Chapter 26
The room is overflowing with reporters. I look to my father but he just looks ahead and bows, I see the Nishikado's doing the same…. We all take our seats, Soujiro next to me I whisper to him…
'What's going on?'
'I don't know….'
We both sigh as we stare aimlessly at the press.
Soujiro's dad speaks into the mike and greets the press.
'We thank all of you for attending this ceremony today. We are here as you know to announce the joining of our two families by the union of our children…Soujiro and Tsukushi.'
I blink and look to Soujiro who looks equally shocked. Sure I knew it was coming but now it all happened so fast…
'We on behalf of Tatler's Magazine congratulate both families on this joyous occasion. A question if we may…this would be quite a notable wedding for the social calendar as well as for the business world what do you expect out of this?' asked a reporter standing up.
'The event of the year at least…' joked mother. A chorus of laughs tailed her patronizingly.
'When would the wedding be held?' asked another reporter.
'We will have the engagement party this winter,' said Soujiro's mother.
We stepped out of the room with the Nishikado's close behind and I look to my parents and say…
'What is this all about?' a look in confusion.
'That's what I want to know too.' said Soujiro joining in.
'We both knew you'd refuse to come if we told you we were holding a press conference,' said my mother.
'And if we told you, you'd tell her.' Said Soujiro's dad.
We both found some truth in that but protested too that they should have told us. Peace was met when father stepped up to bat and said, 'what's done is done. You've both attended the press conference haven't you? So that's that. The engagement ceremony will be held this winter on a date which is to be confirmed when both of you meet your planner three days from today.'
'Three days!-'said me and Soujiro in unison.
'Yes. One, two, three. Which part of that confuses either of you? Nothing… good. Now let's have dinner.' Said Soujiro's dad arm in arm with my father walking off to the dining hall with both our mothers tailing behind leaving the both of us speechless and powerless.
