Part III
Chapter 67
The dark of the late night surrounded Eiko. She lay there on her bed, the door closed, her business attire still upon her. She had spent this Sunday mostly catching up on things at work, and afterward, had joined a few close business friends for a small night out. The smell of fine wine still emanated from her lips, but even a drink of such rich quality hadn't helped to soothe the massive pain inside her chest.
...I'm such a fool.
Her hand was clutched over her heart, the oozing agony that flowed out from it not a familiar sensation to her. Since last night it had grown in strength, gaining momentum throughout the day. Enormous guilt, heartache, an acknowledgement of wasted years, it all swirled together inside of her now, a mix of emotions that Eiko wasn't sure how to handle. She felt that she completely and truly deserved it all, though. It was her punishment for letting this game run its course for so long, a terrible enterprise that she should have never even imagined starting.
She had wanted Yukari.
She had always been interested in her, her desires for both her and women as a whole cemented on that one drunken night so long ago. The seduction of her own sex had become an intoxicating experience to Eiko, especially when they advertised as straight, and Yukari had become the pinnacle of that lust. Beautiful, wild, self-centered and indomitable, she was the exact type of woman that Eiko had wanted to see swoon endlessly for her. It was that aspect of watching someone fall into her spell that made life so potent for her, so completely fulfilling, and the harder the catch was, the better.
So, simply making out with Yukari when she didn't have her wits about her wasn't good enough. No, it had to be real. A real affection, a real love. And if Yukari could become hers, then Eiko would love her back genuinely as well. She'd treat her with tenderness and admiration, ecstatic to see that glow of attachment to her in her eyes, that look of submission to something so sublime.
And, she had seen it!
She had seen that slight sparkle in some of Yukari's glances at her, when her defenses were dented by Eiko's razor sharp smile and looks. Everyone who fell for her beauty, her intellect, her personality, displayed the same sort of amazed face and manner. Eiko knew she could tempt her, like she could any man or woman. That was her trade, afterall, and she performed it with finesse.
Yes, she knew she could get Yukari.
She knew it.
If not, of course, for one small obstacle that had completely blocked the clear trajectory of her wishes for so many long years.
...
Minamo.
Eiko covered her eyes with an arm, sighing deeply.
...Minamo...
She was the distraction.
As long as she was around, Yukari would never be caught, because she wouldn't allow herself to be.
Eiko knew the truth about her past relationships, the long strings of boyfriends.
Yukari had always been dumped by them, yes, the men running away once her outlandish personality overcame the profits of her good looks. But, that was only part of the story.
Minamo…
It was her!
Yukari never strayed too far from her warmth.
Why?
Why would she bother, when she felt she was already with someone who was so much more kind, more patient, more fun, and more amazing than anyone else she could ever meet?
That was why Eiko could never fully capture Yukari's attentions, the way she had done so with so many other women. Yukari's closest bond with another human being was with Minamo Kurosawa. There was a special type of affection that Yukari showed to her and to no one else in the world, which had been the strangest thing to anyone who knew her even remotely well. Minamo was her exact polar opposite in personality and outlook. How did it all hold together for so long?
Was it...love?
Did Yukari Tanizaki actually hold a special place in that thick heart of hers for Minamo?
Eiko didn't know for sure.
She did know, however, that Yukari's inclinations weren't completed cemented around dating men. It was obvious to her from the way she had looked at her before. And, it was just as obvious that if anyone wanted a real shot with Yukari, then Minamo would have to leave the picture. That iron bond between them would have to be broken down somehow, someway, and the only way that could ever happen was if one of them initiated the ruin of it themself.
Which is, of course, what had just begun to occur.
Eiko had always figured that it would happen at some point. Minamo couldn't hide being gay forever, let alone her real feelings for Yukari. She would drop the ball in some sort of dramatic fashion, and that special trust she had with Yukari would begin to crumble. And it would all be due to her simply not having the courage to have ever come out and profess her love directly and honestly, instead of saturating the foundations of their relationship with lie after lie, no matter how unintentional and innocent they may have been.
Minamo herself would sour things. Yukari would then realize that many of her youthful hardships had been due to her unwavering trust in her old friend, and then, after some level of conflict, she would become free for the taking. And Eiko wouldn't have to do anything at all, which suited her just fine. Instead of forcing any sort of interference on her own part, which would have just backfired, she would instead simply let things fall as they may. When it was all over, she would then help Minamo rebuild herself and find her an even better woman to replace Yukari. Minamo was an attractive person, and she'd be ecstatic to realize how popular she'd be on the gay scene. She'd get over Yukari, realize how much of life she'd missed out on, and then, move on. And once she was happy and content with her new life, the remnants of her past love completely dissolved and forgotten, then, and only then, would Eiko move in
And in the meantime, she could wait for it all to unfold. Eiko was a patient woman, and had many other ways to entertain herself in the meanwhile. It was a big ocean, after all.
It would have all worked out so well, she had felt all this time.
Yes, Minamo would go through some pain. That was unfortunate. But, it was the only way she'd be able to escape from her reticent ways, and she'd come out that much better because of it. There was a far greater match out there for her than Yukari, anyway. They didn't really seem right for each other, did they? No, Yukari needed someone far less dull, and Minamo needed someone much more practical and caring. So, Eiko would find her friend's one true love for her, she would have made sure of it, and then everything would have worked out fantastically.
