Chapter 8 ~ Everly {June '19
"So what are we doing today?" Leo smiles at me.
I had texted him last night if he was willing to ditch any plans he may have had today. So here we are.
"Well, I don't want to ruin the surprise. Just know it's an all-day thing and it'll be the best last day."
"Oh god, Eve what are you gonna torture me with."
"I already told you. It's a surprise," throwing in some jazz hands.
We make our way through the different trains, walking and sitting, waiting, talking, laughing. I didn't realize how much I needed this. A day with no bullshit. A day with my best friend. To have fun and not worry about anything. At least for now.
It takes forever, but we finally arrive in Osaka. A city known for its lively nightlife and amazing food. You could find any meal here made by hundreds of different vendors. It also happens to have Universal Studios.
"Eve," he says in a quiet voice. Leo looks up at the entrance, mesmerized.
I can't contain my excitement anymore. I grab Leo and pull him inside. We get our tickets and a map. There's so many rides and attractions to look at—Super Mario, Hogwarts, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Pokémon, Jujitsu Kaisen, and even more. I look at Leo who is still in awe. Obsessing over every building and detail.
"Hey, when you're done staring at everything we can eat. I am hungry here."
"Oh, oh yeah! Where should we eat? I heard the jujitsu high dining food is great, but I also wanted to try- Oooo, but the Hogs Head sounds so good. Damn, we also have to go to the cafe in Mario world eventually…"
He lists every other food option on the map. I'm never going to eat at this point.
"Well, let's start with the cafe. Something light to get us started. We'll leave the other two for lunch and dinner."
"Super Mario it is!" he grins.
The day goes by fast. A blur of rides and attractions, all captured in hundreds of photos. I make a quick mental note to print them all and mail them to Leo once he gets to the States. A small home gift for him.
It's 2 am and we're on our last train home. Leo's head rests on my shoulders. I can feel his body rise and fall to his breathing. He's knocked out. I smile to myself in success. That's how I know I did a great job, making his last day count. The train jostles as it hits a divider, waking Leo up. He opens his eyes and stretches before sitting up.
"I never said thank you."
I turn to look at him and see him staring back at me.
"You're welcome," I say softly.
"No, really Eve, thank you. I know we haven't been seeing eye to eye recently, and there's just so much going on in our own lives. But taking the whole day for me means a lot."
"I wanted to make sure I gave you one last hurrah."
He smiles, "It was the best way, thank you again."
"You already know that even though you'll be thousands of miles away, I'll still bug you. Texts, calls, who knows, maybe I'll get bored and even write a letter."
"Wow, will a pigeon deliver it too?"
I give him a side eye, and he laughs. There's a small silence between us before he speaks again.
"My flight leaves in a couple of hours," his tone dropping.
"I know."
"My suitcases are already packed and my carry-on is basically done."
"You already packed?"
"Well, when you sent that text last night, I had to. I was gonna pack today, or is it yesterday now?"
"Anyways, once I saw your text I knew I wouldn't have enough time to pack later. So I did it then. I didn't know what you had planned but I wanted to make sure I was free regardless, just in case."
"That is truly amazing. The first time you don't procrastinate. I'm very proud of you."
"Thanks, I will never be doing it again though."
"Who's going to drop you off?"
"Umm, well my dad actually. He's staying another week to officially wrap everything at work and home. Until then, my mom and the rest of us are gonna set up the new house. I also looked into transfers once I found out. I have another two months before school starts over there. Not like here, where you'll start a month ahead of me."
"At least you'll have some time to settle in. Get to know the area and get used to the culture shock."
"Yeah, I guess." he looks down at his hands.
It's obvious he's not excited about the new change. It's a lot for someone who spent their entire life in one place and is now forced to cut ties. I don't blame him.
"Listen, it's gonna be a rough start but you'll be okay. Besides, you'll still talk to the group and we'll keep you up to date. Who knows, maybe you can fly back for holidays and breaks. Or I can go to you."
"You think so?"
"We'll have to wait and see." I assure him, "Besides, what state are you moving to anyway?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot to say, it's going to be New York."
"Shut up! New fuckin York! LEO, why are you just now telling me this?"
"I didn't think it was a big deal. It's just a city-"
"I'm sorry, only one of the most famous cities over there! Damn I wish I was going with you. I'd happily move there."
"Maybe one day you will," he gleams.
I raise an eyebrow, "Maybe."
There's a pause before he speaks. "So… are you okay?"
I stare off into the train window, noting the skyline of the city. Nearly there, but still far enough to where I can't stall.
"I am now. I've been able to digest everything from the argument. It still stings, ya know? I don't think that'll ever go, but I'm not upset anymore. If anything this gives me a reason to be on my own. I've wanted to move out anyway. Sam's been nothing but an angel. He's taken care of so much for me and even got me a job! A job Leo! I wanted to cry just hearing the news."
"Damn! Sam really hooked it up. I'm just glad to hear you're doing better though. I know you weren't the closest with them but it doesn't make it any less hard. Getting kicked out isn't nothing. Honestly, I can't comprehend why your dad would say that. Have you heard from your mom?"
I couldn't help but let out a laugh. The woman wasn't even home when it all happened. She was out on one of her night excursions. Lo told me she didn't even know I had been kicked out until she asked why her husband was in a mood. She tries to be present, but it's not enough. Whatever she does at night carries into her day at home, so she's usually high when I see her.
"No. Honestly, I don't want to. She wouldn't be much help anyway. Probably just start another argument with Dad and leave for the night. I don't really see a point to it. I need some time for myself anyway."
He bumps my shoulder with his, "I know you can take care of yourself and like you said, it's an opportunity for yourself. To grow, to explore, and to live your life the way you want to." he pauses before continuing, "Just please be careful. Not only with what you've got going on, but also at the meets. You won't have anyone there to back you up if shit goes south. I'm not going to tell you to avoid them cuz I know you won't listen. All I ask is that you think through everything and trust no one."
My brain says to tell him about the whole Azriel issue and open up, but I know it would only worry him more. It's not fair to dump it all hours before his flight.
"Of course," is all I'm able to say and add in a soft smile to comfort him. He returns it and even throws his arm to wrap over my shoulders, giving me a small squeeze on the arm.
The rest of the ride was shared silence. Taking in our presence with one another, as it'll be a while before we see each other again. Before we knew it, we arrived at our station and said one last goodbye.
I know Leo will do great in the new city and hopefully make it his second home. I just wish I had more time with him. After all, he is my best friend. No one else knows about the car scene as it was just an us thing. Honestly, I couldn't even picture the others going to one for fun. Damn, maybe I should start talking to other people at the meets.
It's 4 am by the time I get home. My first day is tomorrow, and I have yet to go buy clothes. Eh, I'll do it later today. I slip under the sheets and fall asleep.
I open my eyes to sunlight beaming through the balcony door. If I had to guess, it was probably evening as the sun still had a while to set. Checking my phone, it reads 5:34 pm. Not too bad since the mall closes at 9 pm. I quickly get in the shower and change for a solo outing. I also quickly send a message to Leo wishing him a safe flight. I then walk into the kitchen and find another note from Sam: "Had to run to the office. Be back round 8"
I find it comforting that he writes little notes instead of texting me. I return the favor by grabbing the notepad and the nearest pen; "Going to the mall for clothes 4 tmr. Be back for dinner"
I placed it in the spot he left his. I grab my keys and bag before heading out of the building. Thankfully, the garage isn't too far from his place, maybe soon I can pay for a stall within the building once I start working.
I walk into the mall, and thankfully, it's not too busy. A late evening Sunday usually means people are at home getting ready for the week. I walk into different stores and search through them. I can't remember the last time I went shopping for clothes, let alone by myself. Although I can't lie and say I'm not enjoying it. It feels peaceful being on my own, especially on a non-busy day.
I'm in the last store and I check the time, 7:23. Not too bad, but I have to wrap this up and be quick. I'm looking at a rack of clothes when I can feel someone staring at me. I look up to make direct eye contact with Azriel.
Fuck meeee. There goes my peace. I turn to look at the person next to him, who is an older lady. She's talking to him but doesn't seem to notice him looking at me. She's roughly my height, if not shorter, and holds a paler complexion compared to Azriel. Her hair is a caramel mocha brown and neatly styled. I can't see her face clearly, but note her outfit. A simple black dress, quite modest as it fits her shape, but covers almost her entire body, minus her ankles. She finally turns to look at Azriel and holds up a shirt to him. He snaps out of it and returns to their conversation. I seize the opportunity to make a run to the register and thankfully, no one's in line. I quickly check out and make it out of the store. I'm almost at the elevator when someone pulls my arm.
"FUCK OFF!" I threaten yanking back my arm. I didn't dare turn around. No point when I already knew who it was.
"Everly, we need to talk." I can hear him trying to walk to the front of me, but I turn around. I refuse to speak to him right now. Why here? Why today? Why didn't I come earlier?
