SHE'S HEADING HOME GUYS!
Anyways, new chapter! Enjoy!
Light green eyes meet dark green as the two cousins woke up. Though unlike most days when they were excited to spend the day together and experience life as a duo, their eyes were dull with grief and longing.
"So we've only got a few hours left..." Rikona noted softly.
"Yeah, Ayase is picking me up after breakfast," Hanoashi noted. "Still...I'm really going to miss you Rikona," Hanoashi added, her voice growing soft.
"Yeah...me too," Rikona sighed. "It'd be nice if I could stay with you for a day or so, but Ayase is going to have her hands full with the whole maid thing, huh?"
"Drake is paying her well for it," Hanoashi mused. "Two million three hundred thousand yen and she gets to eat a portion of any meals she cooks for us, plus she gets a room rent free and a monthly private grocery allowance."
"Can't beat that," Rikona smiled.
"So...anything you want to do before I have to head home?" Hanoashi asked.
Rikona shook her head. "No, just spending the next few hours with you is enough," she smiled.
"Same...want to walk in the garden?" Hanoashi offered.
"No breaking any vases," Rikona cautioned teasingly.
Hanoashi laughed a bit. "Don't worry, we won't be rowdy or anything."
Making their way downstairs, they noticed that Shelia was already up. "Eggs and sausage sandwiches, figured you wouldn't want a big meal today," she noted.
"More time together," Rikona smiled.
"Thanks for the meal," Hanoashi smiled as they all sat at the table and gave thanks before digging in. It was a quiet meal as they all scarfed it down, a sign of their minor distress at losing a member of the household, albeit she wasn't dead or anything.
"Hanoashi and I are wanting to walk in the gardens, is that alright?" Rikona asked.
"As long as you don't break another vase. Saria Matsumino says that she won't make another for me until next decade," Shelia noted
"We'll be careful," Rikona promised, leading Hanoashi outside.
Taking a deep breath, she let out a smile. "It'll be fall soon, won't it Rikona?" Hanoashi asked.
"Yeah, my favorite time of year," Rikona sighed.
"I like spring a little bit better, but fall is a close second," Hanoashi smiled indulgently.
"Not that found of winter though, long sleeves are a bit of a drag," Rikona snorted. "And no, I'm not saying that because I just got off time out yesterday," she added with a huff, referring to the fact that she had to wear long sleeves all the time while on time out.
"I can understand that," Hanoashi nodded. "I mean...I'd have to hate wearing a swimsuit considering that's what I have to wear when I get grounded," Hanoashi added.
"Guess you can only wear them in the pool and around lakes and streams now," Rikona shrugged.
"Cone snails..." Hanoashi stammered.
"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!" Rikona squeaked.
"Co...co...cone snails..." Hanoashi's voice shook, flashes of her near death that day echoing in her mind.
"Hanoashi," Rikona whispered. Before hugging her. "Come back..." she urged quietly.
"Huh..." Hanoashi's mind snapped to the present. "I'm sorry cousin..." Hanoashi whispered, before embracing her.
"I'm sorry," Rikona whispered.
"No...no, it's okay, you didn't mean to bring up those memories," Hanoashi reassured her. "Still...try not to bring that up around me for a while, alright?"
"Alright then," Rikona whispered.
"Um..." Hanoashi asked as Rikona continued the hug.
"Shut up and let me have this for a while," Rikona whispered, embracing her a little bit tighter, but not at the point where it'd hurt.
"Al...alright," Hanoashi whispered, returning the gesture.
They pulled apart after what seemed like an hour. "Is there anything you'd like to say to me before you have to depart?" Rikona asked.
"I...I wanted to thank you for being there for me when I was at my lowest," Hanoashi smiled earnestly. "And that...I love you," she added with a whisper.
"Ew," Rikona teased.
"You jerk!" Hanoashi laughed.
"But yeah, I love you too Hanoashi," Rikona smiled.
"Ewwwwww..." Hanoashi teased dramatically, causing Rikona to join in the laughter.
"So...anything you want to say to me?" Hanoashi asked.
"I wanted to thank you for being such a wonderful cousin to me, and I wanted to apologize," Rikona began. "I...I'm so sorry my family treated you so distantly just because they didn't like who aunt Yu married."
"You don't need to apologize to me for that Rikona," Hanoashi shook her head.
