First days passed then weeks, now it s been about a month. And I ve learned a lot about Kiku-san. And he has learned a lot about me. So far we have been sharing chores. He isn t that busy this past month. Then one day when I came back from the market I heard someone else in the house.
So Japan. When will she get here? The man had an American accent. It was very obvious.
America-san, please be patient. She ll be back. And I will do as I promised. I will introduce her to you. But you must promise me you will keep her a secret. I didn t know you were going to visit today this time it was Kiku-san speaking. I wondered why he wanted to keep me a secret. Did I do something wrong? But the American asked the question that was lingering in my mind.
But Japan! Why would you want to keep her a secret? There was silence. The Kiku-san spoke.
I m just waiting for the right moment to introduce her. I sighed out of relief, so I didn't do anything wrong. I put more of my weight on the door I was leaning on. For a second I noticed everything inside the room became silent. Then I felt the door I was leaning on opened and I fell on my back and next thing I knew the Americans face was right above mine.
Ouch. I hissed as I rubbed my head.
Are you alright? he asked me. I stumbled as I stood up.
I m back Honda-san. Umm yes I m alright. Just a little bruised. I let out a half-hearted laugh
Are you sure you re alright Scarlet-san? He asked looking too concerned. I sighed and I walked pass the American and looked at him straight at his brown eyes.
No I m not alright. I mean, I m alright physically, but not mentally. I mean, ugh, I feel guilty. I was eavesdropping. And I shouldn t have done that. I m sorry Honda-san. I bowed apologetically. When I got up, I immediately walked hastily towards the kitchen. As I was fixing the food I just bought. I was thinking about the first impression I made on the American. I sighed. I can t believe I did that! I m so stupid!
No you re not I turned around to find Kiku-san and the American standing side by side in front of me. Scarlet-san, you are not stupid Kiku-san said this with a smile.
Japan here told me a lot of things about you. And based on those things he said, you are most definitely not stupid. Just curious. I was surprised at how much this American has said about me. And that they were all positive. I gave them a stunned look. Kiku-san walked up to me and put his hand on my shoulder.
Never think you are stupid. You are just curious, and there is nothing wrong with being curious. He smiled at me and at that moment all the guilt in my heart disappeared. He pulled me towards the American.
Scarlet san this is America. America this is Scarlet-san. He pointed at us as he said our names. America came up to me and grabbed my hand and started shaking it furiously.
Hi there Scarlet! I m America. But my real name is Alfred, but you could call me 'The Hero'! He smiled an ear to ear grin. I took my hand back then said.
Is it alright if I call you Alfred instead? I rubbed my hand.
That s alright with me! I smiled and I turned to Kiku-san
Kiku-san, you and Alfred go ahead and finish your chat. I ll finish up here.
No, I ll help you fix the groceries, and then we could make something to eat together. He smiled. I just nodded in agreement.
I want to help too! Alfred shouted, I was about to refuse his offer and let him sit in the living room but Kiku-san stopped me.
There s no point in arguing with him. I sighed and I nodded at Alfred
YAY! he sounded like a little kid. But that didn t bother me. After fixing the groceries and making an afternoon snack. We went in the living room to get to know each other better.
By the way Scarlet. Where are you from? Your accent isn t Japanese, and your name isn t Japanese. And I don t think you re a country either? Alfred asked out of nowhere.
Well, you re right. I m not a country. I m from England I said quite proudly. But Alfred almost spit his tea out when I said that. Then he started coughing. I stood up slightly but he signaled me to sit back down.
I-I m alright. *cough, cough* Are you sure you re from England? he asked
Yes I am. Why? I was sure I looked confused.
Well you see England is my brother. And well your cooking is great! Unlike his.
Oh! Is that so? Well I really didn t like the food there. I cooked my own meals. And I rarely cooked English food. I love Japanese and Chinese food. I smiled. We talked for a few more hours and before dinner Alfred left. And as I was washing the dishes, a thought suddenly came to me. I just met another country. But most of all I just made a new friend!
