Of Angels and Phantoms

Chapter 14- Home visit

"Over here!" I waved excitedly at Javi and June as I led them out of the airport to the waiting area. "We wait here!"

"We're not taking the train?" Javi asked.

I shook my head. "My father...driving." At the same instant, a black car pulled up in front of us and Dad stepped out of the driver's seat with a welcoming smile on his face.

"Mr. Orser!" Dad bowed and shook Coach's hand. "Good to have you with us."

"Thanks for having us over, Mr. Hanyu," Coach smiled at him warmly, turning to Javi and June. They shuffled awkwardly, looking at each other.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Hanyu. I'm Javier Fernandez."

"Oh, I've heard a lot about you from my wife and Yuzuru!" Dad turned to June, smiling cordially. "Nice to meet you, you are...?"

"Oh? Oh, um...I'm June. June Matsumoto. Nice to meet you." June stuck her hand out nervously, bowing slightly.

"M-Matsujun...?" Dad mumbled in surprise, quickly shaking her hand. "Oh, you are Japanese?" He spoke in Japanese, smiling amusedly.

"Uh...I am Canadian. But Japanese parents." June replied in Japanese nervously, giving me an unsettling look.

"Ah, I see. Oh, do you need help with your luggage?" Dad carried June's luggage and tucked it into the boot carefully as we loaded up the car and left the airport. June squeezed between Javi and I as Coach sat comfortably in the front seat, engaging in conversation with Dad.

"Sorry for being so...awkward." June leaned over, whispering to me. "I..."

"It's okay. Dad doesn't mind." I whispered back reassuringly, patting her hand. "I'll show you around later, okay?"

"Mm."

"Don't leave me out of the loop..." Javi whined, squeezing June and I. "Teach me Japanese so I can eavesdrop on you two next time!"

"What."

I chuckled and ruffled Javi's curly hair, nodding. "I will teach you too. With...June!"

"That's right! Let's start with introduction. How do I say 'hi' in Japanese?"

"Ah, that's..." I started my lesson in the car and June groaned, curling into a ball. Coach and Dad laughed at us and shook their heads as we drove into the neighbourhood. Dad took a turn to the left and our house became vaguely visible in the corner.

"Oh, we're almost there!" I exclaimed excitedly. I can't wait to go home and see everyone...

We pulled in front of the house as Dad helped us with our luggages before parking in the garage. Mum quickly came out from the house, greeting Coach, Javi and June.

"Thanks for having us over, Mrs. Hanyu."

"It's our pleasure. I'm sorry about my spoiled son, insisting on coming over earlier!"

"Mum!" I pouted, but I quickly gave her a tight hug. God, I miss them all so much...

We entered the hallway and shuffled into the guestroom, leaving the luggages there before going to the living room.

Javi looked around the guestroom curiously. "No beds?"

"Ah...we sleep on futon. Is it okay...?" I bit my lip worriedly, realising that I had forgotten that Coach and Javi were foreigners.

"WE'RE GOING TO SLEEP ON THE JAPANESE BED THINGS? DIOS MIO THAT'S SO COOL!" Javi cried excitedly and ran to Coach, announcing the 'good news'. I chuckled in relief, glancing at June.