized as Toichi's was making its way back to the shore. She thought about talking to him later. Anna breathed in a whiff of the salty air.
"I'm sure my brother would like to see you," proclaimed Sayaka.
Anna hadn't noticed she was so wrapped up on the view that she was almost startled.
"Oh," she uttered, turning to face the bespectacled girl. "Sure. I'd like to see him again, too."
Sayaka grinned.
A few days passed after Anna settled into the Oiwa's house in Kissakibetsu. She spent her free time going down to the marsh to sketch the scenery, even drawing the mansion again. Although Anna missed the mansion's old look, she was starting to like its new coat of paint. Everything else still looked the same. Sometimes she would ask Toichi to take her out on his boat to get a different angle of the mansion. True to what Kiyosama said, he wasn't a big conversationalist. He would quietly fish while Anna sketched. It was how the blue-eyed girl liked it.
Anna made the trip down to the marsh, dressed in a pair of dull yellow overalls. She saw a group of kids gathered round wearing white gloves, carrying trash bags and tongs. There was the teacher standing a few ways away, giving the students instructions through his megaphone. Anna saw her beside him. Nobuko Kadoya, who stood taller than the other children. Easy to spot due to her hefty build. Anna made the descend down the stairs.
When she reached the bottom, she made her way towards Nobuko.
"Hey," she said.
Nobuko turned around, blinking.
"Oh," she muttered, "Anna. You're back."
"I am." Anna gave a small smile.
"I see," said Nobuko. Her tone was neither unpleasant nor delighted. She held herself with an air of regality. "Come to help us as promised?"
"Yeah, well, you said to."
"Right." Nobuko cocked her head. "Come on."
Anna followed Nobuko to the teacher, who was polishing his whistle with a rag.
"Excuse me," said Nobuko, "Mr. Itashi, this girl would like to help us." She darted her eyes at Anna.
"Nice to meet you, sir," said Anna, bowing.
"I, uh, I see," said Mr. Itashi, putting his rag away. He gave Anna an uncertain look, then glanced at Nobuko. "Come on," he said to Anna, "I'll get you some gloves and a bag."
The exchange was made in minutes and Anna was off picking trash with white gloves cladding her hands. She picked up soda cans and water bottles with the tongs and dropping them into the bag. Nobuko approached her.
"So," she said, bending over to pick up a styrofoam cup, "back to Kissakebetsu?"
"Mhmm," muttered Anna. She kneeled before a dented soda can, picking it up with the tongs.
"You never told me why you came here last year," stated Nobuko.
"Oh." I forgot about that. Well, no use hiding it. "I came here because of my condition."
"Condition?," quipped Nobuko.
"Yeah, I have asthma."
"... Oh. I see."
"It's okay," replied Anna, digging into her overall pocket and pulling out her inhaler, "as long as I have my inhaler with me I'm fine."
Nobuko nodded quickly, then stopped down to pick up a beer bottle with the tongs.
Anna sidled closer to the shore, having spotted an empty water bottle and a few wrappers in the sand. Nobuko trailed behind her.
"Hey," she said, "wanna go to the Tanabata Festival again?"
Anna's eyes blinked.
"I won't say a word this time," assured Nobuko, "I'll—"
"Actually," interrupted Anna, turning around, dropping the water bottle in the bag, "I'm not going this year. I already told Aunt Oiwa yesterday. And I don't like yukatas."
Nobuko sported a chopfallen look.
"We can do something else," she said, trying to sound positive.
"No, that's okay," reassured Anna, "you go. I don't want to ruin your fun." She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes locked on the mansion. "I'm actually looking forward to seeing someone here."
"Who?"
"It's a secret."
Nobuko watched her turn around, then raised a brow when she saw Anna looking past her, waving. She turned around, seeing an older woman in a white hat, red shawl and an easel under her arm. She carried a paint palette, brushes, and tubes of paint. Nobuko recognized her as Hisako, the painter who made a living selling her art. It was only natural that Anna get acquainted with a fellow artist.
"You mean Hisako?," asked Nobuko.
"No, well, yes," corrected Anna, "but I wasn't talking about her."
"Then who?"
"It's a secret."
Anna jogged over to a farther part of the shore, leaving Nobuko watching, brow furrowed.
"How was the Festival?," queried Anna.
"Oh, it was great!," replied Sayaka. "Mom bought me a green yutaka with red flowers."
"That's great." Anna smiled. "I'm glad you had a good time."
"You should've come."
"Nah. I don't really like going to festivals, or wearing yukatas."
"Aww." Sayaka made a faux grumpy face. She crossed her arms.
