Part I
Chapter 17
Minamo pulled the wool sweater over herself, enjoying the warmth that it provided, and then tossed her used clothes into a laundry basket that sat outside her bathroom.
She dropped onto her couch, the shower that she had just enjoyed causing her skin to feel so fresh all over, now free of the sweat that had dirtied it after her basketball game. Even though it had just been a simple recreational affair amongst a group of fellow sports aficionados, the competitive level of their matches was always quite always high, and Minamo could still feel the slight burn in her leg muscles from all the running and jumping that she had done upon the indoor court.
Her body laid itself upon the length of the furniture, her stare taking in the cold day outside of her balcony window.
Maybe a little nap now? Not much to do anyways…
Within a moment her eyelids closed, Minamo now pondering as to what she would be doing with the remaining free days of her winter break. A few months had passed by since her birthday in September, the end of the year coming in a few days, and she was currently enjoying the first bit of her seasonal vacation from work. Usually, however, she wouldn't be wondering at all as how to occupy herself during it, always having plenty to do with setting up lessons plans for next year and other such errands, but things were different this time. She was well ahead of schedule this semester, the usual logistical work for her school and side jobs already taken care of, and so she was now becoming stumped as to what else she could do in order to keep herself busy.
I guess I could just take it easy today, but I'm not really that tired. Geez, I think I'm already getting bored…
Her eyes opened again, Minamo gazing at the ceiling. "What to do, what to do…"
There were a few options that sprung to her mind immediately. She could finish watching the movie that she had started yesterday, browse the web on her laptop a bit, maybe do a little cleaning. Or, if she wanted to go outside again, she could go take a nice stroll around the town, but with Christmas Eve arriving tomorrow, she'd have to brave the gangs of sales-seeking shoppers that would undoubtedly be roving the sidewalks in their numbers.
Ah…but, if I had someone with me, then it wouldn't be so bad.
She lifted herself off the couch, picking up her landline phone as it lay on the carpet, pressing the keys upon it quickly.
Wonder what she's up to…
The dial tone rang a few times before Minamo was greeted by an answering message. "It's your time, so spill it." *beep*
She frowned, hitting the re-dial number. I know you're there…
"…yeah, what is it?"
"Hey, Yukari! It's Minamo."
Yukari spoke again, her voice a bit hard to hear due to some clamor in the background. "Yo. What ya' want?"
"Umm…where are you? I hear a lot of people."
"Yeah, I'm shoppin'."
"Oh, really?" She chuckled. "Are you out by yourself?"
"Yeah."
"Wow…you're very courageous! It sounds pretty hectic out there."
"I don't wanna' be out here."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
A grumble came over the line. "…stupid mom kicked me out."
"W-what…? What happened?"
Her friend responded, but Minamo wasn't able to hear her over the accompanying commotion.
"Say again? Sorry."
Yukari began to half-yell. "I said I tried to make a cake."
"What? What cake?"
"A cake, dammit'. The thing you eat."
"I know that, but…why would she kick you out for that?"
Yukari's voice became jaded. "…'cause I tried to make one. Don't make me say it again."
"Ok, so you tried to make one, and…?"
"…look, listen, dammit'. I-tried-to-make-a-cake."
It took a few moments, but Minamo was able to finally understand what her friend was talking about, laughing as she did. "Oh…oh! Right, right…so, is she pretty mad?"
"Shit, yeah. I thought she was gonna' kill me."
She laughed again, Minamo imagining the sight of the messy kitchen that Yukari must have left for her poor mother to clean up, her friend never having had any real amount of culinary skill. "Why did you try to make one anyways? I thought you hated baking."
"I do! But…argh, that stupid Chiyo-brat…freakin' showin' off…"
The grin on her face subsided slightly as Minamo became perplexed by the woman's words. She knew who Yukari was talking about, a bright young girl in her friend's homeroom class that had skipped her way to high school quite quickly, but she didn't really follow as to the situation concerning her. "What about Chiyo, now?"
"Well…she brought this cake that she made for class yesterday, for Christmas. It was pretty damn good."
"Really? To be honest, I'm not surprised. That kid is pretty talented."
"Yeah, well, it pissed me off."
She rolled her eyes. "…I get it. You got jealous and wanted to make one yourself."
"I wasn't jealous! It's…uh…well, shit, ok, I was. I hate little punks like her that think they're all that."
"I doubt she was trying to show off, Yukari. She was probably just being nice. You know how she is. She just wanted to treat everyone, I bet."
"My ass. I know how kids like her work, Nyamo. They try and butter up everyone with stinkin' cakes and whatever other crap they make, ya' know? But yeah, anyways...I figured, if that stupid brat can make one, then anyone can."
"...so you basically wanted to prove to yourself that you could outdo something that a child has done?"
"…you know, Nyamo, sometimes, when I talk to you, I get the impression that ya' think I'm stupid."
"I'm sure...anyways, hey, I just called up to ask...actually, where are you at right now?"
"I said I was shoppin'."
"No, I mean, where are you shopping at? Are you in a store right now?"
"Oh. Yeah, I'm at that bookstore we were at least week. The new one."
