Chapter 5: How do you make sushi?
So hungry… Kira stared at the full cabinet. Isn't there anything to eat in this house? grumble grumble "I know, I know. If only we had some decent food in this house," said Kira as she patted her tummy. I thought mom just went to the market yesterday. "Hey mom! What are you making for dinner tonight?"
Kira waited for her mother to answer. Kira sighed. Her mother had been unpacking and sorting through their junk for two days now. I had no idea that we had so much stuff, Kira thought. I guess I'll just surprise her and make dinner myself. But what to eat? Kira once again stared at all the useless items in their cupboard. grumble grumble Whatever it is, it needs to be something quick and easy. Kira got a few cook books and looked through them. I don't think they'll have all this stuff. We're in Japan now… "Sushi sounds good," Kira said aloud. "But I don't know the first thing about making sushi."
Kira went upstairs to their recently installed computer. Let's see… hmm that looks too difficult. Let's find something else. Hmm this sounds good. Kira printed off the recipe she had found. "Ok so I need to get sushi rice, wasabi, nori, salmon, tuna, and cucumber. Should be easy. Mom, I'm going out!"
"Where are you going?"
"To the store to pick up some things for dinner."
"Ok but be home before dark!"
"I will," called Kira over her shoulder as she left the house. Let's hope I can find the
supermarket…
"Why did I walk all the way here?" Kira grumbled to herself. "This store is like three miles from my house! And I'll have to walk home with all the stuff I buy!" At least I'm finally here. Kira walked into the store. I hope I can find everything.
"Ok. First item on the list is sushi rice. Holy Ravioli!" Kira looked down the aisle and saw rows upon rows of rice. I don't even know where to begin! Which rice is better? Should I get the cheapest one? This one? Oh, oh how about this one? Kira stood there overwhelmed by her choices. Maybe this one? Oh well…guess we'll find out.
"Do you need some help?" Kira looked up to see a tall girl around her age looking down at her. She had green eyes and her brown hair was tied back in a ponytail.
"Umm, well kinda," blushed Kira. "I have no idea what I'm looking for."
"You're making sushi right?" the girl asked. Kira nodded. "Then you should buy this kind of rice. It's not one of the cheapest but it has good quality."
"Oh thanks! I wasn't really sure what to buy. There are so many brands…"
"Yeah, that usually seems to be the case but this is Japan after all," smiled the girl.
"So it would seem. Thank you for your help!" Kira said.
"No problem!" said the girl as she walked away.
It took longer than expected, but Kira was finally able to find all the things on her list and get checked out of the store. Good thing that girl helped me or I would have been there for hours just trying to pick out what rice to use! Kira began the long walk home, not really paying attention to where she was going. Hmm maybe I'll make some potstickers to go with the sushi. And some stir fry too. Ugh I'm so hungry! I really need to hurry home. What the-
"Excuse me. I'm sorry. Didn't mean to bump into you like that," said Kira.
"That's alright. You can just give me your money in payment," said the man in front of her.
"What?" Kira looked around her. She had taken a wrong turn and had been walking down an alleyway. With no one around. Kira turned back to the man who now had a gun pointed at her.
"Like I said, you can give me your money."
"Hey, hey don't be hasty. I'm just going to set down my bags and get out my wallet." Holy crap! What am I going to do?! Kira's mind began to race through her possibilities of escape. Kira got out her wallet and tried to make her hands stop shaking. Oh no! Kira looked down
at her empty wallet in despair.
"I- I don't have any more money," said Kira timidly.
"What do you mean you don't have any more money?!" The man grabbed Kira and threw her to the ground. "You better give me your money now or I'll-"
"She said she doesn't have any money, creep!" The man and Kira looked up in surprise. No way! It's that girl from the supermarket! What is she doing here? The girl from the supermarket stood with clenched fists. "Let her go!"
Kira took advantage of this distraction and kicked the guy where the sun don't shine. The gun flew out of the guy's hands Kira scrambled up and reached for the gun but the man got to it first. "You little brat! I'll get you for that!" The man fired his gun straight at Kira. The shot rang in the air and the birds from nearby trees flew into the air.
Kira flinched. She opened her eyes to find the girl on top of her. She must have pushed me out of the way just in time, thought Kira. The girl quickly got up and ran at the man. "That's it! Now you've really made me mad!" The man shot at the girl but it went wide. The girl hit him straight in the face followed by a quick jab to the stomach. The man doubled over and dropped his gun. The girl bent down and picked it up. "Get out of my sight!" the girl yelled. The man stumbled to his feet and ran.
The girl turned back to Kira and gave her a worried look. "He didn't hurt you did he?" the girl asked. Kira sat there speechless. This girl beat that guy even when he had a gun! With punches and kicks like that she must be a martial artist! "Do you need to go to the hospital?" asked the girl. Kira came back to her senses.
"N-no. I'm ok." Kira slowly rose up and wiped the dirt off her clothes.