"Maybe I don't need to, but I feel like I do, and even more so, I want too. Had we Matsumino supported her marriage with Drake...well..." Rikona trailed off.
"Cousins forever?" Hanoashi extended her hand.
"Forever and beyond," Rikona smiled, accepting the handshake.
"Rikona, Hanoashi, Ayase is here!" Shelia called from the garden entrance.
"Alright, we're coming," Hanoashi and Rikona chorused, though their voice held sadness. It's time to say goodbye, Hanoashi realized sadly.
Arriving into the living room, Hanoashi picked up her things, including her picture album which now included a number of photos of her and Rikona. She still didn't have much, a backpack, her stuffed bear, and a few other things she'd need.
"I know it's hard, but these goodbyes are a part of life," Ayase whispered gently. She was wearing a nice pink and white striped sleeveless polo with dark pink short shorts and white thigh high stockings, along with pink sandals. All complimented with the brown leather watch she always wore. It was Asaye's usual summer flair so to speak.
"Right, I understand," Hanaoshi tried to smile, but her mind was still stinging from the separation.
As Ayase shut the trunk of her 1997 Toyota Corolla, she gazed down at Hanoashi, her blue eyes in understanding. "Go and give them one last hug before we leave," she smiled.
Rushing over, Shelia smiled at her. "You didn't forget something, did you?" she asked jokingly.
"Just wanted to say goodbye is all," Hanoashi smiled.
Shelia knelt down and gave her a hug. "It was wonderful having you Hanoashi. I just wish you could have stayed longer, but..."
"I know...I'll miss you too Aunt Shelia," Hanoashi whispered. She then turned to Rikona and gave her a big hug. "I guess this is goodbye for now," she whispered.
"Don't go cousin," Rikona whispered as she returned the embrace.
"I wish I didn't have too," Hanoashi whispered, before pulling back. "If it's alright with father, may I call once I return home?" she asked.
"Certainly, and it is the weekend, so you may call anytime, though we might be busy sometimes so it may take a little while for you to get us at a good time. Just keep trying until you do, alright?" Shelia indulged.
"Thank you Aunt Shelia," Hanoashi smiled and turn to leave before Shelia stopped her.
"Hanoashi...one more thing," she added, before handing her an envelope.
"What's this?" Hanoashi asked quietly.
"I wanted you to have my allowance for this month," Rikona admitted, her light green eyes shining.
"I...I couldn't," Hanoashi whispered.
"Take it...you're going to need it," Rikona urged.
"Go ahead Hanoashi, I checked with Drake and he's fine with it this once," Shelia smiled.
"Al...alright, if you're sure," Hanoashi smiled, clutching the packet of bills a bit, before bowing. "Thank you for having me over," she smiled gratefully, before rising and walking over to the car, allowing for Ayase to buckle her in.
"It's an hour drive, right?" Hanoashi asked.
"Yes, you need anything? Food, drink..."
"I'm good Ayase-san," Hanoashi smiled. "Thanks for the offer though," she added.
"It's no problem," Ayase smiled as she made her way to the other side of the car and got in. Hanoashi peered over the edge of the car, and as they left the driveway she could see Rikona enter the house, and while she wasn't too sure, she thought that Rikona might have been in tears.
"You excited to be going home?" Ayase asked.
"Yep!" Hanoashi smiled.
"So, could you tell me what kind of foods you like?" Ayase asked. "I mean I kind of have an idea, but with your SC-type 4 diabetes..."
I usually prefer meats and eggs to grain products in the morning, but if you're going to flavor my eggs, I prefer dried strawberry powder...though that might be a bit hard to get. As for lunch any assortment of canned vegetables will do along with some sort of sandwich, preferably a meat and ketchup sandwich. Wouldn't want anything with jelly or mayo though, obviously. As for dinner, just some form of pasta, mac and cheese or spaghetti and ketchup will do. Snacks...well most kinds of nuts, beef jerky, or dried fruit, but..." Hanoashi paused as she realized that she was rambling. "Sorry Ayase-san, I'll right it down," she apologized.
"I think I got enough to get started, Though we'll have to keep things to about thirty seven thousand yen per person per month, or about twelve hundred per person per day," Ayase noted. "Still, it's doable," she added.
"I'm guessing that father's financial situation is bad?" Hanoashi asked.