"Ah, ok. Well, I was thinking about doing some walking. I just got back from a game and I still kind of want to move around, so I'll come and join you down there if you want some comp-"
"Buy me food!"
"What? No, I'm not going t-"
"Buy me food!"
"Yukari, do-"
"Buy me food!"
Minamo shook her head, her friend sounding like such a baby now. "Fine. But I'm ordering for you, so you can't go for the most expensive items like you always do."
"Why are you always so damn stingy?"
"Excuse me? Who's the one being stingy with her money here?"
"Well, I got things to invest in, unlike you. I'm an investor."
"In what? Beer?"
"Beer 'industry'. That's totally different."
"Whatever. Look, anyways, I'll come over there right now, so don't go wandering off."
Yukari laughed. "Ok, ok! Come on down here."
"I'll give you another call when I'm outside the store, ok?"
"You don't gotta do that."
"Um, why not? It'll be easy to meet then..."
"'cause I always know when you're around, Nyamo."
"Oh, yeah?"
"Yep! I can always sense when a cheapskate is approach-"
She slammed the phone down on the receiver, Minamo now reconsidering the idea of just spending the rest of the day at home.
"…and that's why kids are idiots, Nyamo. I mean, who actually wants to put up with their stupid whinin' all day long anyways?"
Minamo took another sip of her coffee, setting it down on the table. "And you aren't 'whiny' at all like them?"
Yukari crooked an eye at her. "What you tryna' say?"
"I'm just saying that you're kind of like a big kid."
Yukari's face grew angry as she slammed a fist down next to her plate, causing it and the silverware around it to clatter noisily. "And now yer' callin' me fat, too?" She pointed an accusing finger across the table. "You're the fat one!"
She stirred her drink. "Calm down. That's not what I said. What I meant was, that…when I walk into your classroom sometimes, well, your behavior can make it hard to figure out whose actually teaching the class..."
"Oh, yeah?" Yukari leaned back in her chair, grinning widely. "Well, it's easy to pick you out. Just look for the desperate ol' hag!"
Minamo grinded her teeth together, taking a moment to quell the irritation that had ignited inside of her from her friend's remark, the small cafe that they were eating at not exactly the best of environments to start a fight. "You know, now that I think about it, I might be a little short on cash to pay for your part of the bill after all..."
A shocked expression came on Yukari's face, the woman sitting properly again, looking cordial now. "I'll be good, ma'm!"
She sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Well, so, what do you want to go do now?"
"Hmm…I dunno'." The woman threw one last piece of a brownie into her mouth. "Thfwer's..." She gulped it down. "...there's another new bookstore I was gonna' go to if yer' up for it."
"Yeah, that's fine. You ready, then?"
"Yup!"
Minamo stood up, pushing in her chair while donning her coat, grabbing her long-strapped handbag as well. She took a quick look out of the cafe window, noticing that the crowds had thinned out a little since they had first arrived here a half hour ago. "Well, let's get going, then. Looks like we can get through there pretty quickly at the moment."
Yukari got up as well, picking up her own belongings before spreading her arms out wide. "Carry me!"
She ignored the woman as she made her way to the front register, paying the clerk, and then joined her again as they both headed outside, a slight wind blowing by them as they exited.
Yukari stuck her hands in the pockets of her own coat, shivering a bit as they began to walk to their next destination. "Think it's gonna' snow again?"
Minamo looked around her, traces of white here and there upon the sidewalk. "I don't think so. It's been a pretty mild winter so far."
"Aww!" The woman blew out a frosty breath. "I wanted to build a fort…"
She smiled, taking in a taste of the clean, crisp air, and then began to gaze at the sight of all the Christmas decorations that peppered the buildings around them. Since it was still relatively early in the day, none of the lights and other luminescent seasonal displays had been turned on yet, but the bundles of visible wires and frames for all of it were still quite visible. They were in themselves a show to Minamo, webs of wires that strung themselves from the trees and stores, coming to full life whenever the darkness of the evening began to creep into the sky.
"We should come here at night, Yukari. It'll be pretty cool to see all of this lit."
Her friend shrugged. "It's the same thing every year. They never do anythin' different."
"Well, but, still, it would be fun! But then again, it's always so crowded…oh, where is this place we're going to, by the way?"
"Uh, it's by the arcade, I think...err, or was it by the Mcdonald's…?" Yukari smiled hesitantly. "I remember hearin' it was somewhere in the district we're goin' to..."
Minamo shook her head sadly. "Well, we're walking towards the city, so don't get us lost."
Her friend chuckled. "It'll be ok! Just think of this as an adventure! How can ya' find new places to check out if ya' don't get a little lost once in a while?"
"That might be true, but…" She dodged a few people who were passing by too closely. "Getting lost in strange places isn't exactly how I planned to spend my day..."
Yukari laughed, both women continuing to chat it up as they made their way down the bustling sidewalks, the pair thoroughly enjoying each other's company all the while. Minamo herself was getting the most out of the experience, walking about the town one of her favorite pastimes, especially when she had her good friend alongside to entertain her. Yukari was never anything short of a real comedian, and her wry sense of humor and over-exaggeration of their conversational topics always struck Minamo's funny bone at just the right places.