Sayaka leaped over the last two wooden steps that led to the beach.
"I wish we could rent a video," groused Sayaka, kicking a tiny pebble.
"We could ask your mom if she could drive us to the video store," suggested Anna.
"I guess." Sayaka picked a stick from the sand and slapped a few grass stalks with it.
Anna glanced up. She saw Toichi at the dock, towing his rowboat back to shore. He tied the rope to a pole.
I guess I can't ask him for a ride now, mused Anna mentally. She glimpsed over at the mansion, eyes locked on the blue-framed bay window.
"So what do you want to do?," asked Anna, looking back at the pigtailed girl.
"I do want to rent a video," said Sayaka, whipping the stick in the air, a clear whoosh was heard.
"So you want us to walk there?," quipped Anna. "Or should I ask Uncle Oiwa if he can drive us?"
Sayaka glimpsed at the sky, then at Anna.
"Can you ask your aunt and uncle if you can sleepover?," she asked.
"I can ask," said Anna.
A smile appeared on Sayaka's face.
"Great," she said. "Actually, I wanted you to sleepover since last summer."
Anna smiled back. "So did I."
Sayaka dropped the stick and followed Anna up the steps.
"So what movie do you want to rent?," asked Anna.
"Princess of the Stars!," cheeped Sayaka. "I've been wanting to watch it since ever."
"I've heard of it," mused Anna. "I didn't get to the watch it when it came in theaters. It looked interesting."
"You're gonna love it," chirruped Sayaka. She glimpsed over to her right. Toichi was looking at her, waving. "Hey Anna, look!" She patted Anna's arm, prompting her to glance over and see that Toichi was indeed waving to them.
"Hi!," called Anna, waving back.
Toichi lowered his arm, then walked down the dock with his fishing supplies.
"Come on," said Anna, reaching the top step.
"Awww," uttered Sayaka.
Sayaka and Anna were seated at the coffee table on the floor. Two bowls of half-eaten popcorn, two more bowls with ice cream with the spoons, an open plastic bag of konpeitō candy, and soda bottles were layered on the table.
The lights in the living room were turned off to give the sense that the girls were in a movie theater. The TV was turned on, showing the movie Sayaka had picked out, Princess of the Stars. It was an animated movie of the fantasy genre centering around a girl who discovers she's half-celestial from her disappeared mother's side and had to return a fragment of the moon orb to the heavens before an imbalance happened. It was at the part where the main character, Princess Sulwe, chose to give up her title, as well as her celestial side, to stay with her human family and her boyfriend. Sulwe's mother approved of her decision, and she ascended up a stairway made of actual stars and gave her daughter a smile before disappearing with the stars.
"That was so romantic," lilted Sayaka, perching on her elbows.
"Yeah," said Anna, "I liked that she chose to stay with her family."
"Eeeughh," groused a voice.
Anna glanced up. Takeshi was standing under the doorway, face contorted in disgust at the movie.
"You like that?" His question was more directed at Anna than at his sister.
"It's great," answered Anna.
"You just don't understand," whined Sayaka, slamming her hands on the coffee table.
"A girl who finds out she's half celestial and has to save the world while choosing between her human family and the star kingdom," drawled Takeshi, brow raised, "what's not to understand?"
"Shut up, it was a great movie!," blurted Sayaka, pointing a finger at her brother.
"You know what you should see?," retorted Takeshi. "Voices of the Catacombs. Now that's a great movie."
"Yuck!" Sayaka stuck her tongue out.
"Alright, alright," said Takeshi, "Mom said to help you clean up."
"Great," said Sayaka, turning the TV off. She picked up the DVD remote, pressed the open/close button, opening the DVD player. Takeshi pulled the DVD out of the DVD player and placed it back inside its case. Sayaka picked up the two bowls of the finished popcorn. Anna picked up the soda bottles.
"Let me get that," said Takeshi, walking over to the table. He picked up the other two bowls as well spoons.
"Thanks," said Anna.
The three made their way into the kitchen. Several minutes were spent washing the dishes and throwing away leftover food while storing some of it in the refrigerator. As soon as the last dish was dried and stored in the cabinet, Sayaka led Anna up the stairs with Takeshi trailing behind.
"How are you liking it back in Kissakebetsu?," asked Takeshi.
"I'm having a good time here," said Anna, looking over her shoulder.
Takeshi pondered his next question.
"Hey, my Mom wants to bake you a cake," he said, "to welcome you back. What kind do you want?"
"Oh," uttered Anna, glancing at the floor as she stepped to the top. "Can she make an ice cream cake?"
