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The next morning, things were uncomfortable between them, and Jamine
noticed.
“Taru, what did you do to her?” she asked, exasperated.
“Me?” He looked hurt. “Why is it always me who gets the blame?”
From the side of the room, Makio watched My Bian Cara walk across the
hallway, and smiled. “Because usually you end up causing the trouble in
the first place.” He said calmly.
Taru sighed, frowned and then shook his head. “It’s nothing. I said
something stupid and…” at the dangerous looks, he raised his hands in
defense. “I said I was sorry!”
Makio shook his head. “She’s a woman, and you think that it’s ever
enough to say you’re sorry?”
Taru shifted, uncomfortable. “What else am I supposed to do?”
Jamine was lost in thought. “Take her out.” She said, simply.
“Out?” Taru asked, blinking.
“She’s a young girl, Taru. Don’t you remember what you were like at
that age?”
“Being black mailed and trying to kill the love of my life?” his voice
was wry.
Jamine chuckled, and shook her head. “Not only that, but look at her.
She’s always working, always trying and I’ve never seen her have fun.
We never invite her out with us and you’re the closest to her age…”
Jamine’s well meaning gaze, and Makio’s encouraging nods were enough.
“Fine, fine. I’ll take her out.” He grumbled. “Where?”
Jamine rolled her eyes. “He has his mother do all the work.” She
muttered. “To Earth, of course.”
“Earth?” he repeated, wondering if he had misheard her. The country
that had abused them so much? Heck, not country. The world?
Jamine smiled. “I hear their food is still exquisite.”
***
Taru’s blank expression was echoed on Bian’s.
“Out?” she repeated.
Taru nodded. “To Earth.” He said. “For drinks, dinner. I think… I think
you’d enjoy it.”
Those odd, feline eyes blinked for one second, and then she smiled.
“That would be nice.” She said slowly.
***
Makio paused. “So, you’ll bring her home on time?”
Taru frowned with irritation. “This isn’t a date.” He said simply.
Makio smirked. “Of course it’s not.”
Taru paused. “No, really.” He repeated. Reaching for his wallet and
glancing inside, he whistled. “Hey” he said, admiringly. “I never earn
this much when I’m—“
Makio smiled. “We thought, that it would be good if you could show her
a good time.” His gaze softened. “Call it guilt but…”
Taru smiled. “I will.” He promised. “Where is she?”
From the other room, they heard whispers. “I don’t think.” They heard a
frantic whisper “That this is wise.”
Jamine laughed. “Sweetie, you need to wear shades to cover those eyes,
we don’t want to gather too much attention and the clothes you wear…”
“There’s nothing wrong with what I wear!” came her indignant whisper.
“Of course not.” She started, soothingly. “But it’s a bit noticeable,
especially on a young girl… now come on. Don’t keep Taru waiting.”
Had they seen her, she would have been blushing.
Jamine was the first to step out, rolling her eyes. “Who would have
thought she could be so stubborn?” she said out loud.
Taru grinned. “There seems to be a lot we don’t know about her.” He
admitted. “Now, Bian” he started, and paused.
Where had the little girl gone?
In her place was a small boned exotic young woman with straight dark
hair that cascaded down her back, dressed in a long bright purple and
pink gypsy skirt and a narrow clinging white tank that emphasized her
small frame. It was not particularly revealing, but out of her usual
long sleeved shirts, and her usual sober colors, she seemed bright and…
Taru walked forewords and fingered the coral necklace around her neck.
“Pretty.” He said simply. “Come on, lets go.”
