MENACE

CHAPTER NINE : Far- Paradise

The long drive finally ended when the car made a full stop at the secluded area, surrounded with dark pine trees and bushes.

Rita looked at Mr. Gin who was all quiet throughout the ride. She also didn't speak anything as she doesn't wanted to appear awkward trying to build a conversation. But remembering how he let her stay for a week, Rita managed to feel familiar with his antics. For example: Gin always seem hot-headed or easily to snap at everyone who doesn't follow his orders. Like how he often scowl at his granddaughter and nephews who always seem to get into trouble. But Rita had noticed the warm look he gave and the kind treatment she had received when she sat down at Mr. Gin's Ramen shop, serving her a hot bowl of ramen that may become her recent favourite lately.

Rita cleared her throat, about to speak but she was immediately cut off when Gin's rough voice intercepted.

"You're Rita Norman, right?"

She felt like her whole body froze, her blood ran cold and she couldn't hide how she shook like a dried leaf.

"Hey, don't go pale like that. It's not like you're a wanted criminal ! " Mr. Gin's chuckle and looked ahead to the road as if he's waiting for someone to arrive.

"Um.. sorry, I just wanted to escape from my hometown for abit..." Rita's voice faltered and Gin laughed again. Is he mocking her? She saw him caress his stubble that had mixed grays. Rita also noticed that he often do this when he's in deep thought. Well, she had nothing to do but to observe those new around her. She thought so whether they can be trusted, or not. But it appears they were only a bunch of kind folks who specially treated guests.

"You're awfully honest, Rita. Well I just remembered that I saw that one newspaper few months ago. I was also surprised." Gin-san(-san is usually used by Japanese to address an older person or senior) said.

Rita looked down at her knees and pondered. Well, she had already guessed that somehow, someone will be able to recognize her face and her past involvement with the news. It was inevitable as destiny keeps her from going forward. She needed to face everything and stop looking away from it in the eye.

"Yes... " She felt lightheaded and Rita didn't feel saying anything.

"It's alright ." Gin-san looked at her straight with a serious expression. She felt those eyes again, unwavering, as if looking right through her soul.

"I'm sure it wasn't by any chance or sheer luck. It must have been hard to you. For a young woman like you, to get thrown into such horrible experience. I can only say- you should only think of those who are beyond happy to see you alive.

Rita felt like a tiny flame of hope was lit by those meaningful words. She felt her eyes became watery, and she couldn't stop the tears cascading through her cheeks. But she didn't make a sound.

If I'll bawl here like a child, I'm afraid Gin-san might throw me out this time for sure.

"And it's also alright to cry. You shouldn't bottle yourself like that much or you'll burst like canned beer yknow?" Gin-san made a final joke and coughed. Rita also laughed and let her tears messed up her face. Good thing she didn't wear any make up that day.

"Sheesh, look at you. Now, you look younger than Reina! Haha, you remind me of my sister. She was good at keeping things on her own but easily cries like those twins!" Gin-san added with a smile. Honestly, she never thought she could cry her out like this to someone else's grandfather. Rita realized a big thing thanks to Gin-san.

She shook her head "I-im not... sniiff.. cryin-." Rita felt ashamed while wiping her face clean with handkerchief, and she felt a small pat on her head.

"Now, get ready. Someone's gonna pick you up from here. I can't go there at the moment due to some issue... So, don't worry. You can contact us if you need any sort of help."

Gin-san gave her a small card that stated his home telephone. Rita hesitantly nodded and they got off the truck.

"Oh, speaking of the devil." Gin made a look when a blue car from up ahead the road slowly stopped beside the road too.

The blue car's door suddenly opened, and a beautiful woman wearing jeans and jacket came out, smiling widely and approached them. Pretty.. Rita could only stare at the unfamiliar but beautiful lady infront of her who suddenly made a surprising move

"Ah- " Gin, who looked strangely not composed was about to utter something when his face met the lady's fist.

"GIN YOU JERK-!"

"Ugh-!"

Gasp. Rita's eyes widened like saucers.

What the heck ?! Why did she punched Gin-san-

"It's been 6 years! You never visit us anymore ! And now, you're asking for a favour to let someone rent our private suite! Youuuu jerrrkkk!"

Ah, Rita honestly felt worried when the woman who was around on her mid 40s kept firing words at him and things she couldn't anymore understand.

"Don't you know how sad Laura is?! You gotta apologize a million times and drop this act—"

"Um.. excuse me..." Rita made a futile attempt to say something to atleast save Gin-san from further abuse but the woman's piercing glare immediately shut her up.

"And who's this!? Don't tell me—"

"Oh please, Kikuo. She's the person what I'm talking about." Gin-san scratched the back of his neck as if irritated by the woman's suspicious gaze.

"She'll be renting the place. Take her with you. "

Gin-san helped carrying Rita's belongings to the car and immediately jumped on his own truck.

"Oh? I see. Ya better not fool us alright?! I'm only following because of Laura!"

"Right, right. Take care, Rita."

She waved at him and he drove back and went gone in a blink of an eye.

"So.. you're Rita?"

"Y-yes, ma'am." Rita bowed and she saw her signaled her to get in the car.

"I'm Kikuo Foran. Gin's adopted sister. Sorry for scaring you like that. It's because that old man never came back to his wife who lived in Yhiroan, where I manage my business, that is, rental houses." The woman named Kikuo said in a kind voice, far different from her tiger like impression half an hour ago.

They finally arrived at the said place, and Rita couldn't help but feel amazed and her mouth fell agape. It looked like a peaceful village on a countryside, but the houses built few meters away from each other definitely looked well kept and lavish.

What can I say... I didn't thought I'll be in a farther paradise. Rita exaggerated and inhaled an amount of fresh air. She felt like her head had cleared up especially when her attention caught sight of the apple trees.

"Well, this place might appear secluded from the outsider's perspective, but this town village stood for generations, and many traders and importers frequent here for good resource supply." Kikuo explained and Rita followed her behind as she walked at the clean stone pavement and Rita noticed each houses stood two stories high, they seem built very sturdy, with woodblocks and bricks which may appear old fashioned, but it only definitely added to the artistic exterior and vintage style.

"It's beautiful here." Rita made a natural comment as her eyes enjoyed roaming to every unique and artistic designs. She even spotted a large fountain, with beautifully crafted statues that perfectly looked like on the museums. Is this place full of artists? She also found someone trimming a bush into amazing shapes.

"Well, I hope it best suit your taste! Here's your home, HnLot No. 204" She handed her a bunch of keys and winked . Rita took her time staring at her so-called new home.

Wait, isn't too big for her?

"No worries, its all yours until someone might move in or if the lots are full, we'll need them to stay at yours."

"I see, thank you so much. And for payment —"

Rita was about to get her saved up stash from her bag, when Kikuo made a no no as she waved her finger.

"Well, first you'll have to sign to the contract. Also, rent's usually by the end of the month. But for newcomers like you, you can pay after 30 days. Other terms are stated here." Kikuo handed her the contract paper and Rita quietly scanned the contents.