“Hey, sweetie! It’s good to see you. You look fantastic!”
“You too! I can’t believe you’re actually here!”
“I know. I’m really looking forward to our trip.” He steps back for a second. “What have you done to yourself? You actually look…fashionable!” He pretends to be amazed at my ability to dress myself in something other than a sack.
I play hit him. “What, I wasn’t before?”
I look down at my black turtleneck under a little blue-grey baby doll dress and black suede boots. I suppose my style has improved a bit. And this was without the help of a personal shopper.
“I guess the clothes are cooler here.”
“And you sound different, but in a good way.”
“I don’t sound like one of those weird SBS reporters?”
“No way. You sound more refined. More proper. But not stuck up.”
“You’re so cute with all your compliments.”
“So, what now? I had a sleep on the plane so I’m ready for you to show me your town.”
“Okay. Well, we’ll go back to my place first so you can drop off your stuff. Then we’ll grab some lunch in the city. Maybe do some shopping. We leave for Kyushu tomorrow afternoon, so we’ll have the first part of the day free to relax and do whatever.”
“Sounds great.”
I navigate the busy terminal and lead Alex down to the station, where we hop on a waiting train. Alex sits down.
“Hey, why is my seat warm?”
“Oh, they heat them for the winter.”
“Really? How funny.”
“I know. You just wait until you see the toilets and the restaurants and everything else in this crazy city.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Hey, I don’t think I got a chance to tell you because we were so busy planning the trip, but Don from Ace Advertising came to see the guys at Bella and he made them pay me for all the trouble they put me through!”
“That’s good to hear. They should have done that already, but better late than never.”
“And they’ve offered me the creative director position back in Brisbane! Or my job back at Bella if I want it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know yet. At first I thought I might just stay put. I quite like my life here, but lately it’s been a bit awkward. My roommate is mad at me because I yelled at his girlfriend—even though she deserved it. And one of my other best friends is acting a bit strange too lately. So I was going to use this trip as a way to clear my head, have some fun with you and then make my decision at the end.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Anyway, what’s going on with you? How’s Michael?”
Alex’s face falls. “Not good. He told me just before I left that he wants to take some time out from us. He’s gone to live with his dad for a while. Apparently he’s confused about some feelings he’s developed for a woman he works with.”
I gawp at him. “A woman? What does that mean?”
“I have no idea,” Alex says bitterly.
“That’s terrible!” I cry outraged on his behalf. “Bloody men.”
“I know.”
“Does that mean you’re single?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. I haven’t really thought about it.”
“Maybe we can find you a cute Japanese guy while you’re here.”
“Perhaps. You know, I really like these Japanese trains,” he says changing the subject.
“I know,” I say getting the hint. “I take it for granted now, but aren’t they a million times better than the ones back home?”
We get off at my stop, and I lead the way again. I’ve taken some time off work while Alex is here so I don’t have to go in today. But Zac does. He’s already gone when I open the door.
“Oh, I was hoping I’d get to meet the famous Zac,” Alex says, disappointed.
“You might see him tonight. Or in the morning. If he ever starts talking to me again.”
“Why don’t you just apologise?”
“I’ve tried, but he won’t listen. I swear Miki must have poisoned him against me. He heard what I said to her and I don’t think it was bad enough to freeze me out for this long.”
“I’m sure he’ll get over it soon. So I’ll be sleeping in here with you, will I?” He peers into my room where I’ve made up the spare futon.
“Yep. It’s more comfortable than it looks.”
“It’s fine, sweetie.”
“Do you want a coffee?”
“I’d love one.”
I absentmindedly go to the fridge and hand him a can.
“What’s this?” he laughs. “Don’t you drink normal coffee anymore?”
“Oh, right. Sorry, I’ve almost forgotten how the rest of the world has their coffee. I’m addicted to these things.”
He cracks it open and takes a sip. “Ugh, I’m not sure how you could get addicted to that. It’s pretty bad.”
“Do you want me to heat it up for you?”
“No thanks. I don’t think that would improve the flavour at all. Could I have tea instead?”
“Is green tea okay?”
“Yeah, whatever you have.”
I put the kettle on the stove and prepare a mug.
“Do you want to go to your work and introduce me to everyone?” Alex asks.
“I don’t think so. Normally I’d say yes, but I’m not in the mood to see Alana or Zac right now.”
“Okay, then. So where do you want to go today?”
I love having Alex here with me. I feel more relaxed than I have in ages. There’s plenty of money in my bank account and we’re about to embark on an amazing adventure. Life would be perfect if it weren’t for the trouble with Zac and Alana. Ah well.
I take Alex to Shinsaibashi, which is my new favourite part of town. We go in the late afternoon so we can stay for dinner and see the neon lights that inspired Blade Runner. Then the next day, we go to Kyoto for lunch. When we get back, I pack my bag and leave an envelope for Zac. There’s been no sign of him, so he must have stayed out somewhere. I’ve written him a letter explaining how sorry I am and how I really hope we can patch things up when I return. Plus, I briefly explain how I came into some money, so I want to pay him for the website, even if he doesn’t want to finish it.