"I'll," he said, walking past her and Sayaka, not meeting her eyes, "I'll ask. What kind of ice cream do you like?"
"Lime," replied Anna.
Takeshi was silent for an unbreakable moment.
"Cool," he finally blurted, "mine's chocolate."
Sayaka walked over to her bedroom door, opening it, eyes locked Anna. The blue-eyed girl, getting the hint, strode over towards her, giving Takeshi a final glance.
"Goodnight," said Anna.
"'Night," muttered Takeshi. He was about to go to his room when he trailed behind Anna. "When's your birthday?"
"It already passed," remarked Anna, glancing over at him, "June third."
"This is a sleepover for girls only," chirped Sayaka, eyes locked on her brother, "no boys allowed."
Takeshi flinched at his sister's tone of voice, then widened his eyes when the door was slammed in his face. He blinked before heading back to his room.
Meanwhile, Sayaka was getting the futon out of her closet, and carrying it over to the left side of her bed.
"Your room still looks the same," commented Anna, eyes trailing from the ceiling to the desk across from the bed.
"Well," said Sayaka, "we did just move in last year."
"I know. I just thought you'd want to paint it a different color."
"Nah." Sayaka crouched down and smoothed down the futon. "I like it the way it is." She rose to her feet. "I'll get you an extra pillow."
"Thanks."
Anna walked over to the blue window. She gripped the handle, pulled it down and swung it open. She stepped out, catching sight of the full moon hovering over a bed of wispy blueish clouds. A cool wind blew in from the north, and despite the warm air it was rather refreshing. The sky was a deep, dark velvet midnight blue. Miniature stars dotted the darkness, enhancing the look of the moon. To sum it all up, it was beautiful.
"Anna," said Sayaka.
"Coming." Anna found she had a hard time pulling her eyes away from the moon. She eventually stepped out and shut the window closed.
Anna glimpsed at the desk.
"Do you still have...?"
"What?," said Sayaka, climbing into bed.
Anna cocked her head to the desk. It took Sayaka a few seconds to register what Anna was referring to.
"Oh, yeah, that," she uttered, "it's still there."
Anna waltzed over to the futon that was set up for her. She settled down into it more comfortably, pulling at the thick comforter that Sayaka picked out. It was a dark orange color.
"And the painting?," quipped Anna.
"Still behind the bookcase," answered Sayaka, removing her red-rimmed glasses. She set them on the nightstand.
"Maybe we should give it to Hisako," ventured Anna, looking down at her lap.
"But," began Sayaka, lying flat on her back, head turning to look at her, "she made that painting as a gift."
"I know, but..." Anna's voice trailed off.
"It's better the way things are," said Sayaka. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight," repeated Anna.
Sayaka turned to her left side, slipping into peaceful sleep. Anna gaped at the thought back to the dreams she had when she first came to Kissakebetsu. They were so lucid, so surreal that it was sometimes hard to pick out which parts were real and which ones were not. Anna had never spend one night in this mansion, this being the first time, she felt like she was in one of her dreams. If she thought hard about it, she could see herself back in the lavish party and in the room the way it used to be before Sayaka and her family moved in.
Sleep was overtaking her, and Anna turned to her right side, letting an unearthly, dovish feminine voice croon over her, sending her off to the dream realm.
Another week passed and Anna was enjoying her stay with the Oiwas the more time she spent with them and with Sayaka. Her days were spend with outdoor sketching down by the shore and taking walks around the town. Anna also met up with Hisako again. The painter was glad to see her once again, and Anna in turn was happy to see her. The two would show each other's artwork, and Hisako, being a more experienced artist, gave Anna advice on painting. Anna, being more keen on sketching, accepted her advice, and relished the moments spent with her.
Anna walked down the road leading to the Oiwa's house. She carried a white box in her hands. Underneath the box was her sketchbook, pencil box and her razor for sharpening her pencils. She made a right turn and continued until the house came into view. She saw Setsu step out into the open porch. The woman noticed Anna and she waved to her.
"Anna!," she called.
"Hi, Auntie Oiwa!" Anna hollered back, unable to wave back for needing to carry the box.
Anna saw Kiyomasa appear from behind the tomato plants.
"Hey, Anna," he said, his eyes fell on the box. "What's that you got?"
"An ice cream cake," replied Anna, "Mrs. Doi made it for me."
"Oh," said Setsu, "well that was nice of her. What flavor ice cream?"
"Lime," retorted Anna, walking toward the front door.
"Let me get the door for you," said Setsu, traipsing ahead of the blue-eyed before the red door, she opened it, and stepped in herself.
"Thanks," said Anna.