You're still the most hilarious person that I've ever known. It really was a good idea to hook up with you today…
She laughed again at another of Yukari's jokes.
Hook up…?
A frown abruptly ran across her face, Minamo's high spirits returning to earth now as the blur of activity that was around them suddenly sharpened into focus.
Ah, damn it! I totally forgot...
Her eyes averted away from what she had now become cognizant of, Minamo just staring down at the pavement as they moved.
"What's wrong?"
She looked over at Yukari, putting on a weak smile. "…nothing. Just a little tired, I guess. Too much sugar in those pastries I ordered."
"Oh." Yukari shrugged. "Well, don't fall asleep on me, 'cause I ain't gonna' drag you."
Minamo gave her a curt little nod, hiding back the sudden gloom that was now trying to leak through her faked happy expression.
Every stupid year now...
She kept her head low, Minamo trying her best to avoid the sights that had come into view now, of all the young, happy couples that paraded about the city's edge on this day before Christmas Eve. Up until a moment ago she hadn't paid them much notice, her mind having been occupied with her conversation with Yukari and other miscellaneous thoughts, but now that she had become aware of them…
When am I going to get over this? Come on, just grow up already…
Minamo bit her lip, a habit of hers whenever she tried to push off the somberness of her romantic life. While she had always loved any holiday occasion for what they were in themselves, she had gradually grown a bit leary of enjoying them out in public spaces, the lack of a special someone to share them with making her feel as if she didn't fit in with the rest of the world that did. It was a hard fact for her to cope with, of how the hundreds of other women currently around her, with husbands and boyfriends walking cheerfully by their sides, didn't share in her dilemma at all. It just always felt to Minamo as if they were all mocking her with their good fortunes, bragging about how easy it was to find and keep a companion, as if she had none of their charm or capacities to do so.
"Yes! There it is!"
Minamo looked up, Yukari pointing over to an open plaza.
"Ok…I know it's in there somewhere. Come on!"
She followed her friend, her steps so lethargic now as a familiar bitterness began to cement her body.
Why does this always make me feel so bad? Maybe Yukari's right. Maybe I really am desperate…
She took in a deep breath and exhaled, trying her best to release her sorrows as she continued to follow Yukari, the woman leading her into the middle of a circle of stores that were oriented around a small courtyard.
Her friend squinted her eyes, searching. "Where is it…where is it…"
Minamo looked around half-heartedly.
"You see any bookstore yet, Nyamo?"
"Nah…"
"Bah, you're no help!" Yukari walked away from her, her head zipping about frantically. "Wait here. I'm gonna' find this place quick."
Minamo didn't respond, her voice feeling drained now, and as she watched her friend run off she began to wonder if she, too, should do the same. There was just this desire in her to flee now, to go hide in her apartment and escape from the reality of her relationship woes, but at the same time, she didn't want to be rude to Yukari and bail out on her, especially since it was her own idea to come out here and join her in the first place.
It'll be ok. Just a little longer.
She braved another look around, trying to spot where her friend had gone to, and instantly regretted the decision.
Ugh…
Outside of one of the larger stores, standing together in arms embrace, was an affectionate couple that seemed to have no real cares in the world, given that they were making out in full view. A young, lithe man was showing his love for the woman he held, a beauty with dyed blonde hair, and the pair seemed to be entirely oblivious to their immediate environment. Those who walked by them put on disgusted, contorted expressions, as if they had just stumbled upon a scene that was straight out of some cheap hotel room.
The frown on Minamo's face sank even deeper, jealousy beginning to mix in with the depression, and she was just about to turn around and forget what she had witnessed before something peculiar grabbed her curiosity.
Wait a minute…
She stared at the lovebirds again, walking a few paces closer to them, her eyes widening as she did.
...I was right! Definitely, they're definitely…!
"I found it, Nyamo! It was around the corner. Damn, what a dumbass place to put a shop! Couldn't see it at all from here."
Minamo completely ignored Yukari as the woman returned.
Her friend gave her a scrutinizing look before peeking over her shoulder. "Hey! What's up? Watcha' lookin' at?"
She still didn't respond, Minamo unable to tear her eyes away from the spectacle before her.
Yukari walked over to her side, trying to locate whatever it was that was so interesting to her friend. "What's up?" A hint of excitement tinged her voice. "Someone get killed?"
Minamo nodded ahead of her, her train of thought returning. "Them, over there..."
"Huh?" Her friend swiveled her head. "Oh, those stupid kids. Ah, geez." She sighed dramatically. "They're not gettin' ya down' are th-"
"No."
Yukari paused in her speech, looking at her fellow teacher with some concern since she had spoken with such a calm, even tone.
"That guy. Look at him closer."
Yukari returned her stare towards the lovers. "Yeah, ok, so what? He's some skinny twit."
"You can't tell? Don't you see why everyone around them is looking at them so funny? Especially at him?"
"Uh, 'cause he's feelin' up his woman out here?"
Minamo shook her head, and as she spoke her next words, she couldn't help but feel the most powerful wave of pure, undiluted envy wash over her.
"Yukari...they're both women."