Scattered Fragments

Chapter Five

As Zulia and I leave the flight gate and enter the airport there's a loud announcement welcoming passengers.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Haneda airport. Local time is 12 noon."

"Oh my gosh. Oh.My.Gosh!" Zulia wouldn't stop screaming as she ran around. "Zee we're in Japan. we're in f*****g Japan!"

"Zulia stop acting like a child. Be quiet!" I scold her apologizing to the passerby's for my sister's hooliganic behavior. She doesn't stop of course and runs all over until an airport staff notices her weird behavior and walks towards us.

"Is everything alright madam?" he questions with a strict tone. He was burly and gruff and just the sight of him made me want to hide in the ladies restroom.

"I'm sorry." I apologize trying to speak perfect Japanese without slurring on the words. "This is our first time in Tokyo. My sister is just excited."

He understands thankfully and so warning Zulia to not disrupt the public he leaves. As soon as he's out of earshot Zulia pounces on me with her eyes bulging out.

"Wow. You just spoke Japanese Zee."

"Stop right there missy. I'm in charge of you and I am not looking forward to counting bars in a cell for your wildness." I scold the girl sternly as possible and she scowls calling me a grouch.

We collect our baggage's from the baggage compartment and then walk towards the waiting area. I look around at the many faces trying to spot a card with my name on it. It was quite difficult trying to differentiate who's who what with everyone looking almost the same. But I manage to find the man. Though he actually wanted to be found with the way he kept yelling my name and shaking the board in his hand nearly hitting people on the face.

"Over there." I pull Zulia along with me and walk towards the man with my name board. He notices me waving and drops the board throwing a smile my way as we get closer.

"Ms Mcquina?"

"That's me." I reply with an excited smile. He turns his head towards Zulia who was gawking at every man and woman walking by. Sighing I shake my head. "and this is my sister, Zulia."

"Hey. Wassup." She goes and I dab her on the hip for greeting so shamelessly. She then realized she had spoken in English and apologizes.

"It's alright. I speak English." the man says with a smile and Zulia's eyes widen with glee. "Shall we make a move Ms. Mcquina?" he directs the question at me and I nod. He helps me with my luggage's and so we leave the airport and into a car which was waiting for us.

Along the way he introduces himself as Mr. Nara the assisting advisor. He congratulates me of my accomplishment and then personally explains the privileges that comes along. I listen to his every word earnestly while Zulia had her head outside the window staring at the scenery and occasionally screaming at me to look out.

We stop in front of an enormous building with too many people walking in and out much to my dismay. I wasn't very comfortable with large crowds and the thought of having to visit this place with so many people in it creeped me out. Nevertheless I follow Mr. Nara inside trying to ignore the curious stares thrown my way. It's not everyday these people find blondes walking amidst them. Mr. Nara leads me further inside until we stop at a double door entryway. He excuses himself and leaves for a moment, soon returning with another man alongside.

"Ms. Mcquina it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Welcome to Japan. How was your journey?" the other man questions as soon as he's in view. He takes my hand and shakes it vigorously with enthusiasm and I return it the same way.

"I had a pleasant journey. Thank you for having me," I pause and stare at the man since I didn't know his name. Realizing he hadn't introduced himself yet he chuckles and does so.

"Pardon me. I'm Ukai Tomo." At the mention of his name my eyes glisten with recognition. He's my editor. "We spoke on the phone, remember?"

"Yes of course Mr. Ukai. I can't thank you enough for the opportunity you're giving me. This is truly something marvelous beyond my comprehension." I didn't mind how excited I was being as I thanked the man. He didn't mind it as well and he along with Mr. Nara chuckled.

"I enjoyed the manuscript you had submitted. Truly you have a way with words. You had me glued to it the entire time. I just couldn't stop myself from talking with the board and they too decided to make you one of the chosen."

I beam with delight at his words unable to keep the joy I was feeling inside of me. It is truly a blessing to have my work recognized and not just by anyone but a huge company in Japan.

After talking a while and showing me around we walk to the guests resting lounge where I find my sister fast asleep drooling on the coach.

I hurriedly walk to her and shake her to stop her from embarrassing herself any further. Zulia wakes up with a jump and then stares at me with squinty eyes trying to clear her blurry gaze. I use the back of my jacket sleeve to wipe her mouth which had specks of her drool and she only smiles shamelessly.

A chuckle behind me reminds me we've got company. I turn around feeling embarrassed with an awkward chuckle of myself.

"Mr. Ukai this is my sister, Zulia. The one I spoke to you about." I say introducing my embarrassment of a sister. She waves a hand and wiggles on her feet clearly amusing the editor and the assistant even more. I sigh rubbing my forehead.

This girl is never conscious of her surrounding.

Mr. Ukai and I take a seat on the leather arm chairs and have a conversation on my working days, manuscript handing over dates and so on while Zulia is busy interrogating the poor assistant advisor on God knows what.

"I've already spoken to the Principal of a high school with regards to your sister's transfer." Mr. Ukai says and I give him an appreciative nod. "Your position as a high school literature teacher is what was quite difficult to get permission to,"

"Oh." was all I could reply with, feeling a distress clouding my mind.

"Wait right there before pulling a sad expression." he says holding up a hand. "it was difficult but I didn't say impossible. Once I assured him of your achievements and your capabilities he was willing to accept." he finishes with a smile.

"Thank you Mr. Ukai." I jump as I grip onto his hand tight. "Thank you so much. I'm really sorry for deciding on my own to bring my sister. But you've helped me out or I'd really be in a pinch trying to find a job and support her with her education expenses."

He pats my hand with a kind smile the corners of his eyes crinkling. Mr. Ukai was a man in his late forties and had a fatherly atmosphere making it comfortable to be around.

I'm about to tell Zulia of the good news when the ringing of my phone interrupts. Struggling to pull it out of my Jean pocket, I finally yank it out and look at the caller ID, my smile fading at once.

I excuse myself and walk further from the group trying to be in a corner before I answer the call.

"Have you reached?" we're his first words as soon as the line connects.

"Yes."

"Then why did you not call? I asked you to ring me up as soon as you landed." his voice sounded stern and even though I was miles away from my husband I felt fear creep into me.

"I'm sorry. I guess I was a little excited."

Harry sighs and I could picture him pressing his eyes. A habit he had when he's irritated. "This will be the last time Zeesha. I need you to call me everyday at 3.00 pm US time and I don't need any more childish excuses."

"I will. I promise." it felt like I was talking to an employer rather than my husband and the thought of having to ring him up on a daily basis just to relate my every move felt suffocating.

"Alright. Be safe out there. Don't get involved with unnecessary people. You're there for work and nothing more." he pauses like he was contemplating on his next words. "and please keep your sister in check." with that the line goes off.

"Hey, all good? You look kind of pale. Who was it?" Zulia who was on the other side of the room somehow miraculously appeared before me with a look of worry.

"I'm fine. Just your brother in law asking us to be careful." I reply with a forced cheery smile. Zulia only rolls her eyes clearly knowing those weren't the only words he'd say. But she doesn't probe any further since the other two men join us.

"Come. I'll have someone escort you and your sister to your apartment." Mr. Ukai saying so leads us back to the entrance where I find a guy waiting by the door.

After a final hand shake with both men I climb into the SUV van along with Zulia and we leave the company behind us.

I leaf through the file I was given by my editor and go through the classified contents while my sister of course was in a conversation with the guy who must I say was sweating nervous.

"Leave the more fellow alone would you?" I whisper as I slap her butt. She sits back on the seat and shrugs like she just hadn't done something nerve wrecking for the dude.

Zulia pulls the file aside and throws me a glare. "Enjoy the view Sis. You can start working once We're in the apartment. Now put it away."

And so I push open the glass shutter and put my head out gawking at the beautiful city of Tokyo.

The capital surely was the best city in the country. The infrastructure, the sky view buildings, everything was awe-strucking. I couldn't wait to visit Shibuya and Shijuku while my stay here. The best cities to go to if seeking for some fun and shopping.

Zulia and I wave at random people on the roads. Some wave back and point at us while the rest stare wondering what in the world we're doing. The two of us snap pics of everything we pass, my photos mostly consisting of food joints and restaurants.

I'm so going into every one of them while I'm here.

Whilst my sister and I are practically drooling at the sight in front of us, the van pulls over in the parking lot of a high tech apartment. We get off the vehicle and he helps us with the luggages. Upon entering the apartment a lady who looked to be in her mid thirties stride up to us inquiring about our visit. The guy has a talk with her and upon recognition she quickly escorts us to our apartment room. We pass the lobby and into the elevator. The lady presses on the number 5 and the elevator box swishes up and makes an abrupt stop. Zulia and I follow the woman as she walks in front passing door by door, making small talk. Our light conversation comes to an end when we stop in front of the door 530.

"Here are your keys." she says handing me a single key in a key chain. "Please don't hesitate to call me if needed anything Ms. Mcquina." her smile wide revealing a set of pearl white teeth. I give her a quick nod while Zulia is busy unlocking the door. And with a final wave she walks away leaving the three of us to ourselves.

"Well then Ms. Mcquina. I'll take my leave." saying so the guy bowed lightly and hurriedly walked away. I'm pretty sure he didn't want to get into another conversation with my sister.

I enter the place and look around finding a classy interior. It didn't have a Japanese feel to it but I liked it nevertheless. A place I could call my own.

"I love it here Zee!" Zulia comes barreling into me as she screams in my ears. I push her aside so she wouldn't make me go deaf.

"I can hear you just fine. Stop screaming please."

She nods her head a countless times before running around exploring more. I chuckle at her enthusiasm as I drop my bag on the white leather sofa trailing my fingers on the spotless furniture feeling the smooth texture underneath my touch.

"Zee," Zulia pops her head from a corner and stares at me with her big blue eyes she had inherited from Mom. "You can be yourself here. No one is going to judge." and she disappears once more after throwing me a gentle smile.

That's right. I am free here. I don't have to be under my in-laws scrutinizing gazes all day nor my husband's shadow.

"I am just Zeesha Mcquina."

Just the sound of it brought thrills to my heart and tears to my eyes. For once forgetting the fact that I was an adult, I run to my sister screaming and joining her with the exploration of our new temporary home.