Alright, here is chapter 3. Sorry about the wait. I will say that this chapter does some more jumping around and moves maybe a little slower than the last chapter. But I am super excited to hear what people think of this chapter so please let me know! Chapter 4 will be coming soon (I already have a good start on it). So please read, review, and enjoy!
Chapter 3
"O-Osaka?" The name flopped out of Chiyo's mouth as she stared in disbelief. For there stood Osaka, the girl Chiyo had seen countless times around campus. Though Chiyo couldn't remember her friend's clothing from their previous encounters, she shockingly recognized the clothes Osaka now wore. Faded red shirt and a faded dark red skirt; their old high school had worn that uniform; for whatever reason; to school on the day of the fire. But why is she wearing it now?
Dozens of questions flooded Chiyo's head, but those could wait. Chiyo embraced Osaka, never wanting to let go. But something was wrong. Osaka's body felt hard, and she didn't move to hug Chiyo back. It felt like Chiyo had hugged a statue. Releasing her friend in confusion, Chiyo stared long and hard into Osaka's dodging eyes. "Osaka, did something happen?" No reply and suddenly Chiyo realized she was still speaking English, so she repeated the question in Japanese.
"No. I'm fine," Osaka replied in a soft, barely audible voice. "May I come in?"
"Sure," Chiyo quickly replied, still recovering from the shock of seeing her best friend. But as Osaka sat down at the desk, Chiyo noticed a sadness lingering on the girl's face. Closing the door, Chiyo sat on the bed and offered, "Did you want some pizza?"
Eyeing the floor, Osaka weakly replied, "No, not hungry."
An awkward silence settled in between them. Chiyo wanted to say something, anything; but she didn't know what. She wanted to ask about all the instances she'd seen Osaka on campus. But how would I even begin? Not to mention, it sounded crazy. Chuckling, Chiyo finally said, "I guess I can stop calling you Osaka, Ayumu."
"No, Osaka's fine."
Taken aback, Chiyo asked, "Are you sure?" Osaka nodded in response, her eyes never meeting Chiyo's. Sighing, Chiyo twiddled her thumbs uncomfortably. She'd dreamt of this day countless times. Finding out Osaka was alive, and having a wondrous reunion with the others. Celebration, karaoke, a wild evening at her house, and maybe even a trip to her summer house; but Chiyo never expected this. How could Osaka go from being an open-minded thinker to a despairing, silent wreck? "Are you sure you're alright? We could call your parents if you want."
"My parents . . ." Osaka said the words as if they were foreign to her, like she didn't have parents. But catching herself, she eventually said, "They don't know I'm here."
"Well that's okay, we'll let them know. Where are you guys staying?" Chiyo got up to grab the phone. Osaka appeared at a loss of what to say, and Chiyo, since she was already right next to Osaka, placed her hand on the girl's forehead. "Osaka, you're really burning up!"
Chiyo wanted to say more, but Osaka interrupted, calm as ever. "Really I'm fine. I'm just a little tired is all."
No argument there, Osaka definitely looked tired. But Chiyo, unable to shake how warm Osaka's forehead felt, persisted, "Can I still have the number? I don't want you getting sick."
"I said I was fine!" Osaka shouted, causing Chiyo to jump. A long moment of silence passed where Chiyo found herself too startled to speak, and Osaka who appeared too ashamed to respond. The exclamation had scared Osaka as much as it had scared Chiyo. Finally, in a whisper of a voice, Osaka uttered, "I'm sorry."
Still shaking, Chiyo said, "N-No, that's alright. I'm just worried about you. Please and enveloping her hands around Osaka's, Chiyo said, "let me help you."
"I . . . I don't know how," Osaka said as her gaze fell onto the door.
"Don't worry, we'll figure something . . ." but Chiyo never finished her sentence. For at that moment, a brief knock on her door and it swung open. Chiyo turned to face Kristina. She was shocked. She didn't know what to say. Chiyo couldn't fathom how Kristina would react to this. Kristina had seen pictures of Osaka and Chiyo had certainly told Kristina about her friends; on numerous occasions too.
