The dialing tone was the only thing making noise as Taro sat on the toilet in the restroom of his job at the bookstore. With this particular restroom being for employees, he need that privacy to avoid Osana for a few minutes. Already aware of her impatience, he needed a little to dial his teacher about his tardiness to the restaurant. As it was still picking up, he worried about what kind of response would he received. It had barely been a couple of days since her arrival to his class and he wanted to give her a great impression. Two things about Taro that concern him the most: punctuality and making first impression. His father once told him that 'first impressions means everything. How you present yourself on the first go around will impact the rest of your career.' Uncertain on how true it could be, why take a chance? He had already developed a reputation as a loner, he just nothing else degrading his resume.
After a minute, the phone picked up. "Hello," said the voice from the other end. It was something her voice that appealed to Taro. It wasn't seductive, but it was very alluring. How concise and clear on the way she talked drew Taro nearer to her. It was the first time that someone beside music and books earned his attention; not since his early childhood days in elementary school.
"Hi, Takahashi-sensei," said Taro, trying his hardest to keep his composure. Remain calm. Just relax and be yourself. "This is Taro Yamada from your homeroom." Taro bit his lip as he noticed that his voice was shaky. He thought he sounded like a prepubescent child.
"Oh, of course, my spring chicken," said Takahashi-sensei as she laughed. "I knew exactly who this was. I saved your number in my contacts."
"Yeah, right," said Taro, "You must do that to all of your students?"
"No," said Takahashi-sensei simply. Taro felt how simple and how straightforward his teacher was. It was different and he liked it. "Just those I think I deem as special."
"Really," said Taro, "Anyway, I am calling because I am afraid I might be late to our dinner date."
There was a moment of silence from the receiver. Taro's stomach churned and his palm were sweating from the anticipation of her response. Will it be positive? Negative? Upsetting? He needed to know right away.
"Oh, dear, that does not sound good," replied Takahashi-sensei. "I really wanted to get to know more about you. That was why I wanted this to happen."
If the ceiling collapsed on itself, Taro did not mind. My father was right. I have messed up and now she thinks I did not try hard enough to meet you, he thought.
"Where are you right now, Mr. Yamada?" Takahashi-sensei's voice was in form of curiosity and concern.
"I am at my job at the bookstore," answered Taro.
"I know exactly where to find you," said Takahashi-sensei. "Stay where you are. I will come and pick you up."
"I am not dressed. I am still in my school clothes," said Taro as he looked at himself. His uniform was dirty from the fall he had at the subway. He smelled his own perspiration on his clothes. He wanted to bathe so that he could be presentable. That was part of Taro's nature about punctuality and first impressions.
"That is fine, Mr. Yamada," said Takahashi-sensei. "Right now, I am leaving the gym. So, I am not at my best either. We are just having a chat is all."
Taro quietly thanked God along with a sigh of relief. "Great, I mean not in a sense of us being dirty. I mean I won't be alone. Umm, come as I am."
Taro face blushed as he felt the vibrations of her laughter coming from the other end. "Okay, Mr. Yamada. Wait there and I will be on my way. Give me about 30 to 45 minutes. Okay?"
"Great! See you then," said Taro as he bowed from the toilet.
He hanged up the phone as he wanted to scream from the top of his lungs. I can't believe it! I am about to have dinner with one of my favorite poets! This is going to be amazing.
Suddenly, he abruptly stopped when he noticed his own excitement. Remember, stay calm and relax. Rationalize your thoughts. Rationalization over emotions is the greater factor. He took a few breaths before exiting the restroom.
As soon as he departed from the restroom, reality set in as he heard the rantings of Osana when her eyes darted at him. Like an invisible ribbon gravitating his force around him, he was pulled toward the direction of where Osana was seated.
The bookstore had a small cafe where patrons purchased coffee and snacks. At that particular time of the evening, the grey marbled corner would be filled with patrons. However, with a holiday approaching, it was empty. Nevertheless, the sweet aroma of coffee filled the area along with the citrus fragrance looming from the flowers his boss had recently purchased. At its only booth, next to the window exposing the garden district, sat Osana with her eyes set on him. For the many years, he had known her, he now learn to ignore her rantings. Today was one of those days as he sat in the booth across from her.
"It took you long enough," said Osana. She had her elbows on the table. She rested her chin on her palms, with her eyes yet to leave Taro's sight. Taro looked her eyes as it matched her personality. A bruised ego, he thought. He remained questioning on why was he still friends with her.