"Hanoashi dear..." Ayase began.
Oh boy here's a lecture...Hanoashi moaned inwardly, knowing that Ayase only used a person's name followed by the word dear when she needed to say something serious.
"Drake may never be able to work again. The government has agreed to allow him to go ahead and draw a limited amount of disability for your sake, but he won't be able to spend most of that money outside of needs, and saving up for future medical bills and other emergencies," Ayase explained.
"In other words I'm going to grow up poor?" Hanoashi guessed.
"Not dirt poor, no," Ayase noted. "Your father has about fifty one million yen in the bank, barely enough to see you though school and a few medical emergencies," she added.
The situation then dawned on her. "I understand Ayase-san."
"Don't worry, your father's disability check will help things some, and working for your future allowance will help more, just don't expect too much going forward, alright?" Ayase warned.
"I'll be fine," Hanoashi promised. "I'm actually looking forward to the idea of working," she added.
"That's great! But first, we need to get you situated back to living with your father. It'll be tough, but like I said before, you'll be alright," Ayase encouraged.
"Are you only staying for a year?" Hanoashi asked.
"Fraid so, that's all your father can afford. I wouldn't mind staying longer, but unfortunately I have to make a living as well, and if he can't pay then..."
"I understand Ayase-san," Hanoashi noted. Mother taught Nova and I on the basics of finances at least, she noted gratefully.
Arriving at her house, Hanoashi stepped out of the car, allowing Aysae to guide her into the two story house. Taking a deep sigh, she entered the house, finding her father watching TV.
"You doing alright Dad?" Hanoashi asked as she walked up to him.
"Peachy," Drake rasped warmly. "And you?" he added, his gaze growing concerned.
"Just glad you made it back, I've been really worried about you, dad," Hanoashi whispered, her voice holding relief.
"You needn't worry bout little ole my, why old Drake is..." He was interrupted by a coughing fit.
"Father?!" Hanoashi gasped in alarm. He's not dying is he?!
"He'll be alright," Aysae reassured her. "But he should try to avoid talking so much at once," she added, giving him a no argument stare.
"Please...I wanna talk..." Drake managed between coughs.
"Tough, it's the price you pay for playing hero," Ayase noted, placing her hand on her hip. "Now...for lunch..."
"Just a TV dinner for me," Drake rasped.
"I think you need ice cream instead this time," Ayase muttered. "Perhaps Sherbet?"
"Fine," Drake sighed.
"Ice cream for lunch?" Hanoashi tipped her head.
"He could have had his TV dinner had he not begin coughing like that," Ayase sighed." It'll help clear his throat and maybe he can have that dinner for...well dinner. Anyways, what about you Hanoashi?"
A ham sandwich and a can of spinach if you have it," Hanoashi requested. "If not though something similar would work," she added.
"Alright, yeah I have that. I'll have a sandwich and a bowl of pudding myself," Ayase added. "Right, let me get Drake set up first, Hanoashi if you could sit at the table..."
"Yes Ayase-san," Hanoashi smiled.
It's great to be home...in my own house...but still...I miss being with Rikona...She sighed. And Nova! Maus the last time I thought of him was when Shelia told me that he'd be at the funereal...It'll be so good to see him again...she paused as Ayaye placed the sandwich and bowl of spinach in front of her. "Thank you for the food," Hanoashi smiled.
"No problem," Ayase smiled as she prepared her lunch.
Hanaoshi dug in, making sure to focus on eating rather than thinking of relatives who were not here at the moment. Once she finished, she noticed Ayase gazing at her. "Can I trust you to stay in your room for an hour while I do some chores?" she asked.
"Let me help with them," Hanoashi begged.
Ayase let out an indulgent smile. "Alright then," she managed before giving a small laugh. "Master Drake said that you might insist, and I'm always glad for the help," she added.
"Great! Dishes first?" Hanoashi asked. "I can handle them!"
"I'll watch, not that I don't trust you but Drake will have my head if Maus forbid something were to happen to you," she added.
"Maus forbid?" Hanoashi tipped her head.
"We ex Sensado participants use the term Maus instead of swearing to god or something...As for what the Maus is...well it's basically Germany's super heavy tank that no one uses in Sensado due to how overpowered it'd be," Ayase shrugged.
"Oh...tank on tank simulated combat," Hanoashi smiled.
"You've heard of it?" Ayase asked in surprised.
"Aunt Shelia's guarder participated in it at Kuromorimine for a while," Hanaoshi smiled. "What was her name again...Leah...yeah."
"Leah?" Ayase gasped. "You met the Leah!?"
"Yeah, why does it shock you?" Hanaoshi tipped her head.
"Hanoashi, Leah's a living urban legend among the Nishisumi, let alone the Sensado community" Ayase whispered, her blue eyes wide with shock and awe. "She's supposedly the first Nishisumi who rejected the name and style and lived to tell the tale."
"Huh?" Hanoashi tipped her head.
"The Nishisumi are not to be trifled with," Ayase noted, returning to her somewhat normal stance. "But they won't harm you, just be sure to respect them if you get into Sensado, alright?"
"Um...alright?" Hanoashi noted confusedly.
"Now, we were washing dishes?" Ayase reminded her gently.
The dish washing session was pretty short, giving that they were only two plates, a bowl a spoon and two cups. Hanoashi soon found herself in her room, putting her stuff up, her eyes widening as she gazed at her swimsuit. "Maus...I need to do something to get over this fear of anything water..." she muttered, placing it in the dresser.
Gazing around she gazed up at the ceiling, memories of their recent sleepover flooding her mind. And I had to ruin it by panicking like that...she muttered to herself.
"Everything picked up?" Ayase called while knocking.
"Almost," Hanoashi called, placing her photo album on the dresser and opening the door to come face to face with Ayase.
"Just checking on you. While I'd like to think you are ready to be on your own, both Drake and Social services would have my head if I left you alone for too long," Ayase apologized.
"I understand," Hanoashi smiled.
"Next time I check on you I'll bring you downstairs and we can call Rikona, sounds good?" Ayase offered.
"Oh right, I'm supposed to call her!" Hanoashi remembered.
"She'll be alright waiting for an hour more," Ayase shrugged. "Anyways, you'd much rather be able to speak to her in relative quietness than with my loud vacuuming," she added teasingly.
"Chores and work comes before anything else," Hanoashi noted.
"You've got it gal!" Ayase smirked, giving her the thumbs up. "Well, I'll leave you in peace then," she added before leaving, shutting the door gently behind her.
This is the old par for the course, but I feel like I'm under house arrest in comparison to my time spend at Aunt Shelia...Hanoashi thought mutinously, before sighing and sitting on her bed, going though her photo albums, or the newer parts of it. "Rikona," Hanoashi whispered, closing her eyes as happy memories flooded though her.
After what seemed like a half hour she closed the book and gazed at her selves filled with...well...various things. A handful of cars she was interested in, a few stuffed animals, a barbie doll, and some other knickknacks.
She took her barbie doll and redressed it, before sighing. "There's no joy in this anymore..." she muttered distractedly, but she gently placed it on the shelf. Going to have to figure out how to handle being poor now...Rikona seems to think that becoming poor would be an adventure...but... I'm not so sure that it is. Not that Mom and dad were rich to begin with, compared to Aunt Yu that is...
"A bit early, but I'm ready," Ayase called through the door.
"Coming," Hanoashi smiled, opening the door and following her downstairs. As she reached the phone Drake gave her a smile.
"Are you feeling better, father?" Hanoashi asked.
"The Sherbet helps," He rasped.
It may help but it won't fix it...Hanoashi thought silently.
Drake gave Ayase the number and she dialed it in, before handing it to Hanoashi.
"Hanoashi?" Shelia answered.
"It's me Aunt Shelia," Hanoashi smiled. "I made it back safely," she smiled.
"That's great to hear," Shelia smiled. "Are you, Ayase and Drake doing alright?"
"So far, Father's throat is raspy and he seems to be unable to talk too much without erupting into cough, but he seems alright so far," Hanoashi noted, worry in her voice.
"I can't stop you from worrying about him, but he's recovered quite well considering what he went through. Be grateful that he's still here," Shelia urged her.
"Believe me, I am," Hanoashi smiled.
"Anyways, I bet you're dying to speak to Rikona so I'll fetch her real quick," Shelia laughed, before the phone went silent for a bit.
As Hanoashi waited, she felt herself grow anxious for a bit, until she heard a somewhat uncertain "Hello" on the other end.
"Rikona!" Hanoashi called out happily.
"Hanoashi! It's so great to hear from you, it feels like forever!" Rikona rambled, though her voice held great joy.
"I know, it's only been a few hours since we last saw each other, but I've really missed you," Hanoashi sympathized.
"It's not easy, I've had to keep myself busy with chores and studies," Rikona sighed. "Nearly broke down a few times as well."
"It's hard being separated after so long together," Hanoashi sighed.
"You had to deal with that twice already," Rikona reminded her.
"Yeah...that's true...but at least I can call you each weekend and see you from time to time, Nova on the other hand...something tells me it might be months before I see him again...from after the funeral on I mean."
"Yeah, and calling overseas would be quite expensive," Rikona cautioned.
"So is everything alright over there? Your father doing alright?" Rikona asked.
"He gets into coughing fits if he talks too much, but aside from that and the raspy voice he's fine," Hanoashi smirked, before her expression loosened. "Or so everyone tells me, but I trust them so I'll have to take their word for it despite my own private doubts."
"I once heard from the elder Matsumino that it's always harder when a family member has a chronic condition like that," Rikona sighed. "But you'll be in good hands," she added with a smile.
"I certainly hope so," Hanoashi smiled. "By the way, did you get all your homework done yet?"
"Yep! Took a page out of your book, or tried to...not nearly as fond of doing it as you are but still...I got it done. Shelia looked over it to be sure I did it right, you'd think she'd trust me by now!"
"Rikona..." Shelia warned.
"Don't tell me that Auntie-san is listening in," Hanoashi joked.
"No, she's making hamburger rice patties and with the phone right next to us, well it's hard not to overhear. Still...I really wish you could join us," Rikona sighed.
"Thanks, but I already had lunch," Hanoashi laughed.
"Oh, may I ask what?" Rikona asked.
"Can of spinach and a turkey sandwich with light ketchup," Hanoashi smiled.
"Sounds healthy," Rikona smiled.
"It's better than caviar on toast," Hanoashi moaned dramatically.
"I hear you there," Rikona laughed at the joke. "I like it enough but caviar...meh for it's price it's kind of mid. Not that I'd complain about being served it, but I'd rather eat something better for the expense."
"Same, though I'd much rather not spend that much on food...period," Hanaoshi noted.
"Speaking of which, you have an idea on what you're going to spend that allowance I gave you on?" Rikona asked.
"Not yet, it's a precious gift so I want to wait and use it on something I'd consider important, not just buy something on a whim," she added.
"That's a nice sentiment, but really...spend it on whatever you like," Rikona smiled.
"Thanks, but I'm going to take it slow. Really I need to take everything slower on the personal wants these days, but I'm happy where I'm at."
"Wish I had to do that," Rikona sighed. "Even with mom trying to curb things, the elders keep shoving lavish gifts on me. Not to sound ungrateful but it's kind of frustrating...at least let me earn some of my things!"
"Drake and Shelia built up a nice library of books, vhs tapes and music tapes, so I should be able to draw from that at least...and we have our own tv antenna so that can provide some cheep tv," Hanoashi shrugged.
"Suppose that is true," Rikona laughed.
"Sorry to interrupt, but dinner's ready," Shelia called over.
"Right, coming mom!" Rikona replied respectfully. "Sorry, gotta go," she added.
"It's alright, enjoy your hamburgers!" Hanoashi smiled.
"I'll try and call again tomorrow if that's alright," Rikona promised before hanging up.
Handing the phone to an awaiting Ayase, Hanoashi closed her eyes and smiled, feeling a bit bittersweet, but alright with the situation.
Waking up, her light green eyes gazed at the ceiling as she undid her blankets. "Huh...why am I in my swimsuit?" she whispered, before last nights memories entered her mind. Oh...that's right, the nightmare about drowning and being eaten by cone snails...after that I woke up and decided to switch into my bathing suit.
"Hanoashi! Breakfast is ready!" Ayase called.
"Co...coming," Hanoashi noted, slipping on a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt and trying to climb down the stairs. However, right after she got to the bottom her pants slipped off, right in front of Drake and Ayase.
"Hanoashi..." Ayase moaned.
Drake however gazed at her before laughing. "An undie sleeper just like her mother!" he gasped, laughing, though his laughs soon turned to coughs.
"I know you find your daughter following in her mother's footsteps in sleeping attire amusing, but try to control yourself," Ayase muttered, shaking her head. "I'll swap you to a morning smoothie," she added, shaking her head.
"Split my old meal between her and yourself then," Drake requested.
"What, and make us both fat?" Ayase raised her eyebrow, though her voice was half teasing.
Hanoashi, still blushing profusely, took her pants off and headed upstairs. My first full day back and I've already flashed my father and the house maid, she muttered, sitting on the couch and crossing her arms in a pouting motion. Sitting like this for a good three minutes, she let out a sigh and took off her tee-shirt and slipped on a dress before heading downstairs.
"Ya done pouting yet?" Drake rasped, though he sounded more amused than angry.
"Pouting never gets me anywhere it seems," Hanoashi shrugged, a small blush on her face as Ayase placed her down a pancake, with a side of eggs and sausage, more than she'd normally eat. "I know it might be a bit much, but it's what your father requested," she informed her.
"I have a name you know," Drake rasped teasingly.
Please do not push it sir," Ayase begged dramatically, closing her eyes and Hanoashi had the notion that she was rolling them.
"Here's hoping Hanoashi doesn't pick up on that," Drake joked.
Too late Dad! Hanoashi thought gleefully. "Thanks for the food," she smiled before digging in.
She ate quickly, then glanced up at Ayase. "Can I help with the chores?" she asked.
To her surprise Ayase shook her head. "Drake wants you to go over your multiplication tables today," she noted apologetically.
"It's good for you to want to do chores like that, but..." Drake paused as he entered into a coughing fit.
"You need to remain sharp," Ayase reminded her. "And once you get done I can put on a movie for you." She then turned to Drake. "And you need to remember to rest your voice," she added sternly.
"I'll try mom,"Drake teased.
"It's no wonder Yu fell for you," Ayase shot back teasingly.
"Great! I can't way to show Dad how much I've improved!" Hanoashi smiled. A test and a movie, day couldn't get better! Well...if mom and Rikona were here by my side...and Nova...but...
Walking over to the living room table, she glanced at the giant sheet and got to work, filling out the paper grids in order. It took her a good hour to get them right.
"Good work Hanoashi," Drake rasped, before Ayase walked over. "Movie time," she smiled at her indulgently, before guiding her upstairs and glancing at her. "Any preference?"
"Land before time?" Hanoashi asked.
"It'll make you sad,"Ayase cautioned as she grabbed the movie and plugged it in.
"I know, but I want to see it anyways," Hanoashi smiled.
"Right, well, I'll be cleaning the rooms, just holler if you need anything, alright?"
"Alright, I'll remain planted right here," Hanoashi smirked.
"If I see you elsewhere other than the restroom..." Ayase cautioned as she began to vacuum Drake's room.
Focusing on the movie, she quickly realized that Ayase was correct, it was making her miss her mother. But it was also enjoyable, and she found herself laughing a few times. However, as the movie finished, she glanced to where Ayase was currently exiting her room. I should be able to at least clean my own room...she thought quietly.
"Don't forget that I'm being paid to do this," Ayase walked over and petted her on the head.
"I haven't forgotten," Hanoashi reassured her. "It's just..."
"You're the responsible type, or you try your hardest to be," Ayase smiled at her. "I respect that of you. And they'll be time enough for you to help out with chores, but for the time being that is my responsibility, alright?"
"Alright," Hanoashi nodded. "Guess you know me better than I thought huh?" she added sheepishly.
"Well, I have babysit for you often over the years,"Ayase smiled. "Now, what say we go down and call Rikona again?" She offered.
"Really?" Hanoashi gasped.
Really," Ayase smiled as she began to lead the younger girl downstairs. She glanced over at her father who was reading the newspaper, and she left him to his reading as Ayase took the phone and dialed the number before handing it to the phone.
"Hanoashi?"
"Hey Aunt Shelia," Hanoashi answered respectful.
"I'm guessing you want to speak with Rikona?" Shelia asked kindly.
"Yes please, but first I'd like to ask how you are doing," Hanoashi smiled.
"That's right thoughtful of you, I'm doing fine, but the Matsumino are down right exhausting, given that I had to serve them brunch for their latest meeting I hosted."
"Brunch?" Hanoashi asked.
"A combination of breakfast and lunch," Shelia explained. "And you've seen firsthand how they are."
"They're not all that bad," Hanoahsi shrugged.
"Well...maybe not. Anyways, are you doing alright dear?"
"Yep! Missing Rikona though," she added.
"She's really been missing you, Hanoashi," Shelia noted softly. "Let me go get her real quick," she added.
Huh...I guess we did become like siblings back there, Hanoashi mused to herself.
"Ha...Hanoashi?"
"Rikona!" Hanoashi smiled. "It's so great to hear from you again!"
"I know, I freaked out when I woke up and you were not by my side this morning, took me a good five minutes to remember that you had gone back with your father," Rikona whined.
"I'm sorry," Hanoashi noted apologetically, the fact that her cousin was missing her that much striking a pain in her heart.
"No no, don't apologize," Rikona urged gently. "I uh...don't really remember my father that much, but I can remember the feeling of loneliness when he stopped being around. I'd hate for you to have to feel that separation, especially since you also lost your mother."
"They never really told me what happened to my uncle," Hanoashi confessed.
"Same, mom never likes talking bout him...actually she's giving me a bit of a swap the subject please look. Anyways, did you sleep well?"
"Woke up in the middle of the night to a dream of cone-snails," Hanaoshi sighed. "Had the brilliant idea to swap to my swimsuit for the rest of the night, forgot that bluejeans don't really play nice with a one piece," she added.
"So you mooned your father?" Rikona laughed.
"Guess it was kind of funny. Ayase tried not to laugh, Father on the other hand...yeah he had a good laugh. Sent him coughing though."
"He's got to have some humor in his life," Rikona reminded her. "As likely as a good laugh is to make him erupt into a coughing fit, going through life without amusement isn't going to do him any good. In fact, a good laughing bout once and a while might help him with his coughing fits, not that I'd know for sure or go out of my way to find out."
"I'll keep that in mind," Hanoashi smiled. "After all, you're training to be a nurse, so..."
"You're wanting to be a stay at home mother, so learning this will benefit you as well. And I'm far from being ready to be a nurse yet," Rikona warned.
"Fair point. Maybe we can study together sometime?" Hanoashi suggested.
"I'd love that! But um...finding the time might be difficult. Of course Mom might allow us to come over more if we study together."
"But we'd have to actually study together," Hanoashi warned. "If we ask for more time together for study and blow it playing games and such...well...Father would say no more before you could react, and Aunt Shelia would probably be the same, right?"
"She'd probably bar me from visiting for the next three months as punishment," Rikona sighed.
"Now what punishment could warrant that?" Shelia asked over the phone.
"Hanoashi and I were just contemplating if we would study together from time to time," Rikona reassured her. "Just noting that if you and Uncle Drake agreed to it that we'd have to actually study together and not goof off."
"Hm...I'll allow it when you're a bit older," Shelia nodded in agreement. "If Drake agrees of course."
"Awesome!" Hanoashi smiled.
"Oh, and she says that you'll have to help me learn English," Rikona noted.
"Well...my dream career, if I don't get married that is, is to become an English teacher, so helping you out would give me some good experience. Not that you need it..."
"Yet," Rikona caution. "And I'll need it before you most likely."
"Why's that?" Hanoashi asked.
"Because I've got my heart set on racing in either the Sprint or Modified series, and that's an American circuit," Rikona smirked.
"Sounds awesome! But um...I'm guessing that means that we won't see each other for that year," Hanoashi trailed off, beginning to feel a bit sad.
"Most likely, though I may be able to come over on holiday, mom will probably have me as a transfer student so I'll get to experience American schools. And I'll probably be able to call you, though it might be once a month."
"Overseas calls are a bit expensive huh?" Hanoashi recalled.
"That they are," Rikona sighed. "And I noted that yesterday if you remember."
"True," Hanoashi chirped.
"Kona, Wayne has arrived," Shelia called.
"Oops, Grandpa's taking me to a junior spelling bee today, wish me luck," Rikona smirked.
"Best of luck cousin!" Hanoashi smiled.
"Thanks, well, catch you later," Rikona smiled as she hung up.
Hanoashi glanced up at Ayase. "So what now?"
"Time to teach you the art of sandwich making," Ayase smirked.
"Alright!" Hanoashi smiled, eager to learn this new task.