Let's get ready to party
Izumi left her mother's office feeling the best she had in a while. She knew her mother's position would prevent her from being available all the time, but now she knew her mother cared about her, and that was enough. Walking down the hall, she saw Mr. Yamagida approaching. "Good afternoon, Mr. Yamagida." She said cordially.
"Good afternoon, Miss Izumi. This is most opportune. I have a message from your teammates. It would seem they are gathering this evening for a celebration in honor of Miss Watson's successful application to the school."
"Oh, really? How generous of them. Where is it going to be?"
"Miss Mouri left the information for you on this paper." He said handing it to Izumi. "Have a good time Miss Izumi."
"Thank you Mr. Yamagida, I think I shall." Then, with a distinct bounce in her step, she continued. As she approached her locker, she saw Yuki standing next to it. She was still in her uniform, so Izumi knew she had been standing there the whole time she was with her mother. "Hello Yuki, I'm sorry I kept you waiting."
"That's alright, I wasn't waiting that long. I brought my notes." She said, holding up her schoolbag. "If you don't mind, I'll pass on the ice cream for now."
"Saving room for the party? How about we go to my house, and I'll make some tea? Just let me change my shoes."
When she was done, they left. Izumi chatted happily about meeting with her mother, while Yuki listened. Yuki walked with her head down, glancing time to time at Izumi. Noticing this, Izumi stopped and asked. "What's going on Yuki? Why the furtive looks?"
"Um, I couldn't help noticing the lipstick on your forehead. I wasn't sure if I should mention it. If you like, I'll loan you a handkerchief."
"What?" She said pulling out her handkerchief, and wiping her forehead. "Don't look at me like that, it's my mother's. She kissed me on the forehead before I left. Why didn't Mr. Yamagida say anything?"
"I didn't notice it until we were outside. It wasn't very dark. I'm just glad it was your mother's"
"Would it have made you nervous if it had been another girl's?" Izumi said seductively.
Yuki blushed, and turned away. "Don't joke like that. I look up to you Izumi, and I wish I could be more like you, so decisive and outgoing. I don't know how I would feel if that were true." She continued looking away from Izumi, and grew quiet.
"I'm sorry, Yuki." She said humbly, "I didn't know you held me in such high regard. I'm sorry I teased you. Do you want to forget coming over? I'll understand if you do."
"No, you still need to see my notes. I'm alright."
"Say Yuki," she asked as they continued walking, "have you ever had a crush on anyone?"
"There was a boy back in junior high, but I never had the nerve to tell him. Then the bullying started, and I stopped going to school."
"Bullying? This was by your former teammates? Was that why you tried to kill yourself?"
"Uh-huh. I was pretty distraught, and that's when Fifi came to me. She helped me want to keep living."
"Do you still miss her? I know I won't forget that night at training camp.
"That was the night I realized how much all of you cared about me. I was ready to jump from that balcony before you hit that ball to me. I still miss her, but it's ok. I have you guys, and I know I'll never be alone again."
"Hey, Izumi, Yuki, Wait up." They turned to see Koharu chasing them down.
"Afternoon, Koharu," Izumi said when she reached them. "We're going to my place so I can copy some notes I missed."
"Yeah, I heard about you cutting class, Izumi. What's going on? You never do stuff like that." She said as they continued walking.
"I was upset with mother, and had to leave for a while. We've reconciled, so to me it was worth it."
"That's good to hear. Do you guys mind if I tag along? Hikaru's out with Seishiro, Mao's out running, and Yoko's been gabbing with her agent for the last fifteen minutes."
"The other girls in the dorm still won't talk to you?"
"Well, I don't really fit in with them. They talk like I'm not there, and when I do say something; they pretend they didn't hear me.
"That's inexcusable!"
"Oh it's no big deal. Any friendships I'd develop with them would be shallow, so why bother. If they want to be snobs, let them. I'll be going back to Tosa when I'm done here anyway."
"How's your father doing?" Yuki asked.
"Lot's better. He's not been pushing himself so much since that last time he collapsed. He's letting one of the other fishermen help coordinate things."