Kiyomasa waltzed in after Anna did, holding a basket of tomatoes. He followed Anna and his wife into the kitchen, where Anna placed the box on the counter, and her art supplies next to it.
"Let's have a look at that cake," commented Setsu.
Anna opened the box to reveal a cake decorated in white frosting with light green frosting bordering around the top and the bottom. The top had pink and yellow roses with leaves in an even lighter green icing on the top left corner. Anna's name was written in traditional kanji in fuchsia icing.
"Wow," cooed Setsu, "it looks beautiful. I feel bad having to eat it."
"Save it for dessert, Anna," said Kiyomasa, "we're having katsuo-no-tataki for dinner, Anna, so you better put your stuff away and help out."
"You know I will," quipped Anna, picking up the cake box and walking over to the refrigerator. She slid into the middle shelf between the milk and a bottle of orange juice. She closed the fridge door. "Oh wait, Uncle Oiwa," said Anna, picking up her sketchbook, pencil box and razor, "could you make me something? From your woodwork?"
"Ah sure," said Kiyomasa, "whatever you'd like. What do you want? Another owl?"
"No," said Anna, walking past him.
"An eagle?"
Anna shook her head.
"A bunny?"
Anna shook her head again.
"A wolf? A fox?"
"No," said Anna, keeping her smile on her face, "actually, I want a box."
"Like a jewelry box?," suggested Setsu.
"No," corrected Anna, facing Setsu "a keepsake box." She looked back at Kiyomasa and asked, "Can you do that?"
"Aw sure, Anna," said Kiyomasa, "I can do that no problem. I'll even let you paint it when I'm done."
"Great," chirped Anna, she looked down at her art supplies, "I'll be right back, help with dinner."
She thumped up the stairs, and left her things on the bed, after which, she raced back downstairs and dashed into the kitchen, where her aunt waited for her.
Anna spent the next few hours helping Setsu with the cooking, mostly with chopping the fish and preparing the rice. She even insisted she'd fry the fish no matter how much Setsu insisted not to. While they were cooking, Kiyomasa was busy carving the legs of a nightstand he had been working a whole week on. Tomorrow he would deliver it to its customer. Kiyomasa ran a scrap of sandpaper after he finished with the legs, and by the time that was done, dinner was ready.
"That katsuo-no-tataki smells good," aid Kiyomasa, walking toward the dinner table. He sat done on one of the cushions placed at the table.
"You bet," said Setsu, picking up her chopsticks.
Anna picked up a piece of the fish and popped it in her mouth.
"Wow, this is good," she said. She picked up another piece and dipped it in the soya sauce. The fish was broiled and with the vinegary taste in the sauce it gave it a robust flavor.
"You doing okay, Anna?," asked Kiyomasa, picking up the soup bowl and spoon. He took a quick slurp.
"Yeah," replied Anna.
"You haven't had any attacks?," queried Setsu, picking up her cup of green tea. She downed a swig.
"No, not at all," said Anna, picking up a strip of fish with her chopsticks. She took a small nibble. "But I still carry my inhaler. Just in case."
"That's good," quipped Kiyomasa, pointing with his chopsticks. "Very responsible." He picked up the bowl of rice next and picked up a clump, popping it in his mouth.
"How's your sketching coming along?," queried Setsu curiously, her smile plastered on her face.
"It's great, Aunty Oiwa," responded Anna, taking a sip of green tea. She picked up the soup bowl, stirring her spoon in the reddish soup. "I've been showing my drawings to Hisako. You know? The painter?"
"Oh yes," said Setsu, "we know her. She's pretty talented. You and her been getting along?"
Anna nodded. "I'd also like to show her my own paintings. If I had my own easel here at the house."
"Would you like me to build you one?," offered Kiyomasa.
"No," answered Anna, picking up a strip of fish with her chopsticks, "I just want the keepsake box for now. Maybe you can build it for me next year."
"Okay," said Kiyomasa.
The dinner was spent with lively conversation, and Kiyomasa telling his jokes that got both Setsu and Anna laughing. By the time Anna finished her dinner, Setsu took her bowls and plate, and took them to the kitchen.
"Dessert!," she chirped, pulling the cake box out of the refrigerator.
"Alright!," hooted Kiyomasa. "Cake."
"I can't wait to taste it," said Anna, watching Setsu drift into the dining room with the cake box, three plates, three forks, and a knife.
Setsu placed the box on the center of the table along with giving her husband and Anna their plates and forks. She set her own plate and fork down and began cutting a slice of the ice cream cake.
"Aw yum," said Kiyomasa, eyes widening.
