I began to think back to the past few days I've been here. Regret, that's what I feel, for being so stupid and drowned into my fears that I actually let my insecureness slip, and so easily too. I'm not that helpless 12 year old girl anymore and I don't live with my aunt. I'm on my own now, I shouldn't worry about me getting beaten up, but I guess suddenly being thrown back to the social life is taking time to get adjusted to what normal behavior is. I wasn't oblivious, I was aware of how obvious my behavior was these past few days. However I wasn't able to act properly, I'm not used to this, and I really don't want to share my burdens with anyone.
Why exactly am I worrying about my past problems and not letting myself chill for a moment? Why am I not letting myself make friends? Well if I think about it I shouldn't get too close, since who knows for how long I'll be 'free', I don't want to recklessly build connections and get close to anyone if it's going to be taken away just like that. I will only make myself a favor of saving everyone from unnecessary pain.
The morning passed by faster than I thought as I was trying to finish unpack my apartment, I failed to see the text messages I got since it was on silent mode. That's when I heard the loud banging rather than knocking on my door. I stopped what I was doing. I wondered who it could be, it couldn't be aunt right? Who else would bang the door like that? I heard the loud knockings again. "I'm coming!" I hesitantly replied.
As soon as I opened the door I saw none other than Meroko standing with both hands holding two heavy looking bags. "What are you doing here?!" The pink haired girl gave me a toothy grin as she walked past me, welcoming herself into my apartment as if it was hers.
"I figured you'd be hungry since you just settled down and I assumed you'd be busy fixing this place, so I brought some food" Meroko replied holding up both hands, gesturing towards the grocery bags.
I felt my heart lighten as my worries seemed to disappear for a moment. I'm happy to have Meroko by my side at time like this, especially when I thought I had to spend the day alone cleaning. That's when it hit me. "How did you know I live here?" I asked.
"Umm... I called Takuto" she smiled, she didn't look at me when she replied, instead she began taking out the many ingredients from the plastic bags. That explained it. However she didn't sound very convincing either, perhaps it's my imagination.
"Have you finally learned how to cook or are you just here to burn down my new apartment?" I joked and began to laughing as Meroko pouted.
"Hey! I'm not that bad!" She protested.
"It would be a wonder if you can make something edible" I kept teasing, it sure has been a long time since I also messed around! I was even surprised that I still had it in me. Gosh, how I missed those times. Meroko seemed to notice this as she briefly stopped for a moment with what she was doing and turned her head towards my direction with surprised eyes, then she began to burst into laughter. I looked at her confused which made her laugh all the more.
"Geeze Mitsuki! Sarcasm doesn't suit you!" She joked. At some point she had her hands clenching her stomach and beams of tears in her eyes because of all the laughers.
I smirked at her actions. "Oh really?" I raised an eyebrow in amusement. I couldn't help but too joined in soon after. It was a good laugh. I haven't felt so carefree for so long, it felt refreshing... wow I've been saying that a lot lately. Maybe moving to this city was not such a bad idea after all.
Before I knew it the sun was about to set. Meroko and I had finished unpacking and decorating the house, the both of us were exhausted. "You know what, let's order some Chinese food. I'm too tired to cook something right now" suggested Meroko as she lazily reached for the phone.
I rolled my eyes as I chuckled at my friend. I should have expected some excuses to avoid the kitchen. "I can dispose the cardboard boxes meanwhile you make a call" I suggested as I stood up from my comfortable position on the sofa. Meroko gave me an agreeing nod while dialing the restaurant number.
'That should be the last of them!' I exhaled after throwing away the last remaining set of empty cardboards. As I was heading back I passed by Takuto's door. The earlier event replayed in my mind as I made it inside my section of the apartment complex.
We ate and had a great time, never realizing the hours passing by. Meroko was telling me about some party she attended to and how boring it was since there was no good music. Suddenly she stood on her two legs as if she just remembered something. Meroko ran to the kitchen where we had taken out the groceries and brought a glass bottle with her to the living room.
"Sake?" I raised an eyebrow. Meroko set up some glass and began to pour the alcohol.
"Hell yeah!" Meroko gulped down the drink letting out an "ah"
I had almost forgotten how her pink haired friend loved sake. Even though she never really drank it before (though she tried a small sip once and instantly fell in love with the liquor) she still loved the smell "I feel like I'm growing wings!"
And she sure is a light drinker, somehow I expected that.
A few more shots from the sake cup and Meroko was already out of her right mind "Tell me," despite her already drunken state she sounded serious. I felt a sudden discomfort wash over as I listened to what she was getting into. "Is your aunt still abusing you?"
I gaped at her as I felt my eyes widen at the sudden statement,
"Or has she perhaps" she drank from her cup "Abounded you?" I was taken aback, I wanted to protest but my voice wouldn't come out, I tried to open my mouth to speak but found myself unable to. I was prepared for Meroko to hint something out and confront me with it, I knew she would eventually figure something out, however I still was as startled. Being asked out loud really wasn't the same as imagining it.
"Truth be told, Takuto called me here, he was quit worried ya know." As she sipped down from the jug of alcohol. The sudden piece of new information struck through me as I instantly recalled our conversation that morning. What if he had told her? Meroko nudged my shoulder, unable to notice my facial expression judging by the amount of sake she had already drank or further asking.
"Is that so…" My voice barley above a whisper.