"If you're going to manage that fleet someday Koharu, maybe you should think about getting a business degree." Izumi suggested.
"Nope, no college for me. My dad's done ok without a degree, so I'll be fine. There are a lot of experienced guys there I can go to if I need help."
"Anyone special?" Izumi asked pointedly.
"Not yet, but maybe someday. He definitely won't be a city boy. He's got to love the sea as much as I do."
"That's our fish girl." Izumi said smiling.
They continued walking, chatting happily, when they noticed a group of young men standing around a bench near the sidewalk.
"Whoo-hoo, check out the talent." One of them said accompanied by whistles from his buddies. "You ladies are smokin'."
Izumi glared, "Don't you morons have anything better to do?"
"Babe, I could do you better than you'd ever dreamed." The one said stepping out in front of them. He was average height, with bleached hair slicked back, and wearing thick-framed military style glasses.
"You're disgusting, you'd never get near me." She said grimacing.
"Don't be like that. We can be real nice. How'd you like us to buy you all something to drink?"
"We already have plans, so let us by, please"
"Oh, now she's polite." He said as his buddies walked up, completely blocking the sidewalk. "How about you bow when you say that. Maybe then we'll consider it."
Koharu had watched this silently. Stepping up she said angrily. "Why don't you jerks get lost? We were minding our own business, why'd you have to hassle us?"
He looked at her and said sarcastically, "Be quiet short stuff, I'm talking to long, lean, and luscious here. I don't know why they're hanging with a junior high school girl anyway."
"Screw you asshole, I'm sixteen, same as her. God, I wish I had a bat."
"An' what would the widdle giwrl do wid her big bad bat?" He said patronizing her.
"I'd knock your balls for a home run." She said livid.
"What! Try it you little troll. A face like that, this may be the last time you get an offer from a guy."
"What's going on here?" They turned to see a policeman walking up.
"Officer!" The one said as the others moved aside. "We were just offering to buy these fine young ladies a drink."
"Which we told them we didn't want. But they just can't seem to understand, so they're keeping us from walking by." Izumi said coolly.
"Move along boys, and stop pestering these girls." He said glaring at them.
They quickly left, and the policeman, looking at the teammates, said. "You girl's alright? That sounded like it was getting close to a fight."
"We're fine officer, thanks to your timely intervention. My friend was getting a little put off by them, so it may have ended badly if you weren't here." She said putting an arm around Koharu, who was glaring at the retreating boys' backs.
"How much farther are you going? I can walk with you in case those boys come back." Then looking behind Izumi and Koharu, he said. "Miss, are you alright?"
They turned to see Yuki, her face pale, visibly shaking.
"Yuki." Izumi said going to her and holding her. "Let's sit down," she said softly, as she led her to the bench.
"Is she going to be alright? I can call an ambulance." The officer offered.
"I think she'll be ok. She's kind of shy, so it must have shaken her up. They were pretty intimidating."
Squatting down in front of her, he said. "Miss, don't be afraid, I'll stay with you until you get to where your going. You don't have to worry about those boys anymore."
"Thank you." Yuki managed to whisper.
"Yuki, can you walk? We're almost to my house. I'll draw a nice hot bath, and you can relax, ok?"
"Sure. Thanks everyone, for being so patient with me. Thank you officer, for rescuing us." She said, her voice unsteady.
"You're welcome. I wasn't sure if I was going to be of much help. I'm just out of the academy, and not much older than them. It's never a sure thing when you have a group like that. Cops have been jumped and beaten before, trying to break up fights, so I was a little scared too."
Standing up, they continued on, accompanied by the policeman. They soon reached the Himuro estate. Looking at the massive walls, and the elaborate gate, the policeman said. "Wow, I'm impressed. I'm surprised you walk to school."
"My mother is Chairperson of the school, as well as head of our family's group, so our schedules rarely coincide. Thank you again for your help officer. Have a pleasant evening." Izumi said, bowing.
"You're more than welcome. You girls be careful going home tonight." He said as he continued on his way.
Walking across the flagstone courtyard, Yuki and Koharu looked around, taking in the opulence of Izumi's home.
Opening the front door, Izumi turned and said, "Come in you two, please make yourselves comfortable."
