Celeste directed Daniel over to the JR Keihin Tohoku line and they hopped aboard, heading toward Sakuragicho. It had been a while since she stayed near Oimachi Station in Tokyo. She liked the area, one of her favorite business hotels was there. It was quieter, and there was a little construction but it wasn’t a bother. When they finished with the meeting tomorrow, Celeste looked forward to going out to Shibuya and see if they built anything new since her last visit. Her father had explained that they were building tons of new shops, and that it was looking really good. Of course, that was all after she visited Harajuku to get her fashion fix and eat the famous hand-made dessert crepes. She was practically drooling thinking of the sugary-sweet crepes filled with flan or strawberries and ice cream.

She was there to help her father too, but translating wasn’t really hard. The hard part was pouring over the contracts before Daddy signed. That was usually what took the longest for these business trips. Thankfully, he was the one that went out to have drinks with them during the week. It was proper for her to go on at least one of those, but afterward, she would be able to enjoy the time left.

She frowned, staring out from the train as they neared Oimachi Station. It was going to be hard not to think about anything other than Lain, especially without knowing if she was OK. She didn’t realize it, but she needed this. With everything that had been going on lately, it felt good to just relax. Hopefully the men that her father had hired would uncover something. The fact that neither of them had found a clue was devastating. She was Lain’s best friend, and more. She was a real guardian to her and even she couldn’t figure out what had happened to the girl. It was very doubtful that a bunch of strangers could find out anything, but if she knew her father they probably had ties with the FBI and some of the best men were on it. She hated to admit it, but she had completely exhausted all of her own resources only to turn up empty handed. She had to let it go, and focus on herself for a little while.

Daniel followed Celeste’s lead as she exited the train and then waved her card over the ticket gate. Her pace quickened as she confidently strode toward the exit, knowing the station in and out. They passed several shops, including a bakery that smelled amazing right next to the escalator. She made a quick detour into the bakery and grabbed some sweet bread for breakfast. She knew it wasn’t entirely healthy, but it had been so long since she had the French-style bread that she wanted it first thing in the morning. Dallas had some amazing bakeries, but Japan was well known for their French bistros and pâtisserie. Her favorite desert café was less than three blocks from their hotel. She was definitely going to go have dessert and tea tonight after dinner.

Celeste grabbed Daniel by the hand and led him up the escalator and then across the street to the hotel. It was fairly brisk outside, thank goodness the entrance was enclosed and heated. She smiled as Daniel stared at the grand entrance. There was a small market downstairs and several escalators leading up and back down. They rode up to the second level and walked over to the front desk. The staff was every bit as polite and efficient as she remembered. After they checked in and paid, they finally located the elevator. She had forgotten how tucked in the back they were from the main lobby. If it was one thing Celeste never liked, it was riding the elevators in the buildings Downtown. It didn’t matter how many times she popped her ears, it was never enough.

She rested her head on the elevator and let out a long sigh. Daniel smiled wearily across from her. She was so ready to drop all of these bags and take a hot shower, and more than likely, he was too. A small nap before they had to go meet up with her father would work wonders on her right now. The elevator told them to watch their step as the doors opened. She handed Daniel his key and walked toward her room, “I’m going to hop in the shower and grab a few winks before tonight’s meet. You need anything, I’m next door.” Daniel thanked her and then went into his own room quietly. Poor guy, Celeste thought. He must be just as exhausted as I am.

* * *

Japanese television was odd. Not because of the content, as a matter of fact many of their morning programs were very similar to Good Morning America or Today. They even had some home improvement and real estate property shows. It was odd because there weren’t very many channels at places. She swore she had only gotten to five or six stations before looping back to the first one. She watched the advertisement for the skin product and giggled. It both lightened and brightened! Look younger in minutes! Apparently anti-aging products were shoved down everyone’s throat, no matter what country. She never fully understood Japanese women’s obsession with lightening the skin. It was a thing. Her mother would even drape a sleeve over her arm to prevent from getting any color, and wear large, oversized hats. She would always get on to Celeste about staying out of the sun, and that she would thank mama later for it. She smiled to herself, mama was right of course. She was incredibly thankful to not have any sun damage. But at the time, it seriously annoyed her to have to stop and take time out to put on sunscreen.

She switched off the television and grabbed a jacket from the coat hanger. The weather was going to be 104° F which meant she was going to be shivering her tail-end off. That was fairly cold for this time of year, there must have been a cold front that came through last night. The business hotel room didn’t have a traditional step down to put on shoes, so she had left hers on the tile before stepping onto the carpet. She quickly slipped them on, and stepped over to the bathroom. It was silly, but she wanted to take one last look at her hair and makeup before walking out. Daniel may just be a close friend now, but she wasn’t naïve─ there was definitely something there between them and she wanted to look her best around him. She frowned at the huge mess she had made on the counter. Some poor soul would have to clean this up if she left it. She quickly shoved all the makeup back into her bag and tucked it into her larger bag below the sink. It was a weird habit she had picked up as a kid. She never felt comfortable making someone else clean up after her, even if it was in their job description. It just seemed─ rude.

