First published on Live Journal on 12 January 2008

Disclaimer: I do not dare claim ownership of Nodame or Chiaki or Auclair or Kuroki or The Roux Marlet Orchestra. They are the creation of Tomoko Ninomiya.


On a Clear Day, I Can See… You… Forever…

"What is the matter with Chiaki? He's been worse than usual the last few days."

"He's turning into a crazed dictator."

"It isn't as bad as all that… it's obvious that he has a lot on his mind."

"Probably suffering from the lack of love by a good woman." A titter of laughter could be heard in the background. "Has he broken up with that weird girlfriend of his? Haven't seen her around much lately."

"More like she broke up with him. Don't blame her though… Any woman would have to be a saint to put up with him for any length of time."

"Haven't you heard of pheromones? Some men and women have it in spades. And it doesn't seem to matter if they have terrible personalities, they seem to be able to attract the opposite sex like bees to nectar."

"Ssshh… not so loud. Here he comes now. From the look of things, I don't think his mood's improved any." More groans emerged from the middle section.

"Great… more verbal abuse to look forward to…"

"Sssshhh…"

Members of the Roux Marlet orchestra immediately fell silent as they watched their principal conductor stride grimly onto the stage. His handsome face had a harried look. It was evident that there was something on his mind… something not so easily expunged. They braced themselves for another punishing day of rehearsal… all were fully aware that they were treading on broken glass. Even Kuroki, who was the closest thing to a friend he had in the orchestra, was deeply troubled. This was a side of Chiaki he had not seen. It caused him to wonder if indeed Chiaki and Megumi chan had broken up and that was the catalyst of all Chiaki's woes.

If he would be truthful with himself, Chiaki would confess that he was out of his mind with worry. The apartment next door had been strangely silent… the last few days. She, who could be relied upon to pop into his place like clockwork for meals was no where to be seen. Regular visits to her door proved to be fruitless. He'd sent her messages via the cell phone and received cryptic, sometimes seemingly abrupt replies. He was none the wiser about her state of mind or body or heart. As a result, this made him insecure and especially hard to live with, swinging from fretfulness to fury.

Why should I care… if she doesn't? He had asked himself but there had been no reply… not even from his own secret self, which seemed to have abandoned him.

His own apartment was eerily quiet… far too quiet for his liking. It seemed like eons ago that he used to crave for quiet but of late, the quiet was an assault on his senses… it made him realize how lonely he was and how much he had come to rely on her for an odd stew of companionship and security. Was it that long ago that he coveted her absence and yet now that she was he did not know what to do with himself. He cursed himself for allowing her to creep into his life surreptitiously and becoming a habit. Where was she now? Most likely preying on another unsuspecting victim. She's had it far to good for far too long.

He allowed himself even the luxury of thinking that no one could take care of her better than he could. I know all her habits… and yet… why did I foolishly let her become mine? That insidious playing of hers led me down this road. How did that become something else?

Searching through the turmoil that had become his constant companion, he knew that he didn't have the answers and it mattered little. Right now, he only wanted to know how she was.

Later that evening, he spent the night alone with the score that they would be working on, Greig's Peer Gynt suites. Staring at it blankly for hours, his thoughts often wandered over to the apartment next door. It would have been easier spending the night at the office, at least he wouldn't have been reminded of how much he was missing that habit.

***

Nodame was nibbling on a slice of half mouldy bread that she had found at the bottom of her piano bag. She was taking a short break and wondered how senpai was. Probably enjoying a bit of peace and quiet. Happy that I'm not around to harass him. Yet she couldn't help but worry about him. Sigh… he doesn't need me to worry about him. He's probably secretly relieved that he doesn't have to cook for me.

The first preliminary round was to be held the next day and she hoped to see him there. It had been a tough four days physically and emotionally but it was all in aid of a good cause. I want him to be proud of me. By hook or by crook I'm going to perform a piano concerto with him.

***

The morning light peered in through the curtains. Chiaki threw the covers off and hastily made for the bathroom. He could see that he was two hours late and would be later still, by the time he got to the competition. He had been looking forward to it the entire week, hoping that it would mean the lifting of her self-imposed isolation. Hell, I should have turned the alarm on.

He barely had anytime to get ready. A quick brush of the front teeth, he slipped on the previous day's shirt and trousers which were still lying on the bed and then he dashed out the door without any food.