"Sorry, had to take care of business," replied Taro as he looked at the menu.
She looked at the menu and he watched her eyes fixed on a certain item. "Do they sell good macarons here?"
"Yeah, they do. The best if you ask me."
"Then why not order me some for the table."
"Why do I have to pay?"
"One, you are a baka. And two, you owe me for chasing you early."
"You are still bent on that?"
"Damn straight, I am. What could have happened if you got lost or hurt yourself?"
"Osana, this is a small town. Worst case, I would have been back around in an hour or an hour and a half."
"Well, excuse me, you baka. Sometimes, I think you are a shit for brains."
At least I could flush shit down the toilet without having it to talk to me like that. That was what he actually wanted to tell Osana. However, not wanting to expose his true feelings, he opted for something subtle. "I will pay you back with these macarons and we can call it even. Deal?"
"Deal," said Osana as her frustration went away. Taro did not like how ingrained her wrinkles were when she furrowed her eyebrows. He had always thought she had pretty eyebrows. Everything about her was pretty. Time after time, he wanted to express himself about her personality, then he thought about her protective shell. He was not better than what she was. And it always answered his question on their longevity of friendship: birds of a feather flock together.
"Easy now, kids. You know it is bad luck for kids to talk like that," said the gentle-voiced woman.
Both turned and saw the older woman that was Taro's boss. She wiped her hands gently on her red-and-white checkered tattered apron as she approach the pair. She rested her eyes as she began scratching her forehead. "You need to quit worrying about silly things, kids. Worrying can bring wrinkles. Especially to you, young lady." She winked at Osana which made her blushed. She looked away from Taro's boss and faced the window.
"What can I help you with today, dear," asked Taro's boss as she remained smiling at him.
"I would like to have one of your finest macarons, ma'am, please," said Taro.
"Right away," said the boss. Before she walked away, she asked, "Would you care for something to drink?"
"Sure! What is today's special," asked Taro.
"Well, we have the blackberry oolong tea and the hot cocoa with peppermint," replied the boss.
"I think I will take the blackberry oolong tea," said Taro. "What about you, Osana?"
She was still looking away at the window. She sharply glared at Taro. "I will take what you have."
"Oh dear, I think you should try the hot cocoa with peppermint," said the boss while looking at Osana.
"How come," she said faintly.
"Because it matches your personality: feisty, yet sweet," said the boss as she chuckled.
"Very funny," replied Osana. "Fine! Give me whatever it was."
"Excellent! Be right back," said the boss. The boss walked in a cheery fashion as she began humming a tone.
When the boss walked into the kitchen, Osana scoffed loudly. Not loud enough where anyone else could hear, but within the proximity of the table.
"Your boss is peachy," said Osana with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"She means well. Plus, she is really cool once you get to know her," replied Taro.
A few moments later, the bell clinked as more patrons entered the bookstore. They were college-aged students, mostly female who appeared that they came out of class from the local community college that was a few blocks away. Soon, laughter filled the room as Taro and Osana awaited their order.
"To think that is going to be us soon," said Taro.
"Yeah, true," said Osana.
"Have you been looking at universities yet?"
"I have. Hokkaido and Kyoto have taken interest in me. I even got an invitation from a school in Nagasaki."
"I have looked at schools, but I want to stay local."
"Why? Is it because your grades are average and your baka brain can't handle the load?"
"No, Osana, that is not it. It is because. It is becauseā¦."
"Because what?"
"It is because of my dad."
Osana faced changed upon hearing those words. Her eyes shifted at his hands as she noticed it was shaking. Taro's issue with his father has been a sensitive subject.
"How has your father been holding up," asked Osana as she thumped her fingers on the table.
"He is okay. He has been better," replied Taro.
It was true about his father's disposition. Since the car accident, his father has been optimistic as possible. He knew that he was forever paralyzed and unable to walk again. Nevertheless, he focused on the positive. It was a raining that fateful day when his father took his daily commute home from work. As he approached an intersection, another vehicle adjacent from him lost control of his vehicle and collided at his vehicle at full force. The wreck involved two other vehicles as well as that particular vehicle burst into flames. It was fortunate that other drivers pulled his father from the wreckage, or else his father would have been among the dead.
His father survived the crash, as well as the others involved in the crash. Unfortunately, the driver who caused the crash died at the scene. Taro would never forget the day of his father's crash. It was a day that was supposed to be filled with excitement. It was the day of his 17th birthday.
