AUTHOR'S NOTES:
A little reminder, in CHAPTER SIX we had a Cameo appearance by no other than Shizuru Viola also known as the Bewitching Smile Amethyst from the hit series Mai-Otome. Please bear with this chapter. I know it's a long read but I hope it's worth your time.
Here's CHAPTER SEVEN… Maria-sama, I'm so bored… *sighs* Enjoy
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sachiko: "So, what was that kiss?"
Saturday and Sunday passed almost peacefully in the Ogasawara Mansion at least, that's what the residents thought. And thus, by the time Monday came, there was an overwhelming feeling of peace and quiet that overcame me as I checked myself through the vanity mirror just to see if Rosa Chinensis en bouton's uniform was properly worn.
'Thank the Gods, it's finally Monday. I won't be able to see that girl today during my whole stay at school.' I thought to myself as I took one last glance at the vanity mirror once again.
Once I was done, I promptly took my satchel and headed to the Dining Room to have breakfast. And surprisingly, I found both of my parents seated, having breakfast together and engrossed in a discussion.
Mother, who was seated facing the door, was the first to catch my presence and at the same time she greeted me, "Good morning, Sachiko."
This caused my Father to pause and greet me as well. "Good morning, Sa-chan."
"Good morning, Mother, Father," I said, greeting both of my parents at the same time.
"I heard that you and Yumi-chan are getting along so well," I heard my Father say.
If only Father's face wasn't smiling when he said that to me, I would take his statement as a joke, a very bad joke. Not that I find him with a bad sense of humor, that is. I just calmed myself, trying to form words that wouldn't sound disrespectful.
"From whomever you heard that… it is not true, Father," I calmly answered as I made my way towards the table and sat opposite my mother.
"Right, but, I trust this source of mine," Father said with a wink as if to put a strain on the word. Then, he added, "Well, then, I'll take my leave," he bowed over to Mother for a quick peck on the cheek. And with a smile, Mother replied, "Take care."
After awhile, I could feel glances being directed towards me. This only made me (a little) irritated to the point that I sighed knowing that it was Mother who was glancing at me. And to make matters worse, my low-blood pressure had to join in with my irritation.
Briefly, I took a glimpse on my Mother just to see what she was up to. And there was it. She had the same look whenever she schemed on something. I just hoped that I won't be involved. I can always wish, right?
There was it again. That mischievous smile on her lips that kept on taunting me to no end. Generally, I think I know where wills this lead to.
"Are you looking for Yumi-chan?"
'I knew it…'
"That's ridiculous, why would I look for that presumptuous rude fox?" I said without even looking back.
"I wonder who's being presumptuous and rude now, Milady?"
I heard a familiar voice say from behind. Immediately, I turned to see who it was and I couldn't, for once, control myself due to a huge frustration right in front of me.
"You… What… why are you wearing that?" I asked and pointed at Yumi almost dumbfounded at what I was seeing while I swear Mother couldn't get anymore happier seeing me like this.
"Excuse me, but, you're the one who's being rude, Milady. And besides, this is my school uniform. Didn't Lady Sayako tell you that I'll be attending Lillian Academy starting today?" Yumi replied almost nonchalantly, making my supposed to be peaceful day into a nightmare. More like a living nightmare after finding out that we're attending the same school.
'She's attending Lillian?-!'
Awhile back I was thanking the Gods for the peace and quiet that I was about to attain (even if it was for a short period of time) at school. But now, my so-called peace and quiet was starting to crumble right in front of my face. After realizing my fate, I just slowly stood up from my seat, said my goodbyes to my mother and headed outside the Main Door where a black Benz was parked.
During the whole drive, there was only silence. I was watching the sceneries move from the window as the car drove. I tried to calm myself before we could even arrive at school. I wouldn't want the other students to see me act hysterically just because of a certain 'presumptuous rude fox', now would I?
'I need to concentrate.' I sighed and once again I continued with my musings much like it became a habit of mine these past few days, '…Think of it as a challenge. That's right, a challenge… where I, Ogasawara Sachiko, cannot and must not lose,' my line of thoughts only stopped when I felt the door open.
"We've arrived, Ojou-sama," the chauffeur informed me after opening the door.
"Thank you," I politely said to the said chauffeur and, at the same time, I saw Yumi walked out on her own since the said pigtailed girl was seated at the front, next to the chauffeur and promptly walked inside the campus as if taking her time to get familiar with her surroundings.
