Glacier in Japan: Chapter 1 ~ [The Pig Pen]

Glacier in Japan

(Chapter 1)

The boy glanced at his watch, then at the overhead screen again. Flight CX-782 has just landed, it said. He sighed, “Good, I’m just in time.” He leaned casually on the pillar behind him and crossed his arms in front of his chest while keeping his eyes on the automatic doors. Pretty soon, he was lulled to sleep by the hustle and bustle around him.

The girl breathed a sigh of relief when she finally spotted her luggage on the carousel. She quickly grabbed it as it passed in front of her and hauled it into a waiting cart. Huffing from the effort, she pushed the cart quickly towards the doors. “Finally, I’m in Japan again.” She thought excitedly. Her excitement increased when, as she emerged from the doors, she saw a familiar head of hair next to a pillar. She quickened her pace and almost laughed out loud when she reached the boy. “The idiot is sleeping again,” she thought. Smiling, she looked at the sleeping boy fondly while thinking of how to wake him up without causing a scene in the airport. From experience, she knew he doesn’t take kindly to anyone who disturbs his sleep.

As if feeling her presence, the sleeping boy opened his eyes and was pleasantly surprised to find a smiling face in front of him. “G-chan,” he uttered in surprise. The girl grinned at him and said, “Kaede! How nice of you to wake up. How are you?” She stood on tiptoe (she had to because he was almost a foot taller than she was) and gave him a quick hug. A look of surprise flitted past the boy’s face before he returned it. Stepping back, the girl inspected him from head to foot and commented, “Have you grown taller again? I swear, Kaede, one day I’ll have to bring a step-ladder with me in order to talk to you without straining my neck.” A hint of a blush appeared on his face. “Let’s go get a taxi.” He grabbed the cart and started pushing it towards the exit. Glacier had no choice but to follow him.

~*~*~*~

Glacier followed Rukawa into the house. She was surprised at how clean it was. Rukawa led her to her room and put her bag inside. “I hope you’ll be comfortable here. Gomen, but you’ll have to help me out with the household chores too. Is that ok?” The girl, who had been inspecting the room, looked at him and smiled. “Daijobu. I’d be happy to. After all, I’m saving a lot since I don’t have to pay for a hotel room and for my meals, ne?” Giving her one of his rare smiles, he left the room. She plopped down on the bed and wondered why he was suddenly so quiet.

~Flashback~

“Catch me if you can!” screamed the little girl excitedly as she ran round the yard.

“I’ll get you!” answered the little boy chasing her.

Pretty soon, they were both rolling around in the mud, laughing hysterically.

~End of Flashback~

She smiled at the happy memories she had with her cousin. They had been born only 2 months apart and had been raised together. They were almost like twins then. Looking into a mirror, she scrutinized her appearance. Yup, her and Kaede still looked a lot alike. The same jet black hair, delicately pale skin, and, most of all, the same fox-like eyes, though hers were brown. Even their smiles, which he rarely showed now, were the same. Sighing inwardly, she vowed to talk to Kaede about this change in his attitude. “Tomorrow,” she promised herself, yawning.

~*~*~*~

Rukawa was lying down on his bed, his hands behind his head and his CD player plugged into his ears. He was pleased that Glacier was staying with him during her visit to Japan. In truth, living alone in a big house was often lonely. He refused to think about what would happen once she went back to the Philippines, knowing that the house would once again be empty. Just a few weeks ago, things would have been different. He still remembered the way Hanamichi always filled the house with laughter. But now… He closed his eyes and was almost instantly asleep.

Chapter 2