Title: Too Much Dough Ho Ho
Victim: CraftyAtom
Prompt: "Someone at Yamaku is ""suffering from success"". They have a serious problem, and spend a lot of time dealing with and/or thinking about it, but they're unlikely to find sympathy; because the problem is caused by something that other people find desirable (money, love, health, etc.), they feel no pity for your chosen character. In the worst case, trying to vent about the problem may make it seem like they're bragging.
There are many ways to resolve a story like this: the character could lose (or give away) whatever they had that was desirable (fixing the problem but potentially making their life worse), they could find a way around their problem and be truly successful, they could find someone to confide in (who is potentially also suffering from success), or anything else. I won't limit you in that regard; end the story in whatever way you find suitable."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My cane gently pushes back and forth in the snow creating a swish sound. Twenty centimeters of snow has made my progress around campus a little slower than I would like. Fortunately, as long as I feel that gentle scrape of concrete I know what path I’m following. Snowflakes are still falling, melting onto my cheeks. A pleasant feeling, unlike rain. After a few minutes I start to move my cane further ahead of me and it collides with a wall. There, I knew the stairs were coming up. At this point I move into the dorm and towards my room. A small push on the cold handle and I’m in.
“Yo.” I recognize that voice.
“Akira!? What are you doing here? Don’t you have work?.” Her feet hit the ground and my bed groans as she comes towards me. We wrap our arms around each other in a deep hug.
“Oh you know, I was in the neighborhood. Took a quick walk over.”
“Across multiple continents and oceans? I can’t believe you. Did you tell Hanako? She will be very excited to see you.”
“Well I took some time off for the holidays. Figured I’d check in on the lovebirds and Hanako.” A slight amount of color rises to my cheeks.
“We can go see Hanako right now.” I bring my phone out of my pocket. “Hisao was planning to come by today anyways, I can tell him to meet us in Hanako’s room.”
“Ah not yet Lilly.” She pushes my hand down. “I came by to give you this.” She places an envelope into my hands. “It’s Mom and Dad’s Christmas gift. Hand delivered.”
“Thank you Akira. What is it? A few thousand yen to ‘buy myself something nice?’” I laugh.
“Uh, not quite. It’s around 500,000 yen.” I stop moving as my eyes open wide.
“What reason could they possibly have for that much?” My mind starts to wander. This is quite a bit of money. Do they expect to buy me back to Scotland? Is that why Akira was sent as well? To collect me?
“They said it’s to celebrate your newfound independence. You made a choice for yourself or something I wasn’t really listening.” That’s odd.
“You mean they aren’t mad about me staying at Yamaku?”
“If they were, I don't think they’d be sending you 500,000 yen. Makes sense yeah?” My newfound independence? Does that imply they wanted me to stay here? Away from them and now Akira too? But why? When I visited during the summer it at least seemed like Mother missed me. They were happy to see me the last time too. But now they’re celebrating my choice to stay here?
“Well I don’t know what to do with this. Perhaps I can save it for university. Help me to the bank later, Akira?” She chuckles softly.
“There’s one stipulation they sent over.” Here it is. I knew there had to be a catch. “You sorta need to spend it all within the time I’m here. Every yen.” I started laughing. 500,000 yen? In a week? How could I manage that? That’s three months of my allowance. Besides, the smart thing to do is save it.
“What is the punishment if I don’t?”
“They said they won’t pay for Yamaku, and they also want documentation on how it’s spent. You can’t just give it to Hisao and Hanako.” That’s ridiculous.
“Why are they being so extreme?”
“They don’t want you to do something boring with it, like you planned. It’s a celebration, have some fun.” Some celebration, forcing me to spend a lump sum that quickly.
“I’ll call Hisao over. I’m going to need ideas from the two of them to figure out how to spend it.”
“You have expensive tastes already Lilly, not sure why you’re worried.”\
“My expensive tastes are a nice 10-20 thousand yen dinner once in a while, not 500,000.” My voice raised ever so slightly. This is a frustrating dilemma to have, and I really don’t need Akira’s teasing to push it. “Let me call Hisao.”
I turn away from Akira and make the call letting him know to meet us in Hanako’s room. We head over and I knock on her door.
“Hanako? It’s Lilly. I have a surprise for you.” I hear her rustling inside before she opens the door.
“W-w-what’s the sur- Akira!” I feel her move past me as she probably hugs Akira.
“What’s up Hanako? Miss me?”
“O-of course. It’s been a f-f-few months. C-come in.”
“Gladly.” Me and Akira move into the room behind Hanako. I feel for the table in the center and sit beside it.
“Hanako, I hope it’s okay but I invited over Hisao too.”
“Y-y-yeah it’s okay. He hasn’t s-s-seen Akira either.” It’s nice to see how Hanako gets along with Hisao so much too. Another reason to appreciate him. “H-h-how was the f-flight Akria?”
“Not bad Hanako. I slept for most of it. It’s been weeks since I wasn’t on call. The last few hours I tried their wine options. Fair warning, just because it’s 10,000 meters in the air does not make it good.”
“D-d-did you bring a-anymore wine?” She’s quite courageous isn’t she. Although I can’t lie to myself, I would enjoy some wine too, especially after my ‘gift’.”
“Look at you. A little excited aren’t you?” Akira laughs. “Luckily I do. We can open it when Hisao get’s here.” A knock comes from the door.
“I believe that is him. But in case it isn’t, please hide whatever you brought, Akira.” I get up and move towards the door. “Hisao?”
“Yup.” I open the door and reach out for a hug. His arms envelope me and the stress starts to fade away.
“Get a room!” Akira shouts from within.
“Akira? It’s great to see you!” He lets go as he goes into the room and I feel the stress return.
“Sup Hisao? Taking care of my sister? Or is she taking care of you?” I start to blush and wonder if Hisao is doing the same.
“We take pretty good care of each other. Quite often in fact.” Akira lets out a deep laugh.
“Is that so? Well as long as you’re happy. We got wine, Hanako is quite happy about it.”
“H-H-H-Hi Hisao. P-please sit.”
“Of course Hanako, thank you. So what brings you here Akira?”
“Well I’ll just let Lilly answer that one for me, I already did tonight.” Thank’s Akira.
“Akira is here to help me with my gift from my parents. One that is slightly difficult to deal with right now.”
“W-w-what is it Lilly?”
“They sent me… 500,000 yen to spend.” I hear Hisao start to cough.
“I haven’t had any wine yet, but I’m not sure I caught that correctly. Can you repeat that?”
“500,000 yen that they want me to spend in a week. Akira, can you pour me a glass please?’
“And that’s supposed to be a bad thing?” Well yes Hisao.
“Y-y-yeah Lilly. That s-s-s-seems like a g-good thing.”
“It’s a bad thing because they’re going to stop paying for school if I don’t.
“Why is that?”
“Hear you go Lilly.”
“Thank you.” I grab the glass from Akira and take a long sip. “I wish I fully understood. Something about celebrating my independence. The best I can figure is I’ve spent so long doing what’s right and ‘boring’ that they want me to do something exciting. Which is a little ridiculous.”
“What are you going to spend it on then?”
“I have no idea, Hisao. It’s not the usual amount of money I spend in a week. Even when we go out to dinner, it only costs around 15,000 yen. Do you two have any suggestions?”
“N-n-not really Lilly. I d-d-don’t think I’ve e-ever had that m-much money to spend. This i-is a g-g-good thing isn’t it? Maybe you c-can buy something y-y-you’ve always wanted.”
“Yeah, maybe you can buy that engagement ring instead of Hisao.” I furrow my brow while Akira laughs.
“That is not helping. I never wanted this much money in the first place, my standard allowance was just fine.” Akira is unhelpful, Hanako doesn’t know what to do with money, and Hisao is silent. Probably thinking as he usually does, so there is still a chance that he finds a solution. I take another long sip of the wine, I think I’m close to empty on the glass.
“This will probably help. Hold your glass out.” The bottle empties into the glass until I hear a few drips and then nothing. I take a sip.
“Thanks I guess. Hisao I know yer thinking of something, what is it?”
“Um yeah I am. You really don’t want to buy something for yourself?”
“Nope. I have all that I need right here.”
“Boo!” Not helping Akira.
“Okay, well then what if you bought really nice presents for all the grade three class reps? Since you work with them so much and everyone helps each other it could be an easy way to spend some money.” That could work. But would they accept gifts worth a few dozen thousand yen? I mull it over in my head while taking another sip.”
“I s’ppose that could work. People in the school know my parents enough that the pricing wouldn’t be shocking. Let’s do it.” Akira laughs from my left. “Why are you laughin.”
“Because, when you drink you sound more like our mother. It’s a nice break from the usual stick up your ass.”
“I do not! Hanako, Hisao?” Hanako lightly giggles.
“A l-l-little.” She hiccups. “It’s f-funny.” Hmph.
“Hisao?”
“Look Lilly, don’t get mad at me when I say this. But when you drink enough and get mad, you develop a slight accent when you speak.” I can’t believe it. Even Hisao agrees with er. “But! That doesn’t mean I think you normally uh, ‘have a stick up your ass’.”
“I’ll tell you who has a stick up ‘er ass, it’s Shizune that cunt.” Akira bursts into a fit of laughter while I hear Hanako gasp and then start to giggle too.
“Hey Lilly, you think you’ve had too much to drink tonight?” I laugh and then down the rest of my drink.
“Have you even had a drink yet, Hisao? This is some good wine!” In my head the words are proper but they come out slurred and exaggerated. My toes are tingling as I laugh and smile with Akira.
“It’s f-fine Hisao! We’re just l-l-letting loose a bit.” Hanako is giggling as she speaks. “Here, have some!”
“Yeah Hisao, you don’t have a stick in your ass do you?” Akira’s comment erupts a round of laughter from the girls.
“Okay okay, I’ll have a glass.” Cheers erupt. The rest of the night goes quickly. I think I hear Hisao whispering to Akira.
“I’ll handle Lilly….you…Hanako.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wake up in my bed with a pounding headache.
“Ugh.” I start moving around when I hear the door open. “Hisao?”
“Yes Lilly, it’s me. I brought some miso soup from the cafeteria. Should help with the hangover.” He’s too good to me sometimes.
“Thank you Hisao.” I sit up in my bed and feel a draft over my chest. “Why am I naked?”
“Oh that? When I got you in here we went to sleep together but you kept yelling about being hot and here we are. You do that when you drink. Toss and turn all night too. Here is your shirt.” It lands in my lap and I put it on.
“I wasn’t too bad last night, was I?” I don’t usually like how I act when drinking. My self control fades and I become more like Akira than usual.
“Not really, except for calling Shizune a cunt. But that was pretty funny for everyone.” That’s a little embarrassing. Of course I do feel that way about her sometimes, but not always. When it seemed like I was leaving we got along better, but she returned to normal shortly after I decided to stay. What gift can I even get her?
“What time is it?”
“It’s about eleven am.” Well that’s not as bad as I figured. I’m not sure I want to think about how late into the night we were up.
“Do you think we have enough time to make the noon bus? I just need to take a shower and we can head into the city. I would like to start shopping as soon as possible.”
“Sure. I brought a change of clothes so I’ll be ready whenever you are.” I wish it wasn’t this late in the morning already. If we had enough time I’d invite Hisao into the shower with me. Unfortunate.
“Alright. I will be back in just a few minutes then.”
An hour later and we are on the bus heading into town. The ride is quiet as I try to will my headache away. As we get off the bus I start to develop a plan to follow with Hisao.
“Hideyoshi is an odd case. I don’t really know him well. What type of gift do you think he would like?” All I know about Hideyoshi is that he is big and goes to the gym quite a bit. Hopefully being a guy Hisao knows what to get for someone like that.
“Not sure. Give me some time to think about it while we shop at other places and I’ll come up with something.”
“Okay. Let’s start easy. If we head towards a music shop, I know what we can get Kagami. Last week I overheard her talking about needing a new bow for her violin but she couldn’t afford a new one right now. So we can get that for her.”
“I remember seeing that last time I was here! It’s in this direction.” Hisao steps closer to me and nudges me so that I grab his arm. The city sidewalks are clear but there are still spots of ice scattered throughout. My cane serves as a warning for anything Hisao might miss. “How long is Kagami going to be there? I remember you saying she’s only there until the old 3-5 rep leaves the hospital.”
“Ah. I forgot to tell you Hisao, Kenta let the school know he would be gone for the greater part of the year at least. Kagami was made permanent last week. She’s done a great job in his absence.” Kagami has actually been doing really well. It’s an attestment to her skill and the school’s system. She was able to plug right in and get Class 3-5 on the right path.
“That’s a shame. I didn’t know Kenta well but I played games with him in the dorm a couple of times. Hope he ends up okay.”
“Yes I hope so too. There’s an old clothing shop near the music store too isn’t there? We can get Saki’s gift from there.”
“Saki is into old clothes?”
“Quality clothes. Most clothes nowadays don’t cut it, but at this store they still use old techniques. Miss Niji makes the best dresses around, both formal wear and wedding attire.”
“Oh cool. Didn’t take Saki for the type to enjoy clothes like that.”
“You’d be surprised, Hisao. She’s helped me find a few dresses in the past. One dress in particular you liked quite a bit at dinner.”
“She helped you find that stunning red one? I’ll have to give her my thanks when I see her next, you looked beautiful.” Hisao’s comments cause me to smile. His compliments are never in short supply but they feed me all the same.
The next thirty minutes go by quickly. We enter the music shop with a purpose and walk out with a 75,000 yen bow. Only 425,000 more yen to go. A few minutes later we are in the clothing store. I’m greeted by the familiar smell of lavender and velvet. A bell chimes as we make our way in and I hear a sewing machine go quiet.
“Ah Lilly! How nice of you to come by. And is this that boy wonder you’ve told me all about?”
“Good afternoon Miss Niji, and yes this is Hisao.”
“Nice to meet you Miss Niji!” I feel Hisao bend forward.
“I told you he was handsome didn’t I?”
“Oh yes you did. He reminds me of my nephew, I could just eat him up!” Hisao awkwardly laughs.
“Thank you, I try my best.”
“So are you here for that wedding dress yet? Or is it something else?” Now it’s my turn to feel embarrassed.
“No not yet I’m afraid. You know we’re still in high school.”
“So? I got married to my old husband when I was sixteen!”
“The thirties were a different time than now Miss Niji. I promise, I’ll come straight to you when I need my wedding dress. However, I’m here to find a gift for a friend. I believe you’ve met her, Saki Enomoto?”
“Oh yes that girl. So lovely. What did you need for her?”
“We’re hoping to find a classic style dress that she would like. Maybe she has mentioned one before?”
“Hmm let me think. There was one she mentioned a few weeks ago. Wait here, I put it in the back just in case she came back.”
“See Hisao? A dress was the perfect gift.”
“I believe you. Hey I know you’re getting gifts for the class reps, but what about Misha? She’s the only other student council member so she always helps you guys out too.” I think for a moment.
“Did you have something in mind? That could be a good idea.”
“Well when we came in I noticed a pink purse by the counter that looked like something she would love. Pink being the color of her hair, although the purse isn’t that bright.” A purse. Did she ever mention anything about a purse? Does she ever do anything that would need a purse? She might like it if it’s cute enough.
“Is it cute?”
“I think so? I can grab it for you to feel.” Within a few seconds Hisao placed the purse in my hand. It’s much slimmer than I originally thought. Pockets on the sides that are meant for thin cards and not much else. On top is a leather clasp, while the entire thing is covered in thin flower indents. This will do.
“We’ll get this along with the dress for Saki. Miss Yuji will be pleased.”
“Pleased with what?”
“We were hoping to buy this purse as well if that is okay.”
“I’m a shop, buying anything from me is okay!” She gives a light chuckle. “How do you like this dress? It’s dark red with thin straps, a medium neckline that has a v cut in the middle, and flows close to the body but shouldn’t be tight, especially on her.”
“That sounds lovely Miss Yuji! What do you think, Hisao?”
“It looks very classy. Plus the material looks really soft as well.”
“Then we’ll take it, Miss Yuji. How much do we owe you?”
“Are you sure? The dress and the purse will be 175,000 yen.”
“Yes I’m sure. Mother and Father are helping with presents for all my lovely friends at Yamaku.”
“Well then be my guest.” I pay her and take my leave with Hisao.
“It was wonderful meeting you, take care of Lilly so she can buy that white dress from me one day!” Hisao laughs in response.
“Sure! Although she mostly takes care of me!” The bell chimes as we leave the store and the cold wind hits my face. I pull my coat up to cover.
“Have you figured out something for Hideyoshi yet?”
“Yes, just keep following me and we’ll be there in a few minutes. It’ll be a great gift, trust me. In the meantime, have you figured something out for Shizune?” I really wish he didn’t ask.
“No, not yet. Haven’t been able to think of something stubborn enough. Maybe an ornate mirror?”
“That’s no good Lilly. Maybe you can try calling Akira, see if she has any ideas? She’d be unbiased about this whole thing.” Hisao whispers that last sentence but I still catch it. Perhaps I am being slightly uncharitable towards her.
“Okay, I’ll call Akira and see what she thinks.” My hand fumbles in my purse for my phone. I open it up and speak “Akira.” After a few seconds my phone registers the contact and I press the dial. It rings for a few seconds before she picks up.
“Hey, how's my favorite drunky doing?”
“Akira, you drink more than me. If I'm ‘drunky’ what does that make you?”
“Pft I only drink beer. That doesn’t count.”
“I’m sure. I called because I needed your help with something. Me and Hisao are out shopping for the class reps and we can’t come up with anything for Shizune.”
“Oh that ‘cunt?’” They’re never going to let me forget it. Well, hopefully Hanako at least has forgotten. “Do you have any ideas at all?”
“The only gift ideas I have for her are board games but none are really that expensive.”
“That’s true. Let me think.” I really hope Akira has something, otherwise I’ll just give her a card. But she doesn’t need money so that wouldn’t work either. Even without being here, Shizune is giving me trouble. ‘Did you not put any effort into this gift at all Lilly? I expect better from you. Gift giving is about putting in the work so of course you’re bad at it.’ I hate that I know what she would say already. “What about something from when you were kids?”
“Like what exactly? I don’t have detailed memories from back then.”
“Oh! I got it. Do you at least remember how obsessed you both were with Sailor Moon? Those were the first braille books you begged for and you and Shizune always danced and sang the theme song whenever you were together. Gosh it was so annoying but looking back it was cute how close you were over that. Get something to do with that.” We did love Sailor Moon when we were younger, but would that really work as a gift?
“Really? Sailor Moon? You think she would like that still?”
“I think it might remind her of better times. Hopefully it will do the same for you. Don’t graduate mad at each other.”
“Since when have you cared about that?”
“Since I remembered how adorable you two were. Fix it.” The line goes dead. She didn’t care all this time and now she’s getting on me about it? It’s not a one-way street! Why do I have to be the one to try and fix it? I sigh heavily.
“You okay? Did Akira help at all?”
“I’m okay, just a little annoyed with her right now. She did give a suggestion so I can’t be too mad at her. We’ll need to go to a big popular goods store to see if they have anything to do with Sailor Moon.”
“Perfect! We were already heading there. I think they might have something for Hideoyoshi.”
“Oh? What’s that?” I knew if I left it to Hisao he’d think of something.
“Well Hideyoshi is a big dude and I heard from some others that he likes wrestling. I saw the store had an autograph section, so hopefully they have one from a famous wrestler. He’d be happy with something like that, probably.” He does seem the type. Hisao told me before that he was huge in stature and carried a lot of muscle.
Eventually we find our way to the store and head inside. It is a brutal contrast to the snowing outdoors. I’m bombarded with noise from every direction, and the smell is worse. A mixture of sweat and dust is all around.
“Keep tight Lilly, there’s a lot of people around here. The autographs are this way.” I push myself up against Hisao as we move through the crowded store. Eventually he stops. “There’s a bunch here. Let me ask someone if they have what we could be looking for. Excuse me, sir?”
“Yes?”
“We are looking for a gift for a guy who is really into wrestling and that sort of thing. Do you have any signatures from people in that field?”
“Oh you’re in luck! Just yesterday we received this signed replica belt. It was signed by the late Shinya Hashimoto. He was one of the best pro wrestlers in Japan! His passing was very unfortunate.”
“Hisao, I’ve heard of him. Akira used to talk about him. His passing was truly tragic when it occurred. How much would it cost, sir?”
“We have a price of 50,000 yen. Quite a bit for a gift.”
“I’ll take it. He’ll surely love it.” 50,000 isn’t bad, that makes 300,000 total spent so far. Hopefully Shizune’s gift will help me take another chunk out of that. With any remaining money, well, we’ll see how much I have left before thinking about that. After making the purchase I tell Hisao my gift idea for Shizune.
“Can you take me to the cosplay section of the store? I figured out what to get for Shizune.”
“The cosplay section? You really think you’ll find something good for her there?” The seeds of doubt already there are encouraged by his comment. This is a high risk move that I need to work.
“Yes. Specifically, we are looking for Sailor Moon. My conversation with Akira led me to think that something that reminds us of childhood would help.”
“I can see how that might help. I don’t think she would be the type to wear anything but it’s worth the try.”
“She’s not always as stiff as she appears. Eitherway, we are looking for both Sailor Venus costumes and Sailor Mercury. If you do not know what those look like we can find a staff member to help.” After a few minutes of walking we find the right section. Hisao goes off with a staff member and I’m left alone. Truly what am I thinking? Will dressing up like these characters “fix” us? I doubt it. She will surely comment on how silly I’ll look. I unfortunately won’t be able to do the same. But maybe it will be just what we need to reconnect. Silly girls dressing up as their favorite sailors.
“Hey Lilly, I was able to find them. Apparently the costumes are super realistic so they’re about 50,000 each. Is that okay?” Another 100,000 gone, but that means 100,000 left. I wish I hadn’t already bought gifts for Hisao and Hanako. I’ll have to find something for Akira since she’s here.
“Yes, that will be fine. Are the sizes roughly close to what I told you earlier?”
“Everything is correct. Even your skirt is a little wider.”
“Then we can leave.” Me and Hisao leave the store and go back to the dorms. I think I can get away with giving these gifts out during the school week when I see them. Except for Shizune and Misha, I’ll give them theirs when I see them this weekend.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The alarm jars me awake Monday morning. Time to get ready for the day. My biggest problem is when to give the gifts out. Kagami generally practices after school so I’ll give her the bow then. I’ll have to come back to my dorm to get it but it shouldn’t take that long. Hisao said he would give the belt to Hideoyoshi as well since they’re on the same floor. That leaves Saki. She’ll be in the same wing as Kagami but the music club practices separately. It would also be weird to give her the dress in front of others. I’ll wait until she comes back to the dorms. Hopefully she’ll be in her room.
Hot water rushes over my body as I enter the shower. I miss when Akira would complain about the steam I left behind. It was always about how difficult it is to do her hair when the mirror fogged up but steam feels nice on my skin. While washing I stop my hands around my hips. They aren’t that big, are they? Hisao definitely has no complaints, so maybe I shouldn’t. I finish with my shower and get dressed before heading to the cafeteria. A light breakfast before class won’t hurt.
The day is over relatively quickly. Lunch is always faster than I would like, and class was quiet individual work for once. The sidewalk back to the dorms is cleared off and increases my pace. Dropping off my books I grab the bow and head towards the auxiliary wing that Kagami practices in. Once I’m in the building I hear her playing softly and move towards it. As I get closer I start to hear her play more clearly.
It’s something I haven’t heard in years. I believe it’s Dies Irae? When I heard that last it was with my mother. It was the last mass we went to before they left for Scotland. A beautiful piece. I haven’t been since then. Maybe I should again? The door is closed so I wait until she finishes to go inside.
“Lilly? Didn’t expect to see you today.”
“Hello Kagami, I heard the last half of that piece. It was very nice.”
“It could have been better but thank you anyway. What’s up?”
“Well I decided to get an end of year gift for all the other grade three class representatives. Something to thank you for your help and service, especially you. Stepping into the role while practicing as often as you do would not have been easy.”
“Someone had to. And after Kenta asked it wasn’t like I could say no. I’m glad I’ve helped out.” That is true. Most class representatives took their roles reluctantly. Except for me and Shizune.
“Yes, that is true. But here, I overheard you a few weeks ago discussing this.” I handed her the box which held her bow and waited until she took it. “I know it might be a bit much but I do hope you take it.”
“Woah Lilly, this is a whole new bow. Are you kidding me? This is great! The wood is perfect, and genuine horsehair string? This must have cost you at least 50,000 yen if not more!”
“Please, think nothing of it. My parents sent me a surprise care package this Christmas and I wanted to pay it forward.”
“If you say so. You must be really lucky to get something like that from them. Here, listen to me play that same piece with it. And you can come listen to me anytime! As thanks for this.”
“Of course I’ll listen.” Kagami began to play. It took me back to that last visit with my mother. The violin is only a small part. If only a choir was here. Mozart’s entire Requiem produced such a unique feeling that contributed to the atmosphere in the church. A feeling I have long missed. I wonder. Kagami’s violin falls silent.
“Now that was much better. Thanks again Lilly!”
“Of course Kagami. I look forward to hearing you again. I must head back now. Have a great night.”
“G’night Lilly!” With that I walked back to my dorm. A quick feel of my watch tells me it is around 7 pm. Hopefully I can find Saki quickly. A few minutes to go back to my room, grab the dress, and then I’m standing in front of her door. I softly knock on the door to see if she is there. I hear some rustling around inside and then the door opens.
“Lilly! It is good to see a friendly face, although a little unexpected.”
“Good evening Saki. I came to see you because I have a gift for you. Recently I got one for all the grade three class representatives. Out of thanks for your good work this year.” I hand her the bag.
“Why is it you doing this and not the Student Council President?”
“You know her. She is so busy that I doubt she would have thought of something, so I took it upon myself. It doesn’t hurt that my parents gave me a larger than usual Christmas gift.”
“Larger than usual? I’m sure that was nice.” You would think, under normal circumstances. “Alright then. Let’s see what it is. Wait what?” I hear the tissue paper coming out of the bag as she tosses it. “How did you even know to get me this? The pricing on this was ridiculous. This is great! Oh it’s just lovely Lilly, thank you.” A smile rises to my face.
“I’m glad you like it. Miss Niji told me you were looking at it before. Make sure to thank her when you see her next.”
“Of course I will! This dress is beautiful. She is wonderful at her job. Thank you Lilly!” I’m surprised as I feel her arms wrap around my back and then let go before I can respond. “I’m going to put this on. Have a great night Lilly, and thank you again.”
“Have a wonderful rest of your night Saki. Goodbye.” She closes the door and I head back down to my own dorm to sleep.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The rest of the week passes by quickly as well. Hisao said Hideyoshi appreciated his gift which marks a success for all the class representatives. That just leaves Shizune. I know everyone else will like their gifts, but with her it’s still a mystery on how she will react. Hisao keeps telling me not to worry but how can I not? The watch on my wrist tells me it will be time to go soon. Akira rented a car and is taking me, Hanako, Hisao, Shizune and Misha to Uncle’s. That will surely go well. Maybe he will get called in for work? It’ll be nice to see Hideaki at least. A knock on the door lets me know it is time.
“Hey Lilly, ready to go?”
“Yes Hisao. Is Hanako ready as well?”
“R-r-right here Lilly.”
“Good. Let’s go then.” We make our way together through the dorms towards the front gates where we meet the others.
“Hisao, you can sit in the front. The girls can squeeze in the back. Get nice and cozy during the ride.”
“Wahaha~! We’ll have a fun time in the back~! Won’t we~?” I remain silent as does Hanako. I can’t tell if Shizune is signing to Misha but nothing is translated. “Okay~! Maybe not~.”
As expected the ride is mostly silent. Akira and Hisao are in the front talking about something, but I can barely hear past the music playing. I do however notice Hanako shifting uncomfortably next to me.
“Sorry Hanako, it’s a tight fit.”
“It’s o-okay Lilly. I’m f-f-fine.” I wonder if Misha and Shizune are talking? That’s what frustrates me with her sometimes. If I’m right next to her she could say anything and I wouldn’t even know she was talking. We finally arrive at her house and go inside. Hideaki is there to greet us but I don’t hear Uncle, which I definitely would if he was here. Hisao unloads our bags while I start to make some tea. Misha and Shizune are sleeping in Shizune’s room, Hanako and Akira on some futons that will be placed in the living room, and they’re letting me and Hisao have the guest room. Hideaki lets me know that luckily Uncle is gone for a week. He was called last minute to the company headquarters on the other side of Tokyo. Instead of ‘wasting time on that damn subway’ he is renting a hotel room five minutes from the building.
I come over with finished tea. The warm pot in my hands and the aroma of the leaves calms my nerves slightly. Often just being around tea is a relaxing atmosphere.
“So are we going to wait until midnight this year or open the gifts right away?” Akira asks the same question she asks every year. Next comes Shizune.
“No~! We always do it at midnight since Aunt Satou did it then~!”
“Ah but Shizune, are we meant to be slaves to tradition? Let’s fight for a new future!”
“Tradition is tradition for a reason~! Especially in this family. Everyone respected the decisions she made~!”
“Her decision was based on Christmas Eve, which was Monday. Today is Friday. Following tradition exactly, we should have done it Monday.”
“That’s not exactly true~! When we were really young she waited until the day before winter break so we didn’t stay up too late. Besides~! Waiting until midnight marks the change into winter break. Which is what we can celebrate instead of Christmas when we miss it~! Of course, Shizune has a point there.
“Let’s bring it to a vote! Everyone in favor of right now say I and raise your hand.” Akira, Misha, and Hideaki say I.
“Sorry Shizune~! I have a hard time waiting for this thing~. Hahaha~!”
“Now everyone in favor of midnight say I and raise your hand.” I raise my hand and say I while I hear Misha and Hanako do the same. Me and Shizune always agree on this at least. Mother’s time was for a reason and it helped that feeling of celebration.
“Are you going to vote~! Hisao~?”
“Well this is my first year here so I didn’t know if I should or not.”
“You’re going to be part of the family soon enough, Hisao! Now vote for opening presents right now!” Akira laughs and I smile. It’s encouraging to know where she stands on him.
“Well I’m sorry, but if Lilly’s mother has a tradition like that it’s probably for a good reason. I vote for midnight.”
“Hisao~! Now I have to wait~! Wahaha~.” I’m glad we get to keep things going for at least another year.
“Fine, we can wait until midnight. But I’m opening the wine now!” Uh oh. With that news I turn over to Hanako and whisper.
“Let’s both take it easy tonight, we need to make it to midnight.” I laugh and she responds.
“R-r-right.” Although we each get a glass anyways, as do the girls and Hisao. Taking it easy means a glass or two is okay. We spend our time talking and laughing for a few hours until midnight comes.
“Okay okay, now we can open presents! How should we do it? Free for all where everyone opens their gifts? Or one at a time like boring people?”
“Free for all.” “Free for all~!” “Free for all.” “F-f-free for all” “Free for all!”
“Alright, that one was easy!” I guess the wine has helped everyone start to loosen up. We start to hand out and open up presents. I kept mine and Shizune’s in the guest room to hand out last. I bought Hisao a version of my watch. He mentioned before how he thought mine was really cool. I also gifted him a nice telescope for star viewing. Most nights we are together he loves describing how those stars shine and their immense beauty. I can almost imagine them as he lays his head in my lap while doing so. For Hanako I used some of my leftover money to buy another really nice doll. As expected, Akira loved her whiskey and Misha the purse. Next Akira handed me hers.
“Here Lilly, open mine next.” I felt a familiar box. She enjoys getting me clothes and this box is of similar size and weight. Ripping off the paper I start to open it and unfold whatever it is.
“Akira~! You cannot give Lilly something like that with Hideaki around~! Wahaha.” Akira and Misha are both laughing while I start to run my hands over it. Thin lacy fabric that is thin at the top providing small straps. The chest is barely big enough to cover, and the middle is strings connecting to the lower half leaving a lot of empty space. I quickly slam it back into the box once I realize what it is.
“Akira! You cannot get me something like that. This is completely inappropriate!” In between laughs she responds.
“You’ll thank me later, you should see Hisao’s face right now. He doesn’t know whether to be excited or embarrassed.”
“Hanako, stop drinking so fast! You can’t hide in the cup!” From Hisao’s comment it appears that Hanako is thoroughly embarrassed as well.
“I am off for the night. Have fun.”
“Oh Hideaki, come on! Nothing else will be like that. Here, sit sit.”
“No thank you. As I cannot partake in the drinking it is getting significantly less fun around here. See you in the morning.” Sorry Hideaki. You’re a little too young for that. Hopefully in a few years you can join in more fun, well except for this. I hope this doesn’t happen again.
“Well now that everyone has gotten their laughter out of the way, I will get my final gift for Shizune.” I go towards the room, slightly off balance and Hisao comes by to help stabilize.
“Two is better than one! Just don’t hold onto me too tight, I’ll fall over as well.” We both laugh.
“So, how does it look?”
“How does what look?”
“Oh Hisao with how smart you are don’t play dumb with me. The lingerie that Akira bought. Will it accentuate all the right places?” I get close and whisper and I hear him quietly yelp. Teasing him is more fun than I realized. Maybe I should do this more often.
“It di-does look good. I’m sure it’ll really do well on your hips.”
“Oh my hips? Anywhere else?”
“Well I didn’t really get a close look at it, but with your figure anything will make your butt look-”
“Hey I think I found Shizune’s gift! Let's get back to them quickly.” That was close. Maybe I shouldn’t push the teasing too far. We head back into the living room and I give Shizune the box.
“Don’t tell me you got Shizune lingerie too?”
“Of course not! I bought her something important.” She rips off the paper and I hear it land to the side.
“Oh~! That’s quite cute~!”
“S-S-Sailor Mercury?
“Wow Hanako~! Nice knowing~!”
“W-w-what? I w-w-watched it a l-lot as a kid.” It’s okay Hanako, so did we.
“Where are you going~?” I felt Shizune’s hand grab mine and pull me off of the couch.
“Hey you can’t just tug on me like this, I'm losing my balance!” Of course it was no use, as she kept pulling me back into a room, closing the door. She sat me down on the bed and placed her hands in mine, beginning to sign.
<Why did you get this for me?>
< I didn’t just get it for you, I got one too.>
<Sailor Venus?>
<Of course. You told me I was just like Venus as a kid, and you were always like Mercury, even now.> Her hands are motionless for a few seconds.
<But why now?>
<To try and make up. I thought, well Akira thought, if we could remember the good times as kids we might get along again.>
<I suppose that line of thinking isn’t flawed. Do you think that could work?>
<I do, and I want it to work. We’ve been angry with each other for too long. The only time we weren’t was when I was leaving for Scotland.>
<That is true. Do you know why we fight so much?>
<Because you like to argue and win?> I know that’s not true but I can’t think of much else.
<Well I do, but that is not why I argue with you. I’m so hard on you because I wish you would compete with me. I joined the student council because you were doing so. You were the catalyst.>
<So it’s all some game? Just trying to beat me?> Well at least I’m finally getting a reason.
<No, it’s more than that. This gift reminded me of why.> That means it was good for something, thanks Akira. I guess I’ll have to hand it to her.
<So what is the why?>
<When we are together, you drive me to be something more. Not because I want to beat you, but because I’m impressed by you. You always effortlessly did well in school, or made friends, you even learned sign by touch alone! Even when we made it to Yamaku you did well with that sort of thing. Misha was my only friend until Hisao came along. You and Hisao were also impressive by the way. I couldn’t get him to help two cute girls at student council but you gave him tea and that was that.>
<Oh Shizune. It only seemed effortless because I didn’t want you to see how much I tried to be great. Mother and Father expected it from me from a young age, and it took a lot of effort to get there. But I never wanted to show you how fragile things were. For example, Hisao. I was almost out of the country forever, I hardly call that effortless.> A small giggle emerged from Shizune.
<I suppose that’s true. I just wanted to impress you for once, and when you left student council I was frustrated that you hadn’t realized it. I wanted you to acknowledge my work too.>
<Of course I have. You and Misha running it all by yourselves? Nothing could impress me more. I gave up when it was three of us, I can’t imagine two. Not to mention your family. No one ever wanted to communicate with you except the blind girl.>
<We both look silly now don’t we? Putting up faces against each other for so long.>
<Not yet we don’t. Let’s put the costumes on and then we’ll look silly.>
<You got a deal.> Shizune removed her hands and leaned in for a hug which I returned. We stayed there for a minute letting our words sit. I felt her hands once more.
<Let’s get some more wine before we dress. I’ll need it to face them.> I laughed and agreed. We passed the living room and chugged a glass each. Then we headed to her room to change. It was like we were kids again. Shizune was laughing as we teased each other. I helped her and she helped me. Coming out of the room fully dressed I sang the opening theme song while she danced, the same routine as if we were kids.
I’m sure in the future we will fight some more, but moments like this will shine brighter. Shizune may technically be a cousin, but I count her as yet another sister. I’m eternally grateful for each and every one of them.
