To the following:
HeavyTeaDrinker – Sorry about the mistakes I'll try not to do it again. Thanks if you find the plot getting more and more interesting. Also, there will be a lot of chapters everyone will have to look forward to since the series has four seasons. Oh and ah… thank you for the review.
Rasta Lioness – I know Yumi's Out of Character (OOC) in the story. But still, I'm glad that you love Yumi's character in the story. I like her being somewhat a 'badass' (if you know what I mean). Also, thank you for the review.
amy6776 – I'm honestly getting all fueled up just by receiving reviews with kind words. Thank you so much! (^_^)
Honulicious – Yes, I need to put the arrange marriage in the story for special reasons. And, about Yumi becoming Sachiko's sœur…you'll just have to find out (^_^). Haha… that over-throw… it's officially the start of Yumi disliking Kashiwagi. Also, the end of chapter 13 is also the start of Yumi being nice towards Sachiko.
D.E. – I will definitely update more. And, thank you for the review. (^_^)
romancejunky – Thank you for reading and for looking forward for the upcoming chapters. I'll try to update more often too. (^_^)
Miracles79 – Thanks a lot. Honestly… When I was still deciding how I should write this story, what methods shall I use, and what kind of personalities shall I input in each characters that I'll use in the story. Of course, given the fact that Yumi is OOC in the story, it's because she grew up in a different country. She's like a little Sei-sama only a little tamed (if you know what I mean… hehe…). While Sachiko… there's still some original aspects of her character that's still there – the haughty, stubborn, and sometimes cold personality of Sachiko – yup, they're still there. But aside from those characteristics I mentioned, Sachiko is a complete "Tsundere" in the story. Also, the complete opposite of Shimako, who's a "Yandere" in the story (Oh my… I think, I'm telling too much…). Anyway, thank you for the review!
Author's Notes:
In Chapter 13, we've read/seen scenes like both Cameos Katsuragi Misato (Yumi's Homeroom and P.E. Teacher) and Akagi Ritsuko (School Nurse) was caught red handed inside the Infirmary doing naughty stuffs. It's crystal clear that both women have a relationship in the story just like… Kruger Natsuki (School's Principal) and Viola Shizuru (Yumi's Music and Arts Teacher). Before I forgot… Congratulations to "Rasta Lioness" for being the 100th reviewer and to Greki for being the 1st reviewer *throws confetti* yay… thank you so much! (^_^)
Without any further ado, here is the 14th chapter of 'She is my Master'. I hope you're all enjoying reading this story of mine. Also, thanks for reading and for the wonderful reviews. You can always ask questions if you want. (^_^)
-o0o-
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Sachiko: "Thank you"
-o0o-
Blissful, happy, and contented - those were the feelings running inside of me as I continue to stare at the canopy of my bed. I woke up early in the morning feeling pleased. It's been awhile since I've felt this way before and here I am smiling like there's no tomorrow.
'It's going to be a wonderful day.'
I rose from my bed and started to prepare for school and, of course, for the school festival as well. I was about to walk inside the bathroom when I noticed a maid walking inside my room as if looking for me. "Is there something I can do you?" I asked, taking notice of who the maid was.
"N-Nothing, Ojou-sama… I was just wondering where you were since I was asked to wake you up, Ojou-sama."
'I think her name was Saki… the maid who got along with Yumi…' - "Saki," I said.
"Yes Ojou-sama?"
For a moment, I was feeling hesitant about what I should say next which was rare. "It's nothing," - I paused. - "Saki, will you tell the Chauffer that I want to go to school a little early than usual."
"Right away, Ojou-sama," Saki said. She bowed and left my room.
After that I went to my bathroom to prepare the water inside the bathtub. When the temperature was up to my liking, I stepped inside the bathtub, naked. It took me ten to fifteen minutes before I stood up and dried my body.
As dried my hair, I walked inside my walk-in closet to get my undergarments and Lillian uniform. It only took me a few minutes to put on my clothes. After that I comb my hair properly and neatly. And with one final look at the mirror, I went out of my room still feeling happy.
"Somebody must have slept well…"
I heard someone say from behind. When I turned around, I saw my Mother walking towards me. "Mother, good morning," I greeted with a bow.
