Chapter 7

The sun was setting over the ocean, from the terrace of the restaurant where they were celebrating Ren's new contract, Yashiro-san couldn't stop looking at the sea. Ren was talking with Mr. Higgins and director Jack Nelson. Nelson was thrilled to have such a talented acting couple for his film. He wanted to release his film, no limit, for the Oscars. Yashiro-san was chatting with Kuu Hizuri about the difference between Japanese and american way of life. Apparently, the actor often missed the archipelago and was happy to speak in Japanese with his son's manager.

When it was time to sit down at the table, Ren arranged to be next to his father.

- Thank you Hizuri-san for taking care of me for this audition. I'll leave it up to you for the rest of the film.

- You're welcome. You showed great self-control today. We're going to make a great team.

Dinner was ready. A gazpacho for Ren, a lobster for Yashiro-san and for the producer, Mr. Higgins. Spaghetti with prawns for the director. And all these dishes together for Kuu Hizuri who had a legendary appetite. To accompany these dishes, they ordered a wonderful bottle of burgundy wine.

I wonder how he can eat all that and stay thin, Ren thought. I hope it's genetic.

The meal was enjoyable, and the food was excellent. Even Kuu was full when they left the restaurant. On the sidewalk they parted ways, only Kuu accompanied Ren and Yashiro-san to their car. In front of the car Kuu exclaimed:

- Is this your car? Couldn't you have gotten something sexier, more rock'n'roll?

Ren looked at his rented Prius. He didn't really care about cars. This one was eco frindly, that was pretty good, right?

- We haven't seen each other for 6 years and all you can tell me is that my car is crap! I like it...

- They must have switched you at the maternity ward! You can't drive a Prius when you're a star!

- Lory thought so too, in Japan I have a Porsche. Well... My plane leaves tomorrow at 8pm. Can we come by the house to say hello to Mom?

- I'm making you a king's lunch, son! I won't tell your mother to surprise her. But be prepared to get yelled at!

With that, and after hugging his son, he took his leave. It was barely 9pm but between the jetlag, the surfing and the tension from the audition, Ren was exhausted. They returned to the hotel and went to bed early.

-Don't you want to go alone instead?

Yashiro-san broke the silence surrounding their breakfast. Ren, still asleep, was struggling with the small jar of honey. He had pulled the tab too hard and had gotten honey everywhere.

- No, I prefer that you come. My mother won't dare make a scene if you're there. And in the worst-case scenario, you'll defend me.

- I'm sure you will be fine.

- You don't know the Russians, they seem very calm but can get very angry.

- I looked on the internet. Your mother is incredibly beautiful. I also saw pictures of you when you were about 15. You're actually blond.

- Yes. It doesn't look very Japanese... Well, what are we doing this morning, surfing?

Yashiro-san stiffened; he still had some aches from the day before.

- I'm kidding, Ren scoffed. How about we go shopping. I'd like to find something for Mogami-san.

In the aisles of Jewelers Mall, Ren could walk without fear of being recognized. He had gone to buy a jewel for his Kouhai. He finally fell for a pen with Swarovski sparkles. Strolling along the windows he paused in front of a lingerie store... Kyoko would look incredible in this pale pink silk set. Without thinking, he entered the store followed by Yashiro-san who was complaining:

- You're not going to buy her underwear, are you?

- And why not, I'll pass it off as a gift from Cain to Setsuka... She'll look so beautiful in it!

- Pervert! said Yashiro-san.

Ren stuck his tongue out at him… Yashiro-san liked this new Ren, less perfect but much funnier.

Then it was time to leave for the Hizuri villa. While Yashiro-san had always guessed that Ren came from a wealthy background, he was still impressed by this large Mexican-style villa set on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. The swimming pool and the luxury cars parked in front of the house confirmed this feeling of opulence.

As soon as they got out of the car, they were greeted by Julie Hizuri who, pruning shears in hand, was cutting the faded roses. When she recognized her son, she put her hand over her mouth. Eventually and despite Ren fears, his mother approached Yashiro-san and, bowing, thanked him from the bottom of her heart for taking care of her Kuon. Then she approached Ren who tensed up; when she asked him for his cell phone, he was downright surprised. She opened the device, then, having asked her son for the code, she added the name "mom" and her phone number to the contacts. She declared:

- Kuon, I can't force you to stay, you have your life in Japan now, but don't leave me without news. OK?

Ren then took his mother in his arms, she was so small now. She cried while hugging him very tightly. It was at this moment that Kuu came out to meet his son, an apron tied around his waist and a spatula in his hand. Seeing his wife in tears he took her by the shoulders, pat her hair and said to her in a low voice:

- It's going to be okay, he's here now.

- He is so handsome, Julie replied proudly.

Yashiro-san was a little embarrassed to be in the middle of this family gathering. But Ren put his hand on his shoulder and said:

- Shall I show you around the house?

The villa had 4 buildings, the main house, a small house by the gate that housed the gardener and his wife who had been Ren's nanny. The guest house was separated from the main house by the swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Finally on a small cove below the cliff was hidden a beach house. Ren loved this place; it smelled of the sea and cedars. At the age of 15 he had moved into this old shack despite his parents' protests.

The lunch was as delicious as it was warm. Kuu had prepared enchiladas for them, his son's favorite dish. After coffee Ren asked his mother:

- Can you help me make a bouquet? It's for Rick.

His mother kissed him, and they went off to pick the most beautiful white roses in the garden.

They took their leave after Ren vowed to send messages, he even invited his parents to come see him in Tokyo. Yashiro-san handed Julie his business card, telling her to contact him if she was worried. Ren was sure his parents already had all the information about him from President Lory, but he found his manager's gesture chivalrous. Had Yashiro-san fallen for his mother's charm?

Ren's parents watched their son leave, reassured that their Kuon was fine.

As he drove along Malibu Drive to the cemetery where Rick was buried, Ren didn't say a word. Once they arrived, he apologized to Yashiro-san, he had to go alone.

In front of the grave he fell to his knees and laid his bouquet. Eric Schnauzer 04-22-1989 / 02-24-2012. Six years already! Only then, in the silent solitude of the cemetery, Ren cried. His first tears since the death of his friend. He cried for a long time then calmed down, drained by all those tears. Then he said goodbye to Rick and joined Yashiro-san. His eyes were red and his voice tight, but he finally felt at peace. He smiled at his manager, and they headed towards the airport.

On the plane Ren put his lenses back on, he was happy. Happy to do the job he loved, happy to be in love with a great girl, happy to have caring parents, happy to have Yashiro-san as a friend. It was the same journey as 6 years ago but he was a different man. The president had saved his life.