"This place always amazes me Izumi." Koharu said looking around.
"It is quite grand, isn't it? I sometimes wish it wasn't so expansive. It just adds to the feeling of loneliness when I'm here by myself. This is your first time here, isn't it Yuki?"
"Yes, and I'm in awe. Where would you like to copy my notes?" she inquired.
"Let's go to my room. I can copy the notes, while you take that bath I promised you."
"That sounds good. Yuki, can I join you? I'm still upset about those guys hassling us. I've seen your tub Izumi; I know it's big enough for two."
"I don't mind Koharu. I'm still upset too, I think I'd like the company."
Izumi's room was large. Her bed took up only a small corner, with an armoire, and her desk next to it. A sectional sofa group and tables in front of a big screen TV took up the majority. She had an adjoining bathroom that was larger than the most peoples' living rooms. The tub was cedar, two meters wide by four meters in length. Upon seeing it Yuki exclaimed, "The whole team could fit in here!"
"I know, isn't it great, you could almost swim laps in it." Koharu said pulling off her shirt.
Izumi ran the water, while Yuki and Koharu finished undressing, and cleansing themselves.
"Let me get your back Yuki, and then you can do mine" Koharu suggested.
"Ok, let me get my hair up first." She quickly wound her hair on top of her head, wrapping it in a towel.
"You know, you and Izumi are lucky." Koharu said, lathering Yuki's back. You're both so pretty, with nice bodies, and soft hair. I look like a kid next to you two."
"Are you worrying about what that jerk said earlier?" Izumi said turning off the water.
"Well he's right. I'm eight centimeters shorter than either of you; my skin is like sandpaper from being on the ocean, and my hair's so spiky, it can't decide which way it wants to go. I'm sixteen, but my body looks like I'm twelve, hardly a curve anywhere." Pouring water over Yuki's back, she continued. "What boobs I have are mostly muscle. As a woman, I'm not much to look at."
"Looks won't really matter when you meet the right guy. You're a good person, Koharu. You're going to make someone feel very lucky someday." Yuki said turning and facing her. "Living by the ocean, I doubt any of the girls have baby smooth skin. It's your turn, get on the stool." She quickly worked up lather, and began scrubbing Koharu's back. "Wow, Koharu, your back is so firm. Your muscles have muscles. No wonder you hit the ball so far."
"See what I mean? What guy's going to want a girl with a harder body than his?"
"Time will tell, Koharu. For now, get in the tub and soak." Izumi said warmly. "It's just four-thirty, so you have plenty of time before the party."
Climbing in the tub, Koharu let out a contented sigh. Holding a towel modestly in front of her, Yuki gingerly made her way in, slowly exposing more skin to the steaming water. Grinning, Koharu said, "Izumi likes it hot doesn't she Yuki?"
"Yah, ah, I'll say, oh, oh my, ah, oh, ah, ah, ah, ahhh." She said finally getting down to her shoulders.
Leaning back, Koharu added, "Nothing beats a good soak when you're stressing."
"I know; this is just what I needed. Izumi is so thoughtful." She said, eyes closed, leaning against the side of the tub. Opening her eyes, she looked over and said. "Koharu, how do you feel about Amy?"
"What?" she said sitting up straight. "Why are you asking that?"
"Izumi asked me that earlier today. I don't think she likes her much."
Sitting back. Koharu thought for a minute. "She seems ok to me. She sure is friendly."
"That's what I said to Izumi, but she said Amy was too perfect."
"I can see her point. I haven't seen Amy do anything wrong either, and her knowing how to do that tea ceremony is impressive. None of us know how, and we live in Japan."
Yuki sat up, and turning to Koharu, said. "If you step back and look at it, I think it just shows her dedication. Any one of us could learn that tea ceremony; it just takes training. Her skill as a pitcher was probably coached into her over many years. I have a good arm, but I can't pitch. Knowing how to release the ball properly without straining requires a lot of specialized training.
Koharu sat up again, and staring at the water, said. "But to be a fifteen year old girl, and be able to throw as hard as she does. Not every pitcher can do that, no matter how hard they train. Most of the boys we faced last year only threw about 120 kph. That's a big difference."