* * *

Celeste laughed as her dad pulled out the tickets. He had been completely serious yesterday when he said he had gotten them all seats to Cinderella by the local ballet company. She was exhausted from a long day of work, but it still worked out. She was planning on going shopping in Shibuya anyway, and the ballet started around four o’clock. She would have more than enough time to do that before the show. Especially considering that the ballet was in Shibuya. Hopefully Daniel didn’t mind being dragged along. She was definitely planning on taking him around the electronic district in Akihabara before they returned to Dallas. That was an amazing place to get lost in. Especially all the cute maid café’s tucked into the buildings, and floors and floors of figurines, music, clothing, and anything that you could ever want with electronics and gadgets. One day, she was going to take Lain here, and to Harajuku to go clothes shopping. She was determined that if they did actually find her, she would hire a lawyer right away and fight as long as she needed to have Lain live with her. No more games. Lain deserved a real home, with a good family. Besides, what was she going to do with all those spare rooms anyway? The elevator doors opened up, and they walked around the indoor mall. Finally choosing a western style shop, they were all seated and given a glass of water. Daniel looked around nervously, “those look like omelets” he said. Celeste nodded and smiled, “yes sir, they are.” He relaxed, “good. Something I actually understand.” Scott laughed and patted Daniel on the shoulder, “hey, buddy, I’m right there with you. The first few times I visited Japan, they couldn’t get me to leave KFC or McDonald’s.” Daniel’s eyes widened, “they have McDonald’s?” He rubbed his hands together, “awesome. I know what I’m eating for the rest of the week.” Celeste groaned and her father let out an appreciative laugh, “Kindred spirits” he said as he winked. The waitress came back with all three plates and set them down.

Celeste sighed in content as she devoured her omurice. It had been far too long since she last had it. The fried rice with chicken and cheese melted in her mouth. She smiled at the little bunny drawn on the top of the omelet with ketchup. Normally she got it with demi-glace, but she wanted something nostalgic that Mama used to make for her as a child. Daniel laughed and shook his head, “you really like that, huh? Can’t say I’m a fan.” He said scrunching up his nose, “not enough salt.” She shrugged and talked with her mouth half full, “hey, your loss.” She said matter-of-factly.

Celeste couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so good. Daniel allowed her to be herself, even encouraged her dorky side. It really was terrible, but she could see herself with this guy in the future. She paused for a moment, thinking. Why was that so terrible? It’s not like she owed John anything. Her chest tightened as the blonde waves and gorgeous body popped in her head. The clothes everywhere? okay, stop, she scolded. It won’t do you any good to think like that. It’s over. “Hey sweetheart, everything okay?”

Celeste looked up at her dad and cracked a half-smile. It was the one she did when she wanted people to believe that she was okay, but she really wasn’t. All three of them jumped as Daniel’s phone went off and danced across the table. They laughed, and Daniel grabbed at his phone. He glanced at the screen and then quickly answered. “Hey Mike, what’s up?” he placed his hand over the receiver, “hey guys, sorry I have to take this.” Celeste shooed him away and dug heartily into her dish. More for me, she mouthed at him. He grinned and shook his head as he walked off.

She felt her father wrap his arm around her and squeeze tight. “Now that the boy is gone, tell me the truth,” he said firmly. She set down her fork and placed her hand on her hip, “Hey, I’ll have you know that I am perfectly fine, darling Daddy.” That did it. They both cracked up. Scott smiled gently after a few seconds, “you have a lot of your mama in you. She used to do that same thing when something went wrong.” She shrugged uncomfortably and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. It was hard talking to anyone right now, but her dad was right. She should have come to him about it a long time ago. Or trusted what he had to say, she admitted begrudgingly.

“You ever going to tell me what happened with John?” She winced at his name. Damn, she wished it didn’t hurt this much. It took her a few moments to work up the courage, but finally she did. “He─” her words caught in her throat and before she knew it, tears started flowing. Scott pulled her to his chest and drew her in for a hug. “ is seeing another woman.” She finished softly. He squeezed her again and nodded as he pulled away. “I know, baby.” He said. Her anger flared and she stared at him for several seconds. “You─ knew?” It was his turn to look uncomfortable. “How could you not tell me about that?” she whispered loudly. He sighed and shook his head, “I tried to tell you, but I guess I wanted you to see it for yourself.” When her anger was still very apparent, he added, “Come on, would you have really bought it coming from me?” As furious as she was feeling right now, he was one hundred percent right. When she was walking on sunshine, she would have only believed that John farted rainbows and pooped cupcakes─ she was as gullible as they came with romance. Who was she really angry with? So John had used her to get to her father’s company, big whoop. At least she caught it before they had gotten married and he took everything that she owned. Her shoulder’s drooped and she let the last of her tears fall. It felt good, finally getting the last of it out. Why had she dreaded this talk so much? “I’m sorry, I guess I just wanted someone to blame.” Scott looked at her surprised, “No, no honey. Don’t apologize” he tilted her head up to meet his eyes, “you have no reason to feel bad about what happened. People do foolish things for love,” he said. She smiled, and nodded swiping at her tears. Scott let go of her chin and handed her a napkin. “Trust me, baby girl. I have done some incredibly dumb things where love was concerned.” She laughed and blotted at the corners of her eyes. “Thanks, daddy” she said.

