XVII

The dining room was spacious and elegantly furnished. A large table dominated the center of the room with traditional Japanese paintings adorning the walls. As I walked unsteadily into the room with Rei’s help I felt even more out of place. The kimono I’d been asked to wear was unnecessarily elaborate and constricted my movement in a way that made my already unsteady gait even worse. Amanda stood from where she sat reading something on her phone and smiled broadly, her long black dress hugging her athletic frame and lending her an air of elegance and sophistication. My Kimono, by contrast, made me feel almost childish with my long hair tied up in traditional braids.

“My little Akari, you look delightful this evening!” Amanda gushed, taking my hand and leading me to a chair. “I was going to have a nice party for your anticipated recovery and return home but I didn’t want to overwhelm you on your first night of convalescence!”

“Oh,” I smiled politely. “I appreciate it very much. I’m not much of a partier, I’m afraid.”

“Well, my surprise for you is still coming so I promise the night won’t be dull. Oh, and, if you would, Rei, please join us this evening,” Amanda turned her smile to Rei who returned the smile brightly.

“Of course, Ms. Wells,” Rei replied, sounding like she didn’t have a care in the world. “I’d be honored.”

“I know you probably don’t remember much of the house, my dear, especially since I had it redone several years ago, but I hope you find it to your liking so far,” Amanda said as they sat at the table and waited for their food.

“Oh, it’s lovely,” I replied with another smile that I hoped didn’t look too much like a grimace. “And Rei is helping you get acclimated?”

“Rei has been a life-saver,” I said enthusiastically.

“She is an apt assistant,” Amanda said with a smile of approval toward Rei who bowed gratefully. “And quite an accomplished dancer for what little training she’s had.” Rei blushed slightly at the compliment and I shot her a reassuring smile. “How are you feeling? The doctors said you were very fortunate to have avoided major injury.”

“I’m still a little unsteady and my moods are kind of swinging a bit but I’m ok, I think,” I replied.

“That is good to hear, dear. I’d love to see you dance when you’re feeling better. You always danced so beautifully when you were younger,” Amanda smiled.

“Well, I appreciate the compliment,” I bowed slightly. “I’m not sure when I’ll be up for dancing after the mistake I made before. ‘Once bitten, twice shy’ as the saying goes.”

“I know that you just need a little bit of guidance and you’ll far exceed everything you’ve done before, Akari,” Amanda replied with a smile. “Don’t you agree, Rei?”

“I think with some time I’m sure Akari will be fine to get up and dance again and she’ll be just as radiant as always,” Rei replied supportively.

“Thank you,” I said with another bow. “I’m sure I just need a little time and I’ll be fine. Thank you.” At that moment the doors to the kitchen opened and a pair of girls in maid uniforms appeared carrying trays of food.

“I see the chef has outdone himself this time!” Amanda enthused as the girls deposited the plates of food. “I had him make all of your favorite dishes in honor of your return, Akari!”

“It looks delightful,” I replied, staring as plate after plate of food was set down on the table. Puddings and cakes and pies for desert, chicken and curry and rice and fruit stretched across the entire top of the table. “It’s certainly…a lot. Surely too much for just the three of us.”

As if on cue a man strode through the doorway from the entry hall. He was tall and broad-shouldered with long dark hair that framed a handsome face. His suit was well-tailored to fit his frame and looked expensive. He flashed a smile at Amanda then his eyes looked my way and his smile grew broader and he winked at me.

“Ah!” Amanda exclaimed, standing and moving toward the man. “I’m so glad you made it!”

“Amanda, how delightful to see you again,” the man said with a smile, hugging her. “And, this must be Rei and of course, I remember Akari.”

“Well, I imagine formal re-introductions are in order,” Amanda said with a grin. “Akari, I’d like you to meet Nobuo Inoue. Your fiancée.”

“What?” Rei and I said together in shock.