My Dear Parasyte

Chapter 9

Questions or silence?

"Soooo….do you like anything?" asks Sonia.

"Is this garment appropriate for dinner?" asks Reiko holding up a silk lavender dress.

"It is if it's at the fanciest restaurant in town." Says Sonia snickering.

"Why do you laugh?" asks Reiko

"It's funny because the dress would only be appropriate for fine dining."

"Oh. That is what I require." Reiko responds.

"So I take it that this is a very special occasion that you're having or being invited to?" asks Sonia shaking her head in utter confusion.

"I was invited to a banquet held by Mister Takeshi." Says Reiko.

"What?" Sonia shouts

Nearby patrons stare.

"Yes you heard correctly." Says Reiko

"How did you get invited?" asks Sonia

"Although it is very exclusive I do have business with Mister Takeshi." Answers Reiko

"What kind of business?" asks Sonia.

"I am afraid I am not at liberty to discuss details." Says Reiko

She turns away from Sonia still holding the dress out in front of her as she begins walking to the purchase counter. Sonia narrows both eyes to slits.

"Are you sure there isn't something going on between you two? I'm only asking because if there is I won't go after him then." Says Sonia.

"Mister Takeshi is not my mate." Says Reiko.

"That doesn't exactly answer the question." Presses Sonia.

"What is the question?" asks Reiko

"Do I need to spell it out?" asks Sonia

"Use your words and ask me the question." Says Reiko

Sonia gasps not sure if Reiko just purposely made a smart comment or not.

"Did you sleep with him?" asks Sonia a little above a whisper.

"In his bed?" asks Reiko

"Did you have sex with him anywhere at any time? Ever?" yells Sonia out of irritation.

The entire store erupts into surprised gasps and murmurs from all around. Even the young lady at the checkout counter avoids eye contact. Reiko smiles at Sonia then breaks into a fit of laughter while watching Sonia with the now bug eyed look on her face. Reiko throws back her head laughing even harder.

"Are you really that uninterested in him?" asks Sonia once again growing unsure of herself.

Everyone in the store is staring at Sonia and Reiko hanging on their every word. Sonia squeezes Reiko's shoulder gently.

"We should go now."

"Yes." Says Reiko smiling as she pays.

They leave the store together and Sonia quickly changes the subject.

"Are you sure you shouldn't have tried on the dress?" asks Sonia.

"The measurements of the garment match my own." Says Reiko

"Well okay." Says Sonia

"You too are attending the banquet. Do you require clothing?" asks Reiko

"Yeah but I don't have the money to afford clothes like that." Says Sonia

"I will purchase a garment for you." Says Reiko.

"No, Reiko. You can't."

"It is my choice." Says Reiko.

"Really? I will owe you big time." Says Sonia excitedly.

"Lead the way and select a dress that is to your liking." Says Reiko with a nod.

"Thank you thank you so much." Says Sonia

She throws her arms around Reiko giving her a big hug. Reiko appears surprised.

Sonia takes a while to look around but finally finds the perfect dress.

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"I invited Miss Tara because she is of use to us." Says Takeshi to Gotou.

"How so?" asks Gotou.

"She will assist us with further plans."

"Will she be in agreement with everything?" asks Gotou.

"She may require a small persuasion."

"By whom?" asks Gotou

"Why not let her choose?" asks Takeshi.

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The rest of the weekend and following week are pretty quiet. Sonia still hasn't spoken to the male coworker that offended her. She and Reiko talk the whole week at school causing a few backwards glances. Sonia has done her workouts the whole week and feels she has more energy. Reiko and Sonia are finishing up their classes on a Friday afternoon. The banquet is on this day and is only hours away. Reiko is as cool as a cucumber, but Sonia is very nervous as both women release their classes for the weekend. This was the day. Sonia quickly says her goodbyes and heads straight home to shower and prepare. She had to do a few personal maintenance tasks before she was to be ready. She didn't want to miss a thing as she sprays the side of her neck with perfume. Her goal tonight was to be beautiful and noticed. Her dress was sure to get her noticed. The finishing touches are complete. Sonia grabs her handbag from the kitchen stool and leaves her home headed for the train station. Reiko is already riding the train. It makes a stop at a station and Sonia gets on. She smiles as her eyes meet Reiko's.

"Hey I thought you'd be going a different way." Says Sonia.

"What do you mean?" asks Reiko

Sonia had grown used to Reiko. She was an inquisitive person. It was actually very refreshing but may have been the reason why Reiko didn't have any friends.

"You look great." Says Sonia.

"Appropriate for the occasion." Says Reiko with a single head nod.

Reiko was wearing the dazzling lavender gown cut low exposing her back. She looked wonderful in it a true beauty. Sonia is wearing a more form fitting royal blue gown with sequins down the sides and a wave like cut reaching seductively down the chest area. They were sure to both be noticed at the banquet. Their stop seems to come quickly. Both ladies get off while receiving a few smiles and winks from male riders. Sonia shakes it off as they walk to the building together. Reiko seems to be familiar with the area so Sonia follows her lead. Once they make it to the front door Sonia pauses. The building looks so tall and majestic with all the polished windows and many floors.

"What do you think this will be like? Are we overdressed?" asks Sonia in a panicked voice.

"You're nervous. Why?" asks Reiko tilting her head.

"Mister Takeshi is going to be here and I don't know what to think." Says Sonia.

"You do find favor with him." Says Reiko with a thin smile.

"We can go in now." Says Sonia abruptly.

She would much rather go inside and face the outcome than stand outside and have an uncomfortable conversation about her feelings with Reiko.