"Everly I'm being serious. You can't avoid me forever."
"It's only been a day," I say with my back towards him. I don't hear any more movement. Hopefully he stays there.
"You know what I mean. I had a feeling you wouldn't come back to the house anyway. Not like you'd just happily return to do the job you promised to see through."
"Don't use that on me!" In fury I turned to face him. "I promised to do it for Kana, not for you. Take your pathetic excuse and shove it up your ass. I'm done."
"Hell you are. It won't be another week until she's able to return. I thought your promises would mean more. Now your word means shit."
"Excuse me?"
"Say what you'd like, but it's not gonna match your actions."
"Do I have to remind you why I left in the first place? I'm not going to take disrespect from a pathetic boy. I had explained that something came up and you went straight to asshole mode. Didn't even care to ask if I was good. I thought YOU were a better person than that. Yet you proved you're nothing but a selfish rich kid who doesn't give a damn about others. So yeah, actions are loud, but how you acted made it crystal clear exactly who you are."
He opens his mouth to say something, but quickly looks up and his entire expression changes. I turn to look and see the woman from before walking over.
"Honey, I was waiting for you in the store, but you took longer than expected, and they were closing soon. You can try on the clothes at home and-"
"Yeah sounds good. Let's go home," he says, walking past me and continuing forward, but she finally looks at me.
"I'm sorry, but who are you?"
I can't help but stare. She's stunning. Her features are sharp, but fit her face so well. A slim nose to go with her almond hazel eyes. An oval face with perfectly even eyebrows. Her hair color is prettier up close. She looks like she walked off a model set with no strand out of place. I finally realized the concerned look on her face and forgot she asked me a question.
"Oh um, sorry, I'm Everly," I say giving a polite head nod.
"Lovely to meet you, Miss. Everly. May I ask how you know my son?"
Son?
"Mom, can we go please?"
Mom?
She looks back and cuts him a stern look that must have some meaning to it before turning her attention back to me. I look up to Azriel, who only gives me a shrug and is also waiting for my answer.
"I'm a student at Sakura. We randomly met at the library one day." I say, trying to sound confident.
"A FRIEND FROM SCHOOL?!" she nearly pitches with excitement, "Kenshin, why haven't you told me about her?" She turns to face him again, and he's too stunned to speak. Honestly, so am I, I've never heard anyone call him that name before. She notes his silence and simply looks back at me.
"Never mind that, Miss. Everly, please excuse my sudden happiness. I've yet to meet any of his friends from school, let alone any in general. I was getting worried and thought he may just not have any, given the busy schedule he has. So this brings some peace of mind. Please, if you're not busy I'd love to have you over for dinner tonight."
I can practically sense the alarm going off in Azriel. He's not alone though. The last place I want to be is back at that house.
"Thank you ma'am, but I have to say no. I have dinner plans with my brother tonight." giving her a smile.
"Oh, I completely understand. Please, though, you must come over for dinner soon. I'll let Azriel know next time I'm in town. That way we can properly plan it."
"I'd like that," and suddenly I don't know why I said that. Not like I'd ever speak to her son again.
"Mom, we have to get going now. I still have work to do back at the house."
"Right, right right, well it was a pleasure meeting you Everly. Hopefully we can chat soon." With that, she turns to walk in the opposite direction, passing Azriel, or is it Kenshin?
He stands there for another second with a quiet expression before turning to follow his mom.
Apparently I can't have 48 Azriel free hours.
I head down to the garage and quickly drive away. Now that I'm sitting in my thoughts, she and Charlie share the same pale complexion. Both brothers have her sharp nose and the same arched eyebrows. The similarities end there though. The rest must be from the dad.
How can such a wonderful lady have a jerk of a son? She carried herself with the confidence of a powerful woman; there's no question she knows her beauty. Yet her demeanor was nothing short of professional, her mannerisms screamed wealthy, but her kindness was warm. A loving mother who I fear doesn't know her son. What exactly does she do? Something important and busy if she's not home often. Another thought, has he never brought anyone to the house? Azriel only appears more and more of a mystery to me. One I won't ever be able to solve, unfortunately. It would be over my dead body before I speak to him again. The audacity he had to even speak to me out in public, and for what? To lecture me? Get me to go back so I can pick up after his sorry ass? Or push me further like some game? Yeah right…
"In the kitchen Eve."
I walk into the condo and am immediately hit with the smell of meat cooking. My stomach growls as I haven't eaten anything all day, and it's reminding me of my current state of starvation. Thank you Sam.
"It smells so good in here," I say practically salivating over the scent.
"Thought we'd do a little taco night. Something delicious with a hint of comfort. You came at the right time, the meat is done."
I go to set up the small table, getting plates and cups for us both. Sam brings over the meat in a small container and the warm tortillas wrapped in a small towel. I set little bowls out with cilantro, onions, and salsa.
"So, how was your mall trip?" Sam starts as we sit down to eat.
"It was fun actually. I was able to find an outfit for tomorrow and a couple of other staples."
"That's good. Are you ready for your first day?"
"Mmm, I would say more or less. There's only so much I can prepare myself for, ya know? I'm nervous but also excited to do something new."
"Just remember that you have the skills to do the job. It's only a small office position, nothing too extreme or out of your league. I won't be able to go see you though. My duties require me to stay on the top floors. I'm not exactly seen in the lower departments."
"I figured. Can't exactly be in the room where your sister's working. People would say I only got it because we're related."
"Please, no one would dare say that to the guy who runs the company. Besides, I made sure to keep that fact under wraps. Only a handful of people know."
"Wait? Really? Who?"
"I don't want you to look for them, so I won't say for now. Just know they know you, and if they see you struggling, they'll lend a hand." he says with a small smirk.
"Oh great, so I'm going to look oblivious to them."
"Not really, I also told them not to tell you. They understand the circumstances of the situation."
"Wow, you sound so serious."
"Hey, it is still my company and I'd like to keep it professional."
"Yeah I get it. I won't do anything beyond stupid, promise." I say in confidence.
He simply laughs and continues eating.
"Oh! What time do I start again?"
"Well you end classes around what? 12 or 1 in the afternoon? Just come by right after them. As long as you work at least 25 hours through the week. This can be on weekdays or even weekends. It's up to you to split up the hours during the week. So if you have a test you need to study for, don't come in that day; you can come in the next day after you take the test. I know you want to work and move out on your own, but school is still first Eve. You have a scholarship for that place. It's not worth losing. If you're having an extra hard week with school, just let me know."
His generosity knows no limits. I wonder if he's like this with me since no one was with him. I wonder how many times he wished for a break from work or school but couldn't. We are only human after all.
"Thanks Sam, I do appreciate all of this. It's making life bearable at the moment. With Leo leaving today and everything else that's going on. Thank you."
"Of course Hermana, gotta look out for each other." he stands up and carries the dishes to the sink. "I also have a question."
"Shoot."
"Where do you keep your car?"
"You're gonna laugh."
"Sure I will, just tell me."
"It's in a parking garage close by, probably a 10-minute walk."
He laughs and looks up at me, "10 minutes isn't too bad, but it would be better if it were only outside the building. Here's the deal. I'll pay for your parking spot here, which does include valet. Simply call them before you leave the condo, and they'll have it out by the time you get out to the front."
"Oh my g-"
He cuts me off before I can finish, "But I don't want to see you out racing. At least for now. Get your routine back and have some type of cash flow. I'm more than happy to pay for the building service, but a speeding ticket is different. I also don't want to have to pay a bond if you get arrested for illegal car meets."
This may be an issue.
As if he read my mind, "I'm not bullshitting Eve. I'm trying to help you as much as I can. You're my sister after all. I'm still gonna allow you to do your own thing, no curfew, no interrogations on where you've been or with whom, and I won't intrude on your personal stuff. You're an adult and I'll respect that. The only rules I have are to focus on school and no street racing. I'm not dumb either, so don't bother hiding it. I also know you love it and won't stay away from it forever. Thus, the have your own money part. If you want to be stupid and mess around, it'll be at your cost. Is that understood?"
"Yes."
"Okay, so now that's over, I'm going to make a quick call. Go get your car and pull up to the valet. It should be settled by then."
"Sam?"
"Yeah", he turns before leaving the kitchen.
"Thank you, again."
"You're welcome, again."
After dropping off my car with a valet, I head straight to my room. I look at my phone and see that Leo has yet to respond. He must be on his flight, and going from Tokyo to New York isn't exactly a short trip. Then there's the time difference between the two. Something I have to keep in mind.
I plug in my phone to charge and look out the balcony. I haven't taken the chance to walk out, so I do. I'm hit with the warm air that July is known for. Looking out, I have a perfect view of the city. The lights create an image of liveliness and a sense of vibrance. Truly a city that never sleeps. When you look below, you can still see crowds of people walking. Probably heading home or even out to work. I take an extra couple of minutes soaking up the scene before heading back inside.
Tomorrow is the start of a new chapter.