It took two weeks for your students to comprehend the class schedule. You didn't fault them; it was understandable. The scheduling was tricky, even with the handout you provided on the first day. A few students came in late after lunch for the second subject you taught, expecting the subject for the next day or prior. Often brought the wrong textbook, so they had to leave class and quickly retrieve it from their locker.
You continually provided a hall pass, and the bell always rang when the student(s) left. There was never frustration or annoyance reflected anywhere on you. You approached it with longevity and patience, welcoming the student(s) back when they returned and helping them catch up on the lesson, which was just the first 10 minutes of class.
After the bumpy start, everything seemed seamless and smooth. Though writing lesson plans for the subjects was a tad layering, you managed, even if impeded over into your long night hours or mornings. It wasn't too much; you've handled more enormous responsibilities without breaking a little sweat.
Thank goodness you had your early evening Tai Chi to level yourself. Something Adam would occasionally join with you.
The highlight of it all was seeing and having Ichigo as a student. Even if he remained indifferent with, distantly indifferent, though it hurt, you couldn't fault him. After all, it's been quite some time.
You wondered, standing dressed in your robe Saturday morning while finishing cooking breakfast and writing these thoughts down in your notebook at the counter, if Ichigo possibly informed his dad. You hadn't received a call from that number; you did receive a few calls from Karakura hospital from Dr. Ishida regarding Adam and his recent checkup and to schedule another.
Adam was fine. He didn't need it. You made sure of it, but to participate, you followed through.
Hearing the sizzle and greasy popping of the bacon cooking, you knew it was done. Before attending to it, you sign your name and close the book. You give the cover three taps, grab a spatula, turn off the flame, and take out the bacon.
"Adam! Time for breakfast!" you call while setting the table.
Your voice carried all the way upstairs, reaching Adam in his room. The boy, still dressed in his turtle pajamas, sat at his desk drawing and coloring while muttering.
"You're moving too much. I can't draw you."
He sat his purple marker down and, without looking, picked up a dark blue, only to set it down and pick up a black one.
"Your hole is black. Not dark blue. It goes right here. I know. I know."
Adam drew a circle and colored it in. "There. All done." He set the marker down and held the drawing to the wall, "Do you like it?"
A knock came on his door with your voice behind it, "Adam. Breakfast time."
"Okay! Coming! Sorry I have to go." he smiled at the wall, setting the picture down on his desk, "But I promise I'll be back. Be careful, okay, so the lady in black doesn't get you."
Adam climbed carefully from his chair and hurried down for breakfast. The closer he descended, plumes of savory richness filled the air, layered with floats of noted honeyed sweetness, setting the rumbling of his stomach off. The pattering of his bare feet alerted you of his presence when he entered; you had just finished placing a pitcher of juice down with two cups. Adam's eyes fall to the table covered with plated and papered food. Within seconds he climbed into his seat, his chin barely over the table. You thought of retrieving his booster, but he just tucked his knees under himself and added a few extra inches so he could eat. You took this and sat down across from him.
"Guess what?" he began, adding a fluffy-shaped taiyaki pancake. You poured a cup of juice and waited, "I didn't see my cousins again yesterday at school. I wanted to look for them, but Mrs. Eto had us learn math. We're starting with adding. I wanted to draw, though."
"You did?"
Adam nodded, pouring some honey on his pancake, "Yes. But Mrs. Eto said no. I told her it was important, really important."
"Why is that?" you help him scoop a spoonful of sweet rice onto his plate. "Careful."
"One for the shop and the other for my cousins. I've been drawing a lot of pictures. So I can give it to them."
Your heart sunk slightly from his words, "Really? Well, I am sure your cousins will be glad when you give them."
"I think so too. We haven't seen them in a long time or uncle. I miss auntie."
"I know you do. I do as well. Eventually, we will connect again. So what were you drawing this morning, hm? I am curious to know."
Adam had his mouth full of eggs before swallowing and answering; he gave it thought for a moment. "More boney faces. Whipy doesn't like them, so I drew him this morning. He came last night to sleep, but I think he was hiding from the lady in black. I think he's scared of her, so I said he could stay here because she can't get him."
"Oh, so are you are protecting him?" you ask, taking a bite of bacon and keeping your interest forward.
He nodded with a shrug of his shoulders, "Yes. I told him I could push her back." He demonstrated holding his hands out front with a pushing motion, "Like, really far. Just like I pulled Whipy to me, oh, did E'mbyr forgive you? Who's that? You said their name last night downstairs. Did you find outside last night when you came home?"
You stop the spoonful of rice from your mouth; your bottom lip trembles as Adam's wide eyes stare at you innocently. He looked so much like her, you thought for a moment before quickly returning to his question. You hadn't the words to say, stapled more with surprise than anything by his question.
You were unsure how to answer; Adam continued eating while waiting for your answer. Unable to get the words out, you give a little smile, "Would you like some new crayons at the shop today? If they have any?"
Adam's eyes lit up, "Yes! Please! Oh please! And can I get a new pencil pouch? And tape too!"
"Of course. Eat up so we can get started today."
With those words, Adam hastily ate his breakfast while continuing a different conversation with you. It revolved around drawings; He even included that he made for Dr. Ishda since they both have glasses. After fifteen minutes, you both finished. He helped you clean up the table and wipe down the chairs. You let him go to change so you could wash and put the dishes away. He hurried to his room, and when you heard his door shut, you began washing the dishes. Once you finish the last one, set it down on the dish rack, so it can dry and go to change. As you climbed the stairs, you heard Adam talking again loud while rustling around for his clothes. NUsuallyyou'd help him, but he enjoyed picking out his outfit on weekends, so you let him. Reaching your room, two doors down and adjacent to Adam's.
The house was pretty simple, with four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a small backyard, and the usual aspects of a home. Simple and plain. It worked well for Adam and yourself, and that's what mattered. You came across it eight years ago with help and transformed it into what it is now. The house was nearly centered and evenly distant from most locations. Before entering your room, you paused with your hand on the knob and, for a moment, hung your head from Adam's question and the memories that used to fill this house.
Past children's feet are running up and down the halls, with giggles following. Moments like that remind you of moments long ago. Before those feelings could drown you, you shoved them aside and brought yourself back. Lifting your head and sitting straight, open your door and go in, just as Adam opened his door. It didn't take long to change; you switched your robe for a refreshing one-shoulder canary yellow shorts romper with a white belt; you couldn't forget your chocker with hanging blue spear and your yellow hand band even though you pulled it back into a messy low ponytail. Quickly you brush your teeth and wash your face; one second after you finish, Adam knocks on your door.
"I'm ready!"
You could hear the eagerness in his voice. You opened your door, finding him standing there in purple pants, a t-shirt with a turtle wearing sunglasses, and his school backpack, no doubt filled with his drawings, extra paper, and markers. Most importantly, he had on a huge smile with his hand held out. You took it, and the two of you walked downstairs, stopped to get your brown boots, and out of the house.
You had a few things to get today and a few stops to make. It wasn't much since you didn't need to bring Adam's wagon, but he wanted to bring it anyway, so he could sit in it and draw. You didn't mind and pulled him and it down the street. The day was clear and bright, a few clouds painted the sky above, and the sun warmed the air perfectly. A couple of trees bloomed with flowers and some brushes as well. The air was filled with their perfume scent. You were almost tempted to pluck one for yourself but resisted. Adam was busy drawing away on some paper. You began thinking of what the lesson for next week with the students would be.
You reached the first stop. It was the shop, it was the market. The market was bustling as usual, with vendors about. You thought for a moment that maybe you should inquire about having a field trip here with the students. It would be beneficial for them. As you cruised through deciding and scoping out what you needed and wanted, take a moment and remember when you first came here. Adam was about four months old and, just like you, new to this place. You had him wrapped and bundled; you weren't alone. No, you were with them. She was with you and showed you everything with positive light and wonder. Nearly pulling you everywhere to ensure you enjoyed yourself. Honestly, it was odd but not unfamiliar; you just hadn't experienced that for a while. Her family made it better, and you came to enjoy it.
A few times, you stopped at vendors, and as you did so, Adam occasionally looked up from his drawing and around. Among the people, he was sure he spotted some lady dressed in black before she lept away in a flash. There was a cold chill she left behind, he felt. He saw her once more and, in the distance, heard a painful screech. You pulled the wagon closer when a screech came, Adam turned to you with his eyebrows high, yet you remained fine talking to another vendor before purchasing a small bag of tomatoes and daikon.
"Alright, on to the next stop," you inform him walking out of the market and tossing him a smile back. "Then after, we can head to the shop."
The next stop was the pavilion. There was an important shop there where you needed to get some trinkets and candles. It didn't take long, and you were done within ten minutes with a small bag of items that would last about two weeks. That's all you needed, and the last stop was the shop. It was nearing late morning when you arrived. Adam always knew when the shop was approaching because he stopped drawing and sat up with his hands up to the sky and a massive smile from ear to ear as though he was going on a rollercoaster. The shop wasn't on any main street; it was sort of hidden in the back, off the streets. One had to go down an alley to reach it and a few turns. The place as you approached could be described as an unassuming and old front. A typical Japanese storefront one would possibly find maybe fifty years ago. It had a character with its look.
Maybe you shouldn't have worn your boots, but you didn't mind. Before you could come to a complete stop, Adam jumped out and rushed right into the open door. You heard a familiar bratty and annoyed voice shouting at Adam, followed by a meeker and gentle one. You laugh softly to yourself and park the wagon near the shop when a sudden shiver runs down your spine. For a moment, your eyes darkened, and whipped your head around; instinctively your hand flew to your crystal spear, gripping it. You sharply scoop the surroundings, cement your stance, and feel a charging rush through your blood to your other hand that begins heating up with a tingling at the tips of your fingers.
"Ah, Miss Bishop, there you are!" Came familiar jovial, appealing voice, snapping you out of your state, "Adam came running in, and since I didn't see you, I wondered if...is something wrong?"
Quickly you collect yourself, put on your cheerful smile, and glance back to greet them with a way. "Mr. Urahara, hello."
The humble shopkeeper with his signature dark green and white bucket atop his messy light-blonde hair matched the bits of stubs on his chin. That obscured his gray eyes was a tall, light-skinned man with a lean build hidden beneath his loose-fitting crossed green jacket and matching pants. You noticed he wasn't wearing his black haori, which he usually had hanging over his shoulders. He presented you with a welcoming smile but concernment in his eyes as he walked over and stood behind you, casting his eyes upward.
"Did you see something?" he asked casually.
You stiffen for a moment, "Oh, nothing, really. Just a bird."
"A bird? What kind of bird?"
You fell silent as the heat rushed to your ears; quickly your mind shuffled through the avian information you had and politely blurted out the first one, "A dove."
"A dove? Really? Well, isn't that lovely."
Noticing the pun in his response, you quietly and discreetly laugh. "Yes, lovely indeed. Good morning, Mr. Urahara."You turn around, finally facing him.
He returned your greeting with a pleasant smile, "Good morning, Miss Bishop. This is quite a surprise seeing you and Adam twice in one week; what a treat."
"I suppose it is, is it not. I promised Adam we would stop by today after our outing, so he could get new art supplies."
"A fair trade indeed. I-"
Before he finished, Ururu, a willowy and quiet girl with long black hair, parted into two pigtails with two strands of her bangs over her round purple eyes. That was filled with urgency when she looked at you.
"Miss Bishop, Ummm..." she muttered softly with some volume, shifting her attention between you and Kisuke, pulling on her knee-length pink and white dotted skirt. "Jinta took-"
A loud crash came from inside the shop, followed by a loud yell and a thick crack. You rushed in, followed by Kisuke and Ururu. Your heart was nearly about to yell when you found Jinta, a small boy with red hair and an angry face holding his head, trying to hold back the tears peeping out the corner of his eyes that he pointed glaringly at a tall lightly-tan muscular man, you recognized from his large handlebar mustache, sideburns, and rectangular-shaped glasses and blue apron.
Tessai Tsukabishi was one of the few people you knew who could wear cornrows well. He stood domineering over Jinta and between him and Adam who sat normally where Kisuke does on the platform cleaning his glasses before putting them on.
You hurry over to Adam, calling his name, "Adam!"
Tessai and Jinta turn to you and watch you quickly kneel before him and survey him intently; he doesn't respond until he puts on his glasses and smiles. "Jinta's in trouble with Mr. Tessai."
You sigh, relieved, Adam is alright. "Is he now?" you respond calmly, smoothing out his hair. "Why is that?"
Adam shrugged his shoulders and began swinging his legs while looking aimlessly around, "I don't know. Actually, he took my glasses, because I wanted to show him my drawings. He threw my backpack over there." He pointed near the door and turned to Jinta. "Right?"
You held back, wanting to shoot Jinta a sharp glare, but he felt, and the boy nearly turned blue. Tessai stepped in, went to his knees, and gave a deep bow. You weren't sure how, but he somehow had Jinta doing the same with a heavy hand on the boy's head. "Miss Bishop, my sincerest apologizes!" Tessai admitted, "Jinta's actions were highly unwarranted against Adam. I should have been present, so this diabolical wouldn't have happened. Jinta fully knows his actions were cruel and wrong. If anything, Jinta will have the appropriate punishment."
You saw Jinta tremble out of the corner of your eyes. Leaving Adam, you go over to the boy and set a light touch on his back. He flinched and yelped. "I'm sorry!"
"I know. Mr. Tsukabishi, please, there is no need," you assure Tessai as you remove his hand from Jinta and help the boy up. You were even dusting him off and straightening his clothes. "Please, do not do it again. Alright?"
Jinta shifted his eyes to his feet briefly before lifting them to yours and found them calmly waiting for his reply. All Jinta could only stare, unaware of the pink creeping across his cheeks.
"Y-Yes, Miss Bishop." he finally shoved out and turned to Adam. "Sorry, Adam. I'll go get your backpack." Without looking at you again, he hurried to the backpack that was being held by Kisuke and returned it to Adam.
Adam's face beamed. Taking his backpack back, he squeezed it with all his might. "Thank you! Oh!" he remembered, unzipping his bag and taking out some papers, "I made everyone drawings!"
The remainder of your time in Urahara's shop went well; Adam remained in Kisuke's spot, explaining everyone's drawing to them, while you looked and shopped around with Ururu, who held your small basket. You took your time until Adam finished; not once did he stop talking or his smile falter. You just kept thinking every time you glanced at him how much he looked like her; your heart swelled and crumbled each time the thought passed.
"Miss Bishop, are you alright?" Ururu asked, noticing the stinging hidden in your eyes.
Quickly you blinked, and it was gone, "Yes. Just something in the wind."
She stared at you uncertainly; you pushed your smile and took her hands in yours. "Thank you for your help."
As expected, she smiled gratefully and nodded. "You're welcome. I like shopping with you. You always smell like flowers. Pretty flowers. I'll take these up front." She hurried over to Kisuke.
You called Adam to go and walked over, ready to pay. Only to find out you didn't have to.
"Excuse?" you looked puzzled at Kisuke.
He held up one of Adam's drawings, "Such artwork like this is beyond any form of currency."
"Are you sure? I can."
Kisuke shook his head and set Adam's drawing aside; Tessai had completed bagging the items and handed them to you. "Here you go, Miss Bishop."
You take them still shocked by this gesture, you wanted to pay, but it was clear Kisuke wouldn't be persuaded. So you accepted it under one condition.
"Though I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Urahara, I will take it if I may exchange it for the kindness of my own," you present, earning a raised brow from him, "Allow me to make you a meal. I can make at home and bring here or make it here. Which would you prefer?"
Tessai, Ururu, and Jinta didn't hide their shocked faces. Kisuke managed a bit better through an amused chuckle. He took out his fan, hiding the lower half of his face. "A free meal, how could I say no? Sure!"
"Wonderful! Catered or prepared?"
"Prepared, please," Ururu answered, turning everyone's attention to her. She kept her eyes level with the floor.
You understood and agreed. Taking Adam by the hand and your items in the other, thank everyone and bid them bye. They watch you and Adam leave, and once your footsteps receded, silence was gone. Tessai held up the drawing Adam gave him.
"Quite descriptive." He said, handing showing Kisuke, "Down to the finest detail."
Kisuke examined the drawing, "Indeed. He's getting better." His eyes lowered to a specific part of the drawing, an image he knew all too well, "Seems young Adam is indeed a talented artist."
By the time you and Adam made it back, it nearing late afternoon, a good time. You still had to write the lesson for the rest of the week, and Adam had homework. When you returned, Adam climbed out of the wagon and went straight to the door. He waited for you to come up the pathway and unlock it. Both of you slipped off your shoes and placed them into the closet with the wagon, which you folded and tucked away after taking out your items. Adam carried one bag while you handled the rest. Setting the things on the table, you and Adam put them away as he told you all about today, the lady in black clothing and what he talked to everyone at Urahara's shop about. Once everything was put away, he did his usual thing; he asked for a small bowl and filled it with milk. He went and placed it outside in the backyard by the fence and came back in.
You weren't sure why he did it; all he ever said was it was Licorice.
"I'm going to go draw," he informs you, taking the fork and small plate filled with a slice of matcha swiss roll and a cup of sweet iced cherry blossom tea, and hurried to his room.
"Do your homework too!" you call after him.
You heard his door shut and, taking the bag from the pavilion, took out a simple white candle inlaid with golden kanji and sat on the window sill. Carefully you ensure no one was around and Adam was upstairs. Sensing no one or anything, focus on the candle, hold the small spear on your chocker, and mutter, causing a grayish flame lite on the wick. It quickly turned to a normal orange-red.
Waiting a few seconds after it was lit, with your hand still holding the spear, snap your fingers, and on the table suddenly appears your teaching materials. Lesson booklet, curriculum, recipes, history books, art books, and some science. As well as a pen.
Taking your slice of match roll and a cup of iced tea, sit comfortably, open the lesson booklet, and write down next week's lesson.