"Here you go," said Setsu, placing the cake on his plate. She picked up the next slice and placed it gingerly on Anna's plate. "You get the one that has the roses on it."
"Thank you," said the blue-eyed girl.
"Mmm," murmured Kiyomasa, "this is delicious."
"You're right," commented Anna, licking her lips. The cake was citrusy from the lime ice cream with a vanilla hint. Anna actually liked the flavor.
"You ought to thank Mrs. Doi for the cake," said Setsu.
"I will," replied Anna. She ate a forkful of ice cream cake.
Anna put down the pencil and read over her postcard.
I'm enjoying my time at the Oiwa's.
I have new friends and Sayaka's mother made me a cake.
-Anna
She turned it over, wrote down her mother's address in Sapporo, and dropped the pencil back in the pencil box. She stood up from the chair, dashing out the door. Thumping down the stairs, she said goodbye to Setsu and Kiyomasa and raced out into the foyer where she put her sneakers on and walked out the door.
She headed down the shortcut, and jumped onto the log gracefully, and continued running down the trail. Anna stepped out of the treeline and walked down the road. The air was warm, and the sound of birds singing filled the air. Rustling in the treetops crept into her ears. She glanced up and saw a bird fly out of the highest part of a tree. It was a swallow from its coloring.
Anna reached the post office and dropped the postcard in the mailbox. She traipsed over to the wooden steps, watching the world peel out before her. The trees surrounded the mansion while a flock of birds flew overhead, giving out their pleasant songs. Ducks swam along the water's surface. The marsh birds grazed in the grass patches, and some flew together in flocks. Listening to the calls of the birds and watching the mansion against the blue sky made the experience worth being here.
She screwed her eyes, seeing, to her surprise, that Sayaka and her mother were walking across the marsh. The pigtailed girl spotted her, and she waved. Anna waved back.
"Anna!," called Sayaka. She took off running while her mother walked placidly.
The bespectacled girl reached the shore and raced up the steps. She looked over her shoulder to see her mother was not to far behind.
"Mom, look, Anna's here!," shouted Sayaka, waving.
Mrs. Doi smiled. Sayaka's mother was tall, billowy, with jet-black hair down to her waist. She had brown eyes, light skin. She was dressed in a sleeveless, pale blue top with a white bertha collar. She wore a pair of white capri pants and white heeled sandals. Her lips were painted a deep ruby. Where Sayaka was bespectacled, Mrs. Doi was clad in make-up. Sayaka was more cheerful, her mother's style of dress was more practical while also being fashionable.
"Hello, Mrs. Doi," said Anna, bowing to the woman as she walked up the steps.
"Hello, Anna," said Mrs. Doi.
"Mom," cheeped Sayaka, "can Anna come with us?"
"Come with you where?," asked Anna.
"We're just going to be heading out into town," explained Mrs. Doi.
"Yeah," piped Sayaka, "so do you want to come with us?"
"Sweetie," said Mrs. Doi, "let her an—"
"I'd love to," replied Anna.
"Oh," said Mrs. Doi, blinking, "then you're welcomed to join us. Don't you need to let your aunt and uncle know first?"
"They won't notice I'm gone," reassured Anna, putting her hands behind her back.
"Well, all right," said Mrs. Doi, splaying her hands. "If you're sure it's okay, then you can come."
Anna smiled.
The three walked past the the post office and made a right turn, continuing in that direction. Anna listened to Sayaka's prattle with Mrs. Doi smiling contently. People walked past the trio, which Anna didn't mind at all. Anna used to be shy around being in the crowd, and she still was, but now she could handle it better. She noticed that they were taking the direction that led to the stone stairs to the temple. She remembered the festival.
"Oh," said Mrs. Doi, "Anna, how was the cake I made you?"
"It was good," replied Anna, "there's still some of it leftover. Would you like some on the way back?"
"No thank you," assured Mrs. Doi. "Actually, I'd want to make you another one for when you leave."
"Really?," quipped Anna, eyes twinkling with mirth.
"Yes." Mrs. Doi smiled even white teeth.
"Wow, thanks," said Anna.
"Mom really likes to do that," proclaimed Sayaka.
"So," said Mrs. Doi, "what will it be? Another ice cream cake?"
Anna pondered it for a moment.
"Actually," she replied, "give me some time to think about it."
"Alright."
Anna saw the stairs to the temple, but was relieved to see that they weren't heading in that direction, but they crossed the street and strode past the stairs. She followed Sayaka and her mother through the empty street, the trees provided a subtle shade.
"What would two like for lunch?," queried Mrs. Doi.
"Sukiyaki!," chirped Sayaka.
