Pretty Fish

SPLASH! I am a lazy bum. Swimming in my twenty-foot long in-ground pool is the only time I leave my work on the computer. I feel free when I do so. Every evening after work, I slip into one of my cute little swimsuits and dive in. As I swim around, I feel one with the water. My kitsune friend, Aden, often jokes about me and calls a kitty-fish. I have been told my element is water. Even my sign is Pisces.

The fact that my pool is hidden among my lovely Japanese style garden adds to the peace in my world. It’s lovely in the spring. The rain of cherry blossoms makes it heaven. At times, I just lie still in the soft pedicure grass and shut my eyes. I soon am lost in paradise.

I drew in a deep breath and sank into the water. It’s a little habit of mine since childhood. I stay underwater until I need air. I do this many times every time I jump in. People find it strange. Aden asks me why I do it. I just shrug and smiled lightly. But to tell you the truth, I don’t why I sink under the water; I just so evening after evening. I just enjoy sinking under and staying as long as I can. I don’t know, it’s just so…. natural to do just that.

I emerged from the water and caught my breath. I felt cold suddenly. All but my head and neck went back into the water. My, how water changes body temperature massively. I looked to the sky. Night was sliding in fast. This was my cue to go back in. So I sank back under and swam to the ladder. (Another childhood habit of mine.) When I made it to the other side, I found I missed the ladder by a few inches. No matter. I just inched over to the ladder and climbed out. The cold slapped my body fast. I wrapped my brightly colored towel over me to keep warm. I stood on the gazebo-deck and looked around for a while. Occasionally, a couple of teenage boys on bikes would stare at me as they passed by. Then, my audience would be the old men across the street playing cards from time to time. Maybe some guys walking past my house on the street would look at me. Tonight, no one was out but me.

I power-walked to my back door. The cold was unbearable. I hate cold weather. I’m more of a summer fan. But snow is an acceptation. I pushed the door open and my pomapoo dogs, Fluffy and Snickers, ran outside. I had them since I was twenty-two. They are decent. Everyone says they are cute dogs. I love them but they are annoying. But take them or leave them. I choose to take them and like it!

I walked into my house. I slid my purple flower sandals off by the door and dropped my towel to my hands. I felt hungry again. The teriyaki pork with bean sprouts weren’t enough. I needed real food. Then, burgers came to mind. But where from? I don’t like McDonalds. Their teriyaki burgers make me sick. I don’t even feel like teriyaki burgers. Then, I thought of chicken burgers. Keiko’s Haven was the solution. I loved that place. They had the best chicken burgers. Keiko’s Haven it was then. I grabbed a green t-shirt and a black skirt and got dressed. I grabbed my purse and headed out the door.

Keiko’s Haven was down the street from my house. I am pretty much known there. The air felt warm and muggy. I knew how a snowman felt in the desert feels out here. Just a few more steps.

I grabbed the door and pushed it open. Oh! That breeze felt great. A little cold but great. I walked to the shortest line. Keiko’s Haven was busy. Kids and teens were in here today. I felt so old around them. True, I didn’t look my age. But still….

“May I take your order?” a voice asked. I returned from my world to reality. “Hm?” I asked. A young female clerk stared at me in concern. I felt sheepish for keeping her. “May I take your order?” she asked again. “Oh, yeah,” I replied. “Two grill chicken sandwiches with curly fries to go.” “Any drink?” the clerk asked. “A cooled tea.” I replied. The clerk rang up my order. “Two grill chicken sandwiches with curly fries and a cooled green tea?” she asked. “Yes.” I said. “That will be 1,000 and twenty five yen.” she said. I reached in my purse and took out my black wallet. I paid the nice girl my due amount. The girl took the money. “Your order will be ready in a minute.” she chirped. “K.” I said. Then the clerk pinned up my receipt to the cooks.

I heard a whistle from behind me. From the corner of my eye, I saw a boy about nineteen years old. He must have thought I was fifteen or sixteen. I just tittered to myself. I’m twenty-five years and I still look like a teenage girl. It’s annoying though. Aden and everyone else jokes about my age. I may smile but secretly, I want to strangle them all.

