Sam and Vanessa

by Teddie S

 

Part Two

A very sad time

 

A few weeks after Christmas, just after Saturday breakfast, the telephone rang, and Toshi answered it. She turned to her mother, handed her the phone, and said, "It's Oda Sachiko, and she's crying."

With a little trepidation, Masumi took the phone, and said, "Sachiko?"

She listened for a minute, her face flushed, and she started to cry.

"Mom! What's wrong?"

"Sobo (grandfather) died."

"What? No!" And, Toshi started crying.

"Please go get Miyuki, and your brother."

Toshi headed to the kitchen, where Miyuki and Sam were,

Miyuki saw Toshi first, and that she was crying. She asked, "Honey. What's wrong?"

Between her sobs, Toshi was able to get out, "Sobo died."

Miyuki ran to Masumi. Sam dropped the dish he was putting away, and the tears started. He started, "When? How? Why?. . ."

Toshi just looked at him, with the tears flowing. Sam ran to her, and just held her. They cried together for a while. Finally, hand in hand, they walked to where Masumi and Miyuki were. Masumi looked at them, and said, "Kids. Sit down."

The twins sat, and Masumi said, "Sobo died last night. He had a heart attack, and no one could help him." And, she went back to talking on the phone to her sister, Sachiko.

The twins started crying again, and just sat close to each other. Sam had been very close to his Sobo, especially after there summer there. And, Toshi could feel the sorrow building up in him. When Masumi had finished talking, she said, "We're going to go to Japan for the funeral, and we'll be gone about a week. I'll tell you more later. But, right now, I have to call Akio, and tell her."

Masumi, called the Baker's, and Mrs. Baker answered. Masumi said, "Helen this is Masumi. I have some very bad news for Akio. But, I thought that I'd better tell you first. Her Grandfather Matsushita died last night." . . . "Yes. It will be hard on her." . . . "We're all going to Japan for the funeral, and we should be back in about a week." . . . "Yes. Have her come over, so we can tell her." . . . "Thank you very much."

"Akio is out right now, but as soon as she comes home, they will have her come over. Are you two all right?"

"Not really. I loved Sobo.", Sam said.

"I know, honey. But, these things happen. We all loved Sobo, and we'll all miss him."

Sam got up, and ran up to his room. Masumi looked at Toshi, and without a word, Toshi followed him upstairs. He was standing at his window, staring out at the street. Toshi walked up behind him, put her hands on his shoulders, he turned, and they hugged for a long time.

She whispered in his ear, "Want me to call Nessa?"

"Yes."

Toshi went to the phone in Masumis's room, and call Vanessa. "Hi, Nessa. It's Toshi." . . . "No. We have a family emergency." . . . "My Sobo Matsushita died. I'm sorry, my Grandfather Matsushita died." . . . "Yes. I think he could really use your company right now." . . . "Great. I'll tell him." . . . "See you in a few. Bye."

Toshi went back to Sam's room, and he was back starting out the window. She walked up to him, and whispered, "Nessa will be over in a few minutes."

He turned, looked at her, and said, "Thanks."

A few minutes later they heard the door bell, and Miyuki answer it. It was Vanessa, and they heard her say that she was so sorry to hear about Sobo Matsushita. And, she asked where the twins were. Miyuki told her that they were probably in Sam's room, and to go on up. They heard Vanessa come upstairs, and she stopped at Sam's door, and said a simple, "Hi."

Sam looked at her, with tears still streaming down his cheeks, and said "Hi." Toshi, also said just "Hi."

She walked over to Toshi, and gave her a hug. Then turned to Sam. Put her arms around his neck, gave him a long hug, and said, "I'm so sorry you two. I know how much you loved him. What can I do?"

Sam whispered back, "Just be here."

Toshi walked over, and hugged them both. Then turned and walked out of Sam's room, leaving Sam and Vanessa along. She went downstairs to be with her mother and Aunt Mi. Sam and Vanessa just sat together, with Vanessa trying to comfort him. Finally, he said, "I'm sorry that I'm such a cry baby."