"Honey, let Anna decide what she wants," said Mrs. Doi gently.
"Actually," said Anna, face beaming, "sukiyaki sounds good."
"And can we get mochi after?," peeped Sayaka.
"Sure."
The walk lasted about twenty more minutes until buildings came into view. Shop names were on every building, mostly clothing stores, and some restaurants. Anna remembered what Nobuko said last year; Sapporo does have better shopping.
"Over here!," cheeped Sayaka.
Anna crossed the street. Sayaka and her mother stood before a shop window. A clothing store called "Silva Ltd." Anna's eyes landed on the mannequin wearing a sleeveless, rosy pink French dart blouse with a white skirt. She found she couldn't stop gazing at the top. Was it the color? It was certainly a lovely shade of pink. Was it the style? It was great for the weather, and the material looked breathable and comfortable to be in.
"You like that?," asked Mrs. Doi.
"Oh, uh," sputtered Anna, blinking, concealing a blush, "I was just looking at it."
"I can buy it for you if you want," offered Mrs. Doi.
"Really? I, uh, I don't want to make you spend on me."
"It's no trouble at all," insisted Mrs. Doi, "after all, you befriended my daughter when we first moved out here."
Sayaka grinned widely.
"Well," Anna's eyes trained back on the mannequin, "I really do like that top."
"Then it's settled," quoth Mrs. Doi, "I'm buying it for you."
The three went inside, where Anna found the top on the clothing rack. After finding one that fit, Mrs. Doi payed for the top, and exited the shop. Anna carried the paper bag that had the pink top inside.
Anna walked with Sayaka and her mother for fifteen minutes, by then it was time for lunch. The restaurant they went to served sukiyaki, like Sayaka had wanted. Anna enjoyed every minute and the food was good. The meal was spent with lively chatter, and hearing about Sayaka's own exploits filled Anna in on what went on in her absence. It was like she never left.
After lunch was over, the trio continued their outing. The sun filled the town in a golden light and the sky was untroubled with fluffy white clouds. The serenity of the town pervaded and it made Anna a little nervous, having been used to the hustle and bustle of Sapporo. Although she could find a quiet space in Sapporo, she still enjoyed the quiet of Kissakebetsu. Anna breathed in a lungful of air, and held it. The air here was much fresher than back home.
"Look," said Sayaka, pointing, "that's where we buy mochi."
"Mochi sounds nice," quoth Anna.
She and Sayaka and Mrs. Doi went into the shop, finding that there were only two customers. This gave Anna the time to look through the shop. She opened at the display case at the counter with all the cakes. There were ones frosted in white icing topped with chocolate-drizzled cherries. One in particular was frosted pale green with pink buttercream roses with a waffle cookie and a small chocolate square.
The line moved up and Anna walked further, gazing at the many different cakes. She saw one frosted in pink icing with white on the top and bottom. It had about six cherries around a heart-shaped cake topper. She glanced up and saw the display case to her right. There she saw pastries in many different shapes and sizes.
"What flavor mochi do want, Anna?," asked Sayaka. "I'm getting strawberry."
"Oh." Anna hadn't realized she was so distracted. The customer before them had finished their order and was walking past her. "Um, I want mango."
In minutes the order was complete and the three left the shop, munching on mochi.
"Strawberry's my favorite," declared Sayaka, nibbling the corner of her mochi.
"I can see that," said Anna. She took a big bite of her own.
"How's yours, Anna?," asked Sayaka.
"It's really good."
"You should try the vanilla one next time," commented Mrs. Doi.
Anna smiled, and took another bite of mango mochi.
"Oh!" Anna suddenly remembered something else. "I know what kind of cake I want for when I go back home."
"What?," quipped Mrs. Doi.
"I want one like the one I saw in the shop. A green one."
"With lime ice cream?"
"Yup."
Nobuko traipsed down the road to the shore, carrying a weaved basket with her and a red-and-white checkered blanket under her left arm. Her mother prepared a picnic for her and see if Anna happened to be there and ask her to join her. It was a good idea to her, and she hadn't really spoken to Anna since Trash Pickup Day. And more than three weeks had passed since Anna arrived.
She turned her head and glanced down. Predictably, she saw Anna sitting in the grass with her sketchbook on her lap, sketching away. Nobuko walked down the stairs, and stepped onto the grass when she reached the middle step. She approached Anna.
"Hey," said Nobuko.
Anna looked over her shoulder, eyes blinking.
"Oh, hi," she said, setting her pencil back in its box.
Nobuko couldn't work her mouth.
"Um," she muttered, "my Mom made me this picnic, and asked you to invite you to eat."
