Chapter 58
The ship rocked very gently as Tomo led the way along the narrow corridor of the boat. The boat had yet to set off on its journey, but the strong river pushed against it. She glanced to her right and saw the number fifty seven. They should be close now. She hoped the beds were comfortable. And more then that- she really hoped the beds would be single as opposed to a one double bed. But that wouldn't stop her. After a night sleeping on the ground it would take a lot to get Tomo to stay out of the bed- even if she had to share with Fuka.
"Ooops sorry" she said as she bumped into someone. The others stopped as she looked up at the person she had bumped into. She found herself looking at a girl who seemed a few years older then Tomo- possibly in her (early) mid twenties. The girl was taller then Tomo and looked down at her with bright blue eyes.
"You should watch where you're walking more carefully" she stated coldly.
"Well I-" started Tomo.
"You know" said the girl, moving closer to Tomo who backed up against the thin wood wall. "You are quite an attractive person, stranger. I recognize your headband."
Tomo's eyes glanced up to her own forehead, giving an almost comical appearance of near cross eyedness. The girl held up a finger and ran it across Tomo's lip. She was still, the other members of the group standing shocked. Sakaki looked at Tomo and then at the girl.
"A trainee ninja? Am I right? I bet all the training must keep your body…firm. Oh I'm sure it is. Oh well.I might be seeing you again stranger. Come on lets go Kasumi" stated the girl before marching away down the hallway.
A slightly shorter girl followed her, pausing to stop.
"I am so sorry about my Miss Chidori's behaviour" she said, bowing faintly in the cramped conditions. "I hope no offence was caused."
"N-no I guess" said Tomo, still shocked. She was still standing against the wall as Kasumi followed after what must have been her boss. Her head slowly turned and looked across at Sakaki.
"What was that?" she asked in astonishment.
Sakaki shook her head. She seemed just as confused as Tomo. Kaorin glanced around and watched Kasumi vanish from the corridor and up the stairs. Fuka broke the silence.
"Do you think she was one of those…one of those girls who like other girls?" asked Fuka. "It seemed like it."
"Like girls? What do you mean?" asked Tomo. "I like Sakaki and Kaorin and others."
"Well not like in that sense Tomo. Some girls like to have boyfriends…and some girls like to have girlfriends. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"
Kaorin knew of course, she had been keeping such feelings a secret for several years. Sakaki understood what Fuka meant, but Tomo stood with a blank expression. She continued to stand and started to try and comprehend what Fuka had meant. Suddenly a look of realization crossed her face.
"So she like, loves other girls? Wants to kiss them and stuff?" asked Tomo. "Like in some of Kimura's books?"
"Maybe" said Fuka. "They're referred to as 'lesbians'" said Fuka, trying to sound wise.
"So wait! She wanted to kiss me?" asked Tomo.
"She did say that you were attractive" replied Kaorin.
"Maybe she was joking?" suggested Sakaki.
Tomo groaned to herself. Almost two years without any boys showing any interest in her. No one asking her out for a date or even approaching her to say she looked nice. It finally happens- someone actually notices her in that way and it's another girl.
"No fair" moaned Tomo to herself. But then again...she did feel slightly flattered.
Tomo sat on her bed swinging her legs back and forth as she hummed to herself. She felt the duvet with her hands. She was certain that this was the softest bed she had ever seen. It felt so comfortable she almost found herself looking forward to sleep. The boat had since set off on its journey. Tomo could feel a faint rocking as the boat travelled along the wide, large river. So far she hadn't felt sick at all.
"No more sleeping on the ground huh?" she asked Fuka. Fuka was busy unpacking stripy pyjamas, placing the clothing on the small drawer next to her bed. Luckily each room had two beds. Fuka placed the pyjama top on the trousers and turned around to Tomo.
"Yeah that'll be nice" replied Fuka, smiling. "A warm comfortable bed. Last night I had a stick poking me in the back all night. That wasn't fun."
Tomo suddenly stood up surprising Fuka. The girl had just been sitting on the bed for half an hour moving her legs up and down. She had alternated between singing and humming to herself.
"Going somewhere?" asked Fuka.
"I think I'll go for a walk" said Tomo. "See if I can find food. Ooooh! They might even have alcohol. Free alcohol!" said Tomo, a devious look appearing on her face.
"Try not to drink too much" said Fuka as Tomo opened the door to the room. "If you can actually find any."
As Tomo stepped out into the corridor she almost bumped into Sakaki. Tomo just about managed to hide the look of shock, having not expected to see anyone outside.
"Oh hi Sakaki!" said Tomo. "Going for a walk too?" she asked.
"Yes" replied Sakaki softly. "I'm going to go upstairs- look at the scenery. I need some fresh air."
"Oh, I'm gonna look for some food. I don't think there will be much up where you're going!" said Tomo. "I guess I'll see you later then Sakaki."
"Oh…ok. Bye Tomo."
Tomo walked away, looking for food. Sakaki watched her friend vanish from view, and then began to climb the stairs that led up to the deck of the ship. She stood to one side, tight against the wall to allow someone to pass by on the way down. The man thanked Sakaki and then the girl stepped up and was outside.
After making sure no one was around to accidentally hit Sakaki stretched out her arms and yawned to herself. She stepped away from the stairs and looked across at the passing scenery. Forest rested on either side of the boat and the river that held it. Sakaki moved to one side, looking over the edge at the passing water. After a few seconds she moved away, fearful of falling. She felt her legs shaking slightly, but almost giggled. She'd never been on a boat like this before!
Gripping the wooden rail tightly she moved a bit closer to the edge. Closing her eyes she listened to the sound of the water and the wildlife from the forest. As she stood there, she became aware of the sound of footsteps. She opened her eyes and turned as a man stood beside her by the railing. He was still for a few moments before turning to face her. Sakaki was shocked by what she saw.
"Hello Sakaki" said the man. "I'd like to have a talk with you. Come with me. Now."
At that moment in time, save for Sakaki and the man, only one person found himself on the outside floor of the boat. The young man walked along the long wood structure, humming to himself. As he continued to walk he, at first, didn't notice the rope ladder that was taught against the hull of the boat.
He stopped humming and suddenly paused as he realized something was wrong. He ran over to the railings, spotting the supports for the ladder. As he looked over the side a fist flew up and punched him in the face. The young man fell to the floor with a surprised expression as a man jumped over the railings and onto the boat.
"Come on ya' jackasses hurry it up!" he yelled down at the men climbing the ladder.
"But didn't Boss say to be quiet or stealthy?" asked the man furthest up the ladder.
"Indeed I did" replied the Boss, behind the man, being the second furthest up the ladder. The puncher gripped his hands around his mouth, even though he had already yelled.
Tomo paid no attention to the suited man who gave her a foul look, as she didn't notice it at all. Instead she found her wide eyes staring at the display of food on the centre table. Fried chicken, bacon and sausages, even sausages wrapped in bacon. Beef that crumbled slightly to the touch. A group of chefs could be seen cooking a new batch. A display of prawns in a circle, salad and over fifteen types of dip and sauces. Expensive noodles! And all of it free!
Almost drooling Tomo made her way across the large hall to the food. Evening was not quite here yet, so the room was largely empty. A few people were present, all older then Tomo. The men wore suits, the women dresses, while Tomo wore slightly worn clothing she had pulled out from her bag in the morning. She grabbed a plate and shoved food onto it, walking away when she had a heaped pile. One (shaking) hand held the plate while the other put food into Tomo's mouth.
"Ah it's nice to see someone simply enjoying the food" said a man dressed in a white suit. Despite the expensive looking attire he held a bread roll in his hands, filled with beef. "As opposed to just standing around trying to look pretty."
"Amffgh" agreed Tomo with a mouthful of food.
"Nice to meet you" said the man. "My name is Daisuke. Daisuke Takino."
Tomo almost choked on her food.