I, for the most part, tried to keep my composure as calm as possible. After all, who wouldn't be miffed after getting ignored in the first place? - 'Wait! Would that mean that I actually want her attention? Now that would be the most absurd thing…' but before anything else could get into my head, I noticed Yumi who was still looking around the paths, from the gate and everything. And still, she ignored me like I wasn't even there. I only sighed and tried to tell myself to relax and that this was Yumi's first day of school it was only normal. I tried to tell myself over and over again, until…
"How long are you going to look around like a lost kid?"
There, I epically lost it.
From where I stood, I saw Yumi with her full attention on me now. She still had the unreadable expression on her face just like when I first met her. And to whomever Gods or Saints whose listening to me right now, how I wish I could wipe off that expression on her face (period).
Momentarily, I stared at the girl standing next to me and slowly, I walked just to get a little closer to the pigtailed girl. I reached for her scarf and I said, "Your scarf is crooked."
Without even looking at her reaction, I slowly retied the piece of clothing with both of my hands. And in a whisper I said, "Listen to me, when we are at school… act like you do not know me and most of all do not call me 'Milady'."
Once I was done retying Yumi's 'crooked' scarf, I excused myself with a slight bow and said, "Gokigenyo," like greeting any other Lillian student.
After getting myself separated from Yumi, I walked straight to the school building and headed to where my classroom was. As I head to my classroom, few students would greet me, "Gokigenyo," "Good morning, Ogasawara-san," or even, "Good morning, Rosa Chinensis en bouton," it only stopped for a few seconds when I was able to sit on my chair.
"Good morning, Sachiko," once again someone greeted me but this time it was Rei or also known as Rosa Foetida en bouton. I turned and greeted my fellow bouton as well.
For a moment she stared at me and gave me a look that says, 'You look different today…' And then there, I heard a soft chuckle coming from the yellow rose. "You look different, did something happen?" said Rei.
"Nothing happened," I said. I just hoped she didn't see my annoyed reaction when I said those words.
Instead of a reply, Rei grinned and said, "Really now, you look like Sei-sama teased you to no end."
"It was that presumptuous rude fox, not Sei-sama," I actually wanted to say that but instead I saw Shimako from the side of the door as if looking for someone. I went up to the said girl and asked, "Shimako, what are you doing here?"
From the way Shimako look at us or more like at Rei only, I could guess that there was something wrong. Momentarily, Shimako broke the silence, "Rei-sama, its Yoshino-san," said Shimako. It started as a whisper but I know that Rei was able to hear that one.
In an immediate reaction, Rei took it differently, "Where is she?" asked Rei. Obviously, worried and panicked over her frail cousin.
"She was taken to the Infirmary even before classes started."
Once again Rei was hasty with her actions. She was about to storm off to the Infirmary, but thankfully, I was able to stop her.
"Calm down, Rei. You're making a scene here."
Rei, who was fighting the urge to yell, clenched her fist in frustration. I understand that all Rei wanted was to know if Yoshino was alright and safe.
Meanwhile, Shimako tried to get Rei's attention with a slight tap on the shoulder. "A-ano… Rei-sama," the youngest of the three boutons started.
"We should go," said Rei.
And thus, we promptly went to the Infirmary. With Shimako at the front, she knocked twice at the door. And soon, an audible "Come in" from the other side of the door was heard.
Once we were inside, Rei asked for Yoshino. The School Nurse, Ritsuko-sensei, pointed to the corner of the room where a student lay sleeping. It was indeed Yoshino who was resting on the bed. Moreover, she doesn't look feverish at all.
Rei, who was watching her petite soeur, also her cousin, turned up to Ritsuko-sensei and asked, "How is she?"
The School Nurse looked like she anticipated the question from one of us. She only walked towards us with a smile then replied, "Shimazu-san is actually doing fine. Once she wakes up, she just needs to drink her medicine," pausing for a second just to show a small medicine pack with three remaining tablets in it, then she continued again, "And I guess she'll be able to, at least, attend the afternoon classes," said Ritsuko-sensei.
"That won't do."
We all turned to Rei. From the way she looked, I'd say there was worry and frustration on her face. Then moments later, we heard a voice saying, "What are you talking about, Rei-chan? I can still attend my afternoon classes." It was Yoshino-chan, trying to sit up from the bed.
After hearing Yoshino-chan's voice, Rei immediately sat close to her cousin. And like a worried mother, Rei asked, "Yoshino, how are you feeling?"
"Much better," Yoshino-chan replied as she looked from the people surrounding her right now.
