Note:
Tschüß – goodbye in German. (informal)
All the business talk below is all made up by me so if there is anything that doesn't make sense, I apologize. I have no idea how the business world works.
The two of them were in the kitchen, both with a cup of their own. One with coffee and the other tea. Despite this contrast in choice of beverage, they both held similarities in the way they drank. Like the way they would swirl the beverage once before they took the first sip or the fact that they would take a small sip every time they drank from the cup.
They savored each and every sip, relishing in the lingering taste that stuck to their taste buds. The sigh of satisfaction they gave; a sign of a perfect cup of a morning fix.
"So…any plans for today, Natsuki?"
"Why?"
"I was thinking that we should all go out and spend some time as a family."
It was a good idea, she thought. Even more so since the family rarely spent some quality time together. Always so busy. The loss of a family member recently made it even more of an importance to strengthen family bonds. In times of trouble, family must band together.
"What do you have in mind, Alyssa?"
She did not reject it. That was a good sign. Now, she would have to tread carefully. One wrong move and the suggestion could end in naught.
"We could go out to the park and have a picnic. Then we could get on some bicycles and take the scenic route. How does that sound?"
There came a long pause and it made Alyssa nervous. Sweat began to trickle down her neck. The clock on the wall behind Natsuki [which happens to be facing her] seemed so loud as its pendulum swung back and forth. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. It was like all her ears could focus on was just the melody of the clock.
"I'd like that. We haven't done that in ages," Natsuki said after awhile, giving a smile.
She agreed and smiled even! What more could she ask for? She wasn't expecting such a positive response and it made her glad that she suggested it. It was hard to get her to agree to anything and she wondered how it came to be like this. Since they were little Natsuki always did like to follow her. What changed her?
"Great! I can't wait to disturb Konrad in his sleep and knock him off his feet!" she joked, half serious.
She did intend to do so, just not to the point that he'll have a heart attack. She loved to play pranks on that jaunty man but in no way was she going to jeopardize his health. She did love him after all.
"What are you planning?"
Not missing the glint in her eyes, Natsuki questioned her. Her sister looked suspicious with that wide grin on her face.
"Nothing you need to worry your pretty little head over. Just a little this and a little that to spice up the morning," she replied vaguely.
Eyes twinkling with excitement, she ran off before Natsuki could halt her from whatever devious plan she decided to do.
Tiny feet pitter-pattered slowly across the floor, careful to not make a sound that might stir the bear from his hibernation. The bedside table held the object it was looking for and with skilled hands, the job was done in mere seconds. Double checking, it gave a nod at its handy work and exited the room to the lit hallway. There, ruby met sapphire.
The game was on.
"Konrad! Wake up, you're very late!"
Jolted up from his sleep from her cry, his head had rose too quickly. He could feel the workings of a dizzy spell coming on but the situation at hand made him push it aside. With eyes wide in panic, his hand dove for the alarm clock, confirming that he was in fact, 3 hours late. Shocked at his tardiness, he ran to the bathroom.
10 minutes later, Konrad in a crisp blue navy suit on, took purposeful strides out his room; only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder and the subtle noise of giggling and chuckling going on from behind him.
"And what is it that you find so funny? You are aware that I am extremely late at the moment. What is so important that you have to impede me?"
His eyes were searching and he began to feel suspicious. Thinking back carefully, a thought ran through his mind and a gasp escaped his lips.
"Wait a minute, what am I late for? I do not have any business to attend to at the moment. I'm on holiday."
The laughing grew louder in volume which served to confirm his suspicions.
"Oh, you mischievous little devils! Startling me with such a trick."
"Simple but effective," Alyssa replied, grinning from ear to ear. She made a pistol with her hand and blew the tip of her finger.
"Uh-huh," Shizuka concurred, mimicking her actions.
"And what, may I ask, compelled you to play such tricks on an old man such as myself?"
"We need to get you up and running! But not in those clothes, I'm afraid," Alyssa said, chuckling once more to herself.
"Very well. Do bear in mind that I will repay you for your 'kindness' when I get an idea… What sort of occasion should I dress accordingly to?"
"Something casual and easy to move around in. I'm sure you can think of something."
Her last statement could be interpreted in two ways and in one way, she was saying "Bring it on". With a pat on his shoulder, Alyssa pulled Shizuka with her to get some suitable clothes on.
