Chapter 6 (Tuesday)
"Usa? What are you doing here this early?" Makoto asked as she approached where Usagi stood at her open locker.
"I'm meeting with Ms. H. She needed to go over some stuff with me that I missed when I was sick a few weeks ago."
"I see. Well, I better head to the teacher's lounge. We have that teacher appreciation lunch today and I volunteered to help with set-up before school. But, hey, what are you doing this afternoon?"
"Lunch with Mi-chan and the moms, then one heck of a study session."
"Alright. See ya later, Usa!" Makoto called, heading off. Even she had a more relaxed air without Rei around and she was closest to her of all the girls. It was funny how their group worked, Usagi thought. She and Minako were childhood friends and like sisters; they were best friends. Surprisingly, the same could be said about Ami and Makoto, minus the childhood friends part, even though Ami was the shy, studious type and Makoto was the brazen, take-no-prisoners type. And then, there was Rei. Honestly stated, their reserved friend had become the biggest witch. Yeah, she could be friendly; usually when she wanted something. Otherwise, she was a control freak and not in a good way at all. It came down to varying degrees of liking people without ever truly being friends. Usagi knew she was at the bottom of the list and Rei let it show. Minako was just above her, but Rei didn't act on it for popularity's sake. Ami was above that, probably because she helped with homework and never went against Rei. Makoto made the top of the list for her cooking and because Rei thought they were the most alike.
'This is twisted,' Usagi noted as she shut her locker and headed to Ms. H's room. 'At least we have a yearly reprieve.'
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"Usa!" Minako called from down the hall. "My mom's picking us up," she informed her as she neared.
"In the convertible?" she giggled, loving her 'aunt' for her craziness.
"That's the plan. And where are we headed? Did your mom tell you?"
"No. And, I suppose Auntie didn't tell you?"
"Of course not," Minako answered mock serious. "Why give answers when it could be a surprise instead?"
Usagi let out a laugh as they headed out the school doors, backpacks slung over their shoulders. "Our mothers are crazy!" she said as Minako pointed to her mother pulling into the parking lot.
"Looking for a ride, ladies?" she asked, pulling up in front of them. "Can I offer you my services?"
"Mommy, you're nuts," Minako informed her, opening the door and climbing into the back.
"Your point, darling?" she questioned as Usagi joined Minako in the back and shut the door. "Buckle up, ladies, and we'll be on our way to pick up Ikuko."
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"What do you think, girls?" Ikuko questioned as they parallel parked in a downtown area in front of a coffee shop. "The owners are American. Apparently, they sold their shop at home and came over here, basically recreating the place."
They entered the coffee shop, immediately relaxing in the eccentrically comfortable atmosphere. Grabbing a menu each, the four conferred quickly before stepping up to the counter and placing their orders.
Moving towards a set of patio furniture in a more secluded area, the mother-daughter pairs sat and made small talk until their food arrived.
As the food arrived, Ikuko and Miyako exchanged a look. "Alright, darlings," Ikuko began, "we have a slight ulterior motive this time."
"Yeah?"
"We want to talk to you about this Rei disaster," Miyako informed them in her blunt way. "It's out of control."
As Usagi and Minako both opened their mouths to protest, Ikuko gently shushed them and carried on explaining. "Usa, sweetheart, colleges are already scouting you, hoping they can lure you in to picking up your gymnastics again. And, honestly, private schools have offered you both scholarships. So, it's possible to just walk away from the situation."
"But, Auntie Ikuko, that's letting her win!" Minako exclaimed in protest.
"Not really," Usagi told her, putting a calming hand on her arm. "It's being the bigger person, getting us out with an excuse and no hurt feelings." Turning back to her mom, she questioned, "Are we talking Tomoe prep? Class schedules set around a training schedule and emphasis in specials allowed?"
"Yes, darling," Ikuko answered.
"They've made scholarship offers for you as well, Minako. Between dance, cheer, and volleyball, you have their interests peeked," Miyako told her.
"We've actually met with the school already, your fathers and us," Ikuko told them. "Not anything more than to find out options, and they know that. But there's information at home for each of you and open-ended appointments with the school. Now, are you interested in hearing more?"
Sharing a look, both girls shrugged.
"Well, I think I'm going to use the restroom," Ikuko informed them. "Miyako, why don't you grab us some refills on our drinks?" she suggested. Both women left the table, giving the teens a chance to talk.
"Usa-chan, are you seriously considering this?"
"Well…yeah. Not saying absolutely, but it would be nice. Momma and Daddy talked about moving me there when you spent those years in England. It's an amazing school. A few of the girls I met in competitions go there and they've told me all about it, so I know it's not just talk to get us in the door."
"Know anything about the dance program?"
"I know someone who could tell you more. She injured her shoulder and can't tumble any more, so she switched to her secondary study…dance."
"What kinds?" Minako questioned.
"Oh, Mi-chan, almost every imaginable. It's an arts school. It's for talented, gifted students. So, kids who can make good grades and have some kind of artistic talent get in. You could learn to choreograph!"
"I'm sold."
Usagi laughed. "I should have told you that first, right?"
"Pretty much, but what about you? You aren't going to study gymnastics. That's just an activity. Plus, are you in shape enough for that?"
"Yes, I'm in shape enough. I may not work out like I used to, but I still run and exercise and stay limber and keep up with flexibility workouts so I can go back if I want. And, I miss it. I could see going back, even with the crazy schedule. As far as studies, I'm ahead in regular classes, so I'll probably try to take art and foreign language classes, maybe even some music classes. I want to just explore my options. Heck, maybe even drama or business classes too. Point is, let's take the meetings and see what happens. It sounds like we probably could take the whole summer to make up our minds if they want us there so bad."
"Alright, Mommy," Minako said as her mom rejoined them. "We'll take the interviews...on the condition that we can do our meetings together and we get time to think with no influences, no people being told outside of the six of us."
"Perfectly fine," Miyako agreed.
"Of course," Ikuko agreed having rejoined them just in time to hear Minako's conditions. "We'll set something up for either tomorrow or Thursday afternoon. Now, let's enjoy this meal and not worry about it anymore. We're just happy you're considering this because it's hard to miss the effect Rei has on both of you."
"Thanks for caring enough to bring it up, Momma," Usagi said, leaning over to hug her mother.
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"Plans for the afternoon, ladies?" Miyako asked as they exited the coffee shop, all contentedly full.
"Studying," the girls chorused.
"I'm headed to the library," Usagi supplied.
"And I think I'll be joining you," Minako said. "If you don't mind…" she added.
"More time with my best friend? How could I refuse the chance for that?!" Usagi teased, looping her arm through Minako's.
"Then off to see the wizard we go," Minako sang, scooping the backpacks from the car and skipping off with Usagi in tow. The sound of laughter drifted down the street behind them.
"Those are some very special daughters we have," Ikuko noted as she watched them go.
"Very special indeed," Miyako concurred. "Now, how about an afternoon of shopping?"
"Now that sounds like a plan. The housework and errands can wait while I spend some time with my best friend," she replied with a grin.
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"I love this library," Usagi whispered to Minako as they began climbing the stairs to the second floor.
"Having all the study areas and a coffee bar on the third story, how could you not love this place?" Giggling, they started up the next flight of stairs.
First hitting the coffee bar, they moved to the back of the building. They settled at adjacent tables, Usagi with her hot spiced tea and classic music filled iPod and Minako with her latte and 80's pop music intermixed with soundtracks to musicals. Texting back and forth, the two settled into studying and made good progress.
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Usagi sat back and stretched, stifling a cry as she noticed she was no longer alone at her table.
Mamoru glanced up to meet her eyes, chuckling, before quickly going back to his work. Intrigued, Usagi slipped the art sketch pad away from him. He sat still, a smile in place, observing as she checked over his work. "This is me!" she whispered.
"I owe Ms. Meioh three sketches, remember? It's just practice work. I'll ask you to sit for me when I'm ready to do the ones for her."
"Why not ask Minako? Or Motoki?"
"Thanks to someone you might know, I'll be asking them to sit for one together, which leaves two others," he explained. "Something about encouraging them…"
She giggled quietly, sending him a soft smile. "Thank you, Mamoru."
"Thanks for what?" Minako asked sliding into the seat beside Usagi and giving her a nudge with her elbow.
Shooting Mamoru a wink, Usagi answered her friend. "He offered to get me another drink then make sure I get home after we review more calculus. I take it Auntie called?'
"Yup. She and your mom did some damage shopping this afternoon. Now she's headed home after dropping Auntie off and offered to pick me up on the way."
"Not a deal to miss with your mom," Usagi agreed.
"Exactly. So, goodbye, love. Don't do anything I wouldn't do and call me tonight. In the meantime, text it."
"Bye, love. See you tomorrow," Usagi replied.
"Later, gator," Minako told Mamoru and disappeared with a wink.
"Sneaky," Mamoru commented, returning his attention to Usagi.
"A necessary evil sometimes," she told him. "And we have an understanding anyway. Small things like that we are allowed to pull a few times a year, but never on something big or anything hurtful. Usually, the person knows they're being lied to since we know each other that well, but they will ignore it. Since we know that we'd never break the deal, we let the lies pass and assume it's not a big deal or we'll find out why later."
"Interesting. That takes a lot of trust. So, how was school today?"
"It was okay. I blew off Makoto, which I feel bad for since it seemed to hurt her feelings. Makoto and Ami are the last two in our group of five. But, Mi-chan and I were having lunch with our moms and then I had planned to be here," she explained. "Oh, hang on a sec," she told him as her cell began to vibrate.
Mamoru observed her as she talked with her mom agreeing to be home in an hour for supper, telling her not to worry about coming to pick her up. He continued to watch her as she laughed and agreed to try to do something.
Sliding her phone into her bag, Usagi leaned closer and added, "So, how about that drink and getting me home?"
"Trying to make your lie true?" he teased in return.
"Actually, more like I have to get home, Momma wants you to come to supper, and my drink is gone."
"Convenient," he joked, heading to the coffee counter as Usagi packed her stuff up. He placed a quick order for black coffee and a hot chocolate. With the order ready in just moments, he quickly paid and met Usagi at the top of the stairs. He passed her drink over and received a smile of appreciation as the bittersweet taste hit her mouth.
"Would you mind if we just walked?" she asked as they descended the stairs.
"Not at all. Let me get that," he said, taking her book bag. "Why the walk? Not that I'm complaining, of course."
"No big reason. Just the nice weather and we have plenty of time before supper. Are you sure you're okay with coming for supper?"
"Yes, of course. Is there some reason I shouldn't be okay with it?"
"Just that Daddy will be there…"
"Usa," he started, grabbing her hand and pulling her to a stop. "Nothing is going to scare me away or make me stop being your friend. You're gonna have a hard time loosing me once you get tired of me. Your mom asked that you invite me, right?" At her nod, he continued. "She would know he is going to be home and she thinks it'll be fine. Don't worry, okay?"
"You're right," she agreed, hanging her head.
"Come on; snap out of it. The world is all happiness and joy right now. Rei is gone, school's almost out, you convinced me to help with the Minako/Motoki situation, and you even get calculus now," he reminded her, slinging an arm around her shoulders and propelling her down the street. "There's that smile," he joked as she reacted to his reasons.
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"Momma, we're here!" Usagi cried as she let Mamoru and herself inside the house.
"Wonderful, darling. Go wash up. Dinner will be ready shortly," Ikuko called from the kitchen.
Usagi took her book bag from Mamoru, plopped it by the bottom of the stairs, and led him into the kitchen to wash their hands. She slid around Mamoru once she finished washing her hands and grabbed place settings off the counter. Mamoru followed and grabbed the drinks off the counter to take to the table.
"Thank you, darlings," Ikuko said, turning from the stove to look at them. "How are you, Mamoru, dear?" she questioned, leaning over to kiss her daughter on the head and giving her a hug.
"I'm well, thank you."
"Good to hear. I'm glad you could make it for supper tonight."
"How could I refuse your offer when it includes such good food?" he joked.
"Thank you," she laughed. "Please go ahead and sit. Darling, go call your father and brother; we're ready to eat."
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Ikuko watched her little girl slip out the door after an hour of calculus review with Mamoru and turned to her husband. "Coffee, dear?"
"Yes, thank you. I'll go check and make sure Shingo is doing homework, then I'll be right there," he assured her.
Just a few minutes later, he joined her sitting at the island on bar stools. The smells of brewing coffee and fresh baked cookies filled the room. "Well, Kenji, let's hear it."
"About Mamoru?" At her nod, he continued. "If it had to be a boy, at least it will be that boy. He's got a good head on his shoulders and he seems a welcome reprieve from the high school drama we usually see. They are just friends, right?"
"For now, I believe," she told him. "I am pretty sure that will change. But, he's good for her. She's comfortable with someone besides Minako for the first time in a long time."
"That alone makes him allowable. He seems like a good young man. And, I already spoke to the Furuhatas and they spoke so highly of him," he said. "My only problem is the age difference, but he has shown a huge maturity in just the short time since I've met him."
"Good. I think we can trust this. We already know more about him than most of the guys who she goes to high school with. Why don't we just wait this out and see if they even really do go there."
"Sounds good."
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Mamoru let Usagi and himself out of the house and followed her as she started down the sidewalk towards the neighborhood park. "Didn't go as badly as you had thought, did it?" he questioned as they walked.
"No, my dad was very cool about it all. I have no idea what my mom did."
Mamoru laughed, offering his arm to Usagi. "It worked out. So, don't worry, Bunny."
"Why did you call me that, that day in the park?" she questioned.
"It just seemed right. I don't know," he told her. "It's just one of those unexplainable things. Does it bother you?"
"No, I agree. It seems right," she agreed. "So, can I ask you something?"
"Sure. You know you can ask me whatever."
"I had lunch with Minako and our moms. I told you that, right?"
"Yeah."
"There was a reason they wanted to take us out to lunch. They want us to consider accepting prep school scholarships or, in my case, early college admission."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. If I accepted early college admission, I would be starting my senior year next year and only there for the year. My parents relaxed a little on the accelerated programs when I was doing gymnastics, but I'm still pretty far ahead. I'd rather go the prep route."
"What's your question?"
"Well, what do you think?"
"I think it's up to you. You know what you want whether you're ready to accept it yet or not. Are you considering the prep school? Which one?"
"Tomoe Prep. And, yeah, I'm really considering it. I want it. We talked about it before when Minako was in England, but it didn't happen. Just bad timing. And, I didn't want to let go of the few friends I had left at the time."
"But, if Minako makes the move with you, you think you'll be more comfortable."
"Pretty much, but at this point I think I would even go without her. Arts school where I can specialize appeals to me."
"Art classes? Like drawing, sketching, and all?"
"Exactly. And other stuff too. I just want to do something different and to walk away from this thing with Rei. It's a good excuse to get out of it without hurting her feelings or putting anyone else in the middle of the fight."
"Like the other two? Ami and Makoto?"
"Mostly. And Minako, if she decides not to leave. I already have a few friends there, girls I met through gymnastics. I can live with that. Things with Minako won't change no matter what, so I'm not worried about that."
"You are way too mature for your age."
"Sorry."
"Nothing to apologize for. It's a very welcome change."
"Okay. So, input?"
"Do it. Make yourself happy."
"You think that will make me happy?"
"I think it will. And, I think you already know it; you just need to embrace it," he told her as they reached the playground. She took a seat on a swing and he gave her a gentle push before sitting on the swing to her left.
"Ready to talk about something else yet?" she questioned with a smile. "I know you have to be tired of hearing me complain about my life."
"It doesn't matter what we talk about. You do me as much good as I do you," he assured her.
"How about one fact, because I believed we skipped that yesterday and then I better get home. I actually have class tomorrow morning."
"Sounds good. My day, right?"
"Yep," she assured.
"How about favorite color?"
"Easy one, but can I guess yours?"
"Go ahead."
"Blue. That, or green," she guessed.
"Green would be correct. I'm going to say that yours is yellow."
"Wow. How did you know?!"
"I figured it either had to be that or purple, because pink never sat right when I thought of you."
"I'm impressed."
"I try," he teased. "One more question to make up for god measure?"
"Sounds like a plan. My turn?"
"Yup."
"Hmmm…What would be a good question…" she pondered as she got up and started to lead the way back from the park.
Thoughts?