"She's definitely blessed with a strong arm, but remember, her dad was a professional pitcher, just like Ryo's. He's able to coach the absolute best out of a player. I think Izumi's being too suspicious, and should just accept Amy for who she is."
"You know, I think so too." Koharu said nodding.
A sneeze interrupted them. Turning, they saw Izumi enter carrying a tray with two teacups. "Wow, where did that come from?" She said shaking her head. "How are you two doing?"
"Much better, thank you Izumi." Yuki said smiling.
"Yeah, thanks Izumi, I'm totally relaxed now." Koharu said leaning back.
"Here's some tea. I'll leave it here, and go copy those notes." She said setting down the cups by the tub.
"Izumi," Yuki said looking serious. "Koharu and I both think you should trust Amy. She hasn't done anything to cause you to be suspicious of her."
"I know, my mother said the same thing. I'm going to talk to her some more tonight, and see if my suspicions are really ungrounded. I'll tell you this much, if she is up to something, I'm going to find out." She said, a look of determination burning in her eyes.
-
Seira stood in front of Emma's shop feeling uneasy. She had been quite rude to the woman who had become the closest thing to a mother she had in her life. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door, and walked in. Emma turned at the sound of the bell, and seeing Seira, smiled. "I wondered if I'd see you again today. Did you come back for that dress now that Corey's not here?"
"Hi Emma." She said walking up to her. "No I'm still going to pass on the dress. I just came back to apologize for my behavior earlier. I was rude, and I'm sorry." Saying this, she bowed.
"Seira, I'm touched. I've never seen you bow before. Don't let it worry you dear, I know you didn't mean it. Come here." Emma said reaching out to her.
Seira let herself be wrapped in a firm embrace. Feeling Emma's forgiveness, her anxieties dissolved away and she sighed, happy.
"Thanks Emma, I didn't know I needed that. I've been such a mess these last couple of days. I don't deserve a friend like you. I wish my mom had been more like that. I think I've been hugged more this week, than I've been the rest of my life. What is it with Americans and hugging? Amy's the same way."
"We're just not shy about showing our emotions dear. Giving someone a hug will usually make the person feel better, so why not? Japanese aren't big on public displays of affection. It's just your culture." Looking at the clock, she exclaimed, "Is it five already? I've got to get ready for the rush. Seira, would you like to stay and help? I'll buy you dinner for you're trouble."
"Sure, but don't worry about dinner, the team's meeting at six for a pizza party for Amy. Why don't you come? I can introduce you to the team."
"I'd love to come, but I don't close until six, so you'll be late."
"I can be a little late. I'll call Ryo so they don't worry." She said
"Thank you, Seira. You're not such a bad friend either." Hearing the bell ring, they turned to greet the customer together.
-
With her tongue touching the corner of her mouth, and the concentration of a chess grand master, Nene painstakingly placed the final name card. Stepping back to admire her handiwork, she exclaimed, "There. It's done." The owner of the pizza shop had agreed to let her reserve a corner for the party. So she had immediately begun preparing the table for them. Fine china, crystal stemware, and polished silver made up each setting. Linen napkins were folded in creative shapes and placed on each plate, and as a finishing touch, hand written name cards were placed for each guest to know where they were sitting.
The owner walked up scratching his head saying, "I never thought I'd see someone eating my pizza off china. I know Kisuragi is a fancy school, but isn't this a little extreme?"
"Oh, no." Nene said shaking her head. "This is the first party I've planned by myself, and I want it to be memorable."
"If you say so." He said walking away.
"Will there be anything else, Miss Nene?" Her butler asked.
"I think we're done until the party, Sebastian. You will stay and pour the wine, won't you?"
"Certainly, Miss Nene. Your father would not forgive me if one of your friends were to overindulge. I brought just enough for one glass each." He then turned and began gathering the tableware cases. Slinging the straps around his shoulders, he carried them out to the car.
"Oh my gosh. Is this for us?" Hikaru said as she and Seishiro walked up. "Nene, you didn't have to go to this much trouble."
