Blind Spot By Axel Terizaki Chapter 2 - Draft Document v2 "Sometimes, you just need a fiction to show reality." Some japanese explanations first, that many anime fans might know already though: Ittekimasu: I'm off, I'm leaving. Itterasshai: In response to Ittekimasu, like "Have a good trip/day" * * * "Alright, how many fingers?" Today was my bi-annual eye examination day. I was sitting there, in front of the doctor, my right eye hidden by his hand, while the other was trying to count the fingers on his other hand. I couldn't really gauge the distance, but it wasn't too far. I could see it fine. "Four?" I replied. "Almost. That was five, I cheated a bit and had my thumb near the edge of your field of vision to check if you could really see it or not." "Ah, okay." I was a bit confused to say the least. The doctor who usually checked me up retired recently, and this one took after. He was younger, probably around his mid-thirties I'd say, judging by his voice. His methods were sure a bit different than his predecessor. "But you did see the four other ones, and that's a good thing." he concluded. He turned around to pass me a reading tablet with several different sizes of text on it. I was used to all of these tests by now. I'd been taking them ever since my parents discovered I was almost blind, shortly following my birth. I started to read a few words of each different size, to show him how small a size I could read. "Okay, I've seen enough." he said to me, taking away the tablet with the different sizes of text written on. I was a bit surprised, it was always so long with the older doctor. "Considering what your file says and what I just saw, I would recommend a few things. First, it's good you finally bought a cane, but you'll probably need some other accessories." Oh great... "What? I'm being fine outside..." I wanted to say more, but he interrupted me. "Ah, I don't think so. You've been much too sensitive to the light in the room, and you mistook a few letters on the screen on the wall." I grumbled to myself. "Doctor, are you sure?" my mother asked. She was sitting in front of his desk in the other corner of the room. She always accompanied me on these visits. "Takamura-sensei never seemed to think it was serious problem." "Perhaps I am simply approaching from a different treatment methodology," he looked up at my mother, and flashed a smile at her, I think. I stood up and went back to his desk, to sit down next to where my mother was. "Suzumiya-san," he looked at me. "I think that you'll need to wear sunglasses for outside, and consider using a monocular to see traffic lights, and focus on other things in the middle distance." "Wait, wait... Sunglasses? I'll look funny with these all day." I tried to argue. "Hmmm..." my mother interjected. "It's true that you often blink Ayako, especially when it's bright outside." Thank you, mother, I really needed that kind of support. "What bugs me is that I'll be carrying all that stuff around!" "Oh no worries, you can put them around your neck while you don't use those. You know, blind people use sunglasses too to hide their eyes." the doctor added. He'd introduced himself when we all sat down, but it'd already slipped my mind. I slumped back in the chair. "Okay, okay. But that'll cost a lot, won't it?" I looked in mother's direction now, obviously for help. "Well..." she seemed to think. "I guess, we'll see about that, Ayako-chan. If it's for you, your father and I can make some small sacrifices you know." she smiled. The finishing blow. As grateful as I am to them, ever since I learned about the value of money, making them spend so much for me like this kind of bugged me. "I'll give you the address of a good optician, he'll certainly have what you're looking for. He's always been close to his customers, you won't regret it." the doctor said, while writing everything on a piece of paper, before giving it to my mother. "Thanks." she replied softly as she took it. "Now, please excuse me a second. I just need to append my notes for today's visit." He turned on his chair to face his computer, took something in his hand, and began to speak. It took me a moment to realize that he was recording this onto his computer, to add it to my file, I guess. "Wednesday December 13th 2006. I examined the patient Suzumiya Ayako, born May 23rd 1990. Right eye below 1/10th, reduced to count fingers at 50 centimeters. Left eye at 1/20th with Parinaud's syndrome 14 at 35 centimeters, but down to 3 when at a reading distance of 5 centimeters..." That was the first time I'd heard my condition laid out like that. Believe it or not I hadn't even really known the medical terms until now. Since I was diagnosed as a baby, Takamura-sensei had never bothered to explain it to me, and he'd never made a summary at the end like this. At least, not in front of me he hadn't. I'd suspected all along that my parents knew it was more than just poor eyesight, but they'd never told me. Not that I understood half of what he was saying anyway. "...visual field is attached to the file. End recording." He then hit a button, and put down what looked like a dictaphone. I couldn't see it well, but in this case, it wasn't exactly hard to guess. "Well, we'll see each other in about a year then?" "A year?" my mother asked, sounding surprised. "It's usually every six months." "Yes, but considering the stability of your daughter's eyesight, I don't think it's necessary for us to see each other that often." he explained. "Oh, I see. If you say so, sensei, then..." Both of us bowed in thanks, and took our leave from his office. Then we sat in the waiting room for a couple minutes before the lady behind the counter called us up and gave us the bill. * * * Once outside, I was wondering if we were going home first or if we would be going to that optician... "Mother?" I asked. "Yes?" "Are we going to that optician today?" "No, Ayako-chan, we'll head home now. It's late enough as it is." I looked at my watch. Indeed, it was late already, and our house was not exactly nearby. I took out my cane from my schoolbag, and unfolded it. Mother then took my right arm in hers while we walked towards the train station. "Ayako-chan, you can fold it while you're with me, you know." "That's okay, I'm getting used to it." I replied, maybe sounding a little tired. Once at the train station, I waited for mother to check where we had to go. "You don't see the train plan up there, do you?" she asked, pointing up at the plan displayed right above the ticket vending machines. These are used to check how much yen you'll need to get to your destination. "Uh, no, it's too far, Mother." "Alright" she said, and gave me a few coins out of her handbag. "Here, 130 yen. We'll be changing lines at Gotanda." "Okay." I took the coins in my hand, and went to one of the vending machines to buy my ticket. Luckily for me, this one had big, readable fonts on its touchscreen. I took my change, the ticket, and turned around. Mother was there, waiting. She'd gotten her ticket already while I was buying mine it seems. "Alright, here we go." I was pretty used to the different stations by now. Once inside a wagon though, a voice said very clearly where the train was going, but it wasn't so easy making sure I was on the right train in the first place. Needless to say, I could get lost easily in there. I hope it won't happen, as I can predict everyone's reactions: Karen or my parents would faint. Shizuka on the other hand would probably just tease me relentlessly about it. We got into the crowded train that led us to the Gotanda station, before we could get to Nakanobu, the district in which we lived. * * * "Really? They're coming for Christmas? Yay!" My cry of joy could certainly be heard in the whole house. I was pretty happy about the idea of having my cousins, uncle and aunt coming over for Christmas' eve. We were sitting around the kitchen table and eating when father made the announcement. I see them once in a while, and they're the only family we have here in Tokyo. It's a long story, but my other relatives are quite scattered all over the country, making family gatherings difficult. "It's been a while since you saw Aoi-chan, right?" father asked me. he sounded quite happy himself. It's true that uncle and him got along well with each other, being brothers and all. Aoi was my cousin. She was older than me by a mere five months. When we were little, Shizuka, Aoi and I were often playing together. However, Aoi's parents had to move to another part of the city, so they could get closer to my uncle's new job in a bank. "Do you want to go do some shopping tomorrow then for a Christmas present for Aoi, Ayako-chan?" mother asked. I hadn't really thought about a Christmas present for my cousin, but the idea sounded nice. We haven't had a Christmas party for a while, after all. "What? Can't I go with Shizuka instead?" "Dear, I think Ayako-chan just wants to go with her friend." My father suggested. Thankfully, he can be clever at times. "Oh, I see." My mother seemed to understand, Looks like she didn't realize I was big enough now to go get my own stuff with my friends. We were interrupted by the front door opening and closing. "I'm home!" a voice boomed, a little tiredly though, from the entrance of the house. It was Miyuki, coming back late from work. Or most probably from a little visit to the bar with her colleagues... Oh no, I'm not making up things at all. Asking her just confirms it. "I'm not very hungry, so don't mind me." she said, as she passed next to us. "Oh, okay." mother was already about to stand up from her chair and fix something for Miyuki, though. At her words, she sat back down. "I'm taking a bath." she announced before stepping upstairs. "HEY! I was planning on taking one too!" I protested. I was so looking forward to it today...! "Well, you'll take one after me." she replied and went upstairs quickly, making me fume. "Now, now, Ayako-chan..." my father tried to calm me down now. It's true I could take a bath after her, but then again, I hate it when my plans are ruined, and even more by the whims of my sister. I mean, who doesn't like hot, steaming baths? Certainly not me! It's a great time for relaxation, and it's one of the only times when I can think to myself and... stuff. What can I say? I have no excuse. I'm a healthy girl after all! * * * The alarm rang, time to wake up. Contrary to my sister and mother, I'm pretty easy to wake up. They say I have the sleep light, just like my father. Although, to wake up fully, nothing beats a good splash of water on one's face! After I came back from the bathroom, I grabbed my uniform and put it on, adjusting it a little in front of the mirror in my room. I didn't consider myself bad-looking. My hair was long and dark, like most japanese girls, and went down to my back. I rarely wore it any other way actually, as I just felt like it was a hassle. Besides, taking care of your own appearance is pretty difficult when you don't see well. That's why I had Shizuka and Karen! Shizuka just loved shopping with me and find me cool clothes to wear. She sometimes invited me to her house too to change my hairstyle for the day or just take care of me. It was like a practice for her, and I didn't mind it at all, so... I guess she really enjoyed her passion, and that was something I was really admiring. Karen too, always gave her fullest when it came to track and field at school. I didn't really know if she wanted to make a career in sports or not, though. She didn't express anything towards that, so far. Once I looked okay in the uniform, I went to my wardrobe in order to get some stockings to wear today. The weather isn't exactly sunny in december, you see. I made sure to triple-check they were the exact same color though. Not seeing well is really troublesome when it comes to looks, believe me. And I won't talk about colors. By the time I was done, I was more than ready for breakfast. "Morning, father...!" I said cheerfully and gave him a hug from behind as he was finishing preparing breakfast for the three of us. Yes, three. Miyuki was there obviously, and as always on mornings, looking like she was still asleep. "Good morning, Ayako-chan." He replied with a smile, bringing the rice and eggs to the table. "'mornin' 'yako..." Miyuki greeted me lazily. I grinned. Time to strike for once. "GOOD MOR-NING, MI-YU-KI-NEE!" I said loudly, next to her, while giving her a good pat on the back to see if she would just crash on the table. Needless to say, she frowned back at me. "HEY!" "Ayako! Stop tormenting your sister!" Father raised his voice, but that was to be expected. Still, the sheer pleasure of taking advantage of my sister's weakness on mornings was absolutely priceless. "That's just sweet revenge for all those years of teasing." I pouted cutely. I knew I was being wrong by hitting first, but then again, I couldn't help it, it was just so tempting... My father let out a sigh, and we ate breakfast like usual. Mother wasn't around though. She wasn't a morning person anyways, and father was almost always the one cooking breakfast for us. Once I was finished with my breakfast, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. "Where's my toothbrush?" I called out. "Probably where you left it last time?" Miyuki replied, still a bit sleepily it seems. I grumbled to myself. I took another look inside the bathroom, a closer one this time. I have that bad habit of not putting back things where I originally got them. "Ah, there it is." I really have to buy a new one, how am I supposed to see it clearly when it's almost the same coulor as the sink it was on...?! I quickly brushed my teeth and rushed downstairs to put on my shoes. My schoolbag was already waiting there. I was ready to go! "Ittekimasu!" I announced my departure. "Itterasshai!" My father replied from the kitchen. * * * I was used to waving my white cane around by now, and even if it felt quite awkward at first, it soon gave me a sense of security I didn't expect. Shizuka was waiting for me at the crossroads we usually met at when going to school together. Since her school was not the same as mine anymore however, she parted with me when Karen would be joining me. "So, what classes do you have today?" she asked me while we walked together. "Ah, let's see... There's japanese, english, history, and we'll have physical education in the afternoon." "Oh. Is Karen still the best around when it comes to sports?" "Don't say it. She got asked to join a lot of sports clubs, but she decided to stay on the track and field one for a bit, even though she isn't really serious about it I think... She only practices to keep herself in good shape, not to break any records." "Looks like she still has potential. Did you know that she started running only shortly after she transferred to our school, years ago?" I was a bit surprised, I always thought Karen was born with running legs. "Really? I'll ask her about it I guess," Shizuka nodded. "Do you mind if we go to Jinbocho after school? I'd like to pick up a few mangas and books..." I asked. I always felt guilty about asking Shizuka and Karen about going shopping with me. I felt like I was the one dragging them everywhere and they couldn't do whatever they'd like to do if I weren't there. "Hmmm, I'd like to but I promised a guy at school that I would be going out with him after classes ended." "Heeh? Really?! You didn't tell me about this yesterday!" I asked, all surprised. Shizuka, going on a date? It always got me excited. "Weeeell... I'm just being cautious, I answered his invitation out of politeness, but I don't really like him so far. Maybe he'll change my opinion by the end of the day though." she said to me with a grin. "Aaah. I see. I wished I was that popular with guys." I shrugged. As I said before, I haven't really been approached by boys before. I guess it had something to do with my handicap, but wouldn't thinking that mean that I was losing faith in men? Couldn't they see beyond my problem? I considered myself a funny girl to be with, and I didn't have anything to be jealous of other girls. Oh, sure, there was Karen, but I couldn't compete with her, she simply had a perfect body, period. No, I'm not jealous! "Well, you could certainly have some success, if you were looking at people's faces when you talk to them. Believe me, it's part of the seduction process to look into the other's eyes." "You know I can't do that..." She nodded at this, and smiled kindly at me. "I know Ayako-chan, I know." We kept on walking, until we met with Karen on the way, who was waiting for us at our usual rendezvous point... "Ah, Karen, will you have time for Ayako later today? She needs to get some mangas and books I think..." Shizuka asked, visibly more concerned about me than I was myself. "Uh? Well, sure, I was about to search for a part-time job after school, but I guess I can do that tomorrow." "Are you sure about this?" I asked. Honestly, I was really looking forward going to the bookstore after classes... "Yeah, don't worry Ayako!" she said, obviously trying to not make me feel guilty at all. I don't like asking people for help, but when I do, and when they accept, I make sure to repay them to the best of my abilities. They give, I give back. * * * "And you can use your computer during exams too? You can cheat with that, right?" Ah, how many times did I hear this question? Of course I ca... could, I mean, if I wanted. Right, if I wanted. Of course, cheating is much harder when whatever on my screen will be of a size and type easily visible to everyone around me, and it's quite easy for a teacher to approach me without me noticing, but it's nice that people have some expectation for me to be the mistress of exam shenanigans. It was recess time, just between English and History. I was talking with the guy in front of me in class, Toga-kun, or at least, I think he was called that way. He was wearing glasses, and had this geeky kind of look to him, even if he didn't seem to act like it. I mean, he doesn't have all those other attributes like shyness and awkwardness. Plus he is the one talking to me. There's no way those kind of guys would talk to girls, right? "I don't cheat, if that's what you're asking. I don't see why I should. Plus, it'd be quite obvious if I cheated. Do I have high grades? No." I admit I sounded a bit on the defensive. But then again, who would like being accused of cheating? "Hey, calm down, Suzumiya, I was just wondering, that's all. I come from Kyoto, so I never heard about you before. I mean, it's quite uncommon..." "Yeah I know." I interrupted him. "But I really had a normal scolarship so far, and I've been fine with it." "Yeah, that's great." he said, and wanted to continue, but we suddenly heard the voice of Kimiko Ryukawa, our class representative this year. "Stand! Bow! Sit!" she said with her gentle yet commanding voice. From what I saw of her before, at lunch mainly, she had wavy red hair, and was always wearing thin round glasses. She was pretty cute I must admit, and was quite smart. I heard she had a boyfriend, but honestly, it wasn't really like me to dwelve into ther peoples' love stories. In other words, I didn't care. * * * People from other classes were starting to get used to having me around. They were either making room for me, or helping me out, just like when I was in middle school. What I didn't expect however, was to have a guy sit next to me during lunch. "May I sit here?" I looked up to notice a guy apparently talking to me. He actually wasn't looking too bad, from what I could see. He seemed muscular and strong. His personality however, was yet to be judged. Before I could even respond, he placed his tray next to mine on the table. Karen was on my other side, and frowned a bit. "Hey, I don't remember having said you could sit down with us." Karen said immediately in between her noodles. Did I sense a bitter tone? "Suzumiya... right? I'm Ogata Shô from class 1-A, right next to yours." he introduced himself to me, with quite a charming voice. "Ah hmm, well, nice to meet you, Ogata-kun." Karen pulled on my uniform's sleeve. "Ayako, don't stay near him." she warned me, loud enough so he could hear as well. "Heeh? But he's just sitting there with us and eating...!" I replied, while looking a bit longer at him. Now that he was seated, it was easier for me to notice his short, auburn hair. He had a pretty warm smile and a serious and focused look on his face. "Sakazaki, you don't have to be all cold to me like that." I was still watching him, as if curious of to why he had decided to sit right next to me, and why Karen was so suspicious of him. "Do you know him, Karen?" I eventually asked, curious. Before Karen could respond though, Ogata spoke first. "Well, I asked Sakazaki on a date once and she accepted..." "...out of pity." she immediately corrected. "Actually we went out..." "...for only one day." she interrupted again. "But it turned out we weren't exactly made for each other." "THAT I have to agree with." I was feeling a little like I wasn't belonging to this discussion and kept on eating my lunch silently while listening to the two quarreling. It was funny though, that Karen did never mention this to me or Shizuka. When did this happen? Why didn't she tell me? Maybe she was too embarrassed? I'll have to ask her later... I did know that Karen was popular with guys, but to actually go out with one... "Anyways, would you like to go out with me on Saturday, Suzumiya?" When I heard chopsticks fall on the table, I first thought it would have been mine, but I wasn't exactly the only one shocked it seems. "I WON'T ALLOW THIS!" Karen's words really startled me, and a lot of people were probably looking at us now. It didn't take long for everyone else to return to their trays, though, as I soon heard everyone chatter back again. "Hey, calm down Sakazaki, what are you so upset for?" Ogata asked in between chews of his meat. I just kept on eating my meat as well, looking down at my plate without a word. "I simply won't let Ayako go out with a... a ladykiller like you!" Ah, so that's how it is. I smiled a little, but let the two keep going at it for now. "Are you her mother or something, Sakazaki? I'm asking Suzumiya here." "Ayako, say something!" Ah, the dreadful moment where I had to finally say something. I was expecting it, to say the least. "I'll think about it." This instantly