"Did you get everything we need, Tsuki-chan?"
She looked at her expectantly before noticing the picnic basket just behind her sister on the counter. She smiled.
"Did you make them yourself?"
"Eh?"
"Whatever that is inside that basket of yours."
"Umm…yeah. If it's something simple, I can handle it and I'm probably sure that Mai will bite my head off if I were to bother her when she's busy running her restaurant."
She shivered a bit when she remembered the time she disturbed Mai during lunch hour. 'Never again!' she thought to herself.
Let's just say when a phone call came for Mai during one of the busiest times of the day, Mai had no qualms running her mouth of into a not so very nice direction; words you do not normally associate the motherly individual with. Natsuki was flabbergasted with the colourful language she had never heard or expected to hear from her friend. And at the end of that one-sided conversation, her image of Mai had been redrawn many times over and she dared not cross pass with said individual for a week for fear of incurring her wrath.
"Is that so? I didn't know Mai was capable of such a thing."
"Trust me; you do not want to be faced with an angry Mai."
"I'm sure it was an interesting experience."
"Not one that I will ever want to relive."
"It can't be that bad, can it?"
"I thought my ears would fall off…and I thought I had a pretty wide vocabulary. Anyway, is everyone ready yet?"
"Oh yes! I have to hide that before Konrad sees it. I haven't told him what we were going to do yet. It's going to be a surprise!-"
Before she had finished her sentence, she was already out the door, basket in hand with a dumbfounded Natsuki staring after her. After a few blinks, Natsuki sipped her lukewarm cup of tea and blanched at the taste.
'Kaya was right, cold tea does taste horrible.'
Her gaze faltered for a second, a glazed over look in her eyes before catching herself. Slapping both of her cheeks as a reprimand, she took the slight pain as a punishment.
"Time to check up on what's holding the both of them from coming down."
"Kyaa~! Mama was so cute!"
"Wasn't she? She was so tiny, I was almost hesitant in carrying her at first. Before I took the chance to do so (after much coaxing from Saeko), your great grandmother waltzed her away."
"..If you won't do it, by all means give her to me. It's good that I don't have to wait any longer for my turn, she says."
If it was in his character to pout, now would be the perfect time to see one. But alas, such an expression was like a mythological creature; not yet seen.
The picture in her hands was precious. Kept for so long, the whites have turned brown and the edges tattered from overuse. The faded colours told of many times in the Sun where it saw the daylight and was shared among eyes. It had the smell of fine leather; the same with the wallet that which it was kept in.
"Is that auntie Alyssa holding her?"
Behind the tiny baby who had inherited her mother's luscious mane, stood a wide-grinning blond whom by the looks of it was showing of said baby to the cameraman who Konrad later revealed to be himself.
"She was 7 at the time and just as rumbustious as she is now. If not worse."
His hand went up to comb his hair back, a sigh escaping his lips.
"She wouldn't let go of her until I gave her some cake. By then, Natsuki was much too tired and had fell asleep in my arms."
A nostalgic smile graced his features, his hands in a gesture as if he was really carrying her. He swayed back and forth once as his head dipped down to look at where her head should have been if she were really asleep in his arms.
"She was so beautiful," he cooed.
Shizuka just watched in wonder, imagining the scene as it was; his body movements painting a picture. It was like a bedtime story, capturing her attention and wonder, casting a moving picture in her eyes; letting her imagination take over.
"I'm sure your mother felt this too when she held you in her arms."
There were voices behind the door, confirming her thoughts on the currently missing people. She didn't catch what had been said but when she opened the door and her sights fell upon them, Konrad hid something behind his back before she could comprehend what it was.
"What are you hiding?" she questioned, her right brow raised higher than the other.
"Something which happens to be for mine and Shizuka's eyes only," he replied, a mysterious smile on his face.
"Yes, for me and ojii-chan only."
She quickly angled her body to catch a glimpse of the object; curiousity getting the better of her but Shizuka was already one step ahead. Before Natsuki realized it, she had already placed it back in its original location in Konrad's leather wallet at the bottom of his back pocket.
Crestfallen in being unable to quench her curiousity, her mouth twisted into a pout unconsciously in which the other two quietly savored. One must keep quiet as to not startle the animal…or in this case, Natsuki.
