Page 9 of Adventures in Spring

“Felicity is your sister?” Tadashi asks.

I nod. “She’s the baby. Lukas is the oldest, he’s the one that makes all the popcorn. Then there’s Paxton, he’s a carpenter and runs the hardware side.”

“I love that you all work together to keep your parents’ store going.” Keiko smiles at me.

“It’s the best way we know to honor our parents. They sacrificed so much for us.”

Emiko’s family seems to like me and that’s a good thing. I have a feeling that if they didn’t, I’d have no chance of being with her. And that’s all I can think about. Being with Emiko.

I spend the next hour helping Emiko get everything the twins need for school. The only thing left is their backpacks. That’s where Felicity steps in and helps out. I feel like I’m following Emiko around like a lost puppy. And I probably am.

“Ask her out,” Felicity whispers to me.

“What if she says no?” I frown at her.

“Trust me big brother, she’s not going to say no. I’ve been watching you two stare at each other like there’s no one around. She feels the same way you do.”

I want to believe my sister, but I don’t know. I can see a sadness in her eyes and I don’t want to push her.

ChapterSix

Emiko

When Rhett held my hand, it sent tingles through my body. We exchanged phone numbers before we left. I think Rhett can see that there’s something holding me back. The respect that he shows me and my family is important to me. I think he’s even started to win my brothers over.

But when I got home, I felt guilty, like I did something wrong. My mom came and sat with me, like she knew what I was feeling. Last night I dreamt of Seth and he told me that he was proud of me and how strong I am. That I needed to open my heart up again. And that he’d always be with me.

I woke up sobbing and missing Seth even more. But I also felt relieved. Like Seth came and helped me realize that I can move on. I can let someone else into our lives. And I think that someone is Rhett.

Today is the first day for teachers only, it gives us a few days to get our classrooms in order.

Rhett: Morning. I hope it’s okay for me to text you. I wanted to say have a great first day

Emiko: Morning. Thank you. Are you working today?

Rhett: I work everyday. I haven’t been able to hire another pharmacist yet

Emiko: So you don’t have any days off?

Rhett: I close up the pharmacy when I have things to do. And I’ve started looking for another pharmacist

Emiko: That’s good. I was worried that you didn’t get any time to relax

Rhett: Would you like to have lunch with me today? I can bring something to you

Emiko: I’d like that. But I’m not sure what our schedule is going to be like

Rhett: Just text me. I’ll pick something up and come to you

Emiko: Okay. Thank you

Rhett: See you soon

I get up and find my mom making breakfast for everyone. Just like it was back home.

“Morning, sweetheart. I make pancakes, eggs and sausage. You need a good breakfast.”

“Thank you, Mom.” I smile as I grab a little of each.

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