Getting into his car, he glanced briefly at his watch. Blast… I'm going to miss her performance. As the car engine purred, he took off like a man on a mission and drove like a maniac. At the speed he was going, it was surprising that he didn't kill himself or get pulled over for dangerous driving.

When he finally arrived at his destination, he found the lobby of the auditorium largely deserted. Luckily for him, he saw a familiar face.

"Kuroki, I'm so glad that you're still here. Where's everyone?"

"Chiaki! I'm sorry to say that they've all gone. Megumi chan's spot was over an hour ago."

Damn. "Nodame… how did she go?"

"She did very well. All that hard work has really paid off. She'll get through." Kuroki paused for a few moments before continuing. "She waited around for about half an hour. I'm only back here because I left my oboe in the cloakroom."

"Do you know where she went?"

"She went off with Professor Auclair and his son to have lunch. Not sure where."

If only I had been here sooner… "Kuroki, why don't I give you a lift home?"

"That would be great. Just give me a minute."

As Kuroki walked away, Chiaki could feel the knots tightening inside stomach. This week just keeps getting worse. I wanted so much to hear her play. I just wanted to see her…

***

"Father, you were right… she's fantastic!"

"So… what do you think, can your orchestra use her?"

"Is that a serious question? Of course… but will she want to join us? We are just an amateur orchestra."

"She needs the practice wherever she can get it. Be careful how you go with her. She's a little fragile right now."

"Why? She should be ecstatic with that performance."

"I think her raison d'etre just missed the boat."

"What raison d'etre?"

"Never mind… Anyway, get to know her and keep her mind on music as much as possible."

"Of course… She seems to be an intriguing creature. So transparent and intuitive in her playing."

"And in person… come on.. let me introduce you."

***

Nodame was looking rather down in the dumps when father and son approached her. She had been so sure that senpai would be here to see her play. Did he forget? Is he purposely ignoring me again for neglecting him?

"There's someone I would like you to meet, baby chan."

"Professor Auclair…"

"This is my youngest son, Henri, baby chan. Henri, this is Miss Megumi Noda."

"Please to meet you Mr…"

"Please just call me Henri. Miss Noda, that was just scintillating stuff! I am still amazed by your performance." The younger Auclair spoke in a friendly fashion.

"Really?" Nodame blushed with pleasure, forgetting her disappointment temporarily.

"Absolutely… I think your playing is wonderfully effervescent. I could imagine each note sparkling in the sunlight." Henri Auclair praised effusively. "And you established an immediate rapport with your audience. That is an enviable quality in any musician."

"You are too kind." What a nice man! I didn't know Master Yoda had any children.

"Just stating the facts. Miss Noda… there's something I would like to talk to you about."

"Huh?"

"Myself and a few friends have started up an orchestra… just an amateur one but we are looking around for a pianist to come in from time to time and I thought you might be interested."

"Interested?" Nodame was dumbfounded. "You are asking me to join your orchestra?"

"I am asking you…" Henri grinned. "So what do you think?"

"I don't know what to say… I…" Nodame alternated glances between Prof Auclair and Henri.

"Well, how about we talk about it over lunch… I know a nice café not far from here."

"I am hungry but…"

"And to sweeten the deal, I will take you to see the orchestra after wards… we're having rehearsals this afternoon." He smiled. "No pressure, of course."

Nodame took a minute or two to mull over it. I don't suppose senpai will show up now. Everything's over anyway. Gyabo, a chance to play with an orchestra. Henri Auclair seems like such a great person. So kind… "It's a deal, Henri. And I would love to meet your orchestra. I can't believe that you want me to play for you."

"This will be a great opportunity for you to work with an orchestra, baby chan." The father spoke up after being largely silent during the entire exchange..

"Mukya! I know… it's amazing…"

***

Chiaki knocked on the door of her flat but there was no response. So she's not home yet. If she had been there, she would have seen the deep disappointment that registered on his face. She would have known that he did care and then he was berating himself over his own tardiness. She would have also known that she was important to him… more important than he himself would ever admit to being. That he was more afraid of her drifting away than she was of him walking away from this cycle of frustration that they call a relationship.

He went back to his apartment, tired, angry and disheartened. She's probably mad with me for missing her first round performance and is somewhere sulking. I know I'm mad with me for missing it.

All this waiting around was killing him.

***

Unlike Chiaki, Nodame was having a ball watching Henri Auclair's orchestra rehearse. It was a rather much more relaxed environment than what she was used to. The Paris Amateur Music Society was made up of a group of talented young musicians who were either students or former students who were now working in other occupations. They gave performances once a month either in the town hall or in various parks around the city. Henri Auclair himself was a highly regarded violinist and was a member of the Paris Symphony Orchestra.

That afternoon the orchestra was rehearsing Danse Macabre, a delightfully eerie piece by Camille Saint Saens based on an old French superstition that Death had the power to awaken his victims from their graves as he played his violin at midnight on Halloween every year. Nodame had some vague memory of, hearing it in her past but her fertile imagination conjured up images of skeletons and Casper-like ghosts prancing on their graves moving to the playful scales. She closed her eyes and reveled in the enjoyment of the orchestral arrangement… Ah it's so good to be able to enjoy music for its own sake.

When the orchestra finished for the day, Henri took her to an early dinner and explained to her the vision he had for the orchestra and what he wanted to achieve. It was to be a place for young people to enjoy music once they left school but also to help high school children appreciate classical music. Nodame rarely came across anyone with such boyish enthusiasm that she couldn't help the comparison. He's not that much older than senpai or I but he's so enthusiastic and passionate about everything and he's not afraid to show it. I wish senpai would care about me the way Henri cares about helping people.

***

"So what do you think Miss Noda? Are you interested in our little orchestra?"

"It's not that little. And yes, I'm interested. But my friends call me Nodame."

"Alright, Nodame… does that mean a 'yes'?"

"Erm… I'm not sure yet… I'll have to think about it." I can't wait to tell senpai about this.

"Of course."

"Henri… can you tell me why you're asking me? Why me?"

"We've been on the look out for someone for a while. Father thought about you and invited me to watch your performance today. You are exactly what we're looking for… young, vivacious… and I think you have qualities that will appeal to the kids."

"Hmmm…"

"No pressure. But personally I hope you will join us."

"I'll let you know shortly. Thank you for a fascinating day. It was a nice break from all that piano practice."

"It was my pleasure." He flashed her another one of his ready smiles. "I'll be coming to watch the second round so look out for me, won't you?"

"Definitely Henri." Gyabo! Is the father Yoda and the son Luke Skywalker?

Nodame skipped up the stairway that led to her room with a spring in her step, humming Danse Macabre quietly to herself. What a great piece. So much fun as well. As a thought occurred to her, she quickened her pace while fumbling in her coat pocket for her key. Unlocking the door, she couldn't get inside quickly enough.

Nodame went straight for the piano and started humming Danse Macabre from the top. The harp section… followed by the solo violin symbolizing Death… then the main theme. Merrily, she played the entire piece from memory with greater precision than she would've had before. Wow, there is a lot to be said for facing up to the music. This actually sounds good… and better still, I can even tell the difference.

***

Chiaki was drifting off when he woke up with a start. The quiet that had been his companion had deserted him in an instant. What is that piece? Danse Macabre? Who's playing it? Nodame?

He sat spellbound for some moments unable to believe his ears. Why is she playing this? It can't be a competition piece, surely. It's not Liszt or Horowitz but it's wonderful… It's almost as if an entire orchestra has camped in her apartment.

Chiaki got up and went to her door. He was about to knock when he had second thoughts. I can't interrupt that. He fumbled around for the door knob and turned it. She's getting careless… leaving her door unlocked like that.

Saint Saens on the piano… Chiaki walked into the flat, full of wonder. I have really missed her playing.

Chiaki stood at the doorway watching her arms and shoulders move expressively with the music. Obviously engrossed, she did not notice him standing only a few metres away, ready to take her into his arms. She looks jubilant, incandescent almost… is it the music?

"Senpai, it's you… how long have you been standing there?"

"Not that long. You should be more careful, you left your door unlocked." He remarked with an inscrutable look on his face.

Oblivious to whatever expression his face held, she flew into his arms and wrapped herself round his waist. For reasons only known to himself, he did not flinch as he usually did. There was a part of him that was greatly comforted at having her back at his side. "Did I? I missed you, senpai. Guess what I did this afternoon? I had the best time ever."