She too greeted me in kind. "Good morning to you too, Sachiko," Mother said with a smile on her face. But suddenly her kind smile seemed to change into a mischievous kind of smile. 'Why did I not see that coming?' I, inwardly, sighed at that thought. "This is the first time I've seen you wake up early in the morning and in a good mood as well," - she paused after giving one of her grins which, by now, I find annoying, - "Tell me… Is it because of Yumi-chan?" she said. The name itself made me alarmed. 'Why though?'
"W-What's that suppose to mean?" I said, stuttering and embarrassed.
When I looked at my Mother's reaction I could see her trying to hold back her laughter. "I'm sorry, I really just couldn't help seeing you like this. It's just too cute." Mother didn't hold back her laughter anymore. "Sacchan, how is Yumi-chan?" she asked. 'Honestly, when it comes to Yumi, she becomes like a child.' I sighed just before answering. "She's fine. If you're that curious, visit her." I said a little annoyed.
I walked past my Mother and head straight to the Dinning room for breakfast. And as I walked inside, only a few servants were doing the needed preparations.
Meanwhile, as my Mother and I were waiting for our meal, we were doing one of our morning routines, reading the newspaper. We were both reading the same page—Business. 'As usual…' Then, next, would be about the Economy, Stocks, and the Local and National Political Headlines. Ever since Middle School, I've been reading the newspaper in the morning. It was a habit forced onto me by my Father.
Mother sighed. She looked somewhat concerned as she folded back the newspaper she was reading.
"Is there something wrong?" I asked, curiously.
She only smiled when she looked at me. "Oh, it's nothing. I just thought that we'll be having a lot of tough competitors when it comes to business this time of the year and to the next if this sudden change keeps going on."
Just hearing those words made me think. 'Is that even possible?' I know our family company has lots of competitors when it comes to business. But to know that there's a company out there who can outdone us. 'This is really unbelievable.' I thought to myself. "How tough can they be? I'm sure Father can handle them." I said, putting down the newspaper as well.
"Ara… Are you suggesting we compete against them?" Mother asked with intrigue.
"I'm not suggesting anything. But if they pose as a threat, then, we'll have to do something before it gets worse. But if they are beneficial to us, then, we can do a business merger."
We heard someone clapping from behind…it was my Father, already clad in his business suit. He probably has an important meeting this morning.
"What you said is true." Father said, looking at me. "I even ask my assistant to investigate these companies…" he sighed, disapprovingly.
"What happened after?" Mother asked.
"On the list, four out of five were successfully investigated. There's only one company on that list that my assistant failed to investigate. And from all the five companies, that company is the top-ranking amongst the five." Father said.
The chefs already came in with the food. And, swiftly, they placed each plate and bowl on the table. But, still, the conversation continued. "What's the name of the company?" Mother asked.
Even I wanted to know what company Yamato-san, Father's assistant, failed to investigate. "Gyoukou* Group of Companies, in short, G.G.C.," Father said. He sighed after that. "Who ever runs that company is simply amazing, and that's just one of the reasons why Father and I want to meet the person behind Gyoukou Group. One of these days, I will ask my assistant to send an appointment with them. And, I want you and Suguru-kun to be there as well."
"Yes, Father." I replied, obediently.
Breakfast went on like usual. Except, this time, Father was with us and on top of that, he was happily conversing with my Mother which I find really rare. 'Since when did they..?' I really wondered as I stared on both of my parents. I only stop when I heard some parts of their conversation regarding our neighbor.
"You've already visited Yumi-chan's house?" Mother asked in a child-like manner.
'So, its Yumi again… Why am I so not surprised?' I sighed, inwardly, at that.
"I actually ran into her a week ago on my way home." Father replied. "And, I was able to get a nice tour in her building. It was really amazing…" I tried to clear my throat as I listen to Father's ramblings about what's inside Yumi's building. 'I never thought he could be dense at some times…' I said to myself. When Father caught up with what I was doing, he asked. "What's wrong, Sachiko?" I slightly pointed towards my Mother's direction. And, the said woman was quite miffed. "Dear, what's wrong?" Father asked. 'He really is dense…' I sighed.