Anna glanced at her for a full minute before answering.
"I'd like to join you, Nobuko," replied Anna, closing her sketchbook. She put it beside her, closed the pencil box with the razor inside.
"Great," said Nobuko. She knelt down and set the basket down, unfolded the blanket and spread it on the grass. She opened the basket and pulled out a plate of gyōza dumplings with a small cup of soy dipping sauce.
Anna watched her take out a plate of onigiri, four to be exact, cradled in seaweed. She handed two to her. Anna eyed it blankly before setting them down on her lap. Nobuko took out another container, which, after opening it, turned out to be ramen noodles with two halves of boiled eggs, strips of chicken, diced scallions, and narutomaki. Nobuko set two bowls in front of Anna and one for her. She poured the ramen in each bowl. The last thing she took out was a thermos and two ceramic cups. Nobuko opened the thermos and poured tea in each cup and handed one to Anna.
"Thank you," said Anna, taking a sip of the tea. From the strong flavor to the light coloring, it was hojicha tea. This was her first time trying it.
"You're welcome," said Nobuko neutrally, lifting her chopsticks to her face. She popped a clump of noodles in her mouth.
The meal was spent in silence. Anna much rather enjoyed the silence, stealing a glance at the marsh and at the marsh birds flying about. She saw a few boats glide along the water, one of them being Toichi's rowboat.
"Hey, Anna," said Nobuko after taking a sip of ramen.
"Yes?," uttered Anna, chopstick holding a gyōza dumpling.
"I," she began tentatively, "I'm sorry I embarrassed you last year." Her eyes softened but her face was solemn. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just...wanted you to be my friend."
Anna nodded quickly. "It's okay," she said, "I...I'm also sorry. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I just...don't like being in big crowds." Well it's not an entire lie. She popped the gyōza dumpling in her mouth.
Nobuko ate a spoonful of ramen, getting a piece of chicken as well. She mentally tailored her next question.
"So," she began, "what's the story with you? You never really got to tell me that."
"Well," said Anna, swigging a gulp of hojicha tea, "I'm from Sapporo like I said, but...you should know... I'm a foster child."
Nobuko, who was about to drink her tea, stopped, gaping straight at Anna in the eye.
"Oh?," she uttered, blinking once. She sipped her tea. "How...how's that like?"
"It's," she muttered, picking up the rice onigiri, "it was hard for me, especially last year when I found some documents saying how the government was going to increase the subcity for my foster parents. I thought my parents didn't love me. That's why I was so gloomy last summer I was here." She bit into her onigiri to stifle the memory.
"Oh, I see," said Nobuko evenly. "Do you know what happened to your real parents?"
"They died in a car crash," retorted Anna automatically, "my grandmother died when I was two, and I spent some time in an orphanage until I was adopted by the Sasakis."
"Ah." Nobuko slurped a spoonful of ramen. She ate the narutomaki last, her favorite part.
Anna ran a hand through her hair, at the right side. She thumbed the blue hair clip she wore.
"This hair clip was my grandmother's," she said, lowering her hand, "Mom told me. And I also have a porcelain doll with blonde hair that also belonged to her. And an old photo of her home."
"Where did she live?," asked Nobuko.
Should I tell her the truth? Anna smiled. She picked up the ramen bowl and picked up the boiled egg. "It's not important."
"Okay." Nobuko picked her last onigiri, popping it in her mouth.
"I'm told that my grandmother had the same blue eyes as me," quoth Anna.
"Oh, really?," said Nobuko. "Wow. Was she foreign?"
"I think she was."
The two girls finished their meal in a matter of minutes. As soon as Anna finished helping Nobuko clear the picnic, Sayaka, and her brother, Takeshi, were already making their way toward them.
"Anna!," called Sayaka, waving her arms.
"Sayaka," said Anna, sauntering up to her and Takeshi.
"Hi," said Takeshi.
"Takeshi!," chirped Nobuko, eyes twinkling. The boy in turn recoiled before stopping to bow.
"Nobuko," he said, avoiding eye contact.
"You know each other?" Nobuko's question was so obvious it had the depth of a shot glass.
"Yeah," retorted Takeshi, scratching the back of his head. He looked at Anna, saying, "My sister and I were just gonna go for a hike in the forest. She saw you and wanted to invited you. Wanna come?"
"I'd love to," answered Anna.
"Can I come, too?," inquired Nobuko.
"Yeah!," chirped Sayaka. "The more, the merrier."
Takeshi looked like he was swallowing sawdust.
"Oh hey," piped Sayaka, "you're wearing that top."