There was a part of him that wanted to tell her that he missed her too but another part of him felt a rising frustration that was turning into anger. I was waiting for you all day.

"Is that why you didn't call and let me know where you were?" His voice was dripping with cold fury.

"Huh? I thought you were busy." Nodame looked at him bewildered.

"Well, I wasn't. You could've called to find out." He snapped. "I couldn't get you because you switched off your phone." He added peevishly.

"Then why didn't you attend my performance?" She was both puzzled and angry by his reaction. The wheels of her mind were churning to the possibilities.

"I… was… late. But that's not the point. By the time I got there, you had left." He was feeling a combination of sheepishness and impatience.

"Then why would you care if I called or not?" She retorted with surprising spirit. "You didn't even care enough to get to the place on time." The tone of her voice was rising. "My first piano competition in Europe and my boyfriend is a no show."

"Nodame… I…" Chiaki cowed slightly, taken aback by her retaliatory comments. It was a side of Nodame he didn't see often. Somehow he had managed to awaken a sleeping dragon.

"I don't want to talk to you, senpai… You've put me in a bad mood. I think I prefer the company of someone who makes me feel good about myself. With you I can't seem to do anything right."

"Nodame, that's not true… I've never said that." Chiaki vainly protested his innocence.

"You don't have to… Your actions speak loudly enough. Just go away…" So saying she pushed him out the door and slammed it behind her. She stood against the door and the tears soon fell freely. You say I don't know the meaning of love but do you?

Outside, Chiaki raised his hand to knock on her door and then pulled back. He felt the sting of her words. With you I can't seem to do anything right. She had said.

Is this true? Does she really believe that about me?

Returning to his apartment, Chiaki winced at the thought of spending another evening alone. He had been so looking forward to seeing her again. But the day had become one long disaster from beginning to end. Why couldn't he just tell her how he really felt? How important she was to him. But she knows how I feel…

Or does she?

***

The next morning, Chiaki got up as early as he could and made breakfast… a hastily prepared peace offering of scrambled eggs and toast. He went over and knocked on the door several times.

She can't have left already, can she?

"Nodame… it's me… If you're there… please open up… About last night… I…" His throat was feeling especially dry and his heart was racing. "I made breakfast."

Inside, Nodame pulled the covers over her head. She was not to be easily swayed by food. Her encounter with Henri Auclair had opened her eyes to other possibilities. There was something invigorating about spending time with someone so positive and so life affirming. The idea that she could use her music to help others was a novel one to her mind but it gave her a renewed excitement about music in a way nothing had done before. Thus far she had been driven to excel so that she could become competent enough to participate in a piano concerto. But to use it for altruistic purposes… was a paradigm shift for Noda Megumi.

She was on a high and the last thing she needed was for senpai to put a damper on things and start her day off in a bad frame of mind.

Chiaki waited outside the door for as long as he thought reasonable before reluctantly walking away. This competition must be more important to her than I though. She must have gone to school to practice already… without breakfast? What has she been living on these past few days?

Chiaki's vivid imagination saw Nodame scavenging through the rubbish bins, picking through food that had been left uneaten. Just like a stray… coming and going at will…

As if remembering something, Chiaki dug down into his pockets to pull out his phone and quickly text in a message. Just in case you read this… Make sure you're eating properly. I'll see you at the next round. Do your best.

There was more Chiaki wanted to say but as usual he had his excuses… or "reasons" as he himself was wont to say, not to. He told himself that now wasn't the time… that she was working hard… that she didn't need him to distract her when her full powers of concentration were needed.

Chiaki had become so adept at making those little excuses that it became second nature to him. So much so that he found his own feelings had become strangers to his soul.

***

The second round of the piano competition saw a slightly larger crowd now that the lesser competitors were eliminated from the arena. Rumours were rife regarding several especially outstanding contenders for the title including a certain Megumi Noda, a Japanese student from the Conservatoire. Her hair, in particular, was the topic of much speculation with members of the audience wondering if she was indeed some kind of Nigel Kennedy fangirl or just too poor to own a hairbrush. However, there was no denying that once she was behind the piano she was a musical force to be reckoned with. The audience sat amused at her rendition of Debussy's Gollywog Cakewalk as her hair jiggled determinedly with the music. This, she followed by Schubert's Impromptu in E flat major, capturing the composer's feelings of passion, angst and uncertainty with a newfound confidence. There was a hushed murmur in the audience… This is Schubert come to life, directing her hands and fingers. A Schubert that wants to be heard.

Professor Auclair, sitting in the middle of the audience gave a knowing smile. You're growing up… baby chan. You are learning some hard lessons about life. And you're finding new reasons to make music.

Chiaki shook his head in disbelief. What manner of spell has gripped her? Her playing is obviously maturing but still so full of youthful vitality. While sitting through her entire performance, he was a man mesmerized and even when she had finished, he couldn't stop thinking about how terrible it would be if he never heard her play again or if she never came by for dinner again. It had been the worst eight days of his life… The last two nights in particular kept him on the edge... not knowing if everything was alright between them. Had she been avoiding him? He couldn't be sure. She seemed conveniently absent every time he knocked on her door. Worse still, he kept playing her words over and over again in his mind… With you I can't do anything right. They had both been angry and exchanged some heated words but… did she really mean that? But more importantly, was there any truth to it?

Nonetheless, her playing seemed unaffected by the recent crisis between them. It was as if she had found a new anchor… a different anchor… one that seemingly did not involve him.

***

After a rigorous three hour wait, the second round was over. Coming out of the auditorium, Nodame looked all around her, stretching her smallish frame above the taller, Caucasian heads that impeded her view. Where's senpai? He said he was coming.

After some jumping and slick maneouvring around the crowd that was spilling out of the exits, she espied him walking toward her from a distance. He allowed himself a smile and quickened his pace as he saw her skipping in his direction. She seems happy enough to see me. She waved her arms merrily and started running towards him.

"Nodame… " Her path towards Chiaki was cut off by a group of familiar faces that had been waiting to talk to her.

"Henri… Louise… Daniel… What are you all doing here?" The members of the Paris Musical Society gathered around her offering their congratulations.

"We came to see you play of course." Henri Auclair gave her a hug and kissed both her cheeks. "You were magnificent."

"Was I?"

"You had the audience eating out of your hand. That Impromptu… oh wow… I have to got to hear you play it again."

Senpai was quickly forgotten, as Nodame reveled in the frank adulation. "Really? You liked it that much?" Everyone present nodded their heads vigorously.

"The way you played it reminded me of my maternal grandfather's mansion… a huge place with this incredible stairway. As kids we used to run up and down the stairs and play all kinds of games on it." A woman in the group that Nodame hadn't met before commented.

"Nodame, we have to have you in our musical society… we loved your rendition of Gollywog Cakewalk." The man named Daniel piped up. "The kids will love you. They'll definitely love that hair of yours." Nodame blushed slightly and tried to brush her hair down with her left hand.

"Come on, let's bribe her with a spot of lunch."

"Er… I can't, I'm meeting someone here." Nodame responded regretfully.

"Is that someone your beloved conductor of the Roux Marlet orchestra? Bring him along. We'd love to meet him." Henri said with seemingly boundless enthusiasm. "Maybe we can give him something to do as well."

"That would be great." Nodame responded buoyantly.

Some metres away, Chiaki had frozen in his tracks, mystified and wary. The euphoria that he had been feeling dissipated in an instant. Who are all those people? And who is that man that hugged her? Is she blushing?

Seeing her interact with the group, she looked radiant and gleeful… he couldn't remember the last time she looked this jubilant. No wonder she was playing so well. Is it because of him?

His mind had gone numb. Was she really that angry with me? That she really went out and found someone else to leech on… I never thought…

A cold sensation gripped his entire person. Chiaki turned away before his feelings betrayed him and staggered off in the opposite direction. For Chiaki Shinichi, something in his universe had been turned upside down.

***

"What's the matter, Nodame?" Henri asked concernedly as he saw her downcast face.

"I… am sure I saw senpai… before…"

"Maybe he's gone to the bathroom. We can wait…"

Half an hour later, there was still no sign of Chiaki. Nodame concerned for her new friends made her decision.

"We should go… I'll send him a message."

"Are you sure? We can wait."

"No… no… it's alright… We shouldn't keep everyone waiting."

"I don't think any of us mind waiting."

"Maybe I was seeing things. I often do that."

"You do?" Henri grinned widely. "You're such an interesting person, Nodame."

"You don't think I'm strange?"

"Everyone's a little strange… " Henri shrugged his shoulders. "But your strangeness is what makes you special. All the great ones had their quirks… Rimsky-Korsakov had synesthesia which probably gave him his extraordinary ability in orchestration. Schumann suffered from mental problems and tried to kill himself later. Mozart had more than a passing interest in excrement. Beethoven was completely obsessed with music and apparently never left the house."

"You are the most positive person I have ever met."

"Trust me, I wasn't always like this… but life's too short to dwell on the negatives. I learnt that the hard way. C'mon, let's go for lunch… I'm sure you're hungry."

"I'm starving."

"I know a place that prepares the most amazing Turkish cuisine."

"Turkish? Wow, I've never had that before."

"Great… and then you can tell me all about your beloved conductor."

"It's a deal."

***

"He's amazing."

"He must be… if he understands you and accepts you for who you are."

"I don't know about that…" Nodame said hesitantly. "When I say he's amazing I mean that he is a great musician."

Henri sensed something tenuous in that statement. "Is everything alright, Nodame? Between the two of you?"

"I don't know… I'm never sure with him… It's as if he's always five steps ahead of me and I'm still crawling or making baby steps. Sometimes I think he's only attracted to me because of the music."

"All relationships must begin somewhere."

"Yeah, I know but… it's been three years… sometimes I'm sure he cares and other times I feel that he just puts up with me."

"Why do you think he puts up with you?"

"I don't know… because I'm there?" And maybe because he's afraid that I'll kill him.

"Don't you think it's because he cares?" Henri asked perceptively.

"He has a strange way of showing it."

"Each to their own."

"Henri… erm… can I ask you something?"

"Sure… what is it?"

"You seem like a nice guy… are you seeing anyone?"

"Not at the moment…"

"Why?"

"Too many memories…"

Must've been someone special. "What happened?"

"She… died last year… leukemia… We'd known each other since high school. The Paris Amateur Musical Society was her dream too."

"I'm so sorry… I shouldn't…"

"I don't mind talking about it. She's one of my heroes. One of the strongest people I've had the privilege of knowing. I just wish I had had more time with her. The truth is, I'm a better person because of her."

"I wish I had met her, Henri… She sounds like a great person."

"She would've liked you. In many ways, you remind me of her."

"Really?"

"Yeah, she had a unique way of looking at everything…"

***

Never in his wildest dreams did Chiaki ever imagine that Nodame would take up residence elsewhere. She had become such a fixture in his life that he had taken for granted that she'd never go elsewhere. Don't cats mate for life? He wondered to himself and then wondered in horror at the metaphor he had chosen. Mate? Us?

Chiaki was not in a logical frame of mind. Drowning his sorrows in his second bottle of Bordeaux, he was brooding over what he perceived to be her abandonment of him and yet, he had a history of keeping her at arms length. Emotionally, he was a silent wall that she was desperately trying to scale but to no avail.

I think I prefer the company of someone who makes me feel good about myself. She had said the other night… It was then that Chiaki finally managed to grasp the ramifications of that statement. Does she mean to say that I make her unhappy?

It was not something that Chiaki thought much of… he seldom asked her how she felt. He assumed that she was grateful but was gratitude all he wanted from her? She knew what she wanted… she'd told him many times. Still, she seemed content with what they had and he was content that she didn't want more from him.

Nonetheless the forest of the weird was now drifting away from him and for some unknown reason, the consequences of which was causing him to feel like a castaway, lost at sea.

***

Henri offered to walk Nodame home and on the way there, they chatted about their future plans.

"Well, Nodame… have you made up your mind? Are you going to join us?"

"I'll join on one condition, that I not only make it through the finals but win one of the top three positions. Mukya!"

"You're either very confident or you are doing everything you can to avoid joining our orchestra."

Nodame gave a little giggle and took off before Henri could say another word. She turned around and gave Henri a quick wave before opening the large iron door to her apartment block. I can do this. I am going to make it all the way to the finals. As she raced halfway up the stairs, she could see an inebriated figure slouched against her door.

"Chiaki senpai…" She ran up to him with grave concern and examined him carefully.

He seemed pretty far gone and his speech was slurred. She could just make out what he was saying. "Don't leave me…" He grasped hold of her arm with utmost urgency.

She leaned over and whispered tenderly in his ear. "Never…"

Edited: 6 April 2009