Everyone would have won.
She had done the math. She had predicted how everything would go, how everyone would suffer, and then, ultimately find their most wonderful of endings.
...stupid...
That had all now come crashing down horribly, of course.
The ache bubbled up in Eiko's heart again. All day long, the image of Minamo's trusting face had haunted her. Minamo looked up to her and admired her deeply, Eiko had always known that.
But, to see Eiko as some kind of mother…
She shook her head with frustration.
…why did that kid have to say that?
She sighed again. No, this wasn't Kagura's fault. Eiko had now come to realize that there had been a small flaw in her plan all along, a variable that she hadn't accounted for nor truly understood. It would have come to light eventually, most likely when she had planned to go and talk to Yukari this week. Eiko had wanted to calm her down during her visit, ensure that she wouldn't reveal that Minamo was gay, sow the seeds of that peaceful separation…
No, it wouldn't have happened.
She would have lost her nerve in front of her, realizing at the worst time what she had done.
Eiko loved Yukari.
But, she now also realized that her love for Minamo was even greater than that, the sort of raw devotion that a parent would show for their child. She wasn't just a good friend acting as a big sister. She was far more than that to Minamo, and Minamo to her.
That's what Eiko had missed in her plans. At the end of everything, she had never really understood what her heart truly prioritized in life. Ever since she had known Minamo, she had been her caretaker, watching out for that innocent little kid, one who was just a little too afraid to ever confront some things on her own, who never had a parent who truly wanted to relate to her.
She turned on to her side, her fingers pressing against the headache that had developed in her forehead.
…I knew. I must have known. I've been motherly to her, and her own mother has never been too close to her. Why didn't I put it together before, then? What had been going on with me…?
Another sharp shot through her chest.
…don't be stupid, you idiot. It's simple. You were jealous. You just didn't want to admit it until now. I've been jealous of Minamo all these years. That's why I always kept some distance…why I didn't want to see myself as her replacement mother. All of this was so much easier to gloss over as some kid playing big sister. What a stupid, ignorant fool I've been. I've always just been...
She ground her teeth.
…jealous.
Of...her.
That dull, sweet, little coward...
Eiko had never fathomed it, never understood it.
She was a vivacious, amazingly attractive, intelligent woman with oodles of money.
Minamo was a kind, but boring, by-the-book type.
So how could someone like that garner more attention from Yukari than someone like herself, someone who could attract whomever she wanted, whenever she wanted?
Yukari and Eiko were both daring women, loved crazy types of fun, often ignored the rules and had many similar interests.
Why, then, did Yukari end up chasing Minamo instead?
Just because she saved her a few times?
Was that all it was? Because Yukari had found her proverbial damsel?
Minamo...
...she...she's nothi-
...gah, stop it.
She calmed herself, realizing that acrid envy was still incredibly potent within her.
She knew now, or rather, had become broken enough to finally own up to it. It was her own unrelenting jealousy that had allowed things to get to where they were today, and Eiko knew that her inaction all these years was due to it. It had conquered the better parts of herself so easily, fooled her into thinking that such a stupid and hurtful plan was in everyone's best interests, and had ultimately turned her into what she now felt she was: weak, selfish, and completely withdrawn from the reality of what she had been doing.
And most of all, it had blinded her. It had blinded her from seeing that it was Minamo who meant the most to her. It had blinded her from realizing that her friend's love for Yukari was far more powerful, far more pure and innocent than her own. If she had only had clearer eyes in the past, then she would have seen that it was Minamo's love for her friend that deserved to be fostered and nurtured, not her own hollow version of it.
And, although it was still so hard for Eiko to even think about, perhaps Yukari really did have genuine feelings for Minamo. Or, maybe she just rejoiced in the fact that someone of Minamo's make had found worth in her. Whatever it was, Eiko had been deeply resentful of what they had. That's why she had kept silent, never coaxing Minamo to come out back then, hoping her silly scheme would have all played out.
Secretly and insanely jealous of her oldest friend, of whom had idolized her endlessly in return.
"…I'm sorry, Minamo."
Another heavy sigh, another tear in her heart as her whispered words were heard by no one but herself, Minamo's happy face completely filling her mind.
Yes, that smiling, adoring face.
Just the same as it was when they were both were kids.
Seeing Minamo depend on her so much, that wonderful smile that always looked up at her, that still did even until this day...
It had pulled her back from the brink.
I'll do whatever I can to help you now. I promise.
She could let go of Yukari. Minamo's happiness was what really mattered to Eiko now, someone who had deserved a much better family and life than what she had grown up with. But, the pain born from trying to steal something away from someone who was so attached to her, while trying to justify that it was the 'best' thing for her, would never stop haunting Eiko, and she knew it.
…it should never stop hurting. I don't deserve to have this go away. But, at least it will keep me focused…on what I actually need to do now.
With a heavy sigh, she sat up.
She needed to fix this.
Minamo's love for Yukari was amazing, and it needed to have its wonderful merits reciprocated.
She understood now what Minamo truly needed, and what Yukari did as well.
But, was there still a chance, then?
Was the scar between them still mendable?
And, more importantly...was there even the remotest possibility that Yukari harbored something really special for Minamo as well?
