The Streets Of Japan

Different From America

Reo and I exited the plane together and approached the baggage claim where several suitcases were already being spun around until their owner claimed them. We waited in silence for our luggage to come. A few moments pass until I see my bright orange suitcase turn the corner. I've had this suitcase for years and yet no amount of preparing can get my eyes ready to see that level of brightness. I yank it off the belt and Reo stares at me with a look of judgement plastered on his face. 

"What?" I ask, beginning to get a little defensive of the color choice. 

"Is that a suitcase or a traffic cone?" His teasing earns a scoff from me just as he picks up a black duffle bag.

Now it's my turn to pass judgement. "At least mines not basic," I retort. 

With all of our belongings in hand, we make our way toward the exit of the airport. I scan the cars of people waiting to pick other passengers up in hopes of catching glimpse of Ava. As I turn to look at my left I hear someone squeal and before I have the chance to see what all the commotion is a pair of arms wrap around my shoulders. A startled scream leaves my mouth as I turn and I'm met with Ava standing in front of me practically jumping up and down with excitement while Hitoshi stands behind her with his hands in his jean pockets. 

As we make eye contact we both squeal and pull each other into a tight hug, rocking back and forth in the process. 

"Oh my God Carmen you look great!" Ava says after we pull away. 

"Me? No honey look at you!" I return the compliment. She jokingly flicks her short brown hair over her shoulder before laughing. "Married life sure seems to be treating you well." Ava glances behind her, gesturing her husband to take her hand. He obeys and their fingers intertwine. 

Ava looks incredible. She cut her light brown up hair to her shoulders which brought more volume to the natural waves. Her big brown eyes are her most defining feature along with the beauty mark next to her left eye. We don't look much alike, but we both have the same full lips. Hitoshi looks just as I remembered him. His dark brown hair is styled to look more professional, his face is cleanly shaven, and his eyes are darker than Ava's. He's only two years older than Ava and five years older than me but he carries himself in a much more mature manner. 

I hear someone clear their throat from behind me. I turn and see Reo. I'm shocked he's even still here. 

"Hey, so since you're gonna be here for a while you should probably get to know the surroundings," he nervously scratches his arm as he speaks. "If you'd like I can show you around sometime." 

I don't need to see Ava to know that she's currently lifting her eyebrows up and down. If I don't answer soon she'll do it for me. "Oh, uh, yeah sure I'd like that," I smile. 

His face lights up, the same way it did when I showed interest in Japanese folklore on the plane. "Great!" He seems almost surprised I accepted. "Can I give you my number so you contact me... if you get lost or anything." He's so nervous, it's kinda cute. 

"Yeah sure." I whip my phone out of my pocket and open the screen to add a new contact before passing it over to him. He does the same. After returning the phones to their rightful owner, a car pulls up in front of him and honks taking us both by surprise. 

"Oh that's my ride," he lets out a nervous laugh. "I'll see you around." 

I nod and push a stray piece of blonde hair behind my ear. 

I turn my attention back to Ava who is giving me a curious yet impressed look. I roll my eyes. "Relax, it's nothing to get excited about." 

Now it's her turn to roll her eyes. "Yeah yeah whatever. Come on let's head out."