Life Will Change Book 2

Chapter 22: Meeting the Mayor

Begin!

~Normal POV

8/9 - Wednesday

In the spirit of enjoying their time off, Haru wanted to visit the old government office in the city, due to the flower garden surrounding it. The building wasn't actually in use anymore, but it remained as a cultural property, so that made it a little more bearable to Akira. The garden was free of other tourists at the moment.

"It's actually pretty hip for such an old place!" Ann commented brightly.

"Simply marvelous. There's a stillness and symmetry here that ignites my artist's soul!"

"And the garden is so lovely!" Haru gushed, "How many different kinds of flowers do you think there are?"

Before anyone could attempt to guess an answer, a harsh woman's voice yelled from somewhere behind them. "This flower is completely wilted! How could you overlook this!?" This drew their attention immediately.

Down the path, there was a woman and a man standing next to one of the rose bushes. The woman was quite distinctive looking. She was an older woman; tall and slim. Her brown hair was done up in bouffant style, and she had hard angled eyebrows. Her face was dolled up with red lipstick, black eyeliner, and blue to pink eye-shadow. She was dressed very professionally in a black business dress with dark rose motifs on it; and she had a light royal blue scarf around her neck. She had two large diamond earrings. The man she was talking to was clearly her subordinate, given the fearful, apologetic look on his face.

"What's going on over there," Haru asked.

"Don't know but she looks pissed..." Ryuji said, quietly.

"Ma'am, I'm so sorry!" The man pleaded. "It's just, this summer's been much hotter than last year..."

"Spare me your excuses." The woman snapped. "This flowerbed is one of the city's main points of attraction. Have you forgotten you work for the most powerful woman in Sapporo Central? Perhaps you won't much longer."

"Please, no!" The man begged. "I'll do anything to fix this!"

"You can keep your eyes glued to these flowers around the clock for all I care- just do not let this happen again!" The woman demanded.

The man bowed fearfully. "Then that's what I'll do, Mayor!"

The gang couldn't help feeling sorry for the man. This lady was quite intimidating. The woman glanced their way, noticing them for the first time. She calmed down from her tantrum and approached them with an apologetic look.

"Are you all here for sightseeing?" She asked, gently. "I'm sorry you had to witness such unprofessional behavior from our staff during your visit."

"Oh no, ma'am, it's not an issue," Akira replied, politely.

She took his politeness with a grateful nod. "Ah, nice to see a young one showing their elders some respect." She looked in Haru's direction and did a double take. Her mouth fell open in shock. "Oh my... could it be? You're... Haru-chan?"

Haru stared back at her in surprise. "What?"

The woman smiled warmly. "Of course you wouldn't recognize me! You were tiny the last time I saw you! It's me, Mariko Hyodo; your father was a very good friend of mine!"

Haru racked her brain for a moment before her eyes widened in realization. "...Mari-san?!"

Mariko smiled even brighter. "Yes! Oh, that lifts my heart! It's been so long!"

The two hugged tightly, sharing warm greetings as if they were family. The rest of the gang watched them with silent curiosity.

"My goodness, look at you!" Mariko said, happily. "So beautiful and all grown up! Why, you're almost taller than me now! I thought I was just seeing things at first, but no, of course it's you. You look just like Izami! How old are you now?"