In the afternoon, I regretfully leave with Alex. I hate to go without resolving things with Zac, but I can’t be all depressed now. Alex is here, and we’re off on our journey.
Next stop: overnight ferry.
THIRTY-ONE
Alex has given me a travel diary as a belated birthday present. I think it’s a great idea—keeping a record of my time in Japan. I really should have started a blog when I first arrived so I could look back on everything in years to come and say ‘oh yes, I’d forgotten about the time that man ogled me at the onsen.’ Or ‘remember that time Alex tried natto and almost threw up at the sushi train?’
We’ve had a lot of fun so far. I can’t believe we’re up to the seventh day already. Our first night was a unique experience, when we caught the overnight ferry to Kyushu. I’d booked really cheap tickets, because I reserved them before I’d received my money from Bella. I assumed it would be similar to a plane, where you get a cramped seat with no leg room. But instead, our ticket entitled us to a bit of floor, just wide enough for us to lie on— in a cabin with fifty other people. I imagine that animals travel more comfortably than we did. Alex was stuck next to a drunken old man, and a ten year old girl on my side wouldn’t stop staring at me. Suffice to say, we didn’t get much rest. The engines from the boat churned thunderously beneath us all night, making it even harder to relax. And I never knew I had a germ phobia until I got out my complimentary blanket and found it covered in the previous passenger’s hair.
We arrived in Kyushu while it was still practically dark. Alex and I had no idea how to get to the town centre, so we stumbled down the road in a random direction along the icy waterfront. There we
re frozen puddles everywhere, making the journey extremely hazardous.
By the time we reached a twenty-four-hour diner, the sun was just starting to come up. We got something to eat and then begged the receptionist at our hotel to let us check in early so we could get some sleep. My Japanese lessons with Masahiro were really starting to pay off.
When we woke up, Alex dragged me to an onsen. I don’t know if he knew about the nudity requirement beforehand, but he seemed to take it in his stride. I, on the other hand, was totally unprepared. The only upside was that this particular onsen contained mud, and provided me with adequate cover once I actually worked up the courage to get in.
There was one awkward moment when Alex brushed up just a little too close to me and I freaked out, thinking some sort of fish or eel was trying to attack me. Of course in the heat of the moment, it didn’t occur to me that a mud puddle probably wouldn’t support much sea life. Alex thought it was hilarious. I think I was even more unsettled when I realised what really had brushed up against me.
The following day, we went up in a cable car to the top of Mount Tsurumi. It had one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. I also loved that there were multiple vending machines at the peak, so we could enjoy a hot chocolate while gazing out at the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
We spent a few days exploring the town before catching the ferry back. I booked a proper sleeper carriage this time.
Our next stop was the mountain town of Koya-San. It sounded amazing when I was researching the trip, so I booked a monastery for us to stay in. But for some reason, Alex decided to act like a rebellious teenager the whole time we were there. He snuck a bottle of vodka into our room, complained about how boring the meditation was, and got upset when he found out that all the meals had tofu in them and he couldn’t get a steak.
I actually really enjoyed myself. The meditation was quite useful in helping me find a new perspective on my problems, and I figured out exactly what I wanted to do when I returned to Osaka.
***
Right now, we’re on our way to Tokyo on the bullet train. I’m a huge fan of this super-fast mode of transport. I wish I could travel like this all the time. If they had bullet trains back home, I could go anywhere in Australia in just a few short hours. It would be so much cooler than flying.
We’re staying in Roppongi, which is apparently one of the best places in Tokyo to party. I can’t say I’m overly excited to be here. It’s just like Osaka, but with a few more shops. I would rather go somewhere different, like Hokkaido for skiing. Or Okinawa, where it’s nice and warm. But Alex is in heaven. I forget he hasn’t spent several months living this stuff already.
We settle into our new hotel, and I go through my suitcase to work out whether I need to do a load of washing, while Alex researches the local attractions in his guide book.
“I think I want to go to Shibuya this afternoon. There’s an area called Omotesando where they have Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior.”
“Cool,” I say disinterestedly.
“Come on, sweetie! Where’s your sense of adventure? You’re in one of the biggest cities in the world!” He flicks to a page in his guide book. “You know what? It is the biggest city in the world!”
“Sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Of course I’m excited—do you want to go now? We can grab a late lunch and then do some shopping.”
“Sounds good. But I want to see you act a little more excited from now on.”
I’m feeling so edgy. Maybe it’s because I haven’t talked to Zac or Alana for ages. It just feels wrong. I really miss Zac. You get to know someone pretty well when you live with them for a few months. Well, I thought I did. Lately, I’m not so sure. I can’t believe he hasn’t tried to call or e-mail.
I put on my coat and earmuffs. “Okay. Ready!”
Alex looks at me and laughs. “You know you look like a crazy person, don’t you?”
“What’s that?” I pretend I can’t hear him.