The clerk returned with my food. “Here you are.” she said. “Arigato.” I replied with a bow. Then I took my food and left.

The heat was still bad. Running would make thing worse. Lucky home was only a short distance. Otherwise, I would be dead. When I opened my front door, the cool air met me with open arms. Oh god! That feels good! Thank Kami for air condition! Otherwise, we would be SOL.

I made it to my dining room. I set my food down on the table and sat down. I opened the bag and began eating. This is how dinner is at home is. It’s all right but I wish I could eat with someone. Would be nice to talk with someone while I eat. No matter. I always pull through.

Once dinner was over, I went upstairs to take a shower. The pool and fetching dinner did their toll on me. I rinsed off for a while and hung my white bikini set over the shower. I washed my short black hair really good. I went across the hall to my guest room to get my white yukata. While dressing, I noticed the light on my black answering machine. At first, I thought nothing of it. I just hit play. “You twenty new messages.” it said. I froze hard in the hallway. Twenty messages! I only receive two or three once in while. Who could they be from?

First Message:

“Hey Noiz, this is Damon.”

(I smiled to myself. Damon Clark was the owner of my writing company, Thomas Crown. He and his younger sister, Cassie, are brilliant writers. We all are good friends.)

“The board and I debated over who will be the new co-owner of Thomas Crown.”

(No matter. John, his former co-owner, left last Tuesday. The board had been debating about who would take over for three days straight. Didn’t faze me though.)

“By unanimous vote, you have been voted to be the new co-owner of Thomas Crown, Noiz! Congrats! See you tomorrow!!!” *Beep*

(I froze with the toothbrush dangling out of my mouth! I wanted to scream no so loudly! You see, it’s not Damon or the job. It’s the position itself. I only joined Thomas Crown for a fun side project. I already had a writing company, Tokyo-Zion Academy. I didn’t even intend to stay at Thomas Crown. Now, I’m stuck there!)

Next Message:

“Hi Noiz! It’s me Cassie! Heard about your promotion! Can’t wait to work with you! This so cool! Bye!” *Beep*

(It’s NOT cool, you little twit! By being –co-owner of Thomas Crown, it will rob my time from TZA. I’d have to kiss my baby good-bye. Damnit!)

Next message:

“YOU BITCH!!!”

(I froze in terror. That voice always made me jump. Patsy Rowe. Like me, she was one of the top writers. But she achieved it by sleeping with Marty, Damon’s younger brother. Unlike me, she is a raging bitch! Patsy is a Brit with a nasty wit!)

“YOU KNEW I WANTED THAT JOB!!! HOW DID YOU GET IT, SLEEPING WITH DAMON?!? *Snort* He always had a thing for you anyway.” *Beep*

(I spat in anger! How dare she! Me be a slut for higher power! That made my blood boil! I am not a trashy little whore like her! I never!!! Why I ought to...

I quickly calmed down. Anger was a slight problem with me. My seir, Tami, suggested that I close my eyes and imagine myself in my favorite place. I closed my and imagine myself in the ocean. I felt better already. I swam back to the main issue of my new unwanted position of Thomas Crown’s co-owner.)

The next seventeen messages were all congratulating me on my new position. They were distant to me. I hung my head in distress. What was I going to do? Promotions are like gifts you can’t return. Well, you could but it would be rude to. You just have to take it and smile.

This theory gave me an idea. I changed out of my white yukata and into my red and white kimono. I fixed up my hair and went out the door.

I got into my wine pink jeep, Mooney. I was going to tell Damon I can’t take the job and suggest that he give the position to someone else. I’ll thank him first and then be nice about.

I pulled up to the Thomas Crown building. Only eight lights were on inside. Good, they haven’t locked up yet. I was in time. I put Mooney in park and got out.