"Don't be silly Hikaru, this is just our everyday settings. I was going to bring the good china, but papa said I couldn't. Surely you don't think I would allow a party I planned to use paper plates? That would be rude to the guest of honor, and make me look uncultured."
Hikaru plinked her finger against a goblet, making it ring. "Whatever you say, just don't expect me to help with the dishes."
"I feel underdressed." Seishiro said, looking around the table.
"Hey guys, we're here." Ryo said, walking in with Mao and Yoko. "Nene! This is incredible."
"Isn't it nice?" She gushed. "I'm just glad there's only going to be twelve of us. That's all the place setting's I have."
"Um, We might have a little problem, Nene." Ryo said looking concerned. "You forgot about Seishiro and Hiroki. We invited them too. When I talked to Amy, she said she had another person she wanted to bring, and Seira was bringing someone else too. You're short four places."
"WHAT!" Nene cried, drawing surprised looks from the other patrons. She continued, "How come no one let me know? This is a disaster! I'll embarrass their guests if I don't have a spot for them! I'll have to shift someone to another table to make room, and I don't have place settings for them! What am I going to do?" She sank to her knees, and started crying into her hands.
"It'll be alright Nene." Ryo said kneeling down, resting her hand on Nene's shoulder. "Hikaru and I will take the separate table with Seishiro and Hiroki. We don't need fancy china to eat off of."
"NO!" Nene said, fire coming back into her eyes. Rising to her feet, she added, "That's no good. No one should have to make sacrifices. Sebastian can take me to the store. Ryo thank you for solving one of my dilemmas, I'll pick up your and Hikaru's part of the bill." Then grabbing her purse, she rushed out, nearly colliding with Izumi and Yuki. "Sorry, I'm on a mission." She yelled over her shoulder.
"Well, looks like her dinner planning still needs some work." Izumi said smiling. Walking in, she glanced around and said. "She does set a pretty good table though."
"Wow," Koharu exclaimed, peering around Izumi. "That's one fancy table."
"What was her big crisis?" Izumi asked as she watched Ryo and Hikaru move a table closer.
"She didn't have enough plates for everyone. Amy and Seira invited others, and she forgot about the boys." Ryo said setting the table down.
"Planning for the unexpected is one of the keys of successful entertaining. Still, she did quite well in less than two hours."
"Yeah, we came early to help her set up, and she had it all done." Yoko said, looking disappointed.
"It looks like we all had the same idea." Ryo said looking at the clock. "Seira's going to be late, but Amy should be here on time. I hope Nene can get back quickly; it's already twenty to six."
"It can't be helped." Izumi said, shrugging. "Let's just hope Amy isn't the type to take offense at something so trivial."
-
Nene ran back in the door with two minutes left. Setting the boxes down on a table, the girls quickly ripped them open. The owner had brought out a tub of soapy water, so everything was soon washed.
"I can't believe you got back so quickly, Nene." Ryo said as she dried the glasses.
"I called the store from the car, and they had everything ready. I just needed to walk in and get it. Aren't credit cards wonderful?"
They had just finished setting the table, when Kanako walked in. "Sorry I'm late. I had to finish a paper for my anatomy class. Holy cow, Nene this looks great."
"Thank you, Kanako. It was close, but we managed to get places for everyone." Clasping her hands in front of her chest, she added, "It looks like the guest of honor has arrived."
Amy smiled when she saw the group, and led Corey and her mother over. Seeing the table, tears formed in her eyes as she said, "You guys; why'd you make such a big deal out of this? This table is like something out of a magazine. I'm really honored."
"Nene had it all done before we got here." Ryo said walking over and giving her a quick hug. "Welcome to the team."
"Thanks, Ryo." Amy said wiping her eyes. "Everyone," she said reaching behind her and pulling her mother forward, "I'd like you to meet my mom."
"It's nice to meet all of you." She said bowing slightly, "Thank you for taking such good care of my daughter."
A crash was heard behind them. Turning, they saw Izumi, who had dropped a glass of water, staring wide-eyed at Amy's mother, "Y-You're Kimiko Suzuki!"
"You recognize me?" She asked.
"You were my idol growing up. I had your poster in my room. I've watched video of your matches. I wanted to be just like you."
