Maria-sama ga Miteru Volume 10 Chapter 6
"Im sorry."
The day after the Maria ceremony, quite unusually, Sachiko-sama bowed her head in apology.
"Okay?"
Yumi looked up at the sky, her onee-sama was apologizing - was it snowing?
The weather was fine.
It must be the early summer fine weather before the rainy season started. The sky as seen from the courtyard sandwiched between two school buildings sparkled clear and blue and wide, with only a few wispy clouds. Just like Maria-samas soul.
And yet, despite this, Sachiko-samas face. Call it gloomy, or boarded up, either way it was like a cloudy sky.
When, after theyd finished eating lunch in the Rose Mansion, Sachiko-sama had said, "Yumi, a moment," Yumi had happily thought that they were going for an after-meal walk or something. The weather was good, and the Rose Mansions courtyard had plenty of gra.s.s, the perfect place for an afternoon nap.
But, thinking about it, she had so far never received such a wonderful invitation. Thinking logically, it was probably to say something she didnt want to say in front of other people, that much Yumi understood. In the room on the second-floor of the Rose Mansion, the usual members, Rei-sama, Yoshino-san and Shimako-san, were relaxing.
"To tell you the truth."
"Ah, yes."
Gulping down her saliva, Yumi put herself on guard. Since she had absolutely no idea what Sachiko-sama was going to say, and how it was related to her being sorry, Yumi was on edge as she waited for those words.
"Its about our trip to the amus.e.m.e.nt park, itd be a great help to me if we could push that back until next week, if thats possible."
"Huh? Ah?"
They were going on a trip to the amus.e.m.e.nt park together.
The cherry-blossom season and the Maria ceremony were overlapping and flowing together, that was the plan for their half-day date that Yumi had requested instead of White Day or birthday presents. With the condition that they didnt go on the roller-coaster.
"What do you think?"
"Ah, yes. I dont mind. If youd like."
Yumi had thought it would be something more monumental. Theyd only made the plans yesterday evening. Sachiko-sama had probably gone home and asked, then found out she had other plans for that day.
"Youre fine with it? Ahh, thats such a relief."
Sachiko-sama put her hand to her chest and breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing her expression, Yumi was relieved too. She was glad it wasnt a serious conversation.
While it was true the date had slipped by a week, that was no reason to get mad. Having a cloudy expression for something like that, onee-sama.
It was a postponement, not a suspension, so there was no reason whatsoever to be bothered by it.
The mid-term tests were coming up soon, so Yumi thought that maybe that was just perfect.
Sachiko-sama never studied for exams so it wouldnt matter to her, but Yumi had to study hard just to maintain her average grades and it would be a real help to spend that precious day before the exams preparing for them. By having their date the following week, the tests would be over and shed be able to relax and enjoy their time together.
"It really helps that youre such an accommodating pet.i.t soeur, Yumi."
Sachiko-sama smiled as she adjusted Yumis tie, like always.
The daisies in the small flowerbed beside the gra.s.s rustled, as though they were laughing.
However.
The amus.e.m.e.nt park date didnt take place the following Sunday either.
As expected, the cancellation came from Sachiko-samas end, on the Friday two days before the event.
It was the last day of the mid-term exams, so all the grades were scheduled to tidy up and go home after their morning third-period cla.s.ses.
"Yumi-san, theres no meeting in the Rose Mansion today."
Yoshino-san called out to Yumi, who had grabbed her school bag and was flying out of the cla.s.sroom.
"Yeah, I know."
As a general rule, club and committee activities were put on hold for the duration of the examination period. Since it was the last day, it would be overlooked as long as they didnt make a ruckus, but the Yamayurikai didnt have any urgent matters to attend to, so they werent meeting today.
" - But, why did you think I was going to the Rose Mansion?"
Yumi stopped and asked.
"Its easy to tell, just from your behavior."
Yoshino-san laughed, looking to shock her.
"So happy, so excited. The very picture of "Yumi-chan going to meet Sachiko-sama.""