Remembering the original reason she came up to find them, Natsuki broke out from her reverie. Looking at the both of them, she was puzzled for a moment. Was it her or did they look a tad bit disappointed? She blinked once and they looked normal once again, like nothing had transpired in the first place. Must be her 'imagination' then.
They were surrounded by lush green grass; the smell of flowers tickling their noses. Sounds of laughter encompassed them as the place they chose was a public park. Despite being in a place filled with people; strangers, they still managed to find a spot slightly secluded. They did like to be private.
"You made this, Natsuki? Finally, I get to taste your cooking!" Konrad uttered with glee.
With his mouth open ready to chomp on the sandwich, he took his first bite. It looked decent visually. Taste-wise, it did not disappoint which was a testament to how much her cooking had improved compared to her teenage days.
"I'm glad it's not a mayonnaise sandwich. One wonders how you are able to consume such a thing," Alyssa teased, having had a taste of Natsuki's before cooking days where all she liked to make were mayonnaise sandwiches.
Blushing at her comment, Natsuki retorted with a "I like it okay!" which prompted a laugh from her sister. Having gotten what she wanted, Alyssa quietly enjoyed her sister's new cooking skills. Stimulating her taste buds well enough, the sandwich managed to cause her to give a noise of approval which pleased Natsuki very much.
"Mayonnaise sandwich? I know that Natsuki-mama likes mayo but what is that?"
Surprisingly, Shizuka had no knowledge of such a sandwich. Thanks to the efforts of Kaya or in Natsuki's defense, unfortunately due to the scary warnings which ensues the disappearance of all mayonnaise in the household, such sandwiches were banned and not to be consumed anymore. This was a promise she had to make when Shizuka was in her mummy's tummy. A pregnant lady was always scary when angry.
"It is a sandwich where all that is put into it is mayonnaise and nothing else."
Hearing this, Shizuka looked puzzled for a moment.
"Only mayonnaise?"
Giving a nod in reply, Alyssa understood why Shizuka had trouble comprehending her statement.
"How could you eat that, mama?"
The inquisitive eyes burned a hole into Natsuki causing her to feel like she was in the hot seat for she had no answer. Well, she did, but it was always not enough whenever she answered the same question.
"Because I like it?"
She tugged at her collar, feeling the heat get to her. Still unconvinced with her answer, Shizuka was going to press for an answer but stopped herself seeing how uncomfortable her mother was.
It was an unexplainable taste she had that was always something she had no idea she had gotten. Neither of her parents nor Alyssa had a distinct liking for mayo. Konrad himself had no knowledge as to who she might have gotten the unique taste buds from. She herself had not the memory of when she first had a bite of the exquisite white substance. It was something she had forgotten and every time she wracked her brains for a clue, she would come up with a blank.
"We are going on a bike ride?"
Konrad was like a child who had been given candy. Due to his business, he rarely had the time to go out and have fun. During his rare breaks, he would always liked to go for a ride through the nature trails in the woods behind his well established home and the thought of enjoying one with his family made him elated. He did go quite a lot with Natsuki and Alyssa when they were younger but the number of times seem to dwindle as the years pass by and they got older and busier.
Shizuka was just as happy as he was, having just learned how to ride one recently. She knew how to ride a two-wheeler without the aide of training wheels which her mother seemed to take pride in. "My Shizuka has no need for sissy training wheels" she had proudly declared. She did not understand how trainings wheels could be sissy but she just went along with her mother who looked so happy. It made her glad that she was good enough not to need such things.
The wind was their catalyst; the fuel for their need to pedal. They were mindful to the limitations they were imposed on; the restricted pace they had to follow due to Shizuka's abilities and lack thereof. Which is why they had not gone too fast. Despite that, they still managed to enjoy themselves, the burn in their legs a reminder of their enthusiasm.
Along the way, questions were asked on the many things they encountered. 'What is this? What is that? Is that a flying squirrel? That icky gooey thing there is a…? Wah, is that poop?,' all these questions were duly answered by the elder of the bunch who seemed to be the most experienced in such a topic.
Konrad took his place in the front, leading the way before Alyssa took up the position on his right and challenged him to a mini race.
"Want to see who can reach the old sakura tree up the hill first?"
"You think you can take this old man on?"
"Oh, I know I can. Just want to see if your lanky legs can keep up."
"Haha. How about a wager?"
"Like what exactly?"
"There is this meeting that is being requested by one of our business associates who heard that we were in town but we happen to be on vacation. The loser has to take this deal on and meet with the man who requested our services while the winner gets to enjoy vacation time without any interruptions. How about that?"
"You want us to work during vacation? Konrad, how could you."
It was phrased like a reprimand but she did not mask the cheery tone in her voice. The smile on her face proved that it was a jest.
"What can I say? I am a sucker for good business. We can't be too picky."
"…says the man who turned down an offer because the proposal was boring."
"Hey! If it was boring, how are you supposed to sell it to the masses?"
"He hadn't even started talking about the product yet."
"Well, his voice was boring enough to put me to sleep. If they don't even make an effort to woo me, how they going to sell it to the customers?"
"Good point. Anyway, wanna go ahead and start? We've been here for quite awhile. Even Tsuki-chan and Shi-chan have already reached the destination."
"Oh, right. Let us start then."
With one foot on the right pedal and the other on the ground, they readied themselves in the starting position. Determination filled their eyes as they looked ahead at their goal. The coast was clear; not a passerby in sight which meant no injuries they could incur onto the public.
1…2…3… and they were off.
They had already opted to walk and both the older family members had still not caught up with them.
"Shouldn't we wait for them?"
"No, we can just leave the two kids to themselves. They'll get to us when they are done with their silly game."
"You don't want to join them, mama?"
"Nah, I'll pass on that. I'd much rather accompany my little Shi-chin today."
"Aww, thank you."
"Whatever for? Someone has gotta watch this little munchkin anyway."
Laughing, she ruffled her daughter's soft curls and quickly paced away before her daughter decided to have retribution for her joke. And when her daughter protested that she was in no way a munchkin, she laughed even more.
Unknown to what was going on behind her as she was too busy humouring herself; she did not notice her daughter sneaking up behind her, fingers brandished for strategically placed pokes.
Shizuka was rewarded with an involuntary yelp of surprise from her startled mother. It rang like music to her ears like what the sound of revenge could do.
"Shizuka!"
"That was for calling me a munchkin. You asked for it!"
"Hai, hai. Why don't I get us some ice-cream as a truce?"
"Yay!"
Shouting with glee, Shizuka skipped towards the vendor selling the sweet delicious creamy treat with a humoured Natsuki trailing after.
Sporting two vanilla cones, she carefully gave one to small eager hands. Wasting no time, the four year old took a lick off her icy treat and sighed in happiness.
"A perfect day for such a dessert."
They passed by many people, catching bits and pieces of conversations. It wasn't intentional but no one made an effort to lower their voices or keep their conversations unknown. For Natsuki, one voice in particular stood out from the rest and it caused her eyes to widen.
Spinning backwards suddenly, she scanned her eyes amongst the sea of people. Shizuka had asked what was wrong but her ears did not register it. Going from person to person vigorously with her eyes, she managed to get a small glimpse of her target. The ice cream long forgotten in her hand, she ran towards her target; not caring for any of the drips she may have left on the ground from her rapid movement.
But when she got there, it was gone and she had no idea in which direction it had left in. Breathing in heavily from her sudden sprint, she searched frantically for the voice she had heard just minutes ago. She bit her lip in frustration, giving up on the search when her daughter called to her. Panic was in her voice; her mother's actions seemed to have frightened her.
After apologizing for her sudden behaviour, she kept silent, choosing not to explain herself. What could she say when she herself had no idea what she had wanted to accomplish by going after that voice? It was familiar but had lacked the gentleness that was always present. She was mightily curious. Who was it? Can it really be her? If so, then why?
"Ara, he called you to confirm? Isn't that great then?"
She knew she shouldn't be answering the phone when she is on a date but she couldn't ignore a call from her father. The not so well hidden glare that was given did not bother her; father was much more important than some woman she picked up anyway. One of the many she could have gotten.
"I understand. I'll be waiting for your next call, then."
Hanging up, she pocketed her phone. The woman she was with chose that moment to latch onto her arm, trying to entice her with an 'alluring' voice.
"Ne, don't answer the phone anymore. You're supposed to be paying attention to our date."
'To me' was the silent statement she could sense from her. All traces of glare was gone, replaced with an grotesque smile. It was a smile, but it felt ugly to her. She started to doubt what she had seen in the girl before. Lack of sleep must have contributed to this. How could she have picked up such a hideous woman? This person was certainly not her taste.