"Chiyo, what's going on here?" Kristina asked. But Chiyo couldn't open her mouth. She only watched and waited, feeling Osaka's hands slip out of her own. When Kristina did speak however, she stunned Chiyo with the words, "Why didn't you tell me you were ordering pizza?"
"Uhh, I . . ." Chiyo glanced from the pizza to the empty chair where Osaka had been sitting. She was gone.
March 17, 2003
Sunlight entered through the window of Chiyo's room as she glanced over to her alarm. Seven-thirty, she'd have to get ready for class soon. Stretching, Chiyo yawned and looked around the room. Osaka sat in her chair, watching her. The girl had appeared to Chiyo several times after her first encounter, but for never as long. Seeing Osaka in general gave Chiyo chills because she could never tell if Osaka had actually been there or not. What if something is seriously wrong with me? She died in the fire. The usual shock of seeing and speaking with a dead classmate and friend, hadn't worn off yet, but Chiyo found herself slightly more comfortable talking with Osaka. Unfortunately, her friend still remained silent, and only spoke handfuls of words at any given moment. "How long have you been there?"
"Since you fell asleep," Osaka answered simply. She sounded a bit more like herself today, but retained that despairing atmosphere which seemed to follow her.
"That was almost nine hours ago Osaka," Chiyo said shocked, glancing at her alarm clock once more. "What did you do all night?"
"Watched you. Wanted to make sure you were okay."
"But all night . . ." Chiyo was at a loss for words. How could Osaka just sit there all night? But Chiyo couldn't dig too much into the topic, or Osaka might disappear again. So instead, Chiyo simply got out of bed and began changing into a simple dress for class. She had a presentation today and was determined to be seen as anything but a child. "We really missed you," Chiyo finally said as she worked the buttons into their sockets. Sighing, Chiyo gave up and stared hard into Osaka's drooping eyes. "Why didn't you call us? Let us know you were okay? Even your parents . . . what's going on?" Chiyo couldn't help it. She wanted to know; wanted to help.
Osaka couldn't bear to keep her eyes on Chiyo and eventually had to look away. Afraid that she had gone too far, Chiyo prepared to apologize, but Osaka silenced her and said, "I'm sorry Chiyo. I really am. But . . . I did something I shouldn't have." Osaka excused herself to get dirt out of her eyes, though Chiyo suspected something else as the cause for irritation but remained silent. Once Osaka had finished drying her eyes, she continued, "I did something bad; something really bad. And now, there's something wrong with me. I don't know what to do."
Chiyo moved to comfort Osaka but she merely tensed when Chiyo tried to hug her. Rubbing her arm instead, Chiyo encouragingly said, "Don't worry Osaka, we'll figure it out. After all, I'm the genius right? I'll be able to help." Chiyo's attempt at cheering up her friend maybe half worked. Osaka wasn't smiling, but it certainly was the closest thing to a grin Chiyo had seen.
The "almost grin" faded quickly and Osaka said, "Better get to class Chiyo. Don't wanna be late."
Taking her books and things, Chiyo reluctantly left Osaka and headed for class. Since Kristina had some sort of on-location assignment, she would be walking alone. For the whole walk, Chiyo couldn't stop thinking about Osaka. What had Osaka done that been so bad? Some sort of criminal mischief? But Chiyo quickly scratched out that idea as the mere thought of Osaka breaking the law was laughable. And what could possibly be wrong with her? Chiyo wondered if maybe all this had something to do with Osaka's awkward behavior. "But what could it be," Chiyo asked herself. Walking into class, Chiyo set aside her thoughts and began preparing for her presentation.
With the start of class, the professor stood up, her black dress unraveling down to almost her heels, and she said, "Time to continue the presentations. Remember your term papers won't be due for at least a month; so this presentation should only be an introduction. Chiyo, would you like to start us off?"
Nodding, Chiyo pulled out her things and using her chair for height, she taped a poster of the human heart to the blackboard. Chiyo pulled out her note cards and began. "Good morning. My name is Mi . . . Chiyo Mihama and I will be talking about the heart." Nervously glancing at her note cards, Chiyo continued, "The heart is an amazing muscle as it works in a coordinated fashion. It . . ." But Chiyo stopped. In the back of class sat Osaka, listening to her; watching her. Almost forgetting her presentation, Chiyo peeked at her note cards and tried to continue, "Um . . . The cardiac cycle . . . is the set of events which . . ." As hard as Chiyo focused on her project, she couldn't nudge the fact that Osaka sat in the back of class; nor could she take her eyes off the girl.
"Don't be nervous Chiyo. It's not life or death," her professor consoled her.
Glancing at her professor, Chiyo nodded her thanks. But when she looked back to where Osaka had been sitting, only an empty desk could be seen. Chiyo scanned the room, searching for Osaka but found only her classmates. Looking back to her professor, she received a reassuring nod for her to continue. Pulling in a deep breath, she continued with her presentation. Talking about the heart and many of its functions, Osaka never reappeared.
With class ending, Chiyo headed towards the cafeteria for a quick bite to eat. With a short line, she entered the café, selected her food, and sat down at a small table in the corner. She began eating when another tray slapped against the table. Looking surprised, Chiyo asked, "Kristina, what happened to that on-location thing you had?"
"Got cancelled! Our professor cancelled because he didn't think we were ready! Can you believe that? This was supposed to be an introductory visit. What's to be ready for?" Kristina complained as she dug into her hamburger. Frustrated, she concluded, "Well whatever. So how has your day been?"
Setting down her milk, Chiyo said, "Okay. I was really nervous for my presentation. But I survived." Chiyo released an apologetic smile, hoping it would please her disconcerted friend. The image of Osaka in class still bothered her. Chiyo wondered if her friend was still out wandering the campus.
"Well, at least you have Professor Ray. She's usually very understanding." Kristina sipped her pop and sighed. "So, have you decided on a major? Since I'm supposed to be helping you with this stuff."
"I'm thinking of becoming a doctor. Professor Ray is a lot of fun and it looks like I'd have her more often."
"Then you'll wanna talk to her about the major. I don't know exactly what it's called, but you'll have to . . ." Chiyo stopped listening to Kristina as something had suddenly caught her eye. Sitting at a nearby table, was Osaka. She sat there, just watching Chiyo with an empty tray under her arms. Almost in a sort of trance, Chiyo stood up and approached Osaka. She heard Kristina utter something, but she couldn't figure what. Osaka just continued to sit as Chiyo closed in on her. A blue shirt hit Chiyo's face as she walked right into a boy passing with his tray.
"Sorry," Chiyo said as she helped the boy pick up his things that had spilt onto the floor. Fortunately, nothing had dirtied Chiyo's dress. Only waving his response, the boy in the blue flame shirt (now that she had a decent look) walked off. Turning back to the table, Osaka was gone.
"Chiyo, what's going on?" Kristina asked, obviously annoyed that she had abruptly walked out of their conversation.
"Uhh nothing. Say Kristina, was there anyone sitting at this table?"
"How should I know?"
Catching the edge in Kristina's voice, Chiyo apologized, "Sorry Kristina, I just thought I saw someone I knew." Signaling a return to their seats, Chiyo followed Kristina, hoping she hadn't angered her friend too much. But at the same time, she glanced back to the table, wondering about Osaka.
Kristina said something about discussing her plan with Professor Ray, and then had to leave for class. Chiyo finished her meal, and with two classes left, she hurried on out. Her Public Speaking class ended up being notes, no Osaka; Chiyo noted. Her Ancient Civilizations gen-ed course turned out to be the same, again no Osaka. Eventually returning to her room, Chiyo dropped her things on the bed, finding Osaka right where she had left her, in the chair at the desk.
Osaka had been distracted with something, for she didn't seem to notice Chiyo. "Hey Osaka," Chiyo called, careful not to startle the girl. Her friend calmly turned towards her. Chiyo was taken aback as Osaka appeared more tired than usual, and she looked quite pale. "Were you following me this morning?"
Weakly nodding her head, Osaka replied, "I wanted to see what you were doing. Wanted to make sure you were okay."
"What do you mean? Nothing's gonna happen to me," Chiyo said confused. But when she pressed the matter further, Osaka only shrunk away from her and didn't respond. Chiyo eventually dropped the subject. When an awkward silence began to settle in, Chiyo changed the subject and asked, "What were you looking at?"
Osaka appeared ashamed to say it, but relented and pointed to the picture Chiyo had received from her mom. The one with all her friends in it, including Osaka. "Oh this," Chiyo said, a little surprised. Picking it up, she scanned the picture, memories of all her friends rushing to her head. "Those were the good old days weren't they? I wonder what they're all up to."
Osaka reached for the picture, so Chiyo handed it to her. Watching Osaka run her fingers over the glass, Chiyo noticed how sad her friend looked. Osaka appeared ready to cry, just from looking at the picture. But she didn't, and instead, she said, "I hear Tomo's gonna be a cop. And Sakaki's gonna be vet . . ."
So she has talked to them. Chiyo felt relieved at hearing news of her friends. She hated that she hadn't been able to contact them all this time. Many people lost contact with each other after high school, and Chiyo did not want to be one of them. "What about Yomi, and Kagura? What are they going for? Kagura, she was going to a sports university, and Yomi, what was she going for . . ." Chiyo stopped; embarrassed that she had allowed herself to ramble on like that.
But Osaka seemed troubled by her rambling; as if she didn't know how to respond. "I-I . . . don't know."
"Sorry. I just haven't talked to them in so long."
"It's okay," Osaka said, though her voice seemed to say otherwise. Still, she went silent for a few moments, picture in hand. Then a sudden thought struck her and she asked Chiyo, "Can I have this? Or a copy is fine, please?"
A little surprised at the request, Chiyo nodded and said, "Sure, I think Kristina's parents have a copy machine. I'll be right back." And Chiyo took the picture from Osaka. Finding the machine only took a minute, as it was right next to the family computer. Chiyo removed the picture from its frame and quickly made a copy for Osaka. Returning, she found Osaka just as Chiyo had left her. "Here you go."
"Thanks," Osaka softly replied.
"Would you like to lie down," Chiyo asked, unable to take the fact that Osaka was very pale, and seemed in desperate need of rest.
"I'm fine Chiyo, really," Osaka responded. Giving in, Chiyo turned to her book bag to unload her homework. She really didn't like this. Osaka should be resting. But Chiyo felt uncomfortable with telling people older than herself what to do. It had bothered her in high school, but she really didn't have a choice as class president. "I just don't want you getting sick is all," Chiyo said as she turned back to Osaka, who only nodded.
May 8, 2003
Peering over her book, Chiyo watched Osaka. She watched how her friend stared bleakly out the window. Osaka seemed to spend more and more time in her room. The scary part was, that Kristina and her parents still had no idea Osaka was even there. Every time someone would walk in, she'd disappear in that mysterious way of hers; something that Chiyo still couldn't get a straight answer on. But nevertheless, Chiyo worried. She worried because since the day Osaka arrived, she hadn't smiled. Since that day, Osaka has been despairing over something. Since that day, Osaka has been irregularly pale. Since that day, Osaka has slept barely a night. And since that day, Chiyo has not seen, nor has she been able to get Osaka to eat or drink anything. Whenever she'd ask Osaka to eat, the girl's answer was always the same: "Sorry Chiyo, not hungry."
But she had to think of something. Osaka couldn't go on like this. A plan springing to mind, Chiyo set the book down and stretched. "All this studying is making me kinda hungry," Chiyo said as she hopped off the bed. "Did you want anything?"
"No, that's alright."
"Okay," Chiyo said as she left the room and headed for the kitchen. Grabbing a box of Easy-Mac Macaroni & Cheese; Chiyo warmed up a bowl for herself. She snatched a spoon from the drawer and backtracked to her room. Upon entry, Chiyo kept close eye on Osaka as she returned to her bed. She noticed that the girl had indeed taken a brief interest in the steaming bowl. But Osaka remained silent. Chiyo pretended to ignore her friend as she resumed studying; occasionally stopping for a mouthful of cheese and noodles. And with every bite, she made sure to make as much noise possible to inform Osaka that it tasted heavenly. But Osaka showed no interest.
If that's how you wanna play it . . . Chiyo glanced into her bowl, realizing that she'd eaten just over half of the Mac & Cheese already. Looking over to Osaka, the girl still had her eyes glued to the window, expression never changing. "Osaka," Chiyo called as she left the bed, carrying her bowl, "How are you feeling?"