"That was a long time ago. I haven't played competitively in eighteen years. How did you know about me?"
"You went to Kisuragi Girls'. I saw your trophies and photos in the school when I visited my mother there. You were the first girl from that school to make it as a pro. Before I joined the baseball team, I was an ace tennis player. I had aspirations of turning pro."
"She was definitely good enough." Ryo added. "I've seen her routinely beat two boys at once."
"That's a big adjustment, going from tennis to baseball. Do you miss it?" Kimiko asked with a gentle smile.
"I would be lying if I said no, but I've committed myself to the baseball team. Do you still play?"
"I try, but my legs aren't what they used to be. Just one match, and I'm pretty much done."
Amy, looking proud, hugged her mother's arm saying, "Don't be so modest mom. She's still a terror on the court. I'm lucky if I can take two games from her in a set."
The girls gathered around, excited to have such a celebrity in their midst. This party was going to be one the girls would remember.
-
The booth in the corner of the bar was dark, lost in shadows. The two men sitting there talked in soft voices.
"She'll be at the pizza shop tonight for a party; you can follow her from there."
"What does she look like?"
"She has light brown hair, and is freakishly tall. Her mother is Japanese therefore she looks Asian. Her brother might be with her, so be careful. He's large, and quite strong."
"If he's there, we'll take care of him first. How bad do you want us to mess her up?"
"As long as you don't kill her, I don't care. Just make sure she can't throw a ball."
"Why not just whack her? That would definitely do the trick."
"Because a murder would be investigated more thoroughly than a simple assault, and I cannot be linked to this."
"No problem; we can take the heat. The Yankee bitch is going down."
A fat envelope was slid across the table and taken by the other man. He stood up and walked under a light, revealing bleached hair, and a pair of thick-framed glasses.
-
The team had decided to wait for Seira before ordering the pizzas, so they nibbled on appetizers as they listened to Kimiko's stories.
"So anyway, there was Amy, fresh from the bath, running down the middle of the street, giggling hysterically. Let me tell you, my husband got an earful about leaving the front door open. We chased her for a half block before we caught her. She was quick, even as a three year old."
Amy had her head down, trying to disappear, while Corey couldn't help grinning at her discomfort. "Don't worry Amy." He said, resting a hand on her shoulder, "No one cares what you did as a little kid."
"YOKO!" a voice cried. Turning, they saw Seira standing in the doorway. Her face was flushed, and looking upset. Storming up to the table, she grabbed the petite blonde by the shirt, and hauled her out of her seat. "Good going, dye-head, you said the pizza shop by the school, but not which one. Newsflash, Blondie, there are five pizza shops near school. Guess how many we've been to so far?"
"I'm sorry Seira, I didn't mean to confuse you. Please don't hit me." She said, eyes closed, anticipating a blow.
Seira, seeing her reaction, felt her anger wither, and becoming embarrassed, let her go. "I'm sorry Yoko, I overreacted. Forget about it. Please?"
"Um, okay." She said, confused.
"Wow Seira, I've never seen you switch it off like that." Koharu said, wide-eyed.
"Yeah," Kanako added, "Normally, she'd have put Yoko in a headlock or something."
"I just don't want to hurt you guys anymore. I got angry, and I lost it. I'm sorry everyone." Seira said making a deep bow.
All the girls gasped, struck by her act of humility. Someone cleared their throat behind Seira, and they all turned to look. Seira grinned, and grabbing Emma's hand dragged her forward. "Everyone, this is Emma. She's the one who looked out for me when I was running the streets."
"How do you do?" She said making a small bow. "Seira's said such nice things about all of you, I'm glad we're finally able to meet."
"Emily?" Kimiko said standing up. "Is that you?"
Looking closely, Emma's eyes grew wide, "Kimiko! After all these years, it's you!"
The two women ran to each other with tears in their eyes, laughing and crying at the same time, and gave each other a huge hug.
The girls, looking surprised, could only wonder what story lay behind a reunion like this.
-
Outside, a group of young men stood around a bench on the sidewalk, watching the doorway, anticipating giving the girls a night they would never forget.