Maybe, Eiko thought.
She'd have to act incredibly fast, though, and get her new plans into action immediately.
Minamo couldn't avoid work forever. She'd soon meet Yukari again, whether she wanted to or not, and that event might end up sending things to an even more awful place than they already were. If it happened at school, in front of all the teachers and students, then, all the worse for everyone involved.
It would be tricky, though. So many things to account for, so many ways that Yukari could end up staying angry at Minamo forever, even if she did have feelings for her.
…alright. Like I was thinking yesterday…I need more information. I think I know how I can do this, but…I just need to make sure.
There was someone whom Eiko had thought of yesterday who could possibly help fill in a few of those unknown variables. First thing in the morning, she'd go and see her. She knew where she lived, and was sure she'd be home.
She got off the bed, soon leaving her bedroom and quietly heading into the kitchen.
…for now though, more wine…and sleep...
Yes, she could fix this. Time was short, and some things would be terribly risky, but, she'd find a way to do it. She had a real mission now, a real purpose, to keep her going, despite the pain of her own broken heart: Eiko would successfully hook up the closest thing she ever had to a daughter with the closest thing she ever had to a real love, or die trying.
Another bright, sizzling morning assaulted the outside of Eiko's car as she parked just down the street from the Tanizaki's residence. The house was a lovely two-story model that sat in an overall decent looking neighborhood. Eiko had visited it quite often in her high school days, and was still making trips to it whenever she took Yukari out for a weekend lunch.
She exited her vehicle, having borrowed a more casual-looking, inconspicuous sedan from work an hour earlier. Her clothing was a bit more eye-grabbing though, as her tank top, long skirt, large sunglasses, purse, and wide-brimmed sun hat were all designer. Walking in trendy sandals, she passed by a few cars that were parked in front of the home as she made her way to the front door.
…yup, just like every morning. Good sign.
The visitors here confirmed that the person she had come to see was also present. Within another few moments, she was ringing the doorbell.
It soon opened. "Yeah? Oh! Eikey!"
Eiko looked down, smiling. "Hello, Ms. Tanizaki. How are you?"
The older woman grinned back up with enthusiasm. Eiko was fairly tall for Japanese woman, and stood at least a foot over Yukari's mother. The woman herself had her daughter's face for the most part, her features just softer overall. Fine wrinkles were mapped near her eyes and mouth, Eiko knowing that most of them had been earned from laughing far too much in her life. She was also far stouter than her daughter, but not fat by any means. It was that sort of thick hardiness that a farmer or laborer might possess, and it gave her an anchoring sort of presence. Her was tied up in a long, frazzled ponytail, dark brown just like Yukari's, and she wore a simple dress with a dirty apron over it. "Come on in! Come on in! I'm doin' great. Don't mind how I look. I have some friends over for our mornin' Mahjong game and I was just makin' them some fresh bread. Do you want some? Oh, wait…I bet I know what you're really here for."
Eiko chuckled as the woman stepped aside to let her in. "I'm sure you do. I've been trying to contact Yukari for the last few days, but, I haven't had any luck. I was getting worried, so I decided to come over and check on her. I'm sorry to intrude."
"No, no! You know you're always welcome here. Oh, but Eikey, I don't know what's been goin' on with that little idiot lately. She's in a kinda' funk that I've never seen her in before. She's barely talkin' to us and she seems all sorts of pissed off and depressed. Been drinkin' more than usual too, but, not with her old man! That's when I know somethin' bad's goin' on with her, when she doesn't want to drink with him."
Eiko gave an obligatory nod. "That does sound concerning. Is she here right now? I was hoping to talk to her."
Ms. Tanizaki shook her head. "Nah. She's at work right now. Oh! That's something else that's weird, Eikey." She closed the door, and then whispered to her in a conspiracy-laced tone. "Yukie's actually gettin' up early to go to work. That's not right for her. She never does that, not even if you've got a gun to her head. She always needs someone to kick her outta' bed."
She frowned. "…that's certainly odd for her. I've never known her to be an early riser, either."
"Yeah. Hey, you know what's goin' on with her? Somethin' happen to her?"
Eiko shook her head. "I'm not sure. I just came to see if she was here. You said she seemed angry about something?"
Ms. Tanizaki shrugged. "I dunno'. She's kinda' angry, yeah, but kinda' sad, too. Like I said, it's a new one for me. She barely even comes out of her room, except to eat. She really doesn't want to talk to anyone." The woman sighed, crossing her arms. "I'm not sure how to handle her when she's down like this. If she was just pissed off as usual, then that's easy. But really sad...well, I'm just leavin' her alone for now."
"That might be a good idea. She sounds like she just needs some time to herself."
"Yeah, guess we all do once in a while. But, still…I just don't like it, Eikey. That kid drives me nuts sometimes, but I'd rather have her yellin' her damn mouth off around here than sulkin' in her room all day. It's just not her."
Eiko nodded. "I understand. Well, I'm glad she's not hurt or anything, though. I thought something might have happened to her since she wasn't responding to me."
"Well, she's not 'hurt' hurt. But, somethin's eatin' at her, for sure. Kinda' surprised she's not talkin' to you about it. Maybe Minnie knows what's goin' on? They must both be at work now, right?"
She smiled, noticing the twinkle in Ms. Tanizaki's eyes as she mentioned Minamo. She and her husband were both crazy about her, Eiko knew, and had always been so thankful that she had become Yukari's best friend. "…I think Minamo took a few vacation days. I had asked her already, though, but she hasn't heard from Yukari lately either."
Ms. Tanizaki's eyes widened with surprise. "No shit? She's not even talkin' to Minnie? Oh, now I'm really gettin' worried…"
She patted the woman's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'm sure she'll be fine, whatever's going on." She looked over towards the dining room. Since upon entering the house, a chorus of loud, merry voices had been rushing out from it. "Sounds like they're having fun?"
Ms. Tanizaki grinned. "Oh, that'd be my friends. Hey! Come meet everyone and have a bite. You got time, right?" Without waiting for an answer, Ms. Tanizaki grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the dining room. Sitting around the dinner table were a few other ladies near her host's age. They all looked up together from the round of Mahjong they were playing as Ms. Tanizaki led Eiko in. "Hey, gals! This is Yukie's friend, Eiko."
Eiko removed her sunhat and glasses, of which invited gasps and other sounds of admiration when they saw how gorgeous she was. "Ah, nice to meet you all. It's a pleasu-"
"She's a millionaire, you know. She's that Toyota lady I've told you about before. And we've been super close friends for a long time, too." She crossed two fingers to indicate how close.
The gathered women all gasped again even more loudly this time, Eiko smiling sheepishly. Like her daughter, Yukari's mother had a slight tendency to brag about whatever or whomever she could. With great pride, the woman gave her some hearty pats on the back and beamed widely towards the group, almost appearing as if Eiko's status and fortune were her own.
Eiko was then helped to a seat, plus some coffee and freshly baked bread. She took a bite. "This is delicious."
Ms. Tanizaki sat next to her, laughing at the compliment. "You bet your sweet ass it is! You know I don't bake shit here, honey."
Eiko chuckled, and then watched with some amazement as her host consumed half a loaf in the blink of an eye. If Yukari got her drinking habits from her father, then her appetite definitely came from her mother. What she didn't inherit, however, was her mother's cooking skills, Ms. Tanizaki actually being a pretty good baker.
The next ten or so minutes consisted of a grilling interrogation session. Eiko was bombarded with a hundred questions about her life from Ms. Tanizaki's friends, the most important one being whether she was married or not. After confirming that she was single, she then faced a follow up onslaught of offers for meeting sons, nephews, and even a grandpa or two. After she had politely refused them all, the ladies got on with their game again, happily bantering with each other.
Ms. Tanizaki wasn't participating in the current game and leaned over to Eiko, whispering to her. "Oh, they're so damn excited to have ya' here! They're never this lively. It's because you're a celebrity, you know. They're gonna' be tellin' everyone about this."
"Well, I'm glad they've taken to me!"
"Hey, why aren't you at your job today, by the way?'
"I was at the office yesterday, so I'm taking a little time off today."
Ms. Tanizaki laughed. "Oh, 'course you can! You're the boss. You can do whatever the hell you want."
"More or less!" She smiled.
She took some time to catch up with the older woman. Whenever Eiko came by her house nowadays, it was usually just to pick up Yukari, so she didn't spend too much time chatting with her parents. Ms. Tanizaki used to be a character actor back in the day but retired once Yukari was born. She was a funny woman without a doubt, and Eiko genuinely liked her. She was 'real' to her, always speaking what was on her mind and never too afraid to do so. She was kind, but Eiko had also witnessed her angrier side, particularly whenever she had to deal with her daughter's inane antics. In one such example a few months ago, she had watched her drag Yukari out of her room, kicking and screaming, and then forcefully carried her over her shoulders fireman-style before tossing her outside into the backyard bushes and locking the doors. Yukari had been refusing to do yard work that day, and her mother wasn't allowing her to go to lunch with Eiko until she had finished it.
For a little woman, she sure is tough.
Eiko listened to her host talk about how much money she could make if she ever decided to turn into a professional Mahjong player, the rest of the group giggling at the prospect. At that moment, she also felt like she was a school teacher sitting at a table with a bunch of young children. That wasn't just because all of the women were as giddy as schoolgirls, but also because Eiko was much taller than any of them. She never gave her height much thought, but it was so apparent now as her head loomed over everyone else's.
I know age shrinks you some too, but, yeesh…
Eventually Ms. Tanizaki's bragging quieted some, and so Eiko saw her chance. Everyone else was focused on the game at the moment, so she leaned over to her, whispering. "…would you mind if I ask you something in private? It's about Yukari."
Ms. Tanizaki eyed her peculiarly, keeping her voice low as well. "Huh? What about?"
"…can we talk in the living room, if it's alright?"
The woman shrugged and then nodded. She stood up along with Eiko, turning to the group with a smug face. "Be right back, girls. We're gonna' go talk some business." She then led Eiko out of the dining room and over to a couch in the living room, both of them taking their coffee along. "So…what did you wanna' ask me about?"
Eiko made herself comfortable. "…I know Yukari hasn't been saying much lately, but, has she said anything to you that might have concerned you?"
"Like what?"
"Well, just…anything. Maybe she's having a problem at work. Maybe she had a fight with someone. Maybe she came home and started to vent about it. She usually does that, doesn't she?"
Ms. Tanizaki frowned, leaning back into the couch as she sipped on her coffee. "She does, but, she hasn't said anythin' about stuff like that. Actually, I thought the same thing at first. Well, sort of like that. I thought maybe she broke up with a guy that she didn't tell us about, but whenever that used to happen, she'd just come home and yell for a while and then go drinkin' with her dad. But this time, it's like she's mad, but it's a quiet mad. You get me?"
"…I think I get it. Yes, that really doesn't sound like her at all."
"You know if she was datin' someone, though?"
"No, I don't think so. We'd all know about it then, believe me."
"Yeah, you're right. She usually brags a lot about stuff like that."
"But, she's been saying a few words to you at least, right? Maybe something that struck you as odd?"
"Not much. She asks when dinner is, stuff like that. Legit stuff."
"But she's not eating with you, though?"
"Nope, just takes her food to her room and then doesn't make a peep. Thought she might be mad at us for somethin', but she wouldn't act like this if she was." Ms. Tanizaki raised an eyebrow. "Why's this so important, anyway?"
Eiko shrugged. "I was just wondering if she had vented about anything that might give us a clue as to what's going on."
Ms. Tanizaki thought to herself for a moment, setting her cup down and then crossing her arms . "…well, I guess one thing is weirdin' me out. Not somethin' she said. Somethin' she's doin'. Well, not doin', actually."
"And what would that be?"
"Well, isn't it obvious? You said it yourself. She isn't talkin' to Minnie!" The woman shook her head with frustration. "Yukie's always complainin' to her about everythin'. You can always hear it from her room when she's got her on the phone. She won't admit it but she always takes Minnie's advice on everythin'. It's probably why that dummy's still even alive. Anyway, I haven't heard her call her or nothin'!" Realization suddenly dawned across her face. "…wait a minute…"
"…what is it?"
"…what if…she's mad…at Minnie..?"
Eiko crooked her head. "Oh, you think they had a fight?"
Ms. Tanizaki pounded a fist into her other hand. "That's gotta' be it! Damned if I didn't figure that out earlier. Oh, if Yukie messed with my little Minnie, then she's really gonna' get a beatin'."
Eiko smiled, waving off Ms. Tanizaki's sudden anger with her hands. "Now, now, we don't know anything for sure. Maybe you're right. Maybe she and Minamo got into a fight. Let's not jump the gun, though."
"Well, let's ask Minnie, then! Wait, you said you talked to her. She didn't say anythin'?"
Eiko shook her head. "No. Maybe if they did have a fight, she wants to keep it private. You know how Minamo is. She doesn't like to involve others in her troubles."
"That's why she's an angel, Eikey." Ms. Tanizaki sighed. "Damn, I'm always hopin' that Yukie never screws shit up with her. Honestly, Eikey, if Minnie hadn't been around all these years to help us with Yukie then I'd have mailed that little dummy off to America or somethin' a long time ago. Like, no return address, you get me?"
Eiko chuckled. "Now, now…"
Ms. Tanizaki put her hands up in defense, as if she were surrendering to a crime. "Hey, don't get me wrong! You know I love my kid to death. Her dad does, too. But, holy shit Eikey, what a fuckin' pain in the ass she is sometimes."
She patted her host's knee reassuringly. "I know she's a handful. But, that's what makes it fun to be around her, right?"
"…yeah. I suppose you're right. I wouldn't like it much if she were a quiet little weenie. One thing me and her dad never had to teach her was how to stand up for herself, too. She's got that part down pat."
Eiko saw a little pride in the woman's face now, and she nodded in agreement. "She sure does. But, let's go back to your idea. If they did get into some sort of fight, then here's my suggestion: I know you're used to calling Minamo to help out with Yukari, but for now, let's leave them both alone. Yukari might not want to hear about her for a few days. It might set her off, you know? Maybe she just needs some time to cool down."
"…yeah, I guess that'd be a good idea. But if they're fightin', then, they gotta' make up. They gotta' get together. I mean, Minnie's gonna' be back at work soon with her when's she back from her vacation, right?"
"That's true. But, again, if they really did fight, then let's not butt into it for now. They're both adults. They need to work it out by themselves. We might make things worse if we try to force things while they're still getting over whatever it is that they fought about."
"...yeah, ok. But, I wanna' know for sure if they're fightin'. That's what I think happened, but it might not be true. We could be goin' about this all wrong if Minnie has nothin' to do with it."
Eiko shrugged. "It would explain why she's leaving early. Does Minamo usually pick her up still?"
"I forget if she does in the summer. I think their schedules were kinda' different." She nodded in understanding after a moment. "Oh, I see. Yukari's got to leave early then to get to work on time if she isn't getting a ride."
"That's what I'm thinking. You still don't let her use the car, right?"
Ms. Tanizaki gave an ominous shake of the head.
"...right, so, maybe part of it is that she doesn't want to ride with Minamo. And that also means that maybe she doesn't want to see her at school right now either, so if she goes in early, she can leave early."
The woman sighed. "That's gotta' be it, then. They're fightin'. Somethin' must have happened...".
"There's a good chance of that, yes. Especially considering that Yukari hasn't apparently called her about what's bothering her. That was a good observation to make!"
Ms. Tanizaki gave half a grin. "Ok. So…what do you want me to do, then? Don't mention Minnie at all to her?"
"…at least for a day or so. I'll get with Minamo and see if she'll talk to me about anything. Can you tell your husband to keep quiet about her for now as well?"
"Yeah, sure. When he gets back from the wharf, I'll fill him in. Oh, he's not gonna' like the idea of them fightin', though. He loves Minnie almost as much as I do."
She smiled. "I know you guys do! It's hard not to, right?"
"I know! She's so sweet and well behaved. She's always helpin' around the house whenever she's over, and always takin' care of Yukari. She's got such a big heart. I know all the kids love her at school, too. Yukari's so jealous of that. Always bitchin' about it. You know she actually respects it, though. That's just her. Besides, it's her own damn fault if the kids aren't likin' her. Why don't she just see what Minnie's doin' right? That girl always knows what she's doin'."
Eiko could imagine then, that if there were a Minamo fan club, that Yukari's mother would be the undisputed president-for-life of it. She was all smiles now. "She's definitely something special. You know that I've known her since I was little, right?"
"Yeah. Sure do."
"She's always been a sweetheart. Always polite and studious about what she does. Her mother really drilled that into her."
"Oh, her mother." Ms. Tanizaki gave a small roll of the eyes. "I haven't seen her in forever. She and her husband got divorced, right?"
"That's right."
"Eh, kinda' always saw that comin'. That woman's got her own ship goin' in her own direction. Gotta' respect that, though."
"Out of curiosity, did you two ever get along? I know she can be a bit militant."
Ms. Tanizaki wavered a hand side-to-side. "Eh, sorta'. She don't like my family much, especially Yukari, that's for sure. But we shared some views on stuff, so it wasn't always so bad. I wouldn't have a drink with her or anythin' but we never fought or anythin' either. Oh!" She laughed. "That's what it was. She used to watch one of the ol' shows I used to be in. She thought I was funny, and that I made her laugh! Isn't that grand? She was kinda' ok in my books then, even if she's kinda' uptight."
"Well, that's definitely a huge compliment coming from her."
Her host laughed again. "I was surprised she even knew how to laugh. But, hey, what can I say? The lady's got taste at least."
Eiko smiled. "If she was a fan of yours, then, yes, I agree! But, I do know that she can be difficult to get along with, still. I see her from time-to-time for some business dealings, and she hasn't changed all that much since I first met her. It's always been a wonder to me how Minamo's her daughter. They're so different."
"Oh, I know what you mean. Minnie's not like her at all. I feel bad for her sometimes, too. I always tried to mother her to death when she used to sleep over here. Fact, I still do."
"That's very sweet of you!"
Ms. Tanizaki smirked. "Eh, yeah, well. Figured she needs some pamperin' just like every kid out there does. I know she didn't get much of that growin' up, not from her mom, anyway."
"…I doubt it. Their whole family is a bit on the stricter side. But, they're successful because of it, don't you think?"
Ms. Tanizaki shrugged. "Yeah, but there are a lot of ways to get your gold. I mean, look at you. You're loaded, and you're not like her mom. You've turned out nice like Minnie, and I remember you gettin' into all sorts of trouble with Yukie back in the day!" She laughed. "Hell, I've met your family too, and they're not tightwads like Minnie's. They weren't a buncha' jerks."
"Well, my family's not nearly as strict Minamo's, but…yes, they were pretty understanding of me for the most part. I see what you're getting at."
"Damn straight you do."
"When was the last time you saw her mother, by the way?"
"Oh, I dunno', few years ago? I really only saw her once in a while anyway. Yukari don't like her at all, and she don't like comin' to this side of town, so, well, there ya' go."
"Yes, better she doesn't run into Yukari. That could end up on the news. But, I know Minamo still has a tenuous relationship with her as well. You know, her mother is a real perfectionist and has really high standards for everyone, especially for her."
Ms. Tanizaki let out a breath of disgust. "Pfft! Minnie's way above standards. She's our little angel from heaven."
"I think so too. It's great that you guys always took care of her as well, like you said. Your house might have been more of a home to her than her own."
The woman smiled proudly. "I wouldn't be surprised! We're not rich or nothin' but we're way more fun than her family of duds. Matter of fact, I remember when we'd have our big family get-togethers, we'd invite Minamo along too. Always got along with everyone, even if we were a little crazy for her sometimes. I dunno', I figure she just likes comin' here and hangin' out with us. No stress for her."
Eiko leaned back, crossing her legs. "Well, I have to say that I've always liked visiting here as well. I definitely know Minamo feels the same way, too. You're all like family to her."
"Well, she's part of ours! Oh, and you too, honey. I wouldn't forget about you."
She chuckled. "Well, thank you! I feel the same way about yo-"
"And it's not just because you're rich."
That actually made Eiko laugh quite hard. It took a bit to collect herself afterward. "You really are way too much, ma'am."
Ms. Tanizaki grinned like a buffoon. "Just bein' honest."
She smiled. "You know…it's always so easy to talk to you folks. Minamo must feel the same way. You must have a pretty close relationship with her then, right?"
"'Close'?"
"Well, I mean, you two really get along, right?"
"Hell yeah we do."
"That's what I mean. I know Minamo's always been a little afraid of her family, and so I bet she's come to you or your husband about some of her personal problems before. You know, since she felt more comfortable with you."
The woman looked slightly confused for a moment, but then appeared to quickly understand. "Oh! Personal stuff. Like, datin' advice."
"…yes, I guess things like that. I was thinking more about things to do with her family, or school, or friends, you know? I doubt she could talk with her mother or father about intimate things, and at that age kids are always looking for an adult to talk to. You know, someone who they like and that they can trust. That will listen to them, won't judge them, help them out…"
"Oh! I see what you mean. Well, sure, we're close. We've talked about some of her naggin' problems before. That's where I picked up that everyone in her family is really stuffy. Now that I think about it, she's always sayin' how relaxed and stuff we are! I think she's always been around more well-to-do folk", she pointed a playful finger at Eiko, "so maybe we were somethin' kinda' new for her. I mean, we're not poor, but were not rich either."
"Well…she does live pretty modestly right now. A P.E. teacher's salary isn't anything amazing, but, she never thinks about leaving for something more. She loves her students a lot more than her salary."
Ms. Tanizaki slowly and deliberately enunciated the word 'angel'.
Eiko chuckled. "I know. I know. She is. You know, though…I'm kind of curious as to what you've talked about with her before though, if it's ok for me to ask. I used to worry about some problems she's had in the past, but, she's always kept quiet."
"Hmm. Let me think." Ms. Tanizaki sipped more of her coffee, pondering to herself. "Well, we haven't talked about anythin' like that for a while. It was back when she was in high school, really. I remember sometimes she'd make her mom mad and she asked me how to fix things."
"Oh, really? What did you tell her?"
"I don't remember. 'Stand up for yourself'? Shit like that. I kinda' remember her not liking my answers, so then I'd just give up and make her a pie or somethin' to cheer her up."
"…that was probably hard for her to do. Her family can be intimidating."
"Yeah, I'll bet. Guess I wasn't the right person to ask for stuff like that. I was raised in a family that was always upfront with each other, so we were never really afraid of speakin' our minds to our elders. Minnie's though...guess she was always taught to keep quiet."
"…I think you're right, and that probably caused her a good deal of stress back then. She might not look it on the outside, but she's always had problems dealing with stress, mostly because she keeps things internal."
"Probably because of her family. Probably was nervous all the time, and that doesn't help with anythin'."
"I think you're exactly right. Actually, I even remember that there were quite a few nights where Minamo would lose sleep for days on end over some new problem. She'd have nightmares…"
Ms. Tanizaki gave her a funny look. "So? Don't we all get bad dreams? I mean, sometimes I'll eat some cake and ice cream before goin' to bed and next thing you know I'm dreamin' about fuckin' lobster men eatin' my face."
Eiko just blinked. "…what I mean is, she'd have some similar nightmares over and over again, probably because of stress. It was the strangest thing. Did she ever mention that to you, or maybe your husband?"
"…um, about stress?"
"No, I mean about having the same bad dreams all the time."
She scratched her chin, thinking back hard. "…bad dreams, bad dreams, bad dreams…oh! Actually, I sorta' do remember one time. Maybe, anyway. My memory isn't what it used to be."
"Oh? What was it about?"
"Well, I remember she and some friends were havin' a sleepover in Yukie's room. Back then I used to stay up pretty late, and so after midnight I see Minnie sittin' on the couch in the dark all alone. I asked her what's wrong because she's lookin' like she's seen a ghost. She told me she had some bad dream about watchin' herself get hit in the face. Weird, huh? Poor kid. Yeah, I do kind of remember her sayin' that she had the same dream a lot, too."
Eiko sat up, leaning forward. "That's so strange. She's told me about them before, too, and they all sound sort of like that. Did she tell you anything else about them?"
Ms. Tanizaki shrugged. "I don't know. Was a long time ago. All I remember."
"…but you said she 'watched herself get hit', correct?"
"Yeah. So?"
"It just sounds like a strange thing to dream about over and over again, to watch yourself…"
Ms. Tanizaki laughed. "Are you kiddin'? That's nothin'. Honey, you and me need to really sit down sometime and I'll tell you about some of my dreams. They're fit for screenplays and shit."
Eiko grinned. "We should! That would be very entertaining, I'm sure. You know, once things with Yukari calm down, I'd be happy to take you out to lunch somewhere. I'd even be happy treat your friends as well if they wanted to come."
A glint ran through Ms. Tanizaki's eyes then, salivating at the thought of a free meal just like her daughter. "That'd be fantastic! Oh, the girls would love that!".
"It's a plan, then." Eiko finished her coffee. "So...I'm a little curious. Were you able to help her after she told you about her dream? She must have been really spooked."
"Oh, yeah. I told her to just relax, she's safe here. Then I think I told her some jokes to cheer her up. But, they were dirty ones so I think I made things worse. Oh, yeah, I did make things worse. I remember that part. So, I just made her pie instead and spent the night with her on the couch. I think I put on a movie for her."
Eiko couldn't help but smile. "Aw, that was very sweet of you! I bet having you there cheered her up by itself."
Ms. Tanizaki appeared a bit embarrassed as she chuckled. "Wasn't anythin' special. That kid just needed some good love. She loves pies, too. She's always avoidin' sugary stuff, but she can't resist my pies."
"...could I ask you a favor, then? Do you think you could make one for takeout? If those two did fight, then maybe one of your pies would help cheer Minamo up."
The woman appeared delighted at the notion. "Oh, sure! Great idea! Actually, I have some made already. I'm always makin' them for the neighbors, so I got a stash on hand. I'll give you one when you go. Pumpkin one, that's Minnie's favorite."
They chatted for a little while longer about other matters, Eiko eventually taking a peek at her phone. "…I should probably get going now. I have a few errands to run. I don't want to keep you away from your friends any longer as well."
"Aw, don't worry. They can survive without me for a little while."
Eiko patted the woman's hands, holding them as they both stood up. "Thanks so much for the bread again. It really was good."
Ms. Tanizaki beamed. "No problem! Here, let me go pack you a pie, and I'll throw in a loaf as well. On the house!"
After getting a bag with the promised goods, Eiko said goodbye to Ms. Tanizaki's friends. Soon, she and her host were outside on the front porch.
"Shit, it's hot out here."
Eiko smiled, her sunhat and glasses now back on. "It sure is. Um, so about Minamo and Yukari…"
"Yeah?"
"Do you remember what we talked about?"
"Yeah. You said I should keep quiet about her for now. You want me to let her know you stopped by at least?"
"Sure, that's fine. She can call me if she wants as well. Just don't mention anything that we've talked about. Just say I stopped by to check up on her, talked to your friends a bit, and then left."
"Can do. You gonna' come by again then to see her later?"
"…maybe sometime this week. She should be a little more cooled down by then. If you can just let her know that I stopped by and am free to call, that'd be great."
Ms. Tanizaki nodded. After thanking her for her hospitality, Eiko got into her car and sped on down the road.
…'watching herself'…'watching herself'...
Eiko was on the highway, heading back home for now. She had picked up some lunch for herself and Minamo along the way, thinking about her the entire time.
…what did you see? What did I see?
Her visit to the Tanizaki's house had turned out better than she had hoped. She had wanted to talk to Yukari's mother to confirm a few things without her daughter being around, knowing that she would be at work. Kagura had said she was leaving for school early and had been right, which had then allowed Eiko a healthy amount of time to chat it up with her mother.
First, she had wanted to confirm that Yukari hadn't told her parents about anything that had happened, especially about Minamo being gay. While Eiko felt the two wouldn't care that much about it, she still wasn't sure if they could keep Minamo's secret to themselves for now. Moreover, if Yukari wasn't telling her parents about Minamo, then hopefully that also meant that she wasn't spilling the beans at work or to their other friends either. While Minamo did need to come out eventually, if she didn't do it at her own pace, then she might end up never doing it. Thankfully though, Ms. Tanizaki had no idea about it all, and was sure her husband didn't either. That saved a lot of trouble on Eiko's end. Far less noise to deal with.
However, Yukari's mother did have a decent head on her shoulders, and she'd have soon realized that something had happened between her daughter and Minamo. Eiko then had to tell her to not intervene for now, lest she or her husband make things worse, while also pretending to not know anything about the supposed fight herself. She had calculated that playing dumb was in everyone's best interests. The less that Ms. Tanizaki knew about the actual altercation for now, or that Eiko knew something about it, the better. Things can leak out in unforeseen ways unfortunately, and Eiko didn't need Yukari to feel like everyone was forming up against her behind her back. Besides, she didn't know if one of her mother's friends might be eavesdropping from the dining area. Good gossip from a celebrity can be hard to pass up.
So, Yukari's apparent silence was a good sign. Yukari's mother promising to not interfere was also most welcome. If she had come away from the chat with only those two victories, then Eiko would have been more than content. The whole Minamo-Yukari conflict was relatively stable at the moment, no early signs of disaster to deal with. But, as it had turned out, she had also come away with something far more amazing in addition to all of that, a glimmering gem of a revelation that had sent her hopes fluttering wildy when she had heard it.
…'watching'…
It had been a long shot, and Eiko couldn't believe how wonderfully well it had paid off. She had guessed that Minamo had a close relationship with Ms. and Mr. Tanizaki, to the point at which that one of them might have played counselor to her at some point. Minamo had told Eiko about her nightmares and such in the past, and so she figured that she might have told other people about them as well, people that she trusted and wasn't afraid of.
And so that critical piece of information, that Minamo had talked to Ms. Tanizaki about those nightmares of hers as well, had now become Eiko's trump card.
She took a relaxing breath as she zoomed home. The pains in her chest hadn't ceased their attacks on her all day, even when she had been enjoying her chat with Yukari's mother. Getting over Yukari would take time, she knew, but the guilt from ignoring Minamo's troubles for so long would probably be something she'd be dealing with for the rest of her life. Of the latter, she had no qualms with receiving.
…I know I've seen it before. She just needs to fill in the gaps. This…won't be easy, but, it's got to be done.
Her hands tightened upon the wheel, a slow, boiling rage now engulfing her.
Minamo's face.
A reflection of fear.
Over the last few days, the memory had begun to recover, its regrowth fueled by all the emotions that had been flying between herself and Minamo.
Bits and pieces here and there, long forgotten until now, rising up from the ground like a fetid corpse.
That stream of warm blood...
Eiko knew now.
She had remembered.
It was the key to everything.