Inside was the North Pole. I felt like a fish on ice. I hate the cold. This place is always freezing. I began to power walk to keep warm. “Hi Noiz-san!” a voice rang out. I turned sharply. Nora stood behind me. She was our receptionist. Dull woman. I wonder if she even had any fun in her life. I bet not. But…

“What did you call me?” I asked confused. “Noiz-san.” Nora repeated. I was blown away. Noiz-san? Nobody calls me that! My staff calls me Noiz or Noizchild. Where did this Noiz-san crap come from?

All through the hall I heard “Noiz-san” and congratulations on my new position. I resisted the urged to scream “Shut up!” really loud. They were driving me mad. I kept thinking about killing them all. I was over these people now? Kami help us all!

I finally made it to the elevator. Sanctuary! I breathed heavy. Bless their hearts. The writers of Thomas Crown are not the brightest people around. Only Damon, Saffy, Anna, Cassie, and I are the company’s saving graces. As long as Marty stays in the music section of the company, everyone is safe. I shook my head again. Just great. Just freaking great! I am half in charge of the half-wits! Mind you, they are nice people. But, they are beyond hope! Oh buddy!

The elevator finally stopped at the fourth floor. I straightened up as the door opened. I remembered my strategy. Thank Damon for the position, kindly reject him, and suggest someone else. Pretty simple, right? Little did I know!

I made it to Damon’s office. The oak door made me sick. The nameplates said the following:

Damon Clark, Owner

Noizchild Johnson, Co-owner

*Sweat drop* Incredible! I now have a nameplate on the door. Where will it end? I sighed and got my strength back. Well, here goes! I knocked on the door. “Come in!” a voice called. I lightly pushed open the door.

Damon was at the desk. I felt my heart speed up a bit. Oh, Damon! He was so pretty. England sure does produce pretty boys. 2-D, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, David Mitchell. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

I swam back to my main focus. Damon’s married anyway. So he’s out of my league. Now, but to work. “Konbawa Damon-san.” I greeted. He waved his hand in dismissal. “Aw come now Noiz,” he addressed. “Just call me Damon. You’re working beside me now.” “Right, about that.” I spoke up. “I thank you for the position. But…” Damon’s eyes lit up. “You’re welcome!” he cut me off. “I knew you were perfect for this job! The whole company knew it too! You would’ve been our first choice, but we had to pick two other candidates and vote on them. Company policy, you know.” I… was first choice? First choice. They want me that much? WOW! This is so…

No! I must focus. I don’t want this job. I don’t want more headaches. I don’t want to baby-sit stupid people! Well, here goes. “Who were the other two candidates?” I asked. Damon sighed. “Cassie and Patsy.” he answered pitifully. I froze. Now, I saw the whole company’s logic.

Cassie= Decent writer, good people-person. But a weak leader. Plus, the suspicion of nepotism in the company.

Pasty= Lazy, trashy, crass, and only here because she’s sleeping with Marty. (Kami help him!) It would all be like letting the tiger out of its cage.

I was Thomas Crown’s only hope. Damnit! I hate when this happens! I have to play Jesus fish! *Sigh* I felt sorry for Damon, Cassie, and the whole company. I might as well stay. That would be wrong to refuse this gift and watch the company go under. I hate irony.

“You were going to say?” Damon asked. I thought about what to say. I had it quickly. “Could I have time to work with TZA too?” I asked. My new panther smiled. “Anything you like.” he replied. I tried to smile. “Arigato.” I said. “Anytime.” Damon replied. “Well,” I said. “Good night.” “Night.” Damon said with a smile. Then, I left quietly.

I took the stairs to the back way to avoid people. The last thing I needed was to run into any more people. I escaped quickly. I drove home in silence. I was trapped. I now was baby-sitting. Sure, I’d make more money now and I could use it to help TZA. But still. I don’t have the patience to work with people. Especially stupid people.

I plunged into my ocean again. Don’t focus my energy on the downside. Just enjoy my current project, make out the checks to TZA, and everything will be fine. I hope. I slipped deeper into my ocean as I drifted off to sleep in my silk lotus bed.

In Over My Head