Lost

Chapter 2 Jacquelyn

It was a really good movie—so good that I ended up watching more like it. I did get some sleep, but not nearly enough considering it was a thirteen-hour flight. Once we touched down in Tokyo, I was thrilled to stretch my legs. I didn't call Stacy immediately; I just wanted to get to my room and sleep. It was still dark outside—the early morning sun hadn't risen yet. I decided to stay in Tokyo for one night before moving to the house I'd rented in the countryside.

Why the countryside? Well, I spent all this time and money to experience the real Japan, not the New York version of Japan. Nothing against Tokyo—it was amazing—but I really wanted to enjoy the slower, quieter parts of the country.

Once I get back home, I plan to look for a smaller place to live. Stacy knew of my plans to move someday. It sucked that we'd be apart, but she supported me 100%. The odds of me being forever single were high, so I might as well just take it easy.

After retrieving my luggage, I called a taxi to take me to my hotel.

"So...you American, yes?" the driver asked.

"Yes, I'm from Texas."

"Oh, Texas...where cowboys live, yes?"

I laughed.

"You can say that," I replied.

He laughed too.

"I'm Hiroshi. Your name?"

"Jacquelyn."

"Oh wow! Hard to say."

"Oh, yeah. I guess it's hard in Japanese...hmm, what about Jackie?"

"Jackie—easier," he said with a laugh. "Do you speak Japanese? I teach you some."

"A little...um...hajimemashite."

"Oh! Good, good!"

I laughed. "Thank you...oh...arigatou."

"You'll do just fine here. I hope you enjoy Japan."

"Thank you, Hiroshi."

Hiroshi told me more about Japan and places I should visit. He mentioned my small-town destination—very relaxing, but he warned me that no one there spoke English. I said I was fine with that. There's no better way to learn a language than being forced to, especially when you're hungry. He drove me to my hotel and helped me with my luggage.

I made it to my room and collapsed onto the bed, not moving an inch. Actually, I didn't even remember falling asleep. It felt like I had slept an entire day. Jet lag is no joke. I didn't want to waste the day, so I forced myself up. Besides, I was only staying in Tokyo for one night, so I had to get going soon. My way to the house was by bus, but it was too early to catch one, so I went sightseeing. My first stop: Harajuku. A must-see for me.

I did a little shopping—mostly clothes. I bought oversized items, which weren't really oversized for me, but I didn't care. I was bigger than the locals, sure, but that didn't bother me. Everywhere I went, I experienced warm hospitality...interspersed with the occasional guy speaking broken English, trying to flirt. Jungle fever runs here too, I guess.

After getting what I needed and grabbing a bite to eat, I returned to the bus station and FaceTimed Stacy instead of trying to figure out calling her.

"Jackie, finally! OMG, I thought something happened, I was so worried!" she cried.

"Sorry, Stac. I just wanted to focus on not getting lost as soon as I stepped off the plane. I'm waiting at the bus stop—it should be here in about two hours."

"Did you run across any cute guys?"

"Oh my god, Stacy, stop."

"Oh, come on! You didn't see any? I'm not saying to kiss one, just...look!"

"Okay, yes, I saw some cute guys."

"Oh my gosh!"

"Now stop and let me tell you some stuff."

We talked the entire two hours until the bus arrived. I was grateful—it didn't feel like two hours at all.

Some passengers kindly helped me load my things under the bus, and we were off. It would be a long ride, perfect for catching some much-needed sleep. The plane and sightseeing had drained me. By the time I reached my destination, I should be rested. My eyes drifted shut, and I fell asleep, drifting into the start of my new adventure.

"Sumimasen...ano...sumimasen...miss..."

I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Ugh...huh?" I mumbled groggily.

"You stop, miss...where is your stop..."

My eyes opened slowly, blurry at first. A few seconds later, I could see where I was.

"Oh..."

I reached into my bag for the address.

"Here...my ah...house...ie...rental."

"Ie...ah...no, sorry...ah, back house, far back, hour ago."

"Huh? An hour ago? But...where am I? Can't we just go back?"

"No, bus stops here for a few weeks. No more bus."

"No more bus?! Oh no, we have to go back! I don't, I don't know where I am. Please!" I begged.

"I'm sorry...really. Gomen, gomen," he said, frantically bowing.

Oh crap! Crap, crap, crap! I had really messed up.

I didn't want to argue with him—it was my fault I was in this mess. He helped me take my things off the bus. He said there were no hotels, but some grandmas in the area might let me stay. Of course, they didn't speak a lick of English.

"Oh my gosh," I muttered. "Why, why?!"

I trudged down a muddy, rain-soaked road, shoes and luggage splashing in puddles. At this point, I didn't care—I just needed help. I had to find my way back to where I was supposed to be.