Until recently, I lived my life sparingly with a small circle of friends and family, a good job, and an active social life when I could find the time. Now, I’m going to have to do so much more, and it’s terrifying.
Aunt Kimie lets go and grabs a handkerchief from the coffee table, handing it to me.
“Is it true what Lomo tells me, you’re dating a boy?” A small smile returns to her face, and I let out a guffaw of a laugh behind the kerchief.
“Yes, it’s true. Jiro Itō.”
“The sword fighting brought you together?” I nod as she puts her fingers to her lips and thinks back with a smile. “I remember once, you two collided into each other at a party. He was a rambunctious kid. Handsome, ne?”
I nod and blush.
“Of course he is. Mariko’s gorgeous and Koichi has always had a way about him, even with the scar along his jaw. Jiro still has that white streak in his hair?” I nod again and try not to think about the sex. “Had it since he was born.”
Aunt Kimie pats me on the shoulder with a smile that’s a little too knowing. “I’d love to see him again.”
“I think we should all make peace and get back together. Live openly, right?” How amazing would that be? To have this large family in my life?
“Yes, soon. Let’s find out what Mark has to say.”
Chapter
Twenty-Five
We finish our dinner and our wine (I’m on the fence about the wine), and we talk mainly of the storage unit. With Aunt Lomo around, I’m avoiding all of the personal talk about me, my sword, Jiro, and the danger I’m in because she’s very stressed. Come to think of it, Aunt Kimie and Lomo were only married for three years when they adopted me, and Aunt Lomo was pretty brave to be taking on such a huge responsibility with so many strings attached. Watching all of their work at keeping me secret coming to an end, I’m not surprised she’s upset.
When Aunt Kimie gets up to retrieve her tablet, I also rise from the table and hug Aunt Lomo over her shoulders as she sits in her chair. I place my cheek next to hers and lean my head in.
“Oh Sanaa-chan, I love you, and I’m sorry about earlier.”
“It’s okay, Auntie. It’s been a stressful day.”
As Aunt Kimie opens her tablet again to send me an inventory of the storage unit, the doorbell chimes, and the read-out says it’s Mark Sakai. Aunt Kimie sighs before putting on a smile and opening the door.
But Sakai is not alone. He has brought two men with him so completely different from each other it’s comical. They stand behind him minding their own business as if this is all routine.
“Kimie, may we come in? You don’t hate me anymore, do you?”
Aunt Kimie backs away, she places her hands in front of her, and bows deeply to Sakai from the waist.
“Gomen nasai, Mark. I should never have yelled at you like I did this morning.”
“Kimie, don’t bow to me. You and I are family.” He steps forward and hugs her. “I should never have yelled at you, either.”
Aunt Kimie and Sakai hugging. I thought I’d never see the day.
“Now, I’m afraid I’m here on business, Kimie, and you’re not going to like anything I have to say, unfortunately.”
“Mark,” I sigh, “can you get a better preamble than that?”
“Shall I ask you about your dinner? How was the wine?” He’s doing his best to keep the smile from forming on his face. I can be a real pain in the ass to him, I’m sure, but there’s no need to be so gods damned serious all the time.
Aunt Lomo picks up an extra glass and brings it forward. “How about I offer you some wine, instead? It’s been a long time, Mark. I hope you’re well.”
“I am. It’s good to see you, Lomo.” He hugs her and kisses her on the cheek. “Yes, I’ll have some wine, but, before anything else, I need to ask these gentlemen in from the hall.” He motions to them as he kicks off his shoes.
The first enters, and everyone backs away to let this behemoth of man into our tiny apartment. He must be close to 130 kilos (I barely weigh fifty) and over 185 centimeters tall. He is so large he actually has to step sideways to make it in the door. But he has a kind face, and, when he bows to us, a thick crop of hair covers the top of his head. Sakai reaches up (Sakai is minuscule next to him. I’m trying not to laugh) and clasps this man on the shoulder.
“Sanaa, this is Oyama.” A fitting name. Yama means mountain, and he is a mountain of a man.
“Etoooo…” But while I’m stammering as to what to say, the other man comes in. He can’t be more than twenty-six years old and has opted for the shaved head of a monk. He is lean with a square jaw and piercing eyes that are searching the room even as he kicks off his shoes next to Sakai. When he stops and stands next to Oyama, they both bow to me.
“And this is his brother, Usagi.”
“Usagi?” Rabbit? Really?
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m too young to be called ma’am, please.”
“Then, miss.” And he is silent. I glance around the bulk of Oyama, and they are both carrying swords in their belts. Usagi closes the door quietly behind him. Did Sakai just say they are brothers? How the hell does that happen?
We all sit down except for Oyama and Usagi, and, sitting down, I am a tiny, little bug next to Oyama, but he smiles down at me, and I smile back. He’s not frightening, just large.
“Kimie, you remember everything we discussed eighteen years ago when we fixed Sanaa’s identity?”
Aunt Kimie nods and brings her hand to her lips. “I do. Do we have to start tonight?”
“I want to get her settled in before anyone else figures it out.”
Staying silent is painful but badgering any of them right now would just drive both my aunts to tears. At least I know better.
“Sanaa, you now know the truth, the truth of what you are, and what you have to do with your life. Did you watch the video your mother made for you?”
“Yeah. Have you seen it?”
“No. Junko told me she made it. She told me what she said so hopefully that’s enough.” He doesn’t want to see the video. I don’t blame him. “I’m afraid you can’t stay here anymore, Sanaa. This apartment is not safe for you nor your aunts. Oyama and Usagi will be in charge of your safety, but they are going to be two of many people.”
Aunt Kimie is staring at the floor off to the side, not objecting. I want her to object but she’s not saying a word. Object! I’m not ready for my life to change this drastically. But this was all decided when I was two.
“I have spent most of this day rearranging the living quarters in Koichi and Mariko’s building, the one theylive in not the one with the dōjō…”
“They own both buildings?” Wow, they must be more well-off than I thought.
“The family owns them. We have several. Your family owns a lot of property in Nishikyō as well. Kimie has been managing it all for years.”
Even more secrets. We must be rich, and I never had any idea. I wonder how much time Aunt Kimie spends at her administrative job in Ku 2, and how much is really spent doing these other things.
“We have about fifteen minutes before my staff shows up to help you pack, Sanaa. You will have your own apartment tonight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll discuss next steps for you.”
Sakai is being deliberately vague with my aunts, and I know why. Jiro lives in that same building, and I’m not going to say a word. This is the best thing that could possibly have happened tonight. But looking at both Aunt Kimie and Lomo’s sad faces, I realize they’ll miss me, and I’ll miss seeing them every day even if I’m seeing someone else I love instead. I wanted my own place, and I was even thinking I wanted to live in Ku 6. Now, I have both and mixed feelings.
“Kimie and Lomo, you will need to move, too. Either here in Ku 9 or back to Ku 5, if you like. I know you won’t go back to Ku 6.”
Aunt Kimie and Lomo hold hands and nod. “After this morning, Lomo and I had a long talk. We’re willing to move back to Ku 5. We had a h
appy life there, and we’ll only be one ward away from Sanaa. I would like to be close so it’s easier for her to come and visit us.”
“Did you know we’d all be moving?” I look from one face to another in this quiet room. Sakai meets my eyes straight on. Aunt Lomo stares into her wine glass. Aunt Kimie is watching Sakai. Oyama and Usagi are minding their own business. “Aunt Kimie, did you know?”
“I knew. I’ve always known that the day you found out, everything would be changed. This is why I let you be the person you wanted to be growing up. You had freedom. The freedom to make the choices you wanted to make. Your mother never had freedom. We always told you she was a chemist, but no, this was her life instead. Both our parents groomed her for her role from the day she was born. She was ruled by it. At least you had the chance to be free…”
“Before my life is taken away from me.” My temper and anger are nonexistent. Now, it’s all just logical. Did I expect my life to continue like it was no big deal, like nothing has changed?
“Don’t be sad, Sanaa-chan,” Sakai says before taking a sip of wine. “You will still be you. You will just be doing something completely different. Trust me. It’s going be one hell of a ride.”
* * * *
I sit on my bed with my tablet while two girls in their mid twenties named Risa and Beni pack up everything in my room. They told me they didn’t need any help, but I’m hesitant to let strangers touch my personal things, so I’m sitting in here while Sakai, Aunt Kimie, and Lomo all socialize in the other room. Oyama moved back out to the hallway after Risa and Beni arrived, and Usagi is standing outside my door.
After about ten minutes of watching these girls pack, though, I think I can count on them. They are careful with everything, neat and orderly. Risa, with her wavy hair and red nails, wraps up every little thing I have and places each one securely in boxes. Beni, the opposite of Risa with her chin length hair and casual demeanor, is pulling all of my clothes out of my wall drawers, folding them neatly, and making piles to be boxed as well. They won’t be long. I don’t have many belongings.
When I take my tablet out of silent mode, more news awaits me. First, another message from Chad. He sounds desperate. I’ve ignored him for far too long. I’ll flag it and write him back tomorrow.
Then there’s a message from Miko: “I wanted to tell you in person, but Yoichi and I are engaged! He asked me this morning, and I said yes. Did you ever think you’d see the day? I’m so stupidly happy, it’s embarrassing, Sanaa-chan, but I know that you approve, ne? Tomorrow night, 7pm at the izakaya. We’re closing up and having a private party to celebrate. Please come! You and Jiro-kun, of course, and your aunts. Everyone will be there. Love you. XO.”
While my life was being turned upside down so was Miko’s.
“Are you all right, Sanaa-san?” I’m in tears for the billionth time today, and Beni has seen me wipe them away.
“I’m fine, Beni. Happy news for once.”
Risa ignores my tears and continues to pack which is fine by me. I send Miko my congratulations and assure her we’ll come, though I feel I have no say in such matters anymore. Still, this is family, and I doubt I’ll be kept from this party just because of what’s happened today.
I check my chat status, and Jiro is online.
“Jiro, do you know what’s going on over here?” I type.
“Sanaa, I was wondering if you’d be online soon. No. What’s happening?”
“I’m being moved. Two girls are here packing up my belongings.”
“Let me guess. You’re moving here?”
“How did you know?”
“I came home after dropping you off and half the building was in chaos. A few family members moved out and more security staff moved in. It wasn’t a stretch.”
“You’re so observant.”
“Yes, I also noticed today you have the sweetest three little dots on your inner right thigh.”
Ha! He is sex messaging me with two strange girls in my room. If I start laughing, they’re going to think I’m crazy.
“Jiro, save that for later. I don’t intend on sleeping alone tonight after all.”
“Good. The apartment across the hall is completely empty. I’m hoping you’ll be there. Did you see the other news today?”
“Miko and Yoichi? Yes. I’m so happy for them. I’m wondering if we’ve had enough surprises for one day, though.”
“I think we have. See you soon. Message me when you’re leaving. I’ll meet you here.”
Damn, I’m tired. This day is ten years long.
“Sanaa-san, this fell out of your sock drawer. I think you may want to keep it.” Beni hands me a small slip of paper, my omikuji, from New Year’s Eve — the small blessing for moving residence. I remember Jiro’s was a blessing in love.
A chill comes over me and causes the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. The gods have been watching out for us.
* * * *
Beni and Risa only take an hour to pack everything up. They load the boxes on two hand-trucks and wheel all my earthly possessions out the door. Watching it go makes me nervous. It’s really happening. I’m moving out of my home to my own apartment. I’m starting a whole new life. Twenty-four hours ago, I was standing in the station with Jiro having wildly dirty thoughts. Now I’m saying good-bye to my aunts and walking out my apartment door for the last time.
We all head to the transitway, excepting Beni and Risa, to get back to Ku 6 which surprises me. I thought maybe we’d jump in cars waiting for us downstairs, but Sakai says I’m safe for now before the heads of the clans figure out who I am. Anonymity will be fleeting. The buried anger in Matsuda’s voice when he was talking to Emiko and Minamoto is a sure sign he is close to making a decision about my eventual life or death. Anything could happen. He could sell his information to Maeda or Taira. He may convince Minamoto or one of the others to take me hostage. He may even try to kill me himself. I wish we could do something about him before it’s too late.
On the train, Usagi sticks close to Sakai and me while Oyama stands across the car from us.
“So these two are to follow me everywhere?” I hate the idea of losing what’s left of my private life.
“Yes, and they will both be living on either side of you. Usagi, and Jiro I might add, are for personal protection. Should you need to eat, you will always ask Oyama to either get you food or buy the ingredients to make it yourself. When we are out, you must always ask him to eat first. He is a trained dokumiyaku.”
“Etooo… I don’t know this word, but I think I understand the concept. Is this really necessary?”
No wonder Oyama is so large; he’s a food-taster.
“Do you want to take the chance? Besides Oyama’s been waiting for this day for years, haven’t you?”
“Indeed I have, miss.” It’s the first time I’ve heard him talk, and he has a low, sweet baritone voice.
“That is a crazy career choice, Mark,” I whisper.
“He has a discerning palate,” Sakai whispers back. “Was born to do this. And he likes food and pretty girls, so this job is perfect for him.”
Oyama smiles and bows again, and all I can do is shake my head.
I had messaged Jiro before we left, and, when we arrive at his building, he is waiting for us in the downstairs lobby. “I saw Beni and Risa standing outside the apartment across the hall from me, Sakai. Are you doing what I think you’re doing?”
“Yes, Jiro. Usagi and Oyama will be on either side, you and Yoichi are across the hall. This seemed like the best place for Sanaa to live.”
“I agree, though I wish you would tell me about these things ahead of time.”
Sakai stops and looks straight at Jiro. “You were taking care of Sanaa all afternoon while I was taking care of this. What would you rather have been doing?”
Jiro gulps and stiffens. “Nothing but that, Sakai-san. Gomen nasai.”
I’ve never seen Sakai come close to dressing down Jiro, and I’m hoping that’s as harsh as h
e gets. Being in the middle of this is uncomfortable. I shift back and forth on my feet until Sakai nods and heads up the stairs, all of us following in his wake.
I’m led to the second floor, and, halfway down the hall, Beni and Risa wait outside a door for us with all my boxes. I assume everyone is waiting outside because Sakai has keyed this door to only respond to me so, without even asking, I head straight for the scanner and palm the apartment open. Usagi checks every room, every corner, and Risa and Beni start unpacking.
My new home is a basic one bedroom apartment, renovated recently. I love the rice paper light fixtures on the walls, and everything in the kitchen and bathroom is brand new. The bedroom has a double bed with wall drawers, a desk, and a standing closet. A plush, cushy couch and chair are along one wall in the living area with a coffee table. A small dining table with chairs sits close to the kitchen that shares space with the living area. The apartment is quite modern, loft-like, and much bigger and nicer than the small efficiency I was hoping for.
Not bad for my first place, though I’m about to complain about the lack of windows when I realize, of course, there are no windows. Wouldn’t want assassins coming in through them. Just the fact my mind can comprehend that is making me a little sick to my stomach. I’m glad I already ate.
“Mark, I really don’t need all this space. You could have chosen a small apartment for me.”
Sakai’s eye widen. “This is the smallest apartment in the building, and I’m ashamed it was the only secure one for you. If I could, I’d give you mine which is ten times this size.”
“Really, Mark…” I wave my hand at him, embarrassed by the attention he’s bringing on me.
“Sanaa, stop. You’ll be spending a lot of time here. Dozens of people will be visiting you in this room. It will get crowded. Trust me.”
I nod, just wanting to end the conversation before he gets angry with me, and I sit next to Jiro on the couch while Risa and Beni unpack in the bedroom.
Nebula Nights: Love Among The Stars Page 32