He couldn't forget that day at the hospital upon learning the news of his father's accident. His sister, Honoka, was in tears whereas his mother remained calm. A calm and faithful person, his mother prayed for her husband's safety. His father was grateful to be alive. First, he told his family that he would not take anything for granted. Second, he wanted to be more dedicated to his family. Finally, he looked at Taro from the hospital bed and encourage him and his younger sister to strive for the best.
As much Taro wanted to go to an achieving university, he couldn't help but to stay behind and take care of his father. He kind of felt responsible for his father's crash. He questioned on numerous scenarios of what if he didn't sign the form to attend that prestigious high school.
Despite losing their home and their vehicle, his father reminded him that those things were just objects. He consistently reminded Taro that family was the main importance and being successful as well, not financially, but spiritually, physically, and mentally. Those abidings were part of Taro's core-family.
"If it is still a sensitive subject, then I won't talk about it," said Osana.
"No, it is fine. He is doing okay I was saying," said Taro. "He may can't walk again or do things easily, but he has hope. I can't help but to say that."
"How has your mom and Honoka been," asked Osana.
"They are doing fine. Mom has been super busy lately with work. Honoka hates her new school. Yet again, she never liked school," said Taro. "It is really because I am not there and she misses me the most."
"Your sis is such a brocon," said Osana. She had a conniving smile on her face. It sort of agitated Taro, but it was one of those qualities that made Osana cute. "I couldn't agree any more with you," he replied.
"I miss those guys. It is not the same since you left," said Osana. "My mom misses her talks with your mom. My dad enjoyed the golf games they played."
"It isn't like they are dead. They can always come and see them. We don't live that far," said Taro.
Osana tilted her head. Osana's body language was enough for Taro to understand the hidden agenda between the upper class and the lower class. Stay with your kind.
The boss arrived at the table. On the tray were the sweet scented macarons. The steam could be seen from it. She placed it at the center of the table. She then return and gave them their drinks. The blackberry oolong tea was placed in tall glass with a straw. The hot cocoa with peppermint was put in a wine glass. On top was whipped cream.
"How did you know I like it with whipped cream," asked Osana as she looked surprised. "I didn't even ask for it."
"Just a guess," said the boss, "Enjoy!"
The pair said their blessings before they partook the precious dessert. Osana took the first bite and her eyes lit like a Christmas tree.
"This is delicious!"
"Told you!"
"Who made this? I must know the chef."
"They say that a group of gnomes from the eighth dimension of hell made this. Might be one of your relatives."
"Screw you, you baka!"
"As much as you say it, I am beginning to wonder."
"You ba-. You, you. You won this round, for now."
"So, I win another one. Yay me."
The macarons were finished. The only proof of its existence were the crumbs left on the table and on the plate. Osana sipped her drink as Taro finished the last of his drink. Drinking the daily special became a tradition he created since visiting the bookstore. It was something that he added to the quirkiness. On warmer days, the veranda was open to allow readers to enjoy their drinks along with their foods. He didn't used the veranda because he thought he had no reason. But something about today made him wish that he did. Taro shrugged as he concluded that he had to wait until it was warm again.
"Since it is a holiday tomorrow, what do you want to do," asked Osana.
"Regardless to what I say, it will be your choice."
"You know me like a book. Seems like my training is working, you baka."
"Yeah, training."
"I was thinking that you, me, and Marcus go into town to visit the aquarium. Then, we should go to the movies or go to the drink bar and sing karaoke. Afterward, we should grab dinner..."
While Taro was listening to Osana, someone or something was trying to grab his attention. He slightly looked at the window. He watched the once empty square filled with visitors of the evening. The crowd attracted more of older teenagers and young adults. There were a small amount of families that have their kids ventured through the square. That particular area of the garden district included a shopping center, a restaurant, and a small neighborhood park that included a koi pond and a small garden shrine.
He shifted his head because he saw something was standing in the midst of the crowd. Once he fixated his eyes, he saw the figure. It was a woman. Her face was covered in a black veil. He saw that there was a white mask that covered her face behind the veil. She was very black gothic, Lolita clothing. Unable to tell what she looked like, but her appearance was beautiful. Her legs were clad in black high heel boots. Her dress was long and frilly as it extended to the ground. The sleeves were long as it dripped over her hand. Her long black hair flew in the wind like a river of silk. What completed the set was her hands were in black gloves and she was holding a bouquet of black roses.
He wondered why the crowd did not notice the mysterious girl as she stood across from the bookstore. She stayed in the position for a few minutes. Then the girl slowly moved her hand and pointed her finger at the window. His heart leaped as he knew she was staring directly at him.