"Father, Mother, I'm going to school now." I said as I stood up from my chair and started to head out of the mansion while my Mother kept on complaining why she's the only one who hasn't visited Yumi yet.
-o0o-
'Since when did the mansion get so lively?'
I wondered as I thought of what had happened back at the Dinning room. It wasn't everyday I get to see my Father eat with us or even converse with us during meal time. 'I guess it's Yumi's influence that got the mansion a little lively…' I thought as I looked outside of the car.
Seeing the extended gates of the school, I started to ready myself, and waited for the chauffeur to open the door. Then, after giving my thanks and some instructions, I walked through the straight path that led to the statue of Maria-sama. And, at the same time, I saw Yumi praying in front of the Madonna.
Quietly, I walked next to Yumi and gave my prayers as well. When I was done praying, I saw her looking at me as if she was waiting for me. "Good morning, Sachiko-sama," she said, smilling brightly. Just seeing her smile like that, it reminded me of our yesterday's encounter.
I calmed myself before I was able to answer her. "Good morning too, Yumi," I said, hoping that I didn't sound awkward at that time. "You must be excited since this is your first time attending the school festival here in Lillian." I said, trying to start a conversation.
"A little," Yumi answered lazily.
Now that I've noticed it, Yumi look worse. She almost look like a ghoul or a zombie right now. "What happened to you, Yumi?" I asked, worriedly. She gave me a sigh before she answered. "Reports. Endless reports…" she sighed as she massaged her stiff shoulders.
"How about..." - I paused as I thought of the words I was going to say. - "...you visit and enjoy the stalls that the students made before the play?" I said while Yumi, she kept on staring at me. "I'm not saying that I'll accompany you or anything-I was just-" I stopped from talking when I heard Yumi laughing next to me.
"I'll take you up on that offer then, Sachiko-sama." Yumi said as she smiled again. 'Why does she keep on smiling like there's no tomorrow… sheesh!'
-o0o-
Peach One Café - the name of the café Yumi's class was doing for the school festival. And, at the same time, their business seemed to be the top-ranking amongst the First-years judging from the long-line of students waiting just to get inside of their café.
"Excited, Sacchan?" Sei-sama said from behind.
I turned around. "That's nonsense," I said, annoyed, to the grinning Third-year.
"Now, now, let's not make a scene here." Onee-sama said as she led us inside the café. "Don't worry. I asked a reliable butler for reservations. Shall we?"
We walked inside the café, and once inside, the first thing we noticed was the decorations of the café. Everything has a European-style in it. Starting from the Silverware, Chairs, Tables, and there's even Classical music. The waitresses were even wearing maid uniforms. But to see a butler here, I guess I didn't expect that.
"Welcome, my name is Yumi. I'll be your host for today. Let me take you to your reserved seats, please follow me." The butler, or shall I say, Yumi said in English. She led us to a corner where our reserved table was. One by one, she pulled one of our chairs so we could sit. And, carefully, she placed the menu on our table. "Please take your time ordering. And, please call me once you're all ready to order. Thank you." Yumi said with a bow.
And just as Yumi said, we took our time ordering. I even noticed that they've prepared a variety of both European and Japanese Types of Beverage, Meal set, and Snack. 'I bet Yumi has something to do with this…again.' I thought as I continue to read the menu. I didn't read the other Meal set written on the menu. My attention was simply caught by a picture of this Japanese Meal set. The description next to it simply says, an omelet filled with fried rice and usually topped with ketchup. I wondered, 'How do they put the rice in?' I wondered as I curiously looked at the picture in the menu.
"Are you going to order that?" Onee-sama asked.
"Huh?" I said in an inattentive way.
"I asked, if you're going to order that…" Onee-sama said, pointing at the picture in the menu.
"Yes, I'll order this." I said.
Sei-sama called Yumi again to take our orders. When she was going to take mine, she paused. "What beverage would you like to go with your meal, Milady?" she asked. 'Milady… It's been so long since I've heard her call me that…' I thought in a trance. "Milady…" I heard it again. "Milady..?" And again, I heard it. "Lady Sachiko," I heard someone calling my name while gently shaking my shoulder.
Turning around, I saw Yumi's face just a foot away from mine. In a brief second, I promptly pulled back. I didn't even realize that I was falling from my seat. And as I wait for my fall, I closed my eyes for the upcoming pain. But it never came. I only realized it when I heard Yumi's voice.
"Are you alright, Milady?" Yumi said while holding me in her arms. I gave a nod as a reply, not even trusting my voice at the moment. She let me go to get the fallen chair I was sitting on awhile ago. "I apologize for what happened moments ago, Milady. Are you sure you are alright?" Yumi asked again. And, once again, I gave her a nod. "Splendid. Now, may I ask what beverage would you like to go with your meal, Milady?"
"Water, just water," I said.
While waiting for our orders, we spent our time conversing about the play. And, after minutes of waiting, our food arrived. Yumi placed each plate on our table as well as our drinks. When I saw my order, I noticed that there was something missing. "Excuse me, there something seems to be missing in my order," I said, pointing at the picture on the menu.
"What message would Milady like me to write in Milady's omelet?" Yumi asked while in her hand was a tube of ketchup.
"Message you say…" I said, confused.
"Sachiko, Yumi-chan is asking what message she's going to write in your omelet." Eriko-sama said with a glint in her eyes, almost like she's up to something. I could only nod at my senior at that time. 'Now I know how it feels to be like Rei…' I sighed inwardly at that.
I looked at my order then at Yumi. "Write whatever you feel like writing. Anything is fine." I said.
Yumi gave me a look as if she was thinking. But after a couple of seconds of waiting, her face lit up as if telling me she thought up of something to write on my omelet. She stood closely next to my seat and wrote the letters in cursive writing. She started with a P, R, I, N, C, E, S, and another S—Princess. 'Is that what she thinks of me?' I thought.
"Princess—Aw… How sweet..!" Eriko-sama exaggerated a little as she looked at my plate.
"Princess… Isn't that the name of your dog, Yumi-chan?" Sei-sama asked.
Just after hearing Sei-sama's question, Eriko-sama tried to stop herself from laughing but, unfortunately, it had no effect whatsoever. And, to make matters worse, my own Onee-sama was laughing as well. "Sei, that's very mean of you." Onee-sama said after gaining her poise after laughing that much.
"What did I do?" Sei-sama asked.
I wasn't in the mood to argue so I just went ahead of them and ate my meal while the others were trying to conceal their laughter. Thankfully, Onee-sama, who managed to stop from laughing, started a new topic to discuss on. "Yumi-chan, where's Shimako-chan?" Onee-sama asked.
Yumi, who looked like she didn't expect the question, mumbled a few words before answering my Onee-sama correctly. "Shimako is over there serving other customers…" – pointing towards Shimako's direction – "…Would you like me to call her?" Yumi offered.
"Yes and tell her, her Onee-sama would like to see her cute little imōto." Sei-sama said.
"Understood," Yumi walked towards where Shimako was.
I can see them for a short while… Probably, Yumi was relaying what Sei-sama had said awhile ago. Just looking at those two… It's quite obvious that they haven't talked clearly. I watched them walk towards our table. If Yumi was wearing a butler's outfit, Shimako was wearing a Japanese traditional kimono. I guess it was something their class thought of as well.
"Wow… you really look beautiful in that Shimako-chan." Eriko-sama said as she gave more praises. But when Eriko-sama noticed Yumi yet again, she teased both First-years by saying, 'they look cute together…' and a lot more that ran along those lines. Of course, one of them got bothered. But I never expected it would be Yumi who'll act strangely. 'So much for being a presumptuous rude fox…'
As everyone continued to talk with one another, one waitress walked towards our direction, to be precise, at Yumi's direction. She handed a piece of paper to Yumi who looked like she was looking for someone inside the room. At that time, we, from the Yamayurikai, saw a familiar face…
"Adi," Yumi started but got hold-off by her blonde friend.
"The suit. It looks good on you." Adilisia-san* paused as she took her time studying the place. "The decorations' amazing… reminds me of home. Isn't that right, *Daphne?" She asked with a smile. And, once again, she continued to look around the classroom."Oh my, what is that?" she said, pointing to a cardboard sign which indicates: 100¥ per song.
The cardboard itself was placed on top of a chair. Near the cardboard was a violin along with its case. "Heh~ so, you guys came up with this…" Sei-sama walked towards the cardboard sign and turned towards us with a hundred yen in hand. "So, who's playing?"
"Ah, that would be Yumi-san, Rosa Gigantea," one of the students said.
"Really…? Why that doesn't surprise me…" Sei-sama grinned as she looked at Yumi. "Yu-mi-chan… Will you play a song for me~? O-ne-gai~" she requested like a kid.
'Is Yumi really going to play the violin?' I thought as I stared at Yumi, who's at the front of so many students, tuning the violin. Then, as if reading my thoughts, I heard Yumi's friend, Adilisia, say, "You don't have to worry about her… she's been playing the violin ever since she was 5." She said those things while smiling.
Meanwhile, Yumi was tuning the violin she'll be using. Just looking at her, I guess she does know a thing or two about the said instrument. 'Why am I getting so worried?' There she was getting herself ready. She stood in front of everybody, ready to pull the bow, and with a serious face I could hear the first few notes she was playing. '*Amazing grace…' I know this song.
Yumi played the violin with such elegance. I've never heard nor seen anyone play remarkably. And, yet, Yumi's done another spectacle to see. She ended the song with a beautiful *trill. And once she finished playing the beautiful piece, everybody clapped at Yumi's performance.
"That was incredible, Yumi-chan!" Sei-sama exclaimed, praising Yumi even more. "I knew you can play… But, I never knew you were this incredible!"
Sei-sama only stopped when Adilisia walked towards them. Well, obviously, it was Yumi whom that blonde girl will talk to. 'Not like it's my business…' I said myself that but, why in the world am I growling? I glanced at Shimako and she too had the same stoic look on her face. 'I never thought she could actually pull-off an expression so cold like that.'
"What's this?" Yumi asked as she held the folded note Adilisia gave her.
"I… This song*, will you play it for me again, Yumi?" Adilisia said with flustered cheeks.
Yumi easily complied. She went to the front once again to play the said song, started off with moderate low notes then; slowly, her left hand would pick its pace. And there were also times that she would raise the tempo and at the same time the volume of the tune. As I listen to the melody, I find it breathtakingly beautiful. But there was something about the melody that made my heart twinge in sadness. 'What is this song?' I asked myself as I continue to listen to the beautiful yet wretched melody. Once Yumi was done, there were only applauses and cheers were heard inside the classroom. Yumi held the instrument down as she breathes in to relax. 'Was the performance too much for her? Or maybe it was that song?' I'm just getting worried over nothing. That's right… I'm getting worried over nothing.
-o0o-
After paying for our meals and other services we acquired during our 'stay' at the café, we finally head straight towards the gym to prepare for the play. When we arrived Suguru was already there, clad in his costume, waiting for us.
Meanwhile, inside the Changing room, Eriko-sama's loud voice was booming loudly inside the room. She was giving instructions to every student inside the room. "Okay everyone!" Eriko-sama clapped her hands. "Enough chit-chat… Let's work double time here!" She suddenly pointed towards me while I was still putting my costume. "You, move faster! I still need to fix your hair!" "Honestly, Eriko-sama, you're starting to become one with your character." I said with a little sarcasm knowing that Rosa Foetida's character is actually the 'Stepmother'.
"Sachiko, hurry up!" Onee-sama's, the Queen's, strict words rang up, urging me to speed up my pace.
"Onee-sama… you're starting to act like the 'Queen' from 'Snow White'." I said with much irritation.
"You have the nerve to say that while everyone's almost done except you." Onee-sama said. She pointed out to everybody who's inside the room. And, she was right. Sei-sama, who'll play as 'the King', was already wearing her costume. Alongside Rosa Gigantea was Rei, who will act as 'the Wizard', she too was already wearing her costume. Of course, next to Rei was her cousin, Yoshino who will play as 'Sister A'. Even Shimako, who will play as 'Sister B', was already done; she was standing close to Sei-sama. But what caught my attention the most was the person Sei-sama kept on pestering. 'Is that really Yumi?' I asked, disbelievingly. It was just too good to be true. Yumi looked like a fine gent in her costume. Not to mention, her hair…it was pulled back and tied into a low knot. And, her cravat was even loosely tied. I think it was Eriko-sama's idea to have it tied loosely saying that it'll give the audience some service. 'Honestly…' Inwardly, I sighed.
At the other corner of the room was Suguru, standing not to far from us. He was already his 'Prince's outfit' as he waits at the corner. I walked up to him and said, "I'm sorry for hitting you yesterday." Suguru looked at me, surprised. "Sacchan…" I was about to say something but, got distracted from the foul smell coming from Suguru's costume. "I managed to take off the ginkgo stain but not the smell." Suguru said. I covered my nose from the smell. "You're right" Then, suddenly, I noticed Suguru's mood changed from friendly to hostile.
"Hello," I heard someone greeting us from behind…it was Yumi. She had this smile on her lips which I haven't seen before. 'When did she?' I didn't realize she was just standing next to me. "Hello, Yumi-chan," Suguru greeted with a smile comparable to Yumi's. 'Is it just me or did something happen between these two?' I glanced at both. First, at Yumi. Then, at Suguru. "Your shoulder. How is it?" Yumi asked, pointing at Suguru's right shoulder. It made me wonder what she was talking about. "Fine, just fine," Suguru answered, this time, without his smile. "You gave me quite a surprise yesterday." Suguru added. "Well, it couldn't be helped. My hand moved on its own." Yumi said, saying the last part in English.
Onee-sama walked towards our direction and, immediately, the tense atmosphere around us faded away. "I hope I'm not disturbing anything here." Onee-sama said. She had that all-knowing smile of hers on her lips. "Of course not, Youko-sama… We were just doing some casual talking." Yumi said. "At least, be ready. The play is about to start." Onee-sama reminded. Then, she paused as if thinking of something. "Before I forgot… Sachiko, did you know? Sayako-oba-sama and Touru-oji-sama are both here. They're seated near the stage." Onee-sama pointed where my parents was. 'They really are here…' I looked at them, shocked. I could hear Suguru whistle from behind. "All the more reason to give the best performance." I nodded. "Let's do our best," I said.
"That's the spirit, Sacchan!"
Sei-sama, who suddenly puts her arm on Yumi, got our attention…next to her were Eriko-sama, Rei, Yoshino, and Shimako. Apparently, Sei-sama looks like she saw something interesting. "Shimako," she called her petite sœur. "Isn't that your Dad?" Sei-sama pointed at a bald man, who was wearing a *kasaya, seated just a few seats away from my parents.
"Otō-san..!" Obviously, shocked; Shimako was completely red when she saw her father.
"Wow… You both look so much alike."
Out of the blue, Yumi said those words. We stared at her thinking is your eyesight alright. Even Yoshino had to suppress her laughter. "Yoshino!" Rei hissed. She elbowed her cousin at the side just to make Yoshino stop. "Sorry," Yoshino bowed slightly after that.
"Yumi-san, you're teasing me again." Shimako said.
"No, I'm not." Yumi grinned. She even waved her index finger. "I'm just saying," - Yumi walked in front of Shimako, held both of her hands. - "You and your father give off the same warm feeling. I can tell it just by looking at him over there." Yumi said with a reassuring smile. "Now, are you still nervous?" she asked.
"A little…" Shimako said.
Yumi shook her head, then, smiled. "Just remember not to step on my foot when we dance, okay?" Yumi said, teasingly.
"Yumi-san!" Red from embarrassment, Shimako tried to reprimand Yumi. Just looking at them, made me think… 'It looks like the awkwardness they had for one another is finally gone.'
"Okay, that's enough. Let's get serious, the show is about to start." Onee-sama said. And, as if on cue, the curtain call rang. From there, we knew that the show was about to start. We, the performers, readied ourselves as well as the students who's been helping us behind the stage.
-o0o-
The play went smoothly as it was planned. Not a single mistake was made tonight, not even a single blunder. I played my character well, everybody played their character well, and the crowd loved us. There were loud cheering coming from the students of Lillian. Squealing as they watched us dance. I can hear them gasp with astonishment saying, "Rosa Chinensis en bouton is so beautiful when she dance!" And, "Sachiko-sama is so like a princess!"—But, I never would have expected to hear other students would say.—"Kyaa~~~ Yumi-sama is so handsome!"—And, a lot more that I'd rather not talk about.
'I never knew she was already this famous.'
Speaking of Yumi, I was looking for that girl. I wanted to talk to her right after the play. But with my parents suddenly showing up, I had to tell them that I needed to do something important and I won't be able to join them on the way home.
As I was looking for Yumi, I found her sitting at the grassy field near the running tracks. She was staring at the bonfire as if she was lost in her own world. And, as I walk up to her, it seems like my heartbeat was thumping in a not so normal rate. 'C-Calm down, Sachiko, calm down…' I gulped. But still continued, I stretched my arm forward, reaching towards her shoulder, I said, "I was looking for you."
"Sachiko-sama…" Yumi looked at me as if she didn't expect to see me.
"Can I have a moment of your time?"
"Sure"
I led her in front of Maria-sama's statue. But before I said anything, I gave her a pack of juice. "Here, it's apple juice." Yumi took the said beverage. "Thanks," she said, opening the juice with her straw. Yumi took a few sips from her juice while I followed her example. I opened my juice with the use of a straw. Before I took a sip, I tapped my juice against Yumi's causing the said girl to be surprised at the same. She looked at our connected juices then to me.
"For the success of the play," I said. "Say, Yumi… Did you notice? Back when we were dancing, I stepped on Suguru's foot at least a few times. My heels were even this high..." - I stretched both my index and thumb finger around three-inches apart. - "...and, he acted like it was nothing." I said, laughing at the last part.
Yumi even laughed with me too. "That was mean of you, Sachiko-sama," she took a few sips from her juice.
"Thank you"
"Why are you thanking me?" Yumi asked with a confused look adorned on her face.
"It's because of you the place I grew up in became warmer. My father, whom I rarely see, is often joining me and my mother during breakfast. My mother, I know she rarely smiles and laugh freely, and now, she does. Have I told you that they had an argument this morning? And the thing is…the argument—it was lively. Mother was complaining, 'How come I'm the only one who hasn't visited Yumi-chan's house?' she says. Honestly, this is the first time I've seen her like this. And, it's all thanks to you, Yumi. You've really done a lot even without knowing it."
"You give me too much credit, Sachiko-sama."
"No, it's all true. Without you I don't think I can laugh like this. So, will you at least give me the honor of putting 'this' around your neck?" I asked while I raise the rosary my grande sœur gave me.
I looked at her through the rosary. 'I don't think I can handle another rejection from her.' I gulped, thinking negatively. I saw her smile. 'Is that a good sign or a bad sign?' I asked myself. "You're one stubborn woman, Ogasawara Sachiko." Yumi said. She paused, maybe for dramatic effect. 'Damn her! If you're going to break my heart, then, do it already!' I wanted to yell at her but my instincts told me to wait and be patient.
"I guess, as the saying goes: 'Third times the charm.'… Looks like you just got yourself a petite sœur, Sachiko-sama."
I smiled at her as I place the rosary on her neck. 'So, this is how it feels like to have a petite sœur.'
-o0o-
Cameo/s:
* Adilisia Lenn Mathers (Rental Magica) is the hereditary leader of the prestigious Magician's Society Goetia and descendant of King Solomon.
* Daphne (Rental Magica) is a loyal apprentice of Goetia, responsible for the maintenance of Goetia's residence in Furube City. Adilisia refers to her as the chief maid but Daphne prefers the title of steward.
Trivia/s:
* Gyoukou means: fortuitous; godsend; good fortune; luck. Almost has the same meaning with Yumi's surname, Fukuzawa which means: blessing; fortune; luck; wealth.
* Trill (music) is a musical ornament consisting of a rapid alteration between two adjacent notes, usually a semitone or tone apart, which can be identified with the context of the trill.
* Kasaya (clothing) are the robes of Buddhist monks and nuns, named after a brown or saffron dye. In Sanskrit and Pali, these robes are also given the more general term cīvara, which references the robes without regard to color.
Disclaimer:
* Only Hope instrumental (the song Yumi played for Adilisia) by Switchfoot
* Amazing grace (the song Yumi played for Sei-sama) by John Newton
* Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine.