Music Piece 2: Gone with wind
Takara swiped at her tears furiously as they dripped down her cheeks.
My parents were on that particular plane! It's my entire fault! Why? She thought angrily. Why must I persuade them to come all the way to France just to see my stupid concert?
Right now, she hated herself. She was the cause of their misfortune. They were the only family she had.
What if they were dead?
Have hope, dear. There is a high chance that your parents are still alive…" Hope? " she murmured aloud. " I don't think hope exist. "
Takara had confined herself in her own room to avoid her college mates and their sympathetic looks. She was not in the mood to go to college today. She felt pathetic.
News sure travels fast, she told herself. Especially if your friend's parents happen to be famous superstars.
It was a known fact.
Life will never be the same again.
She buried her face in her hands.
And that is something, which I'm quite reluctant to find out.
Instead of having everything she wanted, fame, wealth and famous parents, she now had nothing. She was nothing. Without her parents, she will not be able to enjoy the lavish life she had had so far. Her music meant nothing without them. Her fame will cease to exist and people will fail to recognize her anymore.
I don't deserve this. I really don't!
All her life, her music meant so much to her. Her beloved harp. Her life will be ruined in just a blink of an eye. Her effort put into having this luxurious life will go down the drain. A waste of time and energy spent.
I'll simply become a normal person. Just one unknown human being whom people will not even be bothered with!
NNN
" Takara, dear. Takara, dear. Wake up! It's almost nine! "
Someone shook her shoulder gently. Drowsily, she lifted her head and blinked her eyes to clear her blurry vision. Mrs. Westmount, her guardian, came into focus. She stood there, looking anxious.
" Huh, wh-what happened? " Takara yawned, still looking woozy.
" It's five minutes to nine! ' Mrs. Westmount repeated.
The report of the survivors will be broadcasted on the nine 'o' clock news tomorrow.
Instantly, she was wide-awake and alert. Her hand shot out for the remote control lying on her desk and pressed the button. It was a matter of life and death.
" The list of survivors on that plane had been submitted to the media just a while ago. Unfortunately, the number of survivors is minimal. The name will be listed below. It seems that the rumors were indeed true. Both actor and actress Gail and Yumi Satake were both found on that plane. Yumi survived the crash and was immediately sent to the nearest hospital. However, Gail could not make it. He died five minutes before reaching the hospital. "
Takara felt a sense of both relief and sadness. Her guardian gave her a hug.
" Be strong, dear. Everything is going to be all right. "
Takara remained silent for she knew that it was not all right. Adults tend to say this because they really do not know how to react. They were hopeless. They think that by giving hugs, all the troubles will simply vanish into thin air.
For one thing, the dead cannot be brought back to live no matter how much I wish for it, she thought to herself.
NNN
She had to sneak out. It was a very risky thing to do. However, she was willing to take that risk upon herself. Her desire to see her mother was too strong that it overpowered all emotions of guilt and anxiety. She had deliberately disobeyed Mrs. Westmount's order. Her guardian had warned her repeatedly never to leave the house. The paparazzi would surely spot her because of her midnight black hair. It was a distinctive trademark that all Asians have. They would swarm round her, clicking their cameras and bombarding her with thousand of questions.
Like bees attracted to honey.
She laughed inwardly.
They really are desperate for the latest scoop.
Adjusting the hood of her fuzzy green sweater so that it shaded her eyes as well as concealed her locks, she stepped out into the bright sunlight.
This really is the first time I've been out alone. Having freedom comes at a price.
Briskly, she started walking. She quickly hailed a cab after checking the amount of cash she had in her purse which was just enough for two trips to and from the hospital.
" It really is an honor to meet a young harpist such as yourself, Miss Takara. "
She froze, opened-mouth.
The cabby laughed at her reaction.
" You thought I wouldn't be able to recognize you in that disguise? " he asked her.
Takara nodded her head.
" You music really inspires me and my wife, " the cabby continued.
She smiled weakly but did not reply him.
" It really is a shame that your father died. He was such a great actor especially when he acted together with your mother in that blockbuster movie, A Silent Smile. Your mother, Yumi, is a beautiful Japanese woman. Yumi means beauty in your native language, isn't it? It really describes her well. I heard that your concert was cancelled. Was it because of your father's death? "
Takara sniffed and looked away.
" Maybe I can't understand how you feel because I have no children to call my own. This is because my wife is unable to conceive. "
At this, the fifteen-year-old looked up. The man had a sad and wistful look on his wrinkled face.
" I'm sorry, " Takara told him.
" No, no. You shouldn't be. Just hearing your music makes us happy and we will have a positive outlook towards life. "
She smiled, a genuine smile.
" Well, we're here, Miss Takara. "
Takara turned her head towards the dull building which stood to her left, once again feeling the ever rush of longing. Grabbing her purse, she pressed a few bills into the driver's hand but he gave them back to her. The girl gave him a puzzled glance.
He smiled warmly and told her, " Keep the money. Save it for your mother's hospital expenses. Besides, I've already gotten paid. I had a chance to meet and talk to you face to face and that's more than enough. I wish you the best of luck, Miss Takara… "