Sighing, she excused herself politely, ignoring the supposedly 'sexy' advances the woman was giving after to change her mind. Was this woman unaware that they were in a public place right now? Some of these moves could get her in jail for public display of indecency. Had she no modesty? At least have some thought on how people would see you and do it behind closed doors. Reputation is important in this kind of society nowadays.
Abruptly leaving for her car, she spared no moment to hear the pleas or the calls of indignation that followed after. All she wanted to do right now was to go home and hope this time she would get a good sleep.
Her dreams had been haunting her these past few days. It kept her from getting any rest and from the work she's been given lately, a good night's sleep seemed so far out of reach. Like a star in the sky. So near yet so far.
These dreams were different than what she usually had. The surroundings were still as vague as ever but the pain was something new. Ruffling her hair, she couldn't help but feel disappointed and frustrated.
Disappointed because it was not what she looked forward to.
Frustrated because she could not do anything.
There was always someone crying in there. Muffled sobs. So quiet. So loud. She didn't want to hear; each cry painful and heart wrenching. But no matter what she did it felt like speakers were stuck to her ears; so loud, so clear.
She could do nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Different than her usual dreams, her hands could not touch. Could not comfort. All she could do was watch as sorrow spread through her veins like a virus.
Unstoppable.
Unbearable.
Slowly killing her off.
Why was she so affected? She knew nothing of her dreams; only that there was someone there. Someone who usually smiled at her. And that someone was now crying for some reason she knew not of.
It felt like it was calling to her; invisible hands pulling. But she knew not this person; being kept in the dark in her dreams. All she knew was this presence beside her. This warm presence she liked so much that only came to her in her dreams.
"Konrad? Why are you in a business suit?"
Rather suspicious for a person who claimed to be on vacation. Natsuki scrutinized him for awhile; as if searching for an answer through his body language.
"I dislike being a sore loser and going back on my word so I have to fulfill my end of the bet. This unfortunately, means that I have to meet with one of my prominent business associates who has heard of my visit to the land of the rising sun."
Satisfied with his answer, she relaxed in her stance.
"Why do you always get yourself into these kinds of bets?"
"Because it is somewhat amusing. You should try it sometime, my dear."
He grinned at her, placing a fedora upon his head. With a kiss on her cheek, he walked out the door to the awaiting car.
"By the look on your face, the meeting must have gone well. *Sigh* That means another workload to occupy my desk."
Alyssa frowned at the thought of work awaiting back home. She felt lazy, especially when she was lounging on the beach chair, soaking in some rays.
"Well, not exactly."
The upturn eyebrow directed at him prompted him to continue and explain what he meant.
"You wouldn't believe this but our company has little to do with this deal. It seems there were clashes in various parts. Fortunately, I was able to give him a suggestion."
"Oh, really?"
"I managed to persuade him to look up another company which is affiliated with us. One that I know would be appropriate for the job and specializes specifically on the parts he wanted. Though our parts are good; great even, we're still better at cars."
Clapping her fist onto her palm, Alyssa made an "Ahh~" in realization.
"…I see where you're going. But it is also a matter of convincing the other party."
"I am very well aware of that. I'll just leave it up to her to decide. It is not a must to get this deal."
"…but it'll be good if she didn't reject it like she did others we gave, right? Her company would be well known if she did."
"Yes…unfortunately, she is stubborn like Saeko."
"It was great to see you again, my dear."
They were just about to leave and already she felt like she missed them. At times like these, she would question her decision to live far apart from them.
"By the way, I recommended you to one of my business associates. You'll be hearing from him soon. I've known him for quite awhile and it would be nice if you consider his offer. But it is up to you whether you want to accept it or not, I'm not forcing you."
Kissing her on the cheek, he wished her well.
"Tschüß, my little Natsuki."
Walking away with Alyssa next to him, he raised his arm in a wave with his back facing her. Alyssa turned backwards and waved as well, giving a smile and mouthing the words, "Take care little sister".
Author's note:
Ahmm...I'm sorry for my behaviour previously. So embarassing. I don't really think it was because of impatience; was kinda lacking in confidence so when I didn't really get any feedback, I automatically thought that that I did something wrong and that the chapter was not even worth reading.
Thanks for the reviews, though. Really, thank you so much. I really needed/wanted to hear your opinions. m(_ _)m
I'll just continue writing then...until someone tells me it's so damn horrible and to just stop. ;D