Mieko’s heart sang as her ears drank in Eliza’s wonderful way with words. Her English accent was Mieko’s absolute favorite, and her father’s most despised.
“Now I’m here with family!” Eliza sang, pointing a finger to her chest and patting Mieko on the shoulder. “I used to spend all my days with Mieko, but now I’m a slave to my husband…”
“What!?” Mieko gasped, earning a giggle from Lucy as her eyes grew to a nearly comical size.
“Hah! Just a joke, just a joke,” Eliza shook Mieko’s shoulder and gave Lucy a wink. “We work at a church on the other side of town. His uncle’s the priest! Say-”
Eliza’s eyes traveled down to inspect a small glimmering pendant atop Lucy’s white blouse.
A cross.
“Lucy, if you’re interested, we could actually use some extra hands on Sundays! Let me know if you ever wanna come down to help out, eh!”
“Yes! Yes, I would love to,” The words flew out of her mouth before Lucy could truly comprehend what she was committing to. It had been ages since she went to church, and she was ready to burst with joy at the prospect of it becoming routine again.
“Great!” Eliza clapped her hands together. “We’re at Our Lady of Mercy near Umeda, if you’re familiar with that area! And Mieko!”
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Plopping her hand on Mieko’s shoulder once again, Eliza’s bubbly grin turned awry with curiosity. “Don’t tell me you came down here for a secret date with Ryusuke, eh? When he gets back to Osaka, Kazuma’s gonna have the poor boy’s neck!” Her eyes widened as her hand traveled towards her mouth in feigned fear.
While she and Lucy laughed, Mieko stomped her foot and nudged at Eliza’s waist. “He’s already back, so if you see him don’t. Say. Anything!”
“Oh don’t worry Mieko, your secret’s safe with me! Oop!” Bopping her head and reaching in her purse for her watch, Eliza pointed towards a small alley road brimming with nook and cranny shops. “My mochi shop’s gonna go on lunch in 20 minutes I’m afraid, better get a move on! Mieko, it was great seeing you again! And Lucy, hope to meet you on a Sunday! Any one will do! Just pop on in”
Lucy and Mieko waved as Eliza ran from their sight, her pocket watch dangling from her purse.
“Isn’t she great?” Mieko sighed. “She was the best teacher ever! To think Mister Fosters stole her job away, all because of her accent! Can you believe that?”
“Because of her accent?” Lucy crossed her arms. “That doesn’t sound very fair.”
“Because it’s not fair! Not fair at all,” Mieko continued to whine as her cheeks puffed in annoyance.
“Kind of like your secret dates with Ryusuke, huh?” Unable to contain a smirk and a giggle, Lucy rubbed her chin in thought.
“Mhm- Wait, no! We’re not dating!”
“Well it sure looks that way, and now I know it’s not just me who thinks so-ow.”
Mieko rammed a fist into Lucy’s hip while the two turned towards one of their usual shops, one head turning after another as laughter traveled through the street.