Nostalgy

▶ Blue Stone Alley ; Congfei Wei

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▶ Blue Stone Alley ; Congfei Wei

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Tuesday, June 12 - 2 0 1 6

"Alicia! Wake up! Guests arriving in ten minutes!"

I groaned loudly, tossing to the other side of the bed.

"Alicia Kates! You come down or I'll drag you down myself!"

At that, I sat up in disinclination, blowing the few strands of hair sticking to my greasy face. After grumbling to myself for a few minutes, I hollered a reply then  shambled into the bathroom.

I left my room and descended the stairs, yawning on the way. I was still a bit peevish -always on mornings- but the splash of cold water helped clear my hazy mind. I entered the brightly lit kitchen and perched on the closest chair. Mother placed a plate before me and I started to dig in.

"Why are they arriving so early?" I asked while pouring myself a drink of water.

"The Yoshimotos?"

"Well, yeah..."

"They just called not long ago to say they were arriving early due to some flight issues." She shrugged. "They also mentioned that instead of a month, they would be spending the whole summer here."  

I choked on the water I was currently drinking, and pounded my chest. Did I just hear right? The whole freaking summer?!

Mother snickered. "Cough it all back up, why don't you?"

I ignored her remark and glared at her. "So this Kai dude will be sleeping on my bed for two whole months?! How will I ever survive?!"

Mother glared this time. "This 'Kai dude' is your friend, Alicia." I snorted. Barely.  "And don't forget that he's one of the youngest yet-"

"Most talented pianist in Japan," I interrupted, rolling my eyes. "Yes, I get it Mother. He turned out to be someone I didn't become; you don't have to rub it in my face, but that doesn't mean I should feel honored to have him sleeping in my bed! For two whole months." I added grudgingly.

Mother sighed and placed her hands on top of mine. "I know the past few years have been hard on you..."

I quickly withdrew my hand and shook my head forcefully. "You don't. Everybody keeps on saying that, including Father, but you guys just don't understand." My voice quivered at the end and I hate myself for being so emotional. After all these years, I thought I'd get over it but apparently I hadn't.

Mother sighed and chewed on her lips nervously. "All I'm saying is... Be nice to them, alright? Especially to Kai, he's... Well, it doesn't matter but just because he plays the piano doesn't mean you have to detest him."

"Whoever said I detest pianists?" I scoffed.

"Alicia." Mother snapped. "Drop this annoying behavior. I know you're still hurting since that day at the-"

"Don't," I said, as painful memories flashed before my eyes, "continue that sentence. Please."

"No, Alicia. Listen to me. Do you think he would want you to be like this?"

"Don't bring him into this!" I yelled, standing up abruptly. I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill from my eyes. Mother set her lips into a thin line and the both of us stared each other in silence and, as insufferable it may be, I found it relieving.

"Sorry for the outburst," I apologized finally, then slowly slid back into the chair. I pushed the plate away, suddenly losing my appetite, and watched Mother take it to the sink. I would usually be the one washing the dishes in the morning but I guess I would take over that duty for dinner now.

"I'm sorry too, sweetie. Why don't you go take a shower before they arrive? I understand if you need some time alone."

"Okay..." I murmured then threw one glance at Mother before I left. I couldn't see her since her back was turned towards me and I felt guilt crashing through my body once again for yelling at her earlier. I walked upstairs, hoping the feeling of uneasiness that resulted from the fight would go away soon, but I knew it would still linger for some time. Guilt sometimes drive us insane, doesn't it? 

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I heard several honks from a car a few minutes after I came out of the shower. I hastily slid on a random dress then combed my tangled blonde locks. After looking at myself in the mirror for the last time to check my appearance, I tip-toed down the stairs, hoping I looked presentable to the guests. I heard Father and Mother chatting animatedly to the Yoshimotos in the living room.

"There she is !" Father exclaimed, his blue eyes twinkling when I arrived. I faked a smile. The petite woman with a huge grin on her face, probably Mrs. Yoshimoto, pulled me into a tight hug and I had to awkwardly hug her and pat her back.

"How are you, Little Alicia?" she squealed and I blushed at my old nickname."You've gotten so tall and pretty! When I first saw you, you were only this tall, " she said, placing her hand below her for indication. I smiled shyly at her, not knowing what to say.

Mr. Yoshimoto came to my rescue and laughed, "Don't scare her away, Mei! She probably doesn't remember us."

I looked at Mr. Yoshimoto for the first time and smiled politely at him. He was a very tall man with a kind face. He came over to hug me and I returned the hug as well. 

I turned to greet the boy standing behind Mr. Yoshimoto next, and my stomach started to flutter while I scanned his face. His hair was swept to the side, his sharp eyes dark and elegant. He had a straight, regal nose and the kind of lips that you want to touch to see whether they were softer than they actually looked. He raised his eyebrow arrogantly, and I looked away as heat rushed up to my face.

"Let the kids get acquainted first. Why don't you come in and sit down in the kitchen?" Father invited, and they all shuffled into the room except Kai. I awkwardly stood near the doorway, unsure of what to say. This guy looked so intimidating despite his good looks and my hand started to sweat profusely.

" H-hi... " I stammered, giving a slight wave. He stared at me like I just grew another head and muttered something in Japanese.

"So... Um... I've heard a lot about you. Is it true that you are one of the most talented pianists in Japan?" I asked, trying to be civil. I started to worry since he wasn't saying anything. What if he didn't know how to speak in English?

"Yes, English? Or no?" I questioned again.

After giving me a blank look, he brushed past me in a haughty manner, leaving me speechless. I quickly closed my gaping mouth and set it into a grim line.

Rude, I fumed silently, clenching my fists into tight balls. And to think that he will staying with us for the whole freaking summer, I thought dreadfully, and trailed behind him. Oh boy.

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Sorry for the late update! I hope you liked this chapter! What do you think of the characters so far? Let me know in the comments :)

This chapter is dedicated to j-orenda for her support on my books so far! Thank you <3