“YOU LOOK LIKE A CRAZY PERSON!”
“At least I’m warm. You just wait. I’ll be the one laughing when your earlobes fall off from frostbite.”
“Okay. I’ll let you lecture me then.”
He wraps his arm around me and we head out to the elevator.
“You know, despite your mood today, I’ve noticed a big change in you since I got here,” Alex says. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, though. More settled maybe? Or more confident?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
“I think you were more impressionable before. If someone had said something unpleasant to you, you would have believed them and taken it to heart.”
“Do you think so?”
“I do. But I suppose living in a country by yourself, and facing some of the challenges you’ve had to deal with would make you stronger.”
“Perhaps.” I act casual, but I’m secretly pleased.
We get outside, where the weather seems to have cooled to almost zero. I look at Alex as the chill hits his skin.
“You don’t happen to have a spare set of those earmuffs in your purse do you?” he shivers.
I laugh. “No, but I’m sure there’s a one-hundred yen shop around somewhere where you can get a pair. Let’s go look.”
***
After a lengthy day spending the better part of a thousand dollars on designer clothes, we end up at a busy nightclub. Alex quickly finds himself surrounded by a group of Japanese guys. I can tell right away he’s in his element. I stand to the side, awkwardly sipping my Screwdriver. One of the guys comes over to me.
“Hi, I’m Taiji. You dance too!”
“I’m okay, thanks.”
“But we have other gaijin with us. You can talk with him.”
“I don’t think…”
“Jeff! Come talk to my new friend.” The guy cuts me off.
“No really, I’m fine.” I don’t want to talk to some random from who knows where. But then I gasp in disbelief.
“Jeff? No way!”
The Jeff I trained with in Osaka is standing in front of me in Tokyo.
Jeff looks at me, equally surprised.
“Jess, what are you doing here?”
“I’m just on a holiday with my friend Alex. Remember I mentioned him when we first met?”
“Oh, right. Yeah. Is that him?” He nods to Alex, who is boogying away on the dancefloor.
“Yep. He seems to be enjoying himself.”
“Well, it is a pretty fun place.”
“You look great,” I say, noting his confidence.
“Thanks. I love this country. Everyone is so friendly.”
“I told you. You obviously don’t need advice anymore.”
“I guess not. Taiji has introduced me to a whole new world. I don’t think I ever want to go back to the States.”
“I know how you feel,” I say, wistfully thinking of my life in Osaka.
“I can’t believe I’ve run into you here! I guess it is the most popular ex-pat bar in Tokyo, but still.”
“I know! Strange things always happen to me here in Japan. I like to think it means I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” On a side note, I once read an article about how marketing agencies research lifestyle patterns of groups of people and then work out where they are most likely to overlap in their physical locations during the day. That way they can advertise in a central spot where everyone is most likely to pass through. Maybe Western people have unusually predictable patterns while living in Japan.
“That’s a good way to look at it. So, are you going to dance with us?”
I finish my drink. “Why not?”
***
I find out that Jeff has transferred to Tokyo permanently. He spent a short time in Osaka and then met Taiji, who was visiting Osaka for work. They got along so well that they decided to continue their relationship, and Jeff requested to work at one of Starlight’s Tokyo branches instead.
He and Alex seem to hit it off too, and discuss t
he lack of acceptance in parts of Australia and America regarding their sexuality. I’m happy to just absorb the atmosphere and think about what will happen when I go home. I’m more sure than ever about what I want to do, but now I have to see if the universe agrees with me.
***
The rest of the trip passes quickly with lots of eating, shopping and partying. Jeff acts as our tour guide when he’s not working, and we discover some beautiful parks and attractions.
Finally it’s time for Alex to fly out. He ends up going straight to the airport after we get off the bullet train, because we stayed in Tokyo a bit longer than we planned. He laments not having had the chance to meet Zac or any of my other friends, but he’s happy that he got to meet Jeff and spend some time with me.
“I hope you can work things out with Michael soon,” I say, hugging him goodbye.
“Me too, sweetie. It was lovely seeing you. This country definitely suits you. And I hope you’re able to sort things out with Zac. Call me in a week or so and let me know how it all goes.”
“Will do. I’ll miss you!”
“I’ll miss you too.”
I wave as he disappears through the departure gate.
Now for the moment of truth.
THIRTY-TWO
When I get home, the apartment is empty. My letter is gone, so I’m assuming Zac has been back at some point. It’s strange that he hasn’t left a message for me in return. Maybe he plans on greeting me in person when he returns from wherever he is now.
In an effort to distract myself, I go downstairs to see Alana. It feels like we’ve drifted apart recently, and I want to make amends.
I knock on her door and wait.
She flings it open and beams. “Jess! You’re back! Come in!”
Well, that’s a pleasant surprise. Maybe all is forgiven.
She ushers me down the hall. “How are you, babe? Tell me about your trip!”
I plonk myself down on her couch. “In a minute. I want to know what’s been happening with you first! You look great! Are you glowing? Kentaro obviously brings out the best in you.”
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