The Fourth Law

Chapter 11, Part 1

It was the standard chaos of a Sunday morning, complicated by her visitor, but somehow Lily was able to get ready in time to go with the kids to church by nine thirty. Ai was increasingly fascinated by how much of Lily's life was affected by religion.

"Didn't really used to be that way," she said as they walked, her eyes tracking the smaller children. "Almost never went to church when we lived in Japan, though there was one in town. Since I started at the orphanage, it's been something that's just happened."

"I notice that not all of the children came with us," Ai said, while smiling and giving small waves to the townspeople who stared at her.

"While we do require them all to attend chapel, only Catholics have to go to Mass – Matt," she called sharply, "back over here, please!" Lily was aware of the looks. As much as she wanted to blame Wayne, she knew it was just the natural word-of-mouth about the town's unusual visitor. Ai didn't seem to mind at all. "You didn't have to come, either, of course. But I'm really glad you did."

Father Ramler did not seem particularly put out that his congregation paid more attention to Ai than his homily. For the hymns, Lily, a good singer herself, was amazed at her friend's vocal range. Ai took no offence remaining seated at Communion, and Lily was elated when she knelt next to her afterward.

As they were leaving, Lily introduced Ai to their pastor.

"A pleasure, Miss Ai," he said, shaking her hand. A large man, his hand engulfed hers. "We don't often get visitors, especially from as far away as you!"

"Thank you. My friend," she indicated Lily, "has made me older about your god. Some of my family are very intrigued."

"Well, if you've ever any questions, please call me. If I can't get you an answer, I'm sure I can refer you to someone who can!" He pondered a moment. "I guess being from Japan, you'd be Buddhist?"

Lily observed the exchange. She just a person to him, he's not treating her any different. Good.

"Not at all. However, I think I'll have my brother contact you," she said as she glanced at Lily. "We've a nasty little outbreak of co-creation in our home. Perhaps you can help?"

"Geez!" Lily walked outside, Ai's laughter in her ears.

The onlookers were thicker on their way back. Six months ago, I would have exploded, Lily thought. Now I have you... She moved her hand over and stopped. No! I am not ashamed of Ai. She completed the action and held Ai's hand.

"<I wondered when you were going to do that.>" Ai said. For a moment, Lily was clueless. She realized Ai was speaking Japanese. They, too, must value privacy.

"<You mean, hold your hand?>" It'd been over three years since she spoke this. I hope I'm keeping my tenses straight.

"Mmm. <You never struck me as the type to care much about what people think about you. You keep surprising me! So happy!> Hello, how are you?" She dropped back into English as a young girl came up with a notepad.

"May I have your autograph?" she asked shyly.

"Of course!" She wrote her kanji. The girl stared.

"What's this?"

Ai made to bounce a fist off of the top of her head. "Sorry!" She signed 'Ai' beneath it.

"<I guess you're an idol now,>" Lily said sarcastically. "<Joining AKB48 when you go home?>"

"Hmmm..." she mused. "<I think I'd make a better Vocaloid!>" Ai had to laugh at the look on her friend's face.