He was hearing the ring coming from his ears. Knowing he was in a public place, he did his best to keep calm, especially with Osana. When he turned to Osana, she continued talking. There was a problem. He could not hear anything was coming from her mouth. Suddenly, everything around him went silent.
When he faced the window, the mysterious figure pressed her face against the window. Taro jolted at the surprise he received. What she did next scared Taro. She pulled out a tube of red lipstick and began drawing on the window. She continued to draw as he heard the rubbing of the lipstick making contact with the window. It was a excruciating sound, but he was curious to know what was happening. When she was finished, Taro saw that it was a shape of a heart. What she did next was drawing a triangle with a line dissecting the triangle. It was the the symbol of the umbrella that paired lovers.
Taro looked in horror as the masked stranger point at him and then at herself. She took off her mask, and then slowly lifted her veil. With only her lips being seen, she lick the lipstick drawing and then kiss on the window facing his direction. He heard her spoke.
Come play with me, Taro. Follow me this way, Taro. It is okay. I won't hurt you. We will play a game. Do you like games, Taro? Taro? Taro? Taro?
"Taro? Taro? Are you even listening to me, you baka," asked Osana.
Taro was still in a dazed until a flick of a finger to his head immediately returned Taro to reality.
"I am right, you dummy. There is no way you can live without me," said Osana with a hint of satisfaction from her voice.
Taro rubbed his head as he felt the cold, dripping sweat coming down. He closed his eyes as he wanted to know if this was real or not. Taro questioned on where was these strange occurrences coming from. He did not feel like that since back when he was in the third grade when he was in the forest.
What is happening to me? Why is it happening to me? My head is throbbing like crazy and it is scaring the hell out of me. These "attacks" are more frequent than usual. More importantly, why now? There is something in the atmosphere and it is scaring me. Why am I having these words coming at me? Why am I thinking about the forest? I tried my hardest to not think about that day. To be honest, I don't even remember what happened that day. I was walking up the steps and I was going into the main area. Then, suddenly, blink.
A buzz from his cell phone vibrating in his pocket interrupted his thought as he saw that it was Takahashi-sensei.
"Hello," answered Taro.
"Hello, my spring chicken. I am outside in the parking lot waiting for you," said Takahashi-sensei, "Are you ready?"
"Yes, yes I am," said Taro. "I am on my way."
"Can't wait," said Takahashi-sensei as she chuckled before hanging out.
Taro put the phone from his pocket. He saw that Osana looked confused about what happened a few moments ago.
"Sorry, Osana, but I have to go."
"Where are you going?"
"Taking care of business, Osana."
"At least where?"
"No time," responded Taro as he placed the money on the table before leaving. Before leaving he turned to Osana. "We should hang out tomorrow. A great idea!" He left Osana at the table and walked out of the bookstore. Before he left, he texted Takahashi-sensei to meet him on the opposite end of the garden district.
Taro was the kind of individual who believed in discretion. Although he was looking at Takahashi-sensei as his poet, but she was still a teacher. Teacher to student relationship, outside of school, were strictly forbidden. If the school, the students, or Osana were to discover, then they would be in trouble. What surprised Taro was that there was no opposition or even apprehension coming from her. She did not have any reservations about it. He paid it no mind, but it was still peculiar.
He approached the desolate parking lot on the opposite end of the garden district where Takahashi-sensei awaited his arrival. As he arrived, he saw a blue sports convertible. A beautiful model vehicle needed a better background than the parking lot. The door opened and out came Takahashi-sensei in her gym clothes.
She wearing a purple jumpsuit with a purple jacket. The outfit was very tight as it carved into her attractive features. Her hair was wrapped in a ponytail and she was wearing glasses. Taro was very surprised about her appearance, but she looked attractive even out of her work clothes.
"Mr. Yamada, glad to see you," said Takahashi-sensei.
"Hi, Takahashi-sensei," responded Taro. "Thank you for finding me and picking me up."
"No problem. The pleasure is all mine."
"Cool!"
The pair stare for a couple of seconds before Takahashi-sensei went to the car.
"Put your backpack in the back seat and hop on in," said Takahashi-sensei.
Taro walked into the car and closed the door behind him.
"So, are you ready to have enjoy this poet," asked Takahashi-sensei.
"Looking forward to it," said Taro.
The blue convertible left the parking lot and enter the main street before leaving the horizon. As the car departed, a shadow emerged, overlooking the now empty parking lot.
