First Love

Chapter 4

I haven't seen Kei for days, even though we lived in the same house. He was usually out early and came home really late. Sometimes, he even spent the night at one of his friends' house. I was starting to think that he was avoiding me.

Almost one week after my arrival, Mr. Ichihara was finally coming back from his trip. Amanda wanted to make a big dinner for the family, and I helped a little bit. When I say I helped I mean peeled onions, cut veggies, and washed rice.

Mrs. Ichihara was singing all day. I could tell, just by looking at her face, how excited she was that her husband was coming home. At some point, she took the phone and called Kei.

"Dinner's at seven, Kei, I want you home before that... He will be here at six I believe... Ok." She hung up and smiled at me.

Jiro wasn't home because he had practice. He had promised to take me with him the following week, so I was looking forward to it. He had already taken me around the neighborhood, parks close by, the famous Shibuya, and to a few temples around the city. His mom had talked to him earlier to tell him about dinner too.

Mr. Ichihara's face brightened as he stepped into the house. After taking his wife in his arms for a long hug, he turned to me and smiled.

"I finally get to see you, Samantha." He gave me a hug and patted me on the back. Then, he hugged Jiro.

We all walked to the living room and sat together.

"Kenji, do you want to take a bath first or eat first?" Amanda asked.

"I'll take a quick shower."

"Ok, then go ahead. Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes." He gave her a grateful smile and went upstairs.

Kei got home about ten minutes after his dad. His mom glared at him when he greeted her. Then, he also went upstairs. Jiro and I were the only ones left in the living room after his mom hurried to the kitchen to get everything ready.

"How was practice?" I broke the silence.

"It was alright. There is a competition in six weeks so, it's getting a little crazy."

"Oh, I can't wait to watch you. What day are you taking me?"

"How about Wednesday?" He tilted his head to the side.

"Well, it's not like I have anything scheduled." We both laughed. Kei and his dad entered the room at that same moment.

"What's so funny kids?" Mr. Ichihara had a curious look on his face.

"Jiro is taking me to watch his practice next week."

"Oh, that's nice." He smiled. I could swear I saw Kei's lips twitch though.

"Come on guys! Dinner is ready. Help me take plates to the table."

We all helped setting the table. Kei didn't say a word to me. He sat across the table from me and Jiro next to me. Those were their usual seats. Dinner went by as the parents talked about the new theater Kenji bought in Osaka.

I spent dinner eyeing my old friend. Studying his black hair and wondering whether it had changed naturally, or he had died it himself. He used to have such beautiful brown hair. Suddenly, Kei looked up and our eyes met. I felt heat slowly flushing my face. I couldn't look away from his emerald eyes. 'So, he had on black contact lenses that whole time.'

Kei looked back down to his plate without uttering a word. And I could finally breathe again.

The food was delicious. We even had cheesecake for dessert. Even though I was full, I took a small piece.