Anna looked down at herself. She was indeed wearing the pink top Mrs. Doi bought her. She also wore khaki shorts and sneakers.
"You look great," commented Takeshi.
Anna smiled. "Thank you."
The group crossed the marsh, entered through the gate leading to the mansion's backyard (with Nobuko stopping to leave her picnic blanket and basket on the table), then exited through a side gate to the east wing.
The forest was tremendous, compact, and prospering. Its canopy was monopolized by cedar, hickory, and redwood, and sparkling light dancing between the branches allowed for an overabundance of shrubs the insect riddled soils below. Curling climbing plants waved from occasional tree, and a range of flowers, which grew in abundance, added playful elegance to the otherwise emerald scenery.
A tumult of animal noises, most belonged to small critters, added life to the forest, and added to the sounds of the occasional sounds of breaking twigs beneath the feet of larger animals.
Anna gazed down at a cluster of brownish mushrooms growing out of the trunk of a tree. Memories came flooding back to her the further she trekked. Clear, silver bells rang from the nearby brook in compass to the birdsong.
Every once in a while, Takeshi stole a glance at Anna. When Anna glanced over, he just as quickly glimpsed away.
Anna listened to Nobuko's high-pitched voice prattle on.
"So, Takeshi."
"What?," muttered Takeshi uncertainly.
"I was thinking maybe—if you're not too busy—that maybe...you'd like to go out for ice cream tomorrow."
"Uh, no, that's okay. I can't eat ice cream."
"Yes you can!," hooted Sayaka, standing straighter.
Anna gave a tiny smile.
"Well," retorted Nobuko, "then how about I invite you out for lunch? Do you like tempura?"
"Hate it," said Takeshi, head hanging so low his neck would swallow it up.
"Oh, um, then, how about we go to this place that has this delicious hakuto jelly?"
Takeshi, having remembered they were standing next to the brook, spotted the moss-covered tree that acted as a bridge. He raced across it with such speed.
"Sorry! Real busy all summer!" His voice cut through the insouciant atmosphere, echoing back.
"Hey!," called Nobuko. "Takeshi!" She stepped onto the dead tree, and crossed it at a slower pace due to her weight and body. She raised her arms to keep her balance. "Wait!" She jumped off with a precise thud on the other side of the brook. Takeshi was yards away by now.
"Come on, Anna, let's follow them," stated Sayaka.
"Coming."
Anna watched Sayaka walk across the moss-laden tree, one foot in from of the other. The girl insisted she do it on her own. Anna swiveled her head, catching the beauty of the trees and the light cutting through their crowns. A bird flew by, its bright red feathers gleaming in the sunlight.
She was about to look away when something caught her attention. Anna stared, eyes protruding. She was standing several yards off, but she was discernible enough. Marnie stood between two trees, her blonde hair cascading to her waist in tight ringlets. She wore her trademark powder blue dress with old-fashioned ruffles and her brown boots. Her blue eyes looked back at her, they held a sort of spark. Noticing how she stood in the infinite sea of green, it gave Anna a new idea on a sketch. She would start on it as soon she got home. Marnie's smile could melt ice in an instant.
She waved to Anna, and Anna found herself waving back.
"Anna!," called Sayaka, standing on the other side of the tree bridge. "Hurry up!"
"I'm coming," said Anna, stepping onto the tree. She glanced at the spot again, only to see that Marnie was gone. Anna kept her smile.
Walking along the mossy tree was easy enough and she leaped off, following Sayaka in her attempt to catch up to her brother and Nobuko.
The calls of the birds resonated in the air, overshadowing the trilling chirp of crickets. A dragonfly buzzed by a grove of pines. White light knifed through the treetops and the dainty flowers stood proud, snubbing the more miniature, humble mushrooms resting underneath the shade of trees. A thicket of weeds claimed space for their own, snatching onto the scraggly bark.
The beauty of the forest oozed out of every nook and cranny, and each sound worked in a perfect harmony pleasant to the ears. It was in tune.
Well, how's that for my first fanfiction for When Marnie Was There? ^v^ Don't ask why Anna would bring her inhaler with her, this is just me trying to make her come off as responsible.
I did my best to make Anna in character while also trying to make her experience new things. I tried to do a balance with it
Having Marnie appear at the end was all part of the plot. It's suppose to show that Anna can go on without Marnie always having to hold her hand. But she'll always be there to guide Anna when she needs it.
P.S. If you're wondering why there's mention of Takeshi and Sayaka having a father. Well, it's because I don't see Mrs. Doi as a single mother. She just doesn't come off as that. (Don't hate me).
Thank you all for reading this story. ^_^