shut Karen up, and Ogata did seem quite taken aback himself. No reaction in the first five seconds? Goal reached. I wasn't really thinking about it, actually. I was more, like, pushing the issue away, for later thinking. I just wanted to enjoy my lunch right now. I wasn't thinking about Ogata's looks of course, and how it could become my very first date. Ah, a date... "Ayako, you won't cut that with your knife on the wrong side." Karen noted "Oops... I didn't see that." I replied softly, as I was trying indeed to cut my meat with the cutting edge pointing upwards. I wasn't distracted with the thought of a date! Not at all! I was just concentrating on my food for now, not wanting to look at either of them, in fear of siding with one of them. "You're not at ease with a knife and a fork, Suzumiya? I can show you if you'd like." I blushed at that. I hoped no one noticed. "Haha, no, no, I was just distracted..." I let out as an excuse. "Thinking about me, heh?" I heard Ogata say on my left. I smiled a bit, both in embarassment and because I thought such a remark was predictable, yet funny. "I'll have all the time to think about you when I'll be relaxing at home." I replied with a grin. "A-Ayako!" I could hear Karen's embarassment and shock in her voice, while I looked at Ogata. The words I used were intentionally placed together in a neat sentence to make it sound like I was of the 'easy' type of girl. The purpose was to shock Karen, because I just loved to tease her just like Shizuka liked to tease me. I admit I also wanted to see how Ogata would react, The two went silent, however, and I was able to finish my lunch without much disturbances. Really, is it too much to ask to be able to eat in silence? * * * The afternoon, as I said earlier, was for Physical Education. It was definitely not my cup of tea. I couldn't do sports involving balls, big or small either, or anything that had objects moving quickly around. Combat sports were also out of the question: My doctors had always been concerned that a misplaced blow to my head would strip me of my vision completely. "Ayako, think about it, you can't go out with a guy like that." Karen was still trying to talk me out of going out with Ogata, as we were right inside the locker rooms, changing into our P.E. outfits. Like in most schools, they were composed of red bloomers and a white shirt. Some girls were quite against that kind of outfit, and petitioned for the bloomers to be replaced by shorts, a motion that had been rejected out of hand. Don't ask me why, school politics are far from interesting me in any way. "Well, I realize he is just trying to seduce me and he isn't serious about it. But where is it wrong? I mean, we're both certainly of dateable age, aren't we?" My reasonning actually made Karen think twice about what she was going to say. "You're right but... I know about him, he'll just try to lure you somewhere, or take advantage of you when you least expect it!" "You know, I'm big enough to defend myself, I think. Besides, I'm sure we'd have heard of him if he was that dangerous." We finished changing and started to head outside with the other girls of our class, while continuing our conversation. "Don't underestimate him, he's an enemy to women." "Oh really?" "Really." she nodded. "How about I give him a chance for only one day, just like you did?" I suggested, also wanting to know more about how they knew each other. "Or," I said in an insinuating voice, "is he just too much for even exposure that limited?" It actually made Karen blush, as I expected. "It was about a year ago, before we graduated. He just asked me out, I was innocent, I accepted. We went out. It wasn't too bad, if you don't take into account that I happened to get a look into his cell phone's address book, and it was obviously filled with girls' names, which of course were calling him every day!" I was stunned. "Karen, that's spying on someone's privacy!" "So what? He was obviously seeing a lot of girls at once, or at least keeping in touch with them. If I want a boyfriend, I want him dedicated to me!" So Karen is of the jealous kind. Interesting. "So I guess it's driving you nuts that now he is going out with me, right?" I teased, and it made her blush again, teehee. "A-Ayako, it isn't like that at all!" "Riiiight..." Karen then gave me a soft poke with her elbow again. The teacher was approaching where the class was gathered on the field. He got started by shouting out students’ names to check attendance "Alright, we will be commencing with fifteen minutes of endurance run. I want you all running NOW! Suzumiya, you'll be running with... hmmm..." He looked down at his list. Running was the only thing I could do in sports, and all that the gym teachers ever expected of me. That's mainly why I didn't enjoy it. "...Asugawa!" A girl replied at his call. "Yes?" "You'll be partenered with Suzumiya for the duration of the run." "Alright, sensei." the girl said, and approached me shortly after. Her hair was slightly dyed, and fell down to hear lower back, an easily identifiable feature for me. I couldn't exactly tell the color, though. "Well, let's go." she said and motioned to me to follow, and we were soon both running at about the same pace as the rest of the class. In every P.E. class I’d taken, the teacher would always designate one of my classmates to keep at my side, and make sure that I wasn’t drifting off the track, or on a collision course with any obstacles. Whoever was assigned to me, they were usually very nice, and I certainly enjoyed the personalized attention, but I also felt more than a bit awkward, like I was some sort of burden passed between the students. It was difficult to talk during these runs, and I mostly kept quiet, just making sure I was going in the right direction. I already had trouble seeing well outside, but resolving what was in front of me while running was even more difficult. Oh well, It was just time to kill, wasted really, in between running and doing physical exercises while everyone else played sports. I hoped that one day the teacher would understand how pointless it was for me to be in these classes and let me opt out. Alas, either the world, nor my teachers were much inclined to pay much attention to my rants. * * * After the school day ended, Karen excused herself to the members of her club, saying she had to go accompany me to the city today. The people at the track and field club are pretty nice, and know me a little, since I hang out with Karen a lot when she has her club activities. I guess I must be considered like a member there, even if I'm not participating in anything, and watching Karen run and exercise from time to time. My target today is Jinbocho, the book district. The trip by train was quite more uneventful than usual. It was funny to see how I was able to get more seated places now that I have my white cane with me. I mean, it's not like people suddenly became all nice to me, but I just realized some of them actually cared. Once outside of the station, we walked towards one of the various bookstores selling manga there. "Let's see..." I went through the different shelves, searching for the few specific series I follow, going by familiar shade and color pattern more than title. "Tell me if you search for something you don't find, okay?" Karen asked, next to me, while I bent down a bit to check a manga cover I never saw before. Probably a new series. Or possibly a redesign for a series I knew. I really hate it when they do that. "Sure, sure..." I replied idly while examining the cover closely. "If you see any new volume of the Zero's Familiar novel series, I think it's about time a new volume is out." "Okay, I'll look for it." I decided to give a try to this new series called 'Bloody Bride'. Contrary to what the name implied, it didn't look horrific at all, but more like a serious romance and comedy story. The cover featured a handsome-looking young vampire holding a faceless bride in his arms. However, the font used for the title made it seem like it would be lighter than you'd expect from a 'Bloody' title. "Here, Ayako." Before I could realize it, Karen had already returned with the book I asked her to fetch. "Looks like there was a new volume indeed. I'll take it." I replied "Thanks, Karen." "Hey, no worries." she said with her usual smile. Together, we searched for another novel I wanted, and went to the clerk to pay. I just had the right amount of money anyways for the three books. Once outside, we set foot for the station, to get back home. As usual, Karen was gently holding my arm was we walked. "Hmm, you know, Karen, you don't have to hold onto my arm anymore with my cane here." I said with a smile, not wanting to sound rude at all. "Does it make you feel uncomfortable?" she asked. "Well, no... not really, I was just saying that for you." She smiled at this. "Don't worry about me Ayako, I don't mind at all. Plus I worry that if I wasn’t holding onto you, you might lose track of me in the crowd. We're right in the city now, not at Nakanobu." It's true that Tokyo is one crowded city, like most capital cities I guess. Even though it's the city I was born in and lived in, I’m still overwhelmed sometimes by the sheer scale of size and press of people, and being submerged within that is even less enjoyable when you can’t see well enough to easily pull yourself out. "Alright, if that's okay with you." Some might feel uneasy at so much attention coming from a friend, but honestly, I was pleased with that. As I said before, one of the advantages of having a handicap is that people tend to be more careful and nicer to you. We soon arrived at the station, and I heard Karen's cellphone ring from her skirt pocket. "Ah, wait." She let go of my arm and took the phone out. "It's Shizuka." She then took the call. I watched her the whole time, patiently. "Shizuka? Hmmhmm... Yes, she is next to me. Oh, I see... Hey weren't you supposed to be on a date? Ah. Haha, okay, okay... Well, it's pretty late already." They chatted for a few more seconds, and Karen soon hung up the call. "Your cellphone is unreachable or off, Ayako." "Heh?" I took mine out from my skirt and looked closely at it. "Ah, it needs a recharge." "I see. Well, her date wasn't that good, she snuck out on the guy and wanted to see if we were up to anything." "Ah, okay, so you told her we were heading home anyways." "Right, it's late already, and we have a little bit of homework, don't we?" I grimaced a bit. "Don't remind me about the maths test tomorrow, please?" This actually made her let out a giggle. There was actually a lot of people in the station, and it was difficult to get to the ticket vending machines. "Follow me close, Ayako." Karen said to me, as we got in line. When our turns came, we both went to a different vending machine to save some time. I looked through my purse and took out the last few yens I had left for today. I placed my finger on ¥190 on the screen, and got my ticket. Now, time to get back to Karen, who had probably gotten her ticket too by now. Karen's silhouette was easy to spot. Her height and habitual hair ribbons made her distinctive. The crowd was dense, but I managed to trail her to the train. I guess she must have been aware I was following her and was trying to clear herself a path among the crowd too. "Excuse me, excuse me..." I whispered quietly as I tried to make my way to her inside the train, through the crowd. I approached Karen, and looked her up and down. Twice. This Karen was wearing jeans and a red sweater under a heavy coat... That wasn't my Karen at all! I then heard the train starting and announcing its destination. "Thank you for boarding this train. This train is on the Toei Shinjuku line, and will stop at Akebonobashi. Shinjuku Sanchome. Shinjuku. Next stop is Akebonobashi." Ayako, do not panic, please. Okay, let's stay calm. I will get off at the next station, and I'll call Karen. Wait... My cell's batteries are empty. Ah, mou! I looked around myself and suddenly found myself quite lost. I'm not exactly used at being alone in the middle of so much people. Instictinvely, I held onto my white cane tightly, trying to figure out a plan of action. What really bothered me was Karen, who would probably be freaking out right now at the idea of me being lost in the station or in another train. Let's see, if I were her, what would I do? Ah, I'm panicking! Stay calm, Ayako. First, I need to get off this train at Akebonobashi, then, I'll go buy another ticket to go back home... Wait! I probably don't have enough money to buy another ticket! No, this shouldn't be a problem if I get a ticket exchange. But then how to go back... Stay calm, Ayako... * * * I decided to get off at the next station, which was much less crowded than Jinbocho earlier. I validated my ticket at the exit, and went to the counter where an employee was present. "Excuse me... Could I get my change on this ticket?" Fortunately, when you buy a ticket and don't use it to its fullest, you can ask for the difference. I didn't know how to use the machine for that, so I went directly to ask an employee. So far so good. My money's there, now I had to figure out a way to go back home. There's no point in going back to Jinbocho, Karen was probably not there anymore, was she...? I was in a station I didn't know at all, and there were a lot of exits. I tried to find my way to the ticket vending machines. But from there, how could I read that plan up there? That's impossible! Ah and Karen must be searching for me... I sighed and decided it would be better to ask someone. I noticed a woman not so far away from me. "Excuse me..." I announced my presence first. "I don't see well." I then showed my cane as proof, as if it was really proof of anything "I'd like to get to Nakanobu..." I said shyly. The woman looked at me a little, then at the plan. I blushed a bit. I mean, I'm not used to ask my way around, I always feel like I'm a bother to everyone sometimes. "Well, if you go back to Jinbocho, you'll be able to take the Toei Mita Line to Mita. Nakanobu is on the Asakusa line, isn't it?" I nodded and realized how stupid I was being. Of course, all I had to do was go back to Jinbocho after all. But to go there by myself. No one would possibly accompany me up to that point. The problem I often face is not of asking directions. It's all about following them! Add to that the fact that I absolutely hate asking people for help. I have my pride, you know. * * * I had asked the lady, a complete stranger, to accompany me to the entrance of the line. From there, I waited for the train to arrive so I could board it. I was so unsure of myself at this point. How was I sure the woman wasn't lying to me? Was I really going to get on the right train and not on a different one? I took a deep breathe and tried to wait patiently. Karen was surely dead-worried now, she probably called mother and Shizuka in panic. I was going to miss my favorite drama on TV too... However, my train of thoughts got interrupted by a hand on my shoulder. I jumped a bit and turned around. A guy was there, and his uniform matched my school's. "Hey, Suzumiya, what are you doing here? Isn't Guardian Angel Sakazaki with you?" he joked. It was Ogata. What was he doing here? If I were the heroine of a romantic comedy drama, this would have been anything but a coincidence. "O-Ogata, what are you doing here?" I asked, frankly surprised. My mouth and mind working at about the same speed. "Finished with my part-time job, I was heading home, what about you, Suzumiya?" "Ah hmm, well, that's a bit..." my hands tightened around the handle of my schoolbag and my cane. "Well?" I took a deep breathe. I was embarrassed, but relaxed that I found someone I at least knew a little. "I got separated from Karen after following someone else and I'm about to head home now." I admitted. Now he must have thought I was stupid beyond hope of recovery. "By yourself?" "By myself, yes." "Isn't that a bit dangerous? I mean, you don't see well, do you?" I frowned at that, there goes the same song again. "I appreciate your concern but I can see a little." "Oh? Yet, you got lost and separated from your friend, didn't you?" ...He's mean! Pointing out the obvious like that! "So, where are you going exactly?" he asked me. The train wasn't here yet, so I could as well chat a little. "Nakanobu. Asakusa line." "I see. There are a few changes if I'm right. I guess I'll accompany you home then, what do you think?" Uh? When did he get such ideas? What would my parents say if I suddenly brought a guy back home!? "I think that it's a pretty lame way to get to know where I live." I smirked a bit, trying to keep my guard up. This actually made him chuckle. "Well, I'm just suggesting that, because if Sakazaki hears that I met you there and left you all alone by yourself, she'd probably beat me to a pulp." I blinked at this, and couldn't help but let out a giggle. What could I say? He was right, I could perfectly see Karen giving him a good beating for that. "Alright, alright, I'll accept your company on my journey home, Ogata." I replied, shrugging my shoulders. The train arrived at that moment, and we boarded it. "It's my pleasure, Princess Suzumiya." P-Princess!? "Don't call me that, it's embarrassing!" I snarled back at him, trying to hide my blush by looking away. "Alright, alright." I heard him chuckle, and the doors of the train closed before us. * * * I tried to convince him that once I was at Nakanobu Station I was safe, but he insisted on leading me home. The sun had set already, and the only light sources came from the street lightspots. "Why don't you use glasses by the way, Suzumiya?" he started engaging conversation with me once more as he walked me home. "Glasses aren't enough to fix my eyesight," I replied with a little sigh. How many times did I hear that question in the past? "Ah... A shame, although the beauty of your eyes would be lessened greatly with glasses." He smoothtalked me. I actually rolled my eyes at that comment. "Riiiiight." At least he's not one of those glasses-obsessed guys. As we kept on walking, someone approached us. I couldn't see well in the dark, but as she passed under a lightspot, I immediately recognized that headband. "Shizuka-chan!" "Ayako-chan!" In any drama on TV, we would have ran to each other and hugged each other while violons played in the background. I would have let my cane drop to the ground without caring about it... But none of that happened, mainly because Ogata was there, and I didn't want to embarrass myself further to him. "Where were you? Everyone is waiting at your place. Karen is completely horrified by what might happen to you, I couldn't stop teasing her." she giggled. I could imagine all the terrible things she might have suggested to poor Karen... Then, I noticed she was looking over at Ogata. "And you are?" she asked. "Ah, don't tell me! Ayako-chan, you could have told me earlier about your boyfriend!" I blushed. Red deep. "S-Shizuka-chan!" Ogata chuckled and replied in my place. "I'm Ogata Shô, I'm her schoolmate." he said, very simply. I thought he was going to hit on Shizuka too. Not that she'd mind, I bet. "Ah hmmm, I'm Makihara Shizuka, nice to meet you." she bowed. "And thank you for watching over Ayako-chan." "It was a pleasure. Do you mind if I escort you two back to Suzumiya's place?" "I guess not, what do you think, Ayako-chan?" What could I have said? Refusing would have been most impolite after what he did for me. * * * As we arrived at my house shortly after meeting near the station, I saw the front door open even before I could take a step inside the garden of my house. It was Karen. "Ayako-chan, I was so worried! Where have you b..." I swear time must have stopped for her at that instant, as she suddenly froze in her course when she probably spotted Ogata next to me and Shizuka. "Yo again." he simply waved his hand. She probably wanted to say something, but my parents appeared right behind her, and came to me for a hug. "Ayako! Where have you been? We were worried!" my father started. To cut things short and avoid any unnecessary repeats of questions I decided to explain everything. "Well, after I bought my train ticket, I followed someone I thought was Karen... Really! She had the same hair style and all, but it wasn't her, and I found myself on the Shinjuku line, and from there I decided to go back to where we came from and I met Ogata there, who decided to accompany me back home." I said in one go, taking a deep breathe at the end. "Can we do as if nothing happened, please?" Nobody listened to my last question, obviously. Karen was strangely silent and eyeing Ogata the whole time, as if to make sure he wasn't doing anything wrong. "And I found them kissing hotly under a lightspot near the station." Shizuka added. "Geh! Shizuka-chan!" I shouted at her, barely able to contain my embarrassment. She just waved at me with a giggle. "Just kidding, just kidding." I wasn't the only one embarrassed. Karen seemed to be too, or maybe angry? I couldn't really tell. My parents just laughed. "Can we invite you in for a cup of tea?" Mother asked Ogata. "Oh hmm, no thanks, I'll be leaving by now, I'm already late as it is, and I wouldn't want to intrude." Good, he refused politely. He waved goodbye at us before departing, and we went inside, where I could finally rest after such an adventure. I can't hide I was a bit scared by what happened, I'm really not used to be all alone in a big place such as the city and it's labyrinth-like train stations. Inside, a nice dinner was waiting for me. Karen and Shizuka were invited too obviously. Miyuki was probably having a few drinks with colleagues again, making dinner uneventful. I still had to explain myself for what happened today though, and I had a hard time keeping Karen from blaming herself about all this. "It's decided, tomorrow I'll change my hairstyle to make it more original! You'll spot me easily then, Ayako!" I sweatdropped a little. I didn't want to imagine what kind of strange things she could do with that long hair of hers. "You don't have to Karen, really. I should have recharged my phone too." "Hey, Karen, why don't we buy you a leash for Ayako so you don't lose her next time?" Shizuka-chan! "Shizuka, that's mean!" Karen argued "Ayako isn't a pet!" "Aw come on, you know I'm joking." Sometimes I wonder... * * * To be continued!