"Really!?"
Yumi hadnt noticed. Apparently shed become happy and excited at some point. Certainly, it felt like she had a spring in her step.
"That slack-jawed expression is just awful. If you dont change that before you go, Sachiko-sama will scold you. "Yumi, sharpen up.""
"Ah, yes."
Yumi instinctively stood up straight, at attention.
"Oh wow, that was just like Sachiko-sama."
They both burst into laughter at the same time.
"I take it that the reason you cant keep yourself from smiling is because youre thinking about Sunday?"
"Of course. Its our first date in nearly three months. Im happy, but Im also nervous. I cant seem to calm down."
She felt excited, nervous and fidgety.
"Oh my."
"But, you know, its just a small detail, but Id calm down a bit if we sorted out when and where we were going to meet on Sunday, that kind of thing."
Which was why Yumi was going to visit Sachiko-samas cla.s.sroom. That was the excuse anyway, the real reason was she wanted to see Sachiko-sama. And if she was lucky, they could go home together, at least as far as the train station.
"Well, in that case, Im sorry Ive kept you here."
"No, not at all."
At that moment, a camera flash went off.
"Excuse me, f.u.kuzawa Yumi-san and Shimazu Yoshino-san, this is Lillians Weekly, a picture please."
Takeshima Tsutako-san smiled as she aimed her camera.
"Such a bother."
Yumi replied, hiding her face behind her school bag. It was all in good fun, shed instinctively slipped into Tsutako-sans narrative.
"Youll have to go through our agents."
Yoshino-san was in a good mood too. Since the mid-term exams were over, more or less everyone was on a high.
Click, click.
The sound of the shutter felt good. Like they really were stars.
"Hmm."
Tsutako-san lowered her camera, apparently satisfied.
"Thanks for your co-operation. If any of them come out well, Ill give them to you."
In such a hurry she skipped the farewell, "Camera-chan" walked out into the hallway, the sound of film being wound back into its spool coming from her camera.
"Tsutako-san, theres no club activities today."
Yoshino-san used her hands as megaphone as she called after Tsutako-san.
"Roger that."
Tsutako-san said, although it was obvious that she was heading straight to the club house, to develop her photos in the photography clubs darkroom.
"I had some film remaining and I thought it would be a shame to waste it."
"Is that so."
Yumi and Yoshino-san looked at each other and shrugged.
But, having said that, it looked like Tsutako-san was in a good mood now that her tests were over too.
"Look, youd better hurry or youll miss Sachiko-sama."
Yoshino-san tapped Yumi on the shoulder.
"Ah, youre right."
That had been an unexpected delay. Would she make it to the cla.s.sroom in time? Maybe she should head straight to the foot-locker room or the entrance to try and meet Sachiko-sama.
"Yumi-san."
As they were parting, Yoshino asked:
"Youre really happy right now, yeah?"
"Of course."
Yumi replied immediately. Because on Sunday shed spend some time with her beloved onee-sama, just the two of them. And for now, she was overjoyed to be counting down the time until then.
"Im glad."
"Yeah."
That feeling was a treasure bestowed only to Yumi.
Sachiko-samas leather shoes were neatly arranged in the small locker.
(Which means &h.e.l.lip; )
Her onee-sama was still in the school building.
Yumi buoyantly headed towards Sachiko-samas cla.s.sroom. As she approached, she spotted Sachiko-sama in front of the third-year pine cla.s.sroom.
Her right shoulder was leaning against the door and she looked to be talking to someone. Even though Yumi only saw her from behind, there was no mistaking it. That long, black, glossy hair. Her exceptional proportions, obvious even from a distance.
"Onee&h.e.l.lip;"
Yumi started to call out, but then withdrew. Because the student standing beside Sachiko-sama had come into view.
The self-proclaimed actress with vertical hair rolls on each side of her head, Matsudaira Touko-chan. Her overindulged voice carried the short distance to Yumi.
"So, is that okay? I wont intrude on you, Sachiko onee-sama."
"No. Its not a pleasure trip."
Yumi wasnt sure what it was about, but Sachiko-sama was rejecting Touko-chans proposal.
"Touko would be happy just to go on a drive with you."
"Its a bother."
"Ill be a good girl."
Like a spoiled brat, shed taken hold of Sachiko-samas hand and was swinging it back and forth. Such outrageous behavior. Even as Sachiko-samas pet.i.t soeur, Yumi wouldnt dare to act like that.
"Be reasonable, Touko-chan."
Sachiko-sama sighed, perplexed. Even so, Touko-chan hung on.
"Please, onee-sama."
Yumi thought it was kind of sad that she had to witness this scene, but was unable to move away. On the other hand, she couldnt jump in there and pull them apart either.
"Ah, Yumi-sama."
Of all things, Touko-chan approached her.
"Yes &h.e.l.lip; ?"
Sachiko-sama turned around to follow Touko-chans gaze, and when she saw Yumi, just for a split-second she had a sour expression on her face.
(Wh &h.e.l.lip; what!?)
Seeing that look on Sachiko-samas face was a far, far bigger shock to Yumi than seeing her talking to Touko-chan like a close friend.
Touko-chan was fine. She could act audaciously and by her words disregard the soeur system, but that could be clearly explained as the actions of a third-party. Yumi considered it to be on a different level to matters regarding herself and Sachiko-sama.
However, Sachiko-sama was different.
Sachiko-samas every action was not just a way to divine her will, but even a small variation in her expression could send Yumi into anxiety or bliss.
"Whats the matter?"
Sachiko-sama smiled as she asked the question, and while it may just have been her being overly considerate, it seemed like she was trying to smooth things over.
"&h.e.l.lip; Nothing."
Yumi glanced at Touko-chan. She was reluctant to discuss their fun Sunday in front of someone else.
"Well then Rosa Chinensis, Ill leave you here. Take your time, Yumi-sama."
Touko-chan made the smart move and deftly ceded the spot to Yumi.
Yumi felt awkward, like shed driven her out, but there was no avoiding it. In her mind, Yumi repeated over and over that there was no way she was going to run away, that she was Sachiko-samas pet.i.t soeur, and that shed come here on a proper errand, as she somehow managed to hold her ground.
"What was the matter with Touko-chan?"
As the vertical hair rolls turned a corner, Yumi indirectly inquired.
"Touko-chan? Ah, its the same as always."
Yumi wanted to ask, "So what is this thing thats the same as always?" but she firmly resisted. It would seem like jealousy, and that wasnt good.
"But enough about that, you were here for something, Yumi."
"Ah, well - "
Yumi started to speak, but then:
"I wonder if its to talk about our amus.e.m.e.nt park date?"
Sachiko-sama was first to broach the subject.
"Yes."
Yumis response was short and cheerful. But, in complete contrast to Yumis effervescence, Sachiko-samas eyes drooped and she seemed to hang her head.
"Indeed, I did say next weekend."
"Yeah&h.e.l.lip;"
Yumi had a bad feeling about this. The way Sachiko-sama exhaled, it was almost like a sigh.
"Is it, perhaps, inconvenient for you, or something?"
"Well, yes. But its not something that I absolutely have to do no matter what."
So, even if Sachiko-sama said that Sunday was okay, having heard that, Yumi would have to respond with something like, "Your commitments should take precedence." That was the standpoint of the "accommodating pet.i.t soeur."
"Onee-sama, dont worry about me."
Despite her disappointment, Yumi smiled as hard as she could when she said this.
Even if they went out, Sachiko-sama was bound to think about her other duties and, therefore, not enjoy herself to the fullest, and it wasnt fun for Yumi to be with a distracted Sachiko-sama.
It really was a shame, but thats how it was, and she wasnt going to push her luck. She wasnt going to act spoiled like Touko-chan, and say, "Please onee-samaaa." That wasnt her personality.
"Really?"
Sachiko-sama asked, her face showing how much of a relief this was to her. Yumi had thought that she would show restraint by refusing at first and accepting the second time, but Sachiko-sama accepted as soon as Yumi offered.
"Well definitely go the weekend after."
"Understood. Thank-you."
Looking at a relieved Sachiko-sama, Yumi thought, "Well, thats okay." Her onee-sama had been looking for a pet.i.t soeur that would put her at ease. Yumi took it as Sachiko-samas way of saying, "I can relax when Im by Yumis side."
Yumi had been thinking that it would be nice to go home with her onee-sama, but the reality wasnt quite as enjoyable. With the postponement of their date once more, Yumis energy was suddenly sapped.
The walked in silence out the entry, then along the path beside the library to the path lined with ginkgo trees. Sachiko-sama looked like she was deep in thought the entire way, keeping her head down. Yumi was worried, because it looked like it didnt matter to Sachiko-sama whether she was there or not. She wasnt someone who would habitually search for something to say.
Which was why Yumi spoke up, wanting Sachiko-sama to remember that she was there. Even if she wouldnt shift her gaze from the blooming hydrangeas.
"Umm, onee-sama. This thing you have to do, is it related to your fathers work &h.e.l.lip; ?"
"No."
Sachiko-sama shook her head.
"Then, is it your family &h.e.l.lip; ?"
"Well, if I had to say, thats probably it. Theres a lot of things &h.e.l.lip; "
Although it did sort of feel like she was avoiding answering the question, if it was about her family then it wasnt something that Yumi could keep pestering her about.
But now she was intrigued by what was more important to Sachiko-sama than their promise.
"Speaking of your family, is Sayako-obasama well?"
"Yes, thanks be to G.o.d."
"Your father too?"
"My father and grandfather are both fine too &h.e.l.lip; But, why do you ask?"
Sachiko-sama turned her head. Apparently suspicious because Yumi had raised a topic shed never inquired about before.
"Ah, no reason."
Yumi hurriedly tried to allay Sachiko-samas doubts.
"I just thought Id ask."
But, having asked, Yumi was slightly relieved. Even if it was some family problem, it didnt sound like anyone was sick or anything. But, in that case, just what was it then?
Was it the same thing as the previous week? Or had something unexpected come up two weeks in a row? Would it be okay to ask her straight out, or not?
It was troubling.
"Touko-chan."
Suddenly, Sachiko-sama called out the wrong name.
"Huh?"
No, that wasnt it. She wasnt looking at Yumi, but further ahead. And there was, indeed, Touko-chan.
"Ah, Sachiko onee-sama."
Touko-chan had been leaning against the small iron gate that led to Maria-samas garden and when she saw them she stood up straight and waved.
"Did you finish your conversation? Toukos waited here because hers was still on-going."
Sachiko-sama seemed to think for a moment before looking at Yumi.
"So, you see, Yumi. Im sorry."
No sooner had she said this, then Sachiko-sama darted across the five yard gap to Touko-chan, and they walked off together. It happened in the blink of an eye. - Before Yumi had a chance to say anything.
Yumi was dumbfounded about having been left behind, but before long she prayed at the statue of Maria-sama, then out of necessity turned towards the main gate and started walking down the tree-lined path.
She wanted to keep a certain amount of distance between herself and those two walking ahead. With the current gap, Yumi thought shed get the next bus after them, which was fine.
Touko-chan had gone home together with them before. But, until now, shed never once s.n.a.t.c.hed Sachiko-sama away from Yumi.
(Is it something they dont want to tell me about&h.e.l.lip; ?)
Perhaps Sachiko-sama and Touko-chan were sharing a secret.
Supposing that was the case, why did it feel like shed been backed into a corner?
Was she happy?
These were the questions Yumi asked herself.
She should be happy that shed become the pet.i.t soeur of her beloved Sachiko-sama.
But then why did it feel so lonely?
Why did it sound hollow when her mind whispered that she was happy?