"Fine," Osaka replied weakly, her breathing a little ragged, "Just tired."
Moving next to Osaka, Chiyo placed the bowl on her desk and said, "Well here, eat this. Then you can lie down for a while." About to refuse the offer, Chiyo interrupted Osaka and insisted, "Please, I can't finish it. And I don't wanna stick that whole bowl in the fridge."
Osaka licked her lips, obviously wanting the food, but she shook her head in dismay and said, "I can't. I'm sorry Chiyo, but I . . ." And suddenly Osaka's voice left her as she swayed over and luckily, Chiyo caught the girl by her shoulders or she would've fallen right onto the floor. Osaka's head swayed groggily. About to call for help, Chiyo stopped when a small whisper arose out Osaka, "Sorry Chiyo. But could I lay down for a bit?"
"S-Sure," Chiyo said, and to the best of her ability, helped Osaka out of the chair and onto her bed. Chiyo cleared away the books and made room for Osaka to lie down. "Are you alright? Did you want me to call someone," Chiyo asked, slightly panicked.
"No," Osaka breathed, "Just let me sleep." Chiyo reluctantly nodded. She moved her books to her desk, and watched Osaka sleep for the rest of the day.
The irritating buzzing of an alarm sounded from Sakaki's pocket, causing her to jump. She reached in, and pulled out her cell phone. "Nine-thirty, already," Sakaki muttered in surprise. Had she really been in the mansion that long? Even more confusing, Sakaki couldn't remember ever setting her phone's alarm. Either way, darkness had settled in, and she needed to be getting back home. But the journal held her there. She couldn't believe what she read, nor could she stop.
Sakaki flipped past a number of chew-up pages, and unreadable, smeared ink. As she flipped, she wondered whether or not she even believed the contents of the journal. Sakaki knew little about the supernatural, but she did remember Osaka's funeral; plain as day. Then Sakaki thought about Chiyo at that hospital, and what she must be going through. How Chiyo almost never smiled, and how she always appeared to be waiting for someone.
Her fingers finally landing on an intact entry, Sakaki discovered the date to be a couple months after the previous entry: September 26, 2003. Deciding this would be her last for the night, Sakaki started reading,
"I'm scared. I don't know what to do. I feel so helpless, so useless. Osaka is getting worse and worse by the day. I'm afraid if she doesn't get some help, she could get really sick. But she will not see a doctor. I won't make her see one, yet. But I'm going to have a meeting with Professor Ray. She won't be around next week so it'll have to be the week after. Anyway, I better not forget what I saw today. Let's see, I was eating with Kristina in the cafeteria . . ."
"Listen Chiyo. I'm worried about you," Kristina said as she shoved another forkful of mashed potatoes into her mouth. "All you do anymore is spend time in your room. Last year, we only got out a couple of times and then you started disappearing. What's going on?"
Chiyo stared hard into Kristina's pleading eyes. She couldn't tell her. Kristina would never believe her. After all, how many people can say they talk to their dead friend on a regular basis? But then again, is Osaka even dead? Chiyo felt horrible. She hated keeping things from Kristina. After all, her family was kind enough to offer Chiyo a place to stay. If only you could understand, Chiyo thought. Sighing, she eventually lied, "I'm just really nervous about my major. It takes a long time to become a doctor."
"Don't give me that, Chiyo. It won't work. Listen, I know you miss your friends and I know you miss that girl who'd passed away. And I'm sorry you haven't been able to return to Japan lately, but you can't let that get to you all the time," Kristina said, reaching into her book bag. "I'm not trying to be mean. I'm just trying to help. Here," Kristina said, and she handed Chiyo a sheet of paper, and advertisement. It promoted a band called, Rocky C. and the Foot Soldiers. About to ask, Kristina answered Chiyo's question before it ever left her lips, "They're really good. And they're gonna be playing at the amphitheatre across campus. I'm going with a few friends. Please, join us."
Chiyo studied the advertisement. The band appeared entertaining, and the whole event looked like fun, with free ice cream afterwards. But Chiyo worried about Osaka. She'd been running increasingly high temps for a while now. Was it really safe to leave her behind? "I don't know Kristina, I'm kinda . . ."
"Chiyo please, it'll be fun. You can live with one night of partying."
Biting her lip, Chiyo nodded. "I'll go."
A satisfied smile, Kristina exclaimed, "Great! You're gonna love it, I know you will! Malory has one of their CDs, I've heard it, and they're awesome. I was just gonna head over and hang out with her until it started. Wanna come?"
"Sure, but can we stop at you place quick? I want to drop a few things off." And let Osaka know I'll be out. Chiyo thought as she allowed Kristina to plan their night away, from dusk to dawn.
It didn't take long and suddenly Chiyo found herself outside Kristina's house. They'd listened to some pop group Kristina swore sounded just like Rocky C. "I'll wait in the car okay?" Chiyo nodded, and grabbing her things, hurried into the house.
At a light jog, Chiyo shoved the door to her room open and dropped off her book bag. She scanned the room for any sign of her friend, but none could be found. Uncertain as to whether or not Kristina's parents were home, Chiyo left her room to check the rest of the house. Entering the kitchen, she noticed a note on the table, simply informing her and Kristina that the adults in question were out. Feeling more comfortable without them Chiyo called, "Osaka? Osaka, can you hear me?" No answer. Heading towards the living room, Chiyo said Osaka's name again, but no answer. However, the closer she got to the bathroom, the louder the sound of running water became; like someone was taking a shower. Osaka had never before let anyone see her, so why would she take such a chance here?
Slightly nervous, Chiyo knocked on the bathroom door and called, "Osaka, are you in there?" Again, no answer. Feeling her heart starting to pound against her chest, Chiyo tried again, praying for a response. "Osaka, is everything okay?" Dead silence. Please be okay. Please be okay. Chiyo repeated as her fingers curled around the knob. "I-I'm coming in!" Chiyo opened the door and quickly stepped inside, giving herself no time for second thoughts. She was met by a wall of steam, and the sound of water pounding into the tub. Chiyo rushed over to the bathtub and discovered Osaka sitting inside, naked, curled up in the fetal position.
For a moment, Chiyo stood in shock. She didn't know what to do, or how to react. Here her best friend sat, curled up in a ball. Her vertebrae stuck out like speed bumps in her back; Chiyo could almost count them all. I have to do something! Chiyo thought as she grabbed Osaka's shoulder and shook her. "Osaka, wake up!" Chiyo pleaded. And Chiyo stopped. For the water had grabbed her attention. Steam emanated from the tub, from where Osaka sat. It fogged up the mirror and gave the bathroom that stuffy air which is always present with showers. But, the water coming out of the shower head was ice cold.
"Where's the steam coming from?" Frightened by the unusualness of the situation, Chiyo quickly grabbed her friend by both shoulders, ignoring the freezing water dampening her clothes. Shaking Osaka with all her strength, Chiyo begged, panicking, "Osaka wake up! Come on wake up!" But no response. Chiyo sighed, and only then got the idea to shut off the water. She felt Osaka's forehead and gasped. "Very high fever! She's burning up! What do I do?" Chiyo felt tears running down her face. She knew she was close to crying. And she fought it as hard as she could. "911! I'll call the hospital," Chiyo settled, and moved to grab a towel when a hand snatched her by the wrist.
Screaming in surprise, Chiyo turned to find Osaka, holding onto her wrist. Relieved, Chiyo wrapped her arms around Osaka and almost crying, said, "It's okay. You're gonna be okay. I'll call 911 and we'll find out what's going on."
Her voice raspy, Osaka managed to say, "No, I'm okay. No doctors."
Chiyo backed away from Osaka and looked into her eyes. How could Osaka refuse now? She could barely hold her head up. "You have to go. You're sick. You need help."
"Please Chiyo. I . . . I'm okay. Really."
Chiyo shook her head, tears in her eyes. Osaka's stare, stone hard and unfeeling; she gave two brief nods, soaking wet hair dragged across her face. Chiyo swallowed hard and released a soft whimper. She couldn't believe Osaka wasn't going to see a doctor. And she couldn't believe that she was going to allow it. Chiyo nodded, "I won't say anything."
The sound of a car roared outside and was gone. Kristina had gotten tired of waiting.