Rei, who had been observing her cousin, immediately noticed it.
"What's wrong Yoshino?" Rei asked.
"It's just that… I didn't get to ask her name. The person who carried me here, that is."
I saw Yoshino looking at a small medicine pack. It immediately went to my attention since the said medicine pack did not come from the school. They've never given this type of medicine before… 'Could it be?' Before I could ask Ritsuko-sensei about it someone beat me up to it.
"Did the Infirmary change its brand of Anti-Biotic?" Yoshino asked.
"No, actually… when you were carried here by that transfer student, there wasn't any available medicine for you. The new stocks were not yet placed here in the Infirmary. And, thankfully, the girl who carried you here gave this small medicine pack."
"Did she by any chance say her name?" Yoshino asked.
"Hm…" said the school nurse as if she was trying to remember the recent events that had happened moments ago, "Let's see… was it Uzawa or Yumizawa? I don't know… I can't seem to remember, I sorry. But what I do know is that she's a new transfer student and that she came from England…" said Ritsuko-sensei. I looked at her as I tried to read her actions. What she told us earlier was obviously a lie. At least, I know it was a lie.
Meanwhile, as everybody was occupied with the flow of conversation, I was thinking about what Ritsuko-sensei had said. Piece by piece, I was putting it all together.
'Was it Uzawa or Yumizawa?'
I knew that Yumi's last was Fukuzawa. The Nurse must have mixed the letters. Or, she must have heard it wrong. Or, maybe she could have actually forgotten about the girl's last name.
'A new first year student…'
With this thought I almost racked my head. It's too much of a coincidence. It couldn't really be Yumi… But the more I think about it, the more it disturbed me. Abruptly, I seized with all of my musings when I heard the conversation between the School Nurse and the current and only patient.
"A first year student… she probably transferred here or maybe an exchange student. You know… like she's from a foreign country." Yoshino stated. She had this look as if everybody could see the gears turning and turning inside her head.
"Now, now, before you come up with random ideas… please rest for awhile. She too said that you need to rest and take your medicine after you eat your recess. She said; you may feel a little sleepy after you ate the medicine. So, after a little nap, you can attend your afternoon classes, if you only want to. That's what she said."
Rei, who was still observing from the side, couldn't help but to comment on what the Ritsuko-sensei had said. "Yoshino, rest first and please listen to the nurse."
With a little pout, the braided girl said with stubbornness. "But Rei-chan -I want to, at least, say 'Thank you' to that girl."
Rei sighed as she was obviously defeated by the braided girl's stubbornness. She was about to say something but Shimako beat her up to it.
"Ano… We should go to class, first period is about to start," said Shimako.
After we went to our classrooms, I was still deep in thought about what had happened inside the Infirmary… 'What if it was really Yumi who helped Yoshino?' My thoughts were still running with the same what ifs as I sighed. But all of a sudden it came to a full halt when I heard a few students talking about a certain transfer student.
"Ne, did you hear?"
"Hear… about what?"
"About that transfer student…"
"Yeah… I heard she came from London to study here…"
"Eh~ she must be getting lonely… Moreover, without an Onee-sama to take care of her…"
And so they continued their discussion about that transfer student from London. I didn't listen any further. It was starting to be unseemly if I continued. But there was just one thought that passed through me… '…without an Onee-sama to take care of her…' Will this mean students from the second and third year will most likely offer their rosary to Yumi-?
After long hours of listening, me and Rei took our bags and went to the Rose Mansion. From there, we were greeted by our fellow Yamayurikai members…
"Gokigenyo," greeted Rosa Foetida, Shimako, and Yoshino.
"Gokigenyo, everyone…"
I immediately noticed that there was something or probably someone missing. That was until I realized that it was quiet in the mansion, meaning Rosa Gigantea wasn't here. It became such a habit for me to hear that woman's antiques or even when she argues with Rosa Foetida or even with my Onee-sama. Speaking of Onee-sama, she's not here as well.
"Eriko-sama, do you know where my Onee-sama is?"
"Oh. Youko's with Sei. They'll be here any minute now."
And just as Eriko-sama said, both Onee-sama and Sei-sama arrived but this time with an unexpected guest.
'Just great!' I said to myself with sarcasm.
"Okay! Yumi-chan let me introduce to you the members of the Yamayurikai!" Boomed the blonde upperclassman enthusiastically, just to get everyone's attention. "Let me start with myself… My name is Sei, Satou Sei and I insist you to call me 'Sei'." The said blonde upperclassman, also known as 'Satou Sei, Rosa Gigantea'; she introduced herself with a bow and afterwards with a wink. Unfortunately, Sei-sama's introduction came to a halt when Onee-sama walked up and stopped Sei-sama from talking, literally.
"Since Sei won't be able to talk for awhile, let me continue with the introductions."
This time it was Eriko-sama who spoke. "My name is Eriko, Torii Eriko. I go by the title 'Rosa Foetida'. The blonde idiot who just got smacked on the head is Rosa Gigantea while-"
"- The scary Onee-san who smacked my head is Youko, Mizuno Youko… also known as Rosa Chinensis." Sei-sama added which, of course, earned her another beating from my Onee-sama not that I actually care.
"Anyway…" Onee-sama continued to introduce the other members of the council. "The second-year next to Eriko is Hasekura Rei. She's Eriko's petite soeur. So, that makes her Rosa Foetida en bouton while the girl next to Rei is-" The introduction was suddenly cut short when one of the members of the Yamayurikai stood up from her seat and walked up to Yumi.
"Yoshino, Shimazu Yoshino…" said Yoshino as she bowed almost like a soldier would do. But there was something else; Yoshino looked like she was embarrassed about something and probably Yumi had something to do with it.
They continued whispering with each other that only made the others curious and interested at the same. Like for example, Sei-sama.
"Eh-h…! What's that secret that I'm hearing about?" Rosa Gigantea asked as if she caught something interesting.
"It's nothing, right, Fukuzawa-san, Shimako-san?" Yoshino said as she tried to convey, whatever message she had said to Yumi, to Shimako as well. I could only guess that Shimako realized what Yoshino was trying to say when I saw Shimako nodded in agreement.
"Let's continue with the introductions, shall we?" Onee-sama turned her direction towards me. "This is Sachiko, Ogasawara Sachiko, my petite soeur and she's also known as Rosa Chinensis en bouton." Onee-said continued while I only nod in response.
After Onee-sama introduced Yumi to me, the said pigtailed-girl was dragged away by Sei-sama.
"And now, let me introduce to you… my lovely petite soeur-"
"- From First-Year Peach Class, Todou Shimako, also known as Rosa Gigantea en bouton," said Yumi to the grinning upperclassman. From the way it looked to me, I'd say that presumptuous rude fox was starting to feel comfortable around everyone, especially around Sei-sama.
It only took a few minutes for my patience to run dry and after that I guess you can all call it History.
#BANG#
"Could you show a little bit of your manners, Rosa Gigantea?" I asked calmly but with stern voice. I didn't know why but I didn't want what was happening inside the Rose Mansion. Promptly, Onee-sama stopped me before I hysterically (as what they always say) retorted again at Sei-sama who's been teasing me for quite sometime now. The said woman only stopped when she looked back at Yumi again.
"Now that everybody is here, let us all start." I watched Rosa Gigantea as she looked at Yumi. It was as if they were having a silent conversation that only those two could understand. "Yu-mi-chan… come, sit over here," said Sei-sama as she pulled a chair for Yumi.
Yumi, on the other hand, looked oblivious (like always). Does she do that every time to make irritated or… wait a minute why would I be irritated? I thought to myself as I tried to calm myself.
Still looking oblivious, Yumi asked, "What?" Sei-sama gave her a sheepish look at first then said, "Don't you have your lunch with you? Or could it be…"
"Could it be- What?"
"Could it be… back when Youko and I were going to get you at your classroom, you hadn't taken your lunch yet, have you?" Yumi only sighed after hearing Sei-sama's declaration. Okay, that was a little irresponsible of her. Didn't she (at least) have her lunch from one of the maids? My thoughts stopped for awhile as I watched both white roses converse with each other.
"Onee-sama, you should have asked Yumi-san if she already had taken her lunch." I heard Shimako said then she added, "Would you like to have some, Yumi-san?" For a moment, I stared at Shimako then at Yumi. Was she going to accept Shimako's offer? I wonder about that as I watched both first-years. W-wait why should I even think about it? That only made my attention turn away from the group and noticed that my usual lunch was - doubled - there's only one person in the world that could do such a thing. MOTHER!
"Here…" I said as I handed a covered lunch box that looked almost similar to mine. And, of course, this didn't go unnoticed by the Yamayurikai members, especially by my one and only Onee-sama.
"Ara… ara… what's this I'm currently witnessing?" said Eriko-sama as Yum was about to open the said lunch box. And judging from the way they look, I'd say… they saw something interesting… very interesting.
"This is new… I've never knew that you and Yumi-chan know each other or even this close," said Sei-sama with a grin on her lips that were almost similar to a Cheshire cat.
Without backing out, I looked back at the Three Head Roses with much determination. Until,
"Pardon me. But, is it wrong for me to take Ms. Ogasawara's lunchbox?" asked Yumi, looking quite innocent.
"No, well... how do I put it?" Sei-sama tried to find a better logical excuse for such situation. And it seems like Yumi was taking control of the situation.
"So, it's aright for me to eat some of Shimako's lunch but with Ms. Ogasawara's lunch, it's not?" said Yumi still looking innocent but this time with a hint of confusion. Then she continued again, "Why? Is Ms. Ogasawara not good at cooking?" With this, laughter was heard in the Rose Mansion.
After laughing to their hearts content, the topic about me having to share lunch with Yumi immediately died down. And, at the same time, while everyone where still having their lunch some of them were happily chatting with their fellow soeurs.
I was doing my usual paperwork and saw Yumi talking to Onee-sama and said, "Is there anything I can help with?" Onee-sama thought about it for a minute then glanced up from the other members of the Yamayurikai then to the boxes of files we were taking care off. At first, Onee-sama sighed probably with the thought, 'This is going to take forever,' then she glanced back towards Yumi.
"Can you help us copy the highlighted parts?" said Onee-sama; she also gave Yumi the exact details while I, on the other hand, gave Yumi three inches thick of files to get herself busy. It was a little payback after what she did to me last time. I said that mostly to myself as I glared at the presumptuous rude fox. And, surprisingly, the said girl smirked back at me.
'Calm down, Sachiko. This isn't how a lady should act.' I said this to myself like a mantra as I try to calm myself. I only stopped when I heard Yoshino's voice. "Whoa… whoa… whoa… did you just do what I think you just did?" asked Yoshino.
Yumi who looked oblivious said, "Huh?"
"I know what I saw. And I'm pretty sure everybody saw it as well," with that, Yoshino turned to everyone in the room who seemed to be agreeing, including me as well.
"Err… I still don't get what you're trying to say, Ms. Shimazu."
"AH! Enough with the 'Ms. Shimazu'! It's 'Yoshino'… And, for the most part, you're in Japan not in London so it's Yoshino-san not Ms. Yoshino. Do you understand?" said Yoshino as if she was having a fit.
"Yes, Ms. - I mean, Yes, I understand, Yoshino."
"So, are you going to tell us the stunt you pulled off back there?" asked Yoshino.
"What stunt?"
"That stunt! It's like in the movies were a character can memorize thins by just looking at them. That the stunt I was talking about!" And, again, Yoshino continued until, she turned to cousin for help. "Rei-chan, explain it to her."
Rei, on the other hand, could only sigh at her cousin.
"I think what Yoshino-chan was trying to say was… do you have an Eidetic Memory (4), Yumi-chan?" It was Rosa Foetida who asked.
I, for the most part, was shocked. I've heard about this kind of ability I've even read about it in some books but I never actually thought that Yumi would have one.
"Well, a lot of people say I do have one."
There wasn't any form of arrogance in her answer which wasn't surprising since I've met her just recently. I heard the ringing bell, indicating that it was ten minutes before classes will resume.
"Look at the time; it's almost time for fifth period." said Yumi as she looked at her watch and turned towards Shimako. "We should get going…" said Yumi as she packed her things in a hurry. But before Shimako and Yumi could leave, Onee-sama called out to Yumi and said, "I'm expecting to see Yumi-chan here in the Rose Mansion after your classes, is that alright with you, Yumi-chan?"
"Yes, Rosa Chinensis," said Yumi turning her heel towards the biscuit door with Shimako behind.
With Yumi suddenly appearing for lunch, I have to say. Lunch was eventful. But now… what would happen next? I know everybody's starting to get fond of that presumptuous rude fox. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Onee-sama asks me to take Yumi as my petite soeur. Not that she would, right? With that thought, I sighed once again.
"You know sighing will make you grow old fast enough that you can't even realize." I heard someone say. It was Rei, standing close to my desk.
"Hey, what do you think about Yumi-chan?"
The question, of course, took me off-guard. It wasn't everyday that someone ask me about that presumptuous rude fox! Well, except maybe for my parents, especially my Mother.
"What do you mean by that, Rei?" I asked, trying to calm myself.
"Well, you know… about her assisting us in the Yamayurikai."
"Hmm… I think; she's a good asset, after all, the girl is intelligent, she has an undeniable talent so, I think she will be helpful." Is paused for awhile and asked, "Why are you asking me this, Rei?"
"Nothing, it's just that Onee-sama asked me the same question, Sachiko. But I wouldn't be surprised if you take her as your petite soeur," said Rei with a grin which I couldn't help but feel annoyed at the moment. Rei just stopped with her antics when our Teacher arrived.
And thus, our last period started.
"You're being tyrannical and mean!"
I yelled. I didn't care if my voice was running up high than it's used to be especially in front of the head Roses, or even, in front of my Onee-sama. No. How could they? Just because I wasn't able to attend those meetings they've set up with the neighboring academy doesn't mean they have to leave me out of the blue! That was it! I stood from my where I sat to make my Onee-sama know I was being serious.
"I understand. All I have to do is find one right now, right?"
That was what I said. And frustrated I was… I immediately trot towards the door only to find myself falling to the arms of that presumptuous rude fox. "Are you alright, Rosa Chinensis en bouton" Slowly, I stood straight. "Yumi," I whispered to the younger girl. "Yes?" She too knew in advance to minimize the volume of her voice. And so, I continued. "Has anybody presented their Rosary to you?" When I felt her shook her head, I said. "Good."
"I have an announcement to make."
All three Head Roses looked at me with interest as I held Yumi next to me. "Oh, what are you starting I wonder?" asked Onee-sama. It was as if I was being challenge. This just made me fueled up even more. And so,
"Here and now, I am proclaiming Fukuzawa Yumi my petite soeur!"
It took us (mostly, them) several minutes to recover from the shocking news. So, by now, Yumi, her friend, and the other members of the Yamayurikai were having tea and biscuits just to change the mood in the atmosphere.
"Yumi-chan?" it was Onee-sama who called. Immediately, Yumi snapped from whatever she was thinking and answered. "Yes?"
"Please don't be nervous. Try to relax, here have some black tea," said Onee-sama.
Yumi seemed relaxed at little after that. "Don't mind if I do," said Yumi.
"You must be surprised, Yumi-chan. I'll explain things in order," said Onee-sama with her know-it-all grin on her lips.
After hearing that I Immediately retorted. "There's no need for an explanation! I'm taking Yumi as my petite-" unfortunately, I was amazingly ignored by non other than my own Onee-sama, "The Yamayurikai is doing Cinderella for this year's school festival."
You who looked satisfied with her biscuits asked, "Who's playing the lead?"
"Sachiko, of course,"
Once again I interrupted their so called discussion. "No, I found a petite soeur. As per our promise, I'm dropping the role."
"We'll talk about that later, Sachiko," said Sei-sama.
"Excuse me, so Rei-sama is playing the prince?" asked Yumi's friend.
"No, this year the President of the Hanadera Academy Student Council is going to play the Prince," answered Rei-sama.
"But Sachiko hates most men, so she was opposed to that."
"I - I what?-! I'm not opposed in bringing in guest. You didn't have to make the President of the Hanadera Academy Student Council the Prince…" Saying this made me uncomfortable, to say the least, I'm a Lady with such heritage. I shouldn't show any signs of weakness now. No, definitely no.
"I'm sorry, but it's too late to change the roles for the Prince or Cinderella," said Eriko-sama.
"No! You promised-" Once again I was cut off by my own Onee-sama saying, "We did say that someone who can't fin a petite soeur shouldn't have the right to speak in meetings. We didn't say that you could drop the role if you found a petite soeur."
"We can't change it, Sachiko. And first of all, didn't you just met Yumi-chan for the first time today?" said Sei-sama.
How could they say that? Well, not that it couldn't be helped. I did ask this for myself, ordering Yumi to pretend not to know me. I could just simply say that I've known the girl for quite some time now; after all, she IS living in my home. Not to mention, she IS my bodyguard.
My musings were stopped when I suddenly heard Shimako talk. "Um, please wait. I don't think that was the first time they met."
"Why do you think that?" asked Sei-sama.
"Because Yumi-san and Tsutako-san came looking for Sachiko-sama," said Shimako. Then suddenly Yumi's friend, Tsutako, said as she passed some photos. I took some to investigate myself just like what Onee-sama and Rosa Gigantea were doing. I was surprised, to say the least, it was a photo of me and Yumi. I never thought that someone saw us, or even, took a photo of us.
"I understand. I will recognize her as your petite soeur. But, I won't allow you to drop the role," said Onee-sama.
"Onee-sama…!"
"Even though you can't drop the role, do you still plan to take Yumi-chan as your soeur?" asked Onee-sama.
"Of course, Yumi is my soeur!" I gave her challenging smile as I continued, "But if you'd like to see it, shall I perform the ceremony in front of you?"
"That's sounds good," said Eriko-sama while Onee-sama agreed in excitement. "It's been a long time. I'm getting excited," said Onee-sama.
"P-please wait a moment…!" said Yumi, or more like flabbergasted as she talked.
"What's wrong? You don't want to do it here?" asked Onee-sama.
"You should d it someplace where you can be alone together. Such a romantic!" teased Sei-sama.
"Yumi…" I called. "…Don't move," I took off the Rosary that was passed down to me by my Onee-sama. And as the said silver jewelry dangled in front me, Yumi gave me one last look before opening those pink lips and said those shocking words at me.
"I can't become Ogasawara-sama's soeur."
I looked at her, bemused. Why? "Can you at least give me the reason why you rejected my rosary? I think I have the right to know," I said.
I waited for her answer as I looked at her large brown eyes. I was being calm, trying to be patient, and of course, not to be hysterical at the moment. But with Yumi being quiet in front of me, I don't think I could hold back anymore.
"I…" I heard Yumi start with her eyes locked on the floor. Then, I noticed her large brown eyes looking at me as she said,
"I'm sorry. I'm really-really sorry…"
The next thing I knew Yumi was walking straight to the door, leaving everyone inside the room confused and speechless. It was either they expected it or not. But, if you're going to ask me, I don't know about it myself. I have to admit there was something I noticed when Yumi left. Something… I couldn't describe.
"Well, that was… rather… surprising," said Sei-sama. It was enough to get everyone out their reverie, like myself.
Sei-sama continued as if I was not there, "Looks like Sachiko got rejected again."
"Sei, that's enough."
"Instead of pitying me, why not let me drop my role then?"
"How many times do we have to tell you, we can no longer change the roles of both leading characters of the play," said Sei-sama. But then she paused as if she thought of something new. The next thing I knew, Sei-sama had that patented smile on her lips.
"How about we make a deal, Sa-chan?"
I immediately accepted without knowing whatever Sei-sama intends to do. "I accept." I said with much determination I could muster.
Sei-sama's smile became broader then she said, "If you were able to make Yumi-chan as your petite soeur before the play, you may drop the role, BUT, if you can't… you're stuck as Cinderella, of course, there's always a catch in this game."
Sei-sama smiled again when she said those words to me. "ONE, Yumi-chan must not know about the deal. And TWO, if we found out that you asked Yumi-chan to be your petite soeur just so you can drop that role then you'll be facing much greater consequences…" said the head of the white rose family with her unusual serious voice.
Although, Sei-sama did say all those conditions for that bet I eagerly accepted, my mind was still not over the fact that Yumi rejected my rosary. Then, my mind would drift to the possible reasons.
Why?
Was it because I was too cold her?
Why?
Was it because I used her for me to be able to drop my role?
Why?
Why?
WHY?…
"Sachiko," Suddenly, I heard my Onee-sama call my name. Then, she asked with a hint of concern. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Um, Onee-sama, will you excuse me for today's meeting? I forgot I need to go home early today."
"Sure," said Onee-sama.
'I can't become Ogasawara-sama's soeur, she says!' What a load of…! I didn't continue what I was about to say. It was becoming very unseemly of me to do so. I just thought of other things that could distract me as I waited for the chauffer to pick me up. Once the car arrived, the chauffer opened the door for me. And as per usual, I gave my thanks and sat at the back seat.
"Back to the Mansion," I said to the chauffer. That was the only time I noticed that there was also someone else at the front seat. Yumi! The said girl was already seated next to the chauffer just like this morning.
The drive was amazingly quiet and at the same time awkward for me. Every time I took a glance at her. I kept thinking why Yumi rejected my rosary. I just have to know why then I can think of what I should do next. And so, as the drive continued, I kept thinking of numerous ways of how I should initiate.
Should I go to her room? No, that would only make me look desperate.
Then, should I call her to my room instead? No, since she will, probably, think that I will reprimand her for the reason that… that…
"Ojou-sama, we're here," said the chauffer with his hand extended to me.
"Thank you," I looked at the front seat but Yumi was no longer there. Without any delay I went to my room.
The first thing I did was… I uncharacteristically let my satchel flop on my bed. From there I sighed and thought of what to do.
I walked to my desk and picked up the phone. I dialed the number which connects directly to where most of the servants were. After a few ring, it stopped. "How may I of service, Milady?" asked a familiar voice.
"Could you get Yumi for me please, tell her to come to my room," I said.
"Alright, Milady, I'll be there in a minute," said the voice from the other line.
I, on the other hand, was flabbergasted. I didn't know it was Yumi whom I was talking to. I just know it was her when she called me Milady.
My thoughts, which by the way, was running in a mile per second, immediately stopped when I heard a knock on my door. Now, what do I do? She's here and I haven't got the slightest clue as to what to say.
"Come in," I said, almost a little hastily. Yumi walked inside, looking like nothing happened at school. "Yes, Milady?" she asked. I looked at her for a few seconds I for one don't know what I'm seeing right now but I hope it wasn't smugness.
"Yumi, I'll get to the point, why did you reject my rosary?"
At first, Yumi looked hesitant. But when she looked at me straight in the eyes, she said, "Do you really want to know why I rejected your rosary?"
"Of course," I looked at her with the same level of determination as I said those words. I thought she was finally going to comply with my request but I've never expected what she was about to do.
Yumi pushed me to a nearby wall. At first, I started to break free from her grasp but her grip was amazingly strong. Not to mention, her body was pressed to mine. I was totally on her grasp that was until I decided to scream maybe for help… I don't know during that time I was beginning to lose myself. But, unfortunately I wasn't able to scream when Yumi forcefully pressed her lips towards mine. I could even taste the dinner she just had as her tongue entered my mouth as if daring my tongue to dance with hers. But before everything could even transcribe what was happening to me, I felt Yumi release her hold to me.
"That's why I rejected your rosary," said Yumi with the same look on her face when she entered my room while I, on the other hand, was still working on the process on what was happening to me. "Is there anything else that you wanted from me, Milady?" asked Yumi. And once again, I was speechless. I guess, me, being quiet Yumi took this as a 'no' then excused herself, "Well, then, see you at school tomorrow, Milady," said Yumi as she walked out leaving me staring at the closed door.
After that experience, I didn't know what to do, what to think, or even what to say. I was so caught up I wasn't able to hear the several knocks from the door. "Who is it?" I asked as I tried to calm myself.
"It's me, Dear," I heard my mother's voice from the other side of the door. After hearing my mother's voice, I hurriedly checked my appearance on the vanity mirror just in case then I opened the door without anymore delays. "Sachiko, we need to talk." I only nodded as I led her to the bed. "Honey, did something happen between you and Yumi-chan?" my Mother asked with full of concern in her eyes. I for one didn't understand what was happening again. Was this about that kiss? But before I answered my Mother, I carefully thought of the words that I was going to use.
"What made you say that something happened between me and Yumi?"
"Because Yumi's no longer at the Mansion; she just quit moments ago and she also decided to stay at her home from now on." I couldn't believe at what I just heard. Did Mother actually say Yumi quit.
So, what was that kiss? A parting gift…?
I was, once again, cut-off from my musings when I felt my Mother's hand on mine "I'm sorry, maybe I was just thinking too much. I shouldn't have asked you that question. Instead, I should have believed in Yumi's reasons why she quit or why she wanted to stay at her home." After saying this, my Mother sighed. I hate to admit it but I don't want to see my Mother like that. She's too precious to me.
"What were her reasons?"
"Yumi-chan said that there was a time that she received a phone call from her Father. And, Yumi-chan said that her Father suddenly found out that she was not staying at her own home these past few days. Also, Yumi-chan said that it won't take forever for her Father to know that she's staying here with us. Not to mention, the bank robbery incident." After saying all of this, once again, my Mother sighed. "I talked to your Father about this. So, please don't tell me what he said too."
"Mother, just let it go and go to sleep. Please." I said while she just roll-off her eyes which I didn't know she was capable of. "You know, you and your Father are so much alike," she stood and started walking towards the door. "Fine, I'll do what you both said, good night." Mother closed the door, leaving me to my previous thoughts about a certain presumptuous rude fox.
CHAPTER SEVEN
CAMEO/S:
N/A
TRIVIA/S:
N/A
REFERENCE/S:
(4) Eidetic Memory – Popularly known as the 'Photographic Memory' *refer to chapter 6*
DISCLAIMER:
Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine.