the night [rewriting/editing]

ten.

"An'na Ri," she explained in choppy syllables, her accent a lot stronger than my dad and I.

I ran to her and quickly squeezed her body with my frail arms. It seemed like eternity standing in her arms, breathing in her scent, Lolita Lempida perfume. "I missed you so much, mom"

"I missed you so much more"

"Table for three, please," dad said breaking up the 'Kodak Moment'.

"This way," the hostess directed as we all followed.

After the waitress took our orders, I had a million questions for mom.

"How was Japan? Did you see grandma? Is she doing alright? How was work there? Is the company doing well? Why were you there for so many months?" I spat out uncontrollably.

Her face went red.

"Well, Japan was great just how it was when we left. Grandma is doing really well, very lively these days. The company is doing amazing. Really, really good. But.."

"That's great," I exclaimed cutting her off.

"Let her finish," dad said.

"The business is doing so well they want me to stay out there for a year starting next month. I want you to come with me, Anna."

My face stood still. Mouth agape. "I can't just leave," I half screamed.

Her mouth opened, but the food came, cutting her off. When the waiter walked away she whispered, "Just think about it."

I was silent for the rest of breakfast. I just watched mom and dad catch up. Laughing and holding hands like they used to. This brought a small grin to my face; I missed that.

I pulled out my camera and took a couple of shots.

click, click

Who knew when this moment would happen again.

Buzz

"Anna no phones at the table," they both sternly said in unison.

I quickly took a glance at my phone.

Michael:

We really need to talk

"But it's Michael," I whined, "and it's urgent. Can I be excused, please?"

"Oooooo. Who's Michael?" mom cooed.

"Mooooooom," I whined even louder.

"Okay. Okay go."

My dad shot her a stern look filled with concern. I smiled his way in satisfaction.

Where are you?

Michael:

Where else?

I ran to the park.

Upon arriving, I was completely out of air.

"Mike...what...is...it," I heaved.

He burst into a loud heavy laughter.

I shot him the 'what the heck is going on' look.

When his laughs receded he spoke, "I just wanted to see my bestest friend."

I smiled when he called me his best friend, but then my mind found its way back to earth.

"Darn you, Michael Christopher Thomas."

"Woah. Woah. No need to use the 'C' word. What is the matter, Lee?" He smiled.

"My mom's home."

"From Japan?"

My face stiffened.

"Where else? Sorry, but that's great news. If she isn't like your dad I'd love to meet her."

I was silent. He was excited and happy for me. I couldn't tell him.

But you have to.

I really don't

Anna.

Fine.

"She wants me to go back with her, but for a year this time," I spat out.

His usually beaming smile dropped in an instant. The radiance that bounced off of his beautiful brown skin faded.

"She wants you to do what?"