"Don't worry about that. You loved your grandfather very much. And, there's nothing wrong with crying about losing him. I cried when I lost my grandfather."

"I didn't know."

"It was a year or so before I met you and Toshi."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

They heard the doorbell. And, Aiko's voice, when Miyuki let her in. From what they then heard, it was apparent that Masumi had told her. It sounded like she screamed, and fainted. As they heard everyone downstairs rushing around to help her. Sam said to Vanessa, "I think we should go downstairs."

Vanessa got up, and helped Sam up. He hugged her again. They walked downstairs just in time to see Miyuki and Masumi helping Aiko into a chair. Sam knelt down next to Akio, and said in Japanese, "Everything will be fine. We're here for each other. And, we have good friends for support."

Akio looked at Sam, and tried to smile a little.

Vanessa whispered to Toshi, "What did he tell her?"

"Just that, 'Everything will be fine. We're here for each other. And, we have good friends for support.'" Toshi looked at Vanessa, and gave her a little smile.

"He's really a very sensitive person, isn't he?"

"More than you know."

Once everyone had finally calmed down a little, Miyuki said that she had called her office, and had been able to get hardship flights for them tomorrow to Japan. And, since Sam and Toshi had never been to a Shinto funeral Masumi explained a little about it. She told how there is an intense period of morning, called kichu-fuda, that lasts for only one day. There will be a Shinto priest there to preform the necessary rituals. Then, there is kotsuage, where the ashes are gathered, and placed in an urn. That urn is then placed in a shrine for the service by the priest. Most, but not all of the ashes, are buried at the grave site. The ashes that aren't buried, are given to close family members to place at home shrines. And, that is called bunkotsu.

Vanessa was very interested in what Masumi had said. And, asked Toshi about the home shrine, and if they had one. Toshi said, "Yes. Would you like to see it?"

"Yes. If it's okay?"

"Sure. Come on."

She took Vanessa's hand, and led her upstairs to her mother's room. In one corner was a small shrine, and Toshi explained a little about it. And, how in the Shinto religion, every morning, food and drink is placed on the shrine as an offering to the ancestors.

She also told Vanessa, that the Shinto religion has many temples, but people don't visit them like Christians go to church. It is a religion that is based on humans being good in nature. Where believers worship many deities such as Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, who is the ancestress of the Imperial Family. However, since one's ancestors are highly revered, they to are worshiped.

That night after everyone had gone. And, Masumi and Miyuki were sitting in the den drinking a glass of wine. And, Akio had gone back to the Baker's. Sam walked quietly to Toshi's room, and knocked on her door and very quietly saying, "Sis. Are you asleep?"

"No. Why?"

"I. . . I Need to ask you something."

"Come on in."

Sam walked in, and Toshi was in bed, reading. She looked at him, and said, "The stress is really hard on you isn't it?"

"How did you know?"

"The twin thing."

"Oh."

"Need to talk?"

"Not really. At least not right now."

"What then?"

"Can I borrow some things?"

"What things?"

"Maybe a . . . a . . . nightgown, and pair of panties."

"Why?"

"I really need to relax."

"And, that will help?"

"Yes. I don't know why, but it does."

"Okay. Little brother, but don't let mom catch you."

"Thank you."

That night Sam slept as well as he possibly could, dressed in one of Toshi's baby doll night gown sets.

On Sunday morning, Toshi quietly asked Sam, "Did you sleep okay last night, little brother?"

"Better than I thought I would."

A little later that morning, after Akio had arrived, Vanessa's dad took everyone to the airport. Her mother didn't go, as Vanessa wanted to go, and with Akio going, there wasn't room. As the goodbyes were being said, Vanessa and Toshi had a very tearful one. But, the one between Vanessa and Sam was one he would never forget. As she was hugging him, she said, "I love you." Sam was at a loss for words, and just hugged her tighter.

The flight from Washington to Japan is a long one, with a change of planes in Los Angeles. Sam was quiet, but Toshi knew there was more than the death of their grandfather that was bothering him. Finally everyone, