Reality Strikes Page 11

  “My host brother gave me Hashika. I was told only babies die from it.”

  A car engine shut down. “What? Have you seen a doctor?”

  “Yes, but it didn’t do much good. All he did was give me some stuff for my rash and the fever.”

  “What the hell kind of medical system do they have there?”

  “Crappy.”

  Tori let out a belly laugh. “At least your sense of humor is still alive.”

  “It’s the last to gooough, ugh, ugh” I must have coughed ten times. I could barely hang onto the phone.

  Tori’s voice reached a pubescent falsetto. “Hang on. I’m not going to let you die in my homeland. Tori to the rescue!”

  December 25-6:00 PM

  A Special Gift

  My eyes flickered open. Staring at me was the one person I thought I’d never see again—Tori.

  “Merry Christmas.”

  I thought of my family back home—the first Christmas we weren’t together. I hoped they liked the gifts I stuffed into the box I had Aki send. The gifts were all Japanese things I loved. Ten boxes of Little Pockys for the twins, a T-shirt for my brother that said, “Big Member,” a beautiful happi coat for Dad and a stunning silk obi sash for Mom. I’d blown through one month’s allowance, but it was worth it. Just wished I could see their faces when they opened everything.

  I slowly pulled myself up against the headboard, grateful Tori was by my side. The next best thing to family. “Man, I thought my fever finally broke.”

  Tori turned off her iPod and grabbed my hand “I’m really here, silly. Let me tell you, things are going to change in this house.”

  She pushed her long shiny black hair behind her ears, adjusted her teal cable knit sweater and pulled down her black skinny jeans. She was ready to face my nemesis. Tori looked formidable as she marched straight downstairs to do battle.

  When Tori came to the rescue, anyone in her way better watch out. Tori’s Japanese was pretty rusty, but she still managed to launch into the biggest dressing down I’d heard since my brother took my dad’s prized Harley for a spin and wrecked it.

  I crept into the hallway so I could witness Tori in action. She put her finger in Okasan’s face. “This is unacceptable. You are responsible for my friend being sick and yet you do nothing to help her? This stops now!”

  As Tori continued her tirade, I worried about how I was going to break the news about her being adopted. Not to mention the fact her parents hid the truth from her. The more I thought about what I’d say, the sicker I felt. How was she going to react when I broke the news? Sometimes the burden of friendship was too heavy. Would we even still be friends after I dropped the bomb? I didn’t want to find out.

  Tori’s footsteps came up the stairs, and I knew I owed her the truth. Not only did she give up her Christmas to rescue me, but she put her own health on the line. She was my best friend, and I was about to break her heart.

  I snuck back into bed just before Tori threw open the door. “Man, your host mother is a b word. I think I made it clear her days of torturing you are over.”

  Fighting back tears, I looked into Tori’s eyes. She hurried to the side of the bed and gave me an all-encompassing hug. “That’s okay. I know you’re happy I’m here.”

  I gave her a weak smile. “I’m sorry I ruined your Christmas.”

  She brushed my hair out of my face. “Don’t be silly. What’s another present-opening fest with my family? Besides, without Dad there, we’d all be so sad. Hey, speaking of presents, I got you something.”

  As she dug through her luggage for the gift, I felt even worse. I didn’t have anything to give her.

  “Here you go. I think you’re really going to love it.”

  I tore through the Santa paper with as much enthusiasm as I could muster. I opened the box and inside was a giant bag of Hershey kisses and a book, “The Complete Guide To Dating Asian Men.” I ran my hand over the book’s title. “Thanks, I really need this.”

  “Figured with number one on the list still not checked off you’d be on the prowl.”

  “I’m not totally giving up on Kenzo.”

  Tori rolled her eyes. “Right. When’s the last time you’ve heard from him?”

  Ouch. Why did she have to bring that up? “Ah, it’s only been a few days. Besides, I’m sure the girls told him I was sick.”

  “Oh, so he hasn’t even called you since you caught a life-threatening disease?”

  She had a way of making me feel like an idiot. “I’m sure he’s just waiting for me to get better. He might be staying away for a reason.”

  Tori let out a sigh. “Right. I’ve never had the stupid disease, yet I’m sitting right here.”

  Double ouch. Just when I was about to come up with a lame response, Okasan walked through the doorway.

  “Excuse me, I have made dinner for you and your friend in the living room. Would you like some help down the stairs?”

  Impressive. Tori had worked wonders. The whole time I’d been sick, all Okasan gave me to eat was rice and egg soup she insisted would make me better. Not once had she even tried to help me down the stairs so I could get out of my sweaty sickbed. I felt a bit embarrassed to have dinner in my leopard fleece pajamas, but I didn’t have the energy to change.

  With Tori on one side and Okasan on the other, they practically carried me down the stairs. My eyes grew wide when we turned the corner. The table was beautifully set for us. A feast covered every square inch of the tabletop. A large platter of teriyaki chicken took center stage surrounded by plates full of assorted vegetables and bowls of steamed rice accompanied by the mandatory miso soup. Tori helped me down onto the floor cushion and I actually began to drool at the sight of so much delicious food.

  Tori smoothed her napkin on her lap and put her feet in front of a heater Okasan had moved near the table. This was beyond deluxe treatment. She made a plate of vegetables and chicken for me as I breathed in the wonderful steaming miso broth. I drank down the soup and eagerly shoveled in mouthfuls of rice and chicken, while Tori filled me on what was happening back at Elkridge Academy.

  Just when Tori was about to tell me something truly interesting, the phone rang. I was sad Okasan’s loud chatter broke our wonderful reunion. Then who should come strolling over but the big mouth herself. “Erin denwa, phone.”

  Tori raced to my side to help me get up. “What’s wrong with these people? Why don’t they have cordless phones like everyone else in the twenty-first century?”

  I barely heard her. Which one of my friends had Okasan just been talking to? Picking up the receiver, the sound of live music in the background answered my question. “Hey, Kenzo. Long time no hear.”

  “I know. I’m so sorry. Gina told me you were sick. Before I could come over and kick Hiroshi’s butt for you, I had to go on a mission for the PSIA.”

  “Was it something to do with what’s going on? I did have another thing happen. Actually, it was pretty big.”

  Tori stood glued to my side. “I’ll say it as big! You almost died. And where is he?”

  I placed my hand over the receiver. “Tori he had to work. Okay?”

  She shook her head. “Don’t let him get away with treating you like that.”

  “So, I get sick and you disappear. How convenient.” Tori gave me a thumbs-up.

  Kenzo sucked in a breath. “Oh, come on. Don’t be like that. You know I’d be by your side nursing you back to health if I could. We’re a team.”

  My legs felt rubbery. His voice melted through the receiver. “Okay. I believe you.”

  Tori punched me in the arm and I almost lost my balance.

  “Good. I promise to come and see you next week when I get back.” His charm radiated through the receiver. “Feel better. I miss you.”

  I hung up the phone and faced a glaring Tori. “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re such a sucker.”

  Just when I was about to use up whatever energy I had left to kick her butt, the doorbell rang. Tori opened the
door and grinned ear to ear. “Hello. I’m Tori, Erin’s friend, and you are?”

  Fudo strode through the door carrying a present. He placed it on the shoe rack as he put on the spare pair of guest slippers. He held out his hand to Tori, “Fudo, nice to meet you.” Then he saw me and grabbed the present. “Erin, I’m so glad to see you’re out of bed. I brought you a Christmas gift.”

  Tori gave me a wink as I took the present. “Thanks, but are you sure you want to be near me?”

  Fudo looked dashing in his preppy black cardigan and pleated pants. “Do not worry. I had Hashika when I was a child.”

  As I went to put the gift on the living room table, my legs buckled out from under me and I collapsed on the floor. Both Fudo and Tori rushed to my side. Fudo held my hand, fanning my face. “Are you alright?”

  I wasn’t used to being so fussed over. “Of course. My legs are a bit wobbly, that’s all. I’ve been in bed for five days.”

  Tori gently pulled my arms until I was sitting up. “Well, I hate to tell you, but your bed is exactly where you need to be.”

  Holding onto Tori’s shoulder, I used all my strength to get back up on my feet. I slowly walked towards the stairs. They looked almost as insurmountable as Mount Fuji. Just as I lifted my foot to begin my assent, Fudo scooped me up. I felt like a new bride as he carried me up the stairs. “Thanks, Fudo. I could have made it.”

  He gently placed me on the bed making sure my pajama top was tucked down and gave me a smile. “You are welcome.”

  Tori reached out and handed me the present. “Think you have the energy to open it?”

  I hesitated to tear through the beautiful white cranes wearing Santa hats that strolled across the gift-wrapping. Tori gave my hand a push. “Go on, open it.”

  The frown on Fudo’s face was a much better incentive. I ripped several crane’s heads off with enthusiasm. “I wonder what’s inside?” I touched the pendant necklace he had given me. “I love my birthday gift.”

  Fudo’s face lit up. “I hope you like this as much.”

  Inside the box was a beautiful pair of Japanese lacquered sandals. “Wow, I always wanted a pair of geta.”

  Tori seemed impressed with Fudo’s gift. She took the sandals in her hands and turned them around, admiring all the multi-colored embroidery on the straps. “These are gorgeous.”

  Fudo’s grin grew larger. “They are from a special shop that handmakes every pair.”

  Tori gave me back the sandals and I held my leg out and put one on. It fit my foot perfectly. How did Fudo know my shoe size? Did he sneak a peek at the shoe rack? How embarrassing. Now he knew I had feet the size of a basketball player. I plastered a grin on my face. “I can’t wait till I’m well enough to wear them.”

  “Shogatsu, the big New Year’s celebration is soon. That would be the perfect time to wear them.”

  Tori took the geta off my foot. “He’s right. New Year’s is a big deal. Everyone dresses up in traditional kimonos and geta to visit the temples.”

  Fudo stood up. “You better get some rest so you can go. If you want, I can stop by tomorrow.”

  “Great idea.” Tori escorted him to the door. “I’m sure she’d like that.” She shut the door behind him and gave me a wink. “You didn’t tell me Hiroshi had such a hot friend.”

  Tori loved the clean-cut type. “Yeah, he’s a nice guy, but according to the list, I’m supposed to snag a rock star, remember?”

  She plopped down on the bed. “And see how well that’s working for you?”

  I gave her my best you-don’t-know-what-you’re-talking-about look. “Kenzo’s great.”

  “Of course he is. Only the best boyfriends abandon their girlfriends when they’re seriously ill.”

  I was finding it hard to defend Kenzo, especially after Fudo’s performance. “He is way more charming.”

  Tori put the sandals back in the box. “And he showers you with presents, too.”

  “Okay, can we change the subject?”

  “Sure. What about the rest of the list? How’s that going?”

  Crap. Why did she have to bring up her stupid list? “Pretty good. Before I got sick, I was getting ready to send you another batch of photos from the campus Internet café.”

  “What about visiting my relatives? Bet you haven’t even planned the trip yet.”

  Oh, crap. I couldn’t tell her, not yet. “I’m tired, can we talk about this tomorrow?”

  “See, I knew you hadn’t gone. Guess as soon as you’re better I’ll have to do it.”

  I threw the covers over my head and took a series of yoga breaths. Tori was forcing my hand.

  She pulled the blankets off my head. “What is wrong with you?”

  Looking into her eyes, I knew I couldn’t stall any longer. I was going to have to tell her everything. I’d been lucky when Tori forgave me for winning the scholarship. I didn’t have much faith our friendship could survive the news I had to tell her. “Tori, sit down.” She pulled the desk chair next to the bed. I fought back tears as I reached out to touch her.

  “Erin, you’re scaring me.”

  I wiped away a stray tear. “I visited your relatives. There’s something really big hidden in the family closet.”

  She pushed my hand aside and leaned back in the chair. “You’re not a bit funny. You must still be in a fever-induced haze.”

  I leaned over and gave her a hug. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but your parents kept a huge secret from you.”

  Her eyes burned through me. “My dad was wonderful. He’d never hide anything from his daughter.”

  Sweat poured down the back of my neck. With every minute that passed, our friendship slipped away. This was going down worse than I imagined.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t say anything. Your cousins had some issues with your grandfather, so they might have been lying.”

  Tori stood up and paced the room. “I’ve just lost my dad. I don’t want his memory ruined.” She fidgeted with her hands, tugging on the jade ring her father gave her as a sixteenth birthday present. “If it’s important, I want to know.”

  I motioned for Tori to sit by me. “You know I love you.”

  She nodded her head, but the look of fear spread across her face.

  I took a deep breath as if it were my last. “Your last name isn’t Mukagawa. It’s Tanaka.”

  Chapter 11

  Recovery

  December 27-8:00 AM

  I woke to my meowing alarm. What the hell? I didn’t have school. Could Okasan be up to her old tricks, even with Tori in residence? I rubbed my eyes and threw off the covers, my breath making smoke signals in the cold air. Snow pelted my window as I shivered and realized something important was gone—Tori.

  When I slammed my hand down on the meowing clock, a letter flew off the nightstand.

  Erin,

  The revelation I’m adopted haunted me all night. You, of all people, know how obsessed I’ve been with my relatives in Japan. My father always instilled in me to be proud of my heritage, my roots. Now to find out the whole thing was a lie hurts my soul. Yet, I feel driven to go to Fukuoka and find out the whole story.

  Part of me hates you for telling me. Why didn’t I win the scholarship instead of you so I could have found out for myself? I forgave you once, but I don’t know if I can do it again.

  Tori

  The letter fell from my hand as I walked towards the door. My worst nightmare had come true. Tori and I were through. Maybe I should follow her and try to win her back. The family might have nothing more to tell-but maybe the Tanaka revelation just scratched the surface of the lies. I should be there to support her. Plus, I worried about how the family would treat her. Would they blurt out everything like they did with me? Or would they be more tactful with adopted family?

  The pictures of her father in the photo album still nagged at me. He must have gone to Japan to make sure the secret stayed in the land of the Rising Sun. I should be with Tori, holding her hand, when she looked through the al
bum. I threw on a sweater and opened my bedroom door. When I hit the first step, I realized it wasn’t my place to follow Tori. As much as I wanted to protect her, the truth was hers to find.

  Besides, I probably wouldn’t even be able to walk to the station. Although I was feeling better, I needed to get much stronger before I could take a long trip. My stomach let out a loud growl. At least some part of my body was feeling like its old self. I walked downstairs to face an empty house. Okasan must have felt glad to hand me over to Tori. She was probably out shopping with friends and gossiping about the horrible American.

  I scrounged through the fridge for something to quiet my stomach. The prospects weren’t looking good. I shoved aside a cup of plain yogurt, red sweet beans, and fermented seaweed. The refrigerator was abandoning me, just like Tori. Although I couldn’t blame her for wanting to visit the family, our time together was limited. I wanted to spend every minute together.

  My disappointment only made me hungrier. Desperate, I walked to the one place I knew that would have something edible—Okasan’s family shrine. The ghost hadn’t shown itself since I returned. Maybe it stayed in Fukuoka. The large bowl of tangerines made my mouth water. Grabbing one, I tore it open and relished every segment as I popped them one after another into my mouth. Suddenly there was a noise at the door. Crap! If Okasan caught me eating the ancestor’s food, she would throw me out of the house. How could I commit such a sacrilege? I stuffed the evidence in my pajama pocket and turned to leave, but a white film blocked my path. The familiar blast of cold air hit my ear.

  “Shinimji anata o korosou to shita. Anta wa mada kiken ni sarasa rete imasu.”

  Great. Once again, the ghost refused to reveal itself. Not only that, but my Hashika addled brain could only translate half of what it said. Something about someone killing me and I was still in danger. My heart raced at the thought that someone wanted me dead. I desperately needed clarification, but the chill in the room had fled—along with the ghost. In case Okasan was at the door, I couldn’t get caught in the shrine room, so I tiptoed towards the stairs.