Chapter Two: Warming Up.

The next morning.

I squinted my eyes as the rays of the morning sun clouded my vision. I yawned and sat on my bed as I tried to remember the previous events. The last goodbye with my real mother. Then at the Social Services Facility. Next was the processing of my adoption papers, and finally, boarding the plane bound to Okinawa. And now,I'm sitting on a different bed.

My train of thoughts stopped in a halt when I heard someone knocking at the door. I groaned inwardly because I'm not yet ready to have a talk with the other members of my "new family."

But then the soft knocks didn't stop.With a heavy sigh, I practically dragged myself out from bed,and walked towards the door.As I opened it,the little girl from last night greeted me.

"Good morning, sister!"

I froze momentarily as I stared at Mika's beaming face.She was holding a tray full of food.

"Care for some breakfast?I bought you

something..." offered Mika. Before I could say anything, quickly walked inside my room.She laid the tray down at the nearby table and wheeled around to face me.

"Oh,wait,I have to formally intorroduce myself.I'm your younger sister,Nishikawa Mika, 14 years old, a high school freshman. I know that I have an annoying high-pitch voice but you'll

get used to it in time.You could tell me everything, and I promise to keep it all a secret!" Mika unbelievably said it all in one breath.

Before I knew it,I was already giggling.My younger sister is getting more and more interesting!

"I know I'm a chatterbox,and I'm glad I made you laugh." Mika enunciated,as she laughed softly.

I cleared my throat as I became serious again.

"W-Where's Nishikawa-san--I mean, our mother?" I stammered.

"She's at the clinic now. Mama has lots of patients every weekend." informed Mika.

"Weekend? What day is it,anyway?" I cajoled in surprise.

"It's Saturday." answered Mika.

"Saturday?!" I paparotted.

That means I've slept for full 24 hours!

"Yep.And since I don't have school today,I'd be happy to tour you around town!" she happily announced.

"Tour me around?! Wait-!" I stopped at mid-sentence when Mika spoke again.

"Would you like to have some hot chocolate?" she asked,while pouring a hot choco on one cup.After that,she gave it to me.

I drew out a resigned breath as I stared at the mug.I had this feeling that there is nothing I can do to stop her...

***************************

After taking a bath and refreshed myself,Mika and I went to the backyard.

"We'll be using these...Tada!" chirped Mika,trying to surprise me.

Ther are 2 bicycles at the backyard, and ine of them is still tied with a fancy ribbon.

"Did you like it?" probed Mika.

"You mean...The bicycle?" I asked her,just to make sure.

"Yeah!Actually,the 3 of us picked it for you." replied Mika.

I puzzily looked at her.

"Oh,what I mean was...Mama,our eldest brother and me." cleared Mika.

"Y-You don't have to do this." I spoke.

"But we want to...So,shall we start touring around?" suggested Mika.

Do I have a choice? I asked at the back of my mind.

But instead,I nodded in return.

*************************

As we were cycling our way on the road,I breathed in a gulpful of the ocean air.Mika did the same too,while stretching her arms up in the air.

I felt a little better while looking at the ocean.I never thought that the vast ocean can be this beautiful since I've spent half of my life in the big city.

I wished my mother sould see this as well.

"We have to go,Nao-nee!I still have lots of places to show you!" insisted Mika.

I helplessy followed her trail,as I took one last look at the ocean.

I'd sneak out one of these days and seek refuge in the ocean again. Alone.

While Mika continued on with her ramblings,I just roamed my eyes around.

After we passed so many houses,Mika suddenly stopped at a particular house.I pulled the brakes of my bike.

"This is the place where the kids usually hangout after school.The snacks here are really good." Mika informed me.

I was about to say something when we suddenly saw a middle-aged man coming out from the house.He was wearing flashy sunglasses and there was a cigarette stick stuck into his mouth.He was also wearing a Hawaiian-print poloshirt and brown walking shorts.

I quickly guessed that this man is the owner of the snackhouse.

"Oh,Hello there,Mika!" the man greeted my sister.

"Hi!" Mika greeted back.

The man called turned his attention to me.

"And who might be this young lady?" he asked politely.

"She's my sister...Nishikawa Nao." Mika proudly introduced me.

I was surprised to see that this middle-aged man didn't seem to be bothered about what Mika had said.Everyone in town should have heard that I am "adopted."

Instead,the man gave me a friendly smile.

"I'm glad to have finally met you,Nao!I'm the manager of this snack house,and you're always welcome to drop by here." 

"T-Thanks." I politely answered him.

"Well,we should be going now, see you later!" Mika finally bid goodbye.

I took a quick glance and I can still see the man at us,as we pedalled away...

Mika still continues to chatter,while we are on our bicycle tour. She made a quick stop again and looked at me with a big smile plastered on her face. 

"Look at this building!"

I stared at the building,and it was quite obvious that this is a school building.

"So...why did we stop here?" I decided to ask her.

"Take a good look at your future school!" announced Mika.

I almost fell from my bicycle in alarm when I heard her.

"M-My future school?I don't think I'm ready for it yet!" I protested.

But Mika didn't bother to listen.

"I know but I just wanted you to see it... I was thinking that maybe you missed going to school,studying and talking to other people..." she cheerfully cooed.

I heaved a sigh while looking resigned. Looks like Mika doesn't know what happened to me back in Tokyo. I guess I have to talk to my adoptive mother about this...