Daniel came back looking at the two of them confused. She thought it was probably something to do with how her face looked, but then she got a closer look at his face. He was visibly pale. Something big just went down. His eyes locked on hers as he sat down. She did not like his expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her anxiety rising. “Celeste” Her throat seized up and she latched onto the table. She had to hold on, she was sure if she didn’t, the floor would rise up to meet her chest.

No.

She didn’t want to ask, it was going to kill her─ but so would not knowing. Was this how parents felt? Helpless, alone, and unable to do anything except sit and pray─ I don’t want to know, please don’t tell me. But the words still came out, small and quivering. “What happened?”

* * *

Celeste stared at her phone, and then finally worked up the nerve to call Matilda. She looked at the time, it would be almost ten o’clock at night in Dallas, but she needed to get an update on Lain before she could relax. The girl had been found yesterday morning, behind a local grocery store. She struggled with keeping her cool when Daniel told her how they had found her. Lain was stripped completely bare and unconscious. A rape-kit had been done, and thankfully the girl had been spared from that horror. Mike explained to Daniel that whoever it was must have gotten spooked by something and took off before they were able to finish. She didn’t even want to know what it was they had been planning to do to Lain.

Matilda picked up on the second ring. “Was beginning to wonder if I was going to hear from you today,” she croaked. Her voice sounded shakier than usual, she must have been crying. “Hey Matilda. Sorry, I had a morning meeting. How is she holding up?” Celeste asked. “Well, aside for several bumps, scratches and malnutrition, I’d say she’s doing pretty well. They aren’t sure why she hasn’t woken up. The doctors think it might just be her way of coping with what happened.” Celeste breathed out a sigh of relief. She had been holding it the entire time Matilda talked. So she was OK, at least. “Honey, I know this is a strange thing to ask, but, have you heard from Anna?” Matilda asked. Celeste gasped─ she had completely forgotten to call her when she got into the country.

“No, why? Has she been calling for me?” Celeste inquired. There was a long silence on the other end. Static began to rise in the background, and a small yet distinct popping came from the other end. Where had she heard that sound before? It looped, then reversed and looped again. It almost had a pattern to it. She listened intently, trying to make sense of the noise.

Then all at once from the chaos emerged several voices, overlapping one another and babbling like a brook. It was chaotic and insect-like with screams that sounded far away. As quickly as it arrived, the noise subsided and she could hear the whirring of the machines from the hospital room where Matilda was. “Hey, Matilda, did you hear that?” “Hear what, child? Lord, didn’t you hear me? I must’ve talked for a good five minutes.” She grumbled on the other end.

The phone popped in Celeste’s ear and she pulled the phone away wincing. “OK, ow,” She called into her phone. “Can you not do that? Whatever it is you’re doing.” Celeste said. “Anyway, I was asking if Anna called you.” Matilda sighed on the other end, “You know what, let me just call you on a landline, it will be easier to understand one another. Where are you right now?” Matilda asked. She sounded different, Celeste couldn’t place how but something wasn’t right.

“I can hear you just fine, and it sounds like you can hear me. So, this works.” She couldn’t shake her feeling of unease. “Well, yes, but I hate these darn things, the sound just isn’t as clear. Let me call you, just give me the building you’re staying at and I’ll call you there.” Matilda wouldn’t be so adamant about wanting to know where she was. She would have been more concerned about telling Celeste about Lain’s condition. Why had she been asking about Anna? She hadn’t mentioned her in well over a year. Warning bells started going off and Anna’s words came back to her, trust no one. She hung up the phone and dialed Anna’s number. It barely rang before she answered. “Celeste, thank the gods,” Anna breathed. Celeste laughed, “Well, it’s nice to hear from you too. Sorry I forgot to call, Matilda─”

“Did you tell her where you were?” Anna said talking over Celeste. “No, I remember you─” “Okay, good we still have time. Listen to me and listen well. You need to be on the first train to Ise in Southern Honshu. You know the place, right?” “Yeah, our summer home. But,” “Look, I’m on my way there now. Meet me in four hours outside of Iseshi station.” Celeste agreed and hung up. What the hell was that all about? She wondered.

* * *