"That was a close call back there. Here, this is your stuff you dropped," said the girl as she handed Kira her bags.
"T- thank you so much! That guy would have killed me if you hadn't come along!"
"Heh. Well I'm glad to have helped. What are you doing around these parts anyways? It's not safe for you to be walking around by yourself, you know." No kidding, thought Kira.
"Don't worry I don't think I'll ever do that again."
"Good. Some places around here aren't safe so be careful." The girl went over to a trash can and threw the gun away. She walked back over to Kira. "Are you sure you're ok? You look really pale."
"Yes, just shocked is all. Not everyday something like that happens." Kira watched as the girl's face shadowed for a moment but then the girl smiled.
"Yeah I guess not. Do you want me to walk you home? Might be best if that creep is still around."
"If you don't mind."
"It's no problem. Where do you live?"
"On Toshika Ave."
"What the heck are you doing all the way over here? That's on the other side of town!"
"Um, well, I kinda got lost you see. I wasn't really paying attention to where I was going and I forgot…. What?"
"Oh nothing, you just remind me of a certain friend of mine. Come on, I'll walk you home."
"Wait! I don't even know your name! I should at least know my savior's name," Kira said.
"Oh yeah, I'm Lita."
"I'm Kira."
"So what were you doing out here?" Kira asked.
"Hmm…? Why do you ask that?"
"Well earlier you said this wasn't a safe neighborhood. So why would you be out here?"
"Oh. Well I was on my way to see a friend of mine. He lives a few blocks from here. It's faster this way anyways," said Lita.
"I guess someone who's as good at fighting as you are doesn't have to worry about walking alone," Kira said.
"Yeah, someone who's been kicked out of school for fighting doesn't usually have problems on the streets," laughed Lita.
"You got kicked out school?!"
"Yeah a few years ago at my old school. Guy had it coming though. What was I supposed to do, anyways? Let him look up my skirt all he wanted?" Lita punched the air in front of her and then turned to Kira. "I guess you must be kinda scared of me knowing I have a bad rep."
"No… You are so cool! I would have done the same thing! I can't believe you got in trouble for protecting yourself from some perv!"
"It was pretty messed up. But at least I got to meet all my friends. I don't know what I would do without them."
"That's the best way to look at it. I've had to say the same thing to myself for years. My dad is in the military so we move a lot. I just tell myself that by moving I'll be able to make new friends and hope to keep the old."
"Military, huh? So where did you move from?"
"Washington State. That's in America," Kira quickly added.
"Wow, you're pretty far from home then."
"Mm-hmm. But I like it here. I've already met some great people. Kinda like you," smiled Kira. "Seriously, I don't know how to thank you for saving me today."
"Don't even worry about it. I'm just glad that I was there in time but hey… I think we're almost to Toshika Ave."
"Oh, thanks. I think I can manage from here. Guess I'll go home and make sushi. Even if I don't know how to make it…" mumbled Kira.
"Hey, if you want I can take you back to my place. I'm a great cook so I can teach you how to make sushi," offered Lita.
"Really? You wouldn't mind? Didn't you say you were going to visit your friend?"
"It's ok. He didn't know I was coming. Come on!" Lita began to walk down the sidewalk. Kira checked her watch to make sure it wasn't too late. It was only 4:38. I've got plenty of time. Plus, if I tried making sushi all by myself, I might end up with food poisoning…Alright, I think I'll go with her!
"See? Piece of cake!"
"You mean piece of sushi!" laughed Kira as she taste tested the sushi she and Lita had just made. "Wow, I had no idea I could cook so well! Well, more like you cook so well."
"No, I just instructed. You did all the work!" Lita giggled as she watched Kira cram two more rolls into her mouth. "Man, you really do remind me of her."
"Hmm…?" Kira swallowed the food in her mouth. "Who?"
"My friend Serena." Kira choked on the roll she had just swallowed. Lita patted her hard on the back. "You ok, kid?"
"Y-yes. Did you just say Serena?" Kira asked with wide eyes.
"Yeah, she's one of my best friends." Oh crap, Kira thought. Serena is her best friend! What am I going to do? What should I say?
"Was the wasabi too spicy for you?" asked Lita.
"Uh, yeah. I guess I haven't had some for a while, " Kira replied nervously. They lingered in the kitchen awkwardly for a few moments until Kira's cell phone went off. sigh Saved by the bell! "Hello?" Kira asked into her phone. "Oh hey Mom. Yeah I'll be home in about 10 minutes or so. Ok, see ya then."
"Guess you have to go home?"
"Yeah my Mom is wondering where I am. But thanks so much for today. First you save me
from a robber then from food poisoning!"
"It was really fun! You should come over again and I'll give you more cooking lessons. I love cooking so it's no problem."
"Be careful of what you say, I might just take you up on that!" Kira said as she walked out the door. "See you around"
"Bye, it was nice meeting you!" waved Lita. Kira waved back and began the walk home.
As she walked into her house, she saw both her parents on the couch waiting for her. When her parents heard her, they both looked up with stern faces. Whoa, what's with the intense gazes? How can I be in trouble already? I just walked in the door! "Hey mom. Hey dad. Something wrong?" Play it cool. Hopefully whatever it is, it has nothing to do with you. If it does, you have food to give as a peace offering.
"Kira, will you come over here. Your mother and I have something to talk to you about." Oh crap. Dad just said 'mother.' This can't be good… "Kira, when you were gone, a young man named Erik stopped by and delivered some flowers for you. Now how could it be that some boy is making hits at you when we've only been here for less than two weeks?!"
"He brought me flowers?" gasped Kira. Up until that moment, Kira hadn't noticed the beautiful bouquet lying on the coffee table. Kira bent down and scooped the flowers up. He bought my favorite! Lilies and white roses!
"Kira, you're father and I are concerned. Do you even know this boy? Why would he go to all the trouble to personally deliver you a bouquet?" Kira's mom asked.
"He's just this guy I met last week," blushed Kira. This is not a conversation I want to have with my parents! Time for a distraction! "But hey I brought home dinner! Made it all by myself! Well actually, I had a little bit of help. But I have sushi, some stir fry and potstickers. I would have made some egg rolls too but then you called Mom…" Kira stopped rambling as she looked at her parents grim faces.
"Kira, why did this boy bring you flowers?" demanded Steve.
"They're apology flowers."
"Apology flowers," Steve repeated.
"Yeah, um you see, he bumped into me and spilled his coffee on my shirt. He felt really bad about it even though I told him it was ok. So I guess he found out where I lived and decided to bring flowers as an apology."
"How did he know that lilies and white roses are your favorite flowers?" Steve asked skeptically.
"Ok so maybe I was little mad when he poured his scorching coffee on me. Who wouldn't be? He asked me if he bought me flowers if I would forgive him. I told him yes because I was upset over my ruined shirt. I didn't realize he would actually do it so I didn't think twice when I told him what my favorite flowers were, " Kira explained.
"Well… that still doesn't tell us how he knew you lived here," Steve said.
"He was begging me the entire time to forgive him while I walked home the other day," replied Kira.
"Hmm… I don't know. It still seems suspicious. What do you think?" Steve asked Lorraine.
"It sounds plausible to me. We're sorry we jumped to conclusions, dear," Lorraine apologized.
"It's ok mom. I know you guys are just concerned about me. You guys are the greatest!" Kira got up and hugged both of her parents. exhales That was a really close one! I feel kinda bad for lying to them though. Oh well. They always make such a big deal out of nothing. Hmm… I probably shouldn't tell them about the robber from earlier…
"Kira, where did you make this sushi at?" Oh great… What is this, Twenty Questions Day?
Kira walked up the stairs slowly holding her bouquet. Once again she bent down to smell the sweet incense emitting from the flowers. As she walked into her room, Kira gently laid the flowers on her bed stand and sighed. He brought me flowers… Me! Does this mean he still likes me? Kira laid on her bed and watched her ceiling fan circling up above. I shouldn't be feeling this way… I only just met him! Soon I'll have school to worry about and I wont have time for things like boyfriends. And Dad would probably freak if he found out anyways. He's not that good looking. Ok, yes he is…But who needs flowers anyways? They only die after a few days.
"Why does everything have to be so confusing?" sighed Kira in exasperation. She picked up the flowers, ready to chuck them out the window. But as she looked down at the flowers, she saw an envelope hidden down in the bouquet. Kira slowly withdrew it to avoid the thorns from the roses. She sat down and began to read the letter…
Dear Kira,
I hope you are reading this. I also hope that you like the flowers I sent to you (your favorites, right?). I know you must be extremely mad at me right now. I wont blame you. I, too, am mad at myself. What I did the other day was unacceptable. I had no intention of confusing you which is something I am terribly sorry for. It was a cowardly act on my part to run away without any explanation. However, I do have an excuse for my behavior (even if it is a rather pitiful one).
You see, I didn't run away the other day because I didn't like you. No, I ran away because I do like you. My only fear is that by rushing into a relationship with you would give you further cause to run away (as I did.) If I had been in my right senses, I would have kept my feelings under control but… When I'm with you Kira, I lose track of myself. I feel different, a better person. I like those feelings and I don't want to lose them. That's why it is my wish that we remain friends and learn more about each other. Although I worry that the more you know of me, the less likely you will want to see me, I long to spend more time with you. By knowing each other better, then we could decide if there is something there to pursue. I wont deny, I was greatly moved to kiss you the other day but I didn't want to push you into something that you may not want to consider.
I know this may be too much to ask, but would you come tomorrow night to the park (our park) and see me? It's just that I feel the need to give you an official apology in person. I wont pressure you to come and I don't want you to feel obliged to. But if you do come, I promise you wont regret it!
Sincerely,
Erik
P.S. If you decide to come, meet me at 7: 30 by the swings.