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Chapter 2
AJ thought that the reason Masaru decided to close down Diamond Head was because it lacked of customers. So, he started promoting the resort to his friends and relatives, among all, he only managed to get Nick to come.
Idling in the resort, by coincidence, Brian noticed a picture on the shelf. It was a picture of a young man holding his surfing board.
"Who is that?" A sudden exclamation startled Brian. It was AJ.
"You gave me a fright."
"Oh, he looked smart and proud."
"Yeah. I wonder who he is."
Ayumi walked pass them.
"Ayumi, who is this handsome man?" AJ stopped her.
"It's my ojiisan. (Grandfather)"
"Boss?"
"Yeah. He was one of Japan's first surfer."
"Wow, I didn't know he is so great," praised AJ.
"But 40 years ago, he started the resort and gave up surfing."
"But why?" asked Brian.
"I don't know."
"Brian, I wish I could be like him. It would be very great to be a person like him. But something puzzled me, Ayumi."
"What?"
"Your grandpa is so capable and smart but as his granddaughter, you don't seem to inherit his good points," teased AJ.
"Bakka. I don't have the time to listen to your nonsense. I'm off to school."
"Sayonara! (Goodbye)"
"AJ, she is still a kid. Stop bullying her," said Brian.
"I'm not."
XXXXXXXXXXX
One day, Leighanne arrived at Diamond Head, giving Brian a pleasant surprise. AJ on the other hand, thought that Brian had specially invited her to stay at the resort as part of their 'promotion plan'.
Brian and Leighanne were having a tête-à-tête in a room when AJ overheard their conversation.
"I came specially to return your watch. You left without a word. I thought you are leaving for good."
"No."
"You and AJ seem to be having a good time. You can't bear to leave this place?"
"No such thing."
"Colleagues in the television corporation all feel that the fault in the musical project made you lose all confidence. Are you escaping?"
"Of course not. I'm just taking a break and I'm still on paid leave," Brian forced a smile.
Knowing that Brian didn't wish to explain further, AJ barged into the room.
"Hey, man. The resort doesn't allow intimate behaviors between a girl and a guy."
"What do you mean by not knocking the door before you come in? And what kind of rule is that?" asked Brian.
"Don't get angry. I am here to inform you that the lunch is ready."
"We'll be down in a moment. Thank you, AJ," said Leighanne.
"Brian, guess who is here?" asked AJ.
"Who?"
"It's Nick. Surprise? I called him and told him to come."
"Really? That's great."
XXXXXXXXXX
Takako was outside her bar, waiting impatiently for the postman.
"Here he comes," informed Ayumi.
"You're late!"
"Sorry. Here, you have mail," the postman handed a letter to Takako who was delighted and surprised. But was disappointed when she saw the letter.
"What is this? A bill?! I don't want it. Take it back." Takako then put the letter back into his hands.
"No, I can't. I'll be in trouble if I keep it," the postman handed it back to Takako and left.
"Whose letter are you waiting for? A man's?" asked the curious Ayumi.
"So dayo. (Yes)"
"Anohito wa oikutsu desuka? (How old is he?)"
"Younger than me. He's a very cute boy named Harukiko."
"I see." Ayumi thought the guy Takako was talking of was her boyfriend.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
It was nightfall. The whole crew was barbecuing when the drunk Nick spilled out their (Brian, AJ and himself) past of the breaking up of their singing group. Since then, AJ competed in swimming but gave up the chance to compete in Olympics due to injury. Brian and AJ tried to shut him up.
"Stop talking nonsense," said Brian.
"You're drunk," AJ added.
"No. I'm not. I hate the reality. Why do we have to break up?"
XXXXXXXXXXXX
This really surprised Ayumi but she had no guts to probe further. Since AJ gave up swimming, he had been taking a break from life. Thinking of his failure in his current job, Brian thought it was something he thought of doing, taking a break from life.
After the sumptuous dinner, Masaru began to play 'Suihensen' (Horizon), a beautiful tune on his guitar. The music captivated everyone and toned the mood down. Suddenly, Ayumi appeared in tears,
"Watakushi kokoniitai… (I wish to stay here…), because I like this place very much!" she ran off crying all the way to her room. Takako, Leighanne, Brian and AJ - all stared at her leaving shadow. Although Brian and AJ didn't exactly know what her first sentence meant, they understood.
Late at night, Brian and AJ sat alone outside the resort.
"Ahh…I can't stay here eventually," sighed AJ.
"Why didn't you continue? You are a great swimmer."
"That's not what I meant…" he paused, "it's reality, can't be avoided. Just like Masaru. He's always doing what he likes, isn't that hiding from reality? There are things that are beyond our control."
"Yeah, you're right."
"It must be hard to part with your close one. I really admire Ayumi because she has to deal with so many problems at such a young age. Yet, she remains strong."
"Why? Why did you choose to come back here?"
"Seriously speaking, I have never felt so attached before," AJ laughed, "This part of earth is so fascinating to me. Actually, I have never swum in the sea before. This summer, I hope I can do it."
"I really do envy you."
"Why?"
"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the most out of everything that comes along their ways. And you're one of them."
"Tomorrow Nick will be gone."
"Yeah."
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Brian was chopping blocks of wood, venting his anger when AJ approached him.
"It's not this way. Watch me." AJ took the chopper from Brian and to show him the right way. But Brian snatched it back.
"Any way will do. Just let me do it."
Masaru saw them and walked to them.
"What do you think you are doing?"
"I don't know. I want to do it because I have never tried so before."
"What is the matter?"
"Simplicity is the best way of life? For Ayumi's sake? Nonsense!" Brian got worked up.
AJ joined, "Boss, if you fell like winding up this resort, then say so. It has nothing to do with the kawai (adorable) Ayumi, or anybody. If you can decide whether you want to shut this place up, why don't you let Ayumi decides for herself, choose what she wants to do?"
"AJ is right. Masaru, you have been deciding your own life, right? Please think it over and show your principles."
"That's all you have got to say? Then clean up after chopping." Masaru was nonchalant.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Feeling troubled, Masaru went to seek Takako's advice. Although he showed no anxiety in front of the boys, deep down inside, he was moved.
"Takako-san, (Miss Takako) if you were me, what would you do?"
"You wish to hear my opinion because I understand Ayumi and her mother's feelings? Or you think my situation is almost the same as theirs?"
"That's not what I meant."
"Honestly, It is the parents' fault. The child is innocent."
"Orekata (Sorry). I'm troubled. Those 2 guys told me to think about it carefully. Outrageous!" he paused, "Can I use your phone?"
"Sure."
By now, Masaru had made up his mind to let Ayumi to make her own decision.
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Ayumi and her classmates, Yuko and Youske were on their way back from school.
"You won't return to the beach…" said the sad Yuko.
"It's not as if I'm going abroad, right?"
"Ayumi, leave everything to me!" Immediately after saying this, the agitated Youske ran all the way to the resort until he met Masaru and the others outside the resort. Yuko and Ayumi tagged behind.
"Sorry to interrupt. I really like this resort very much. Please change your mind and let Ayumi stay because none other than this place suits her better. Please!" He bowed.
"Youske…That's enough." Ayumi was touched by his friend's concern. Takako and the others started laughing.
"Embarrassed, Youske said, "It's not funny."
"We've discussed and settled this matter. What a foolish fellow. Bakka !"
"Ayumi, you can stay. I've called your okasan. You can choose your own road."
Then he turned to AJ and ordered, "Get ready! I'll show you the culinary skills! That barbecue yesterday was so bad. Didn't anyone tell you that?"
AJ stuck out his tongue at Masaru when he was not looking and walked into the resort to get things ready.
As everyone was busy preparing the feast, Brian received a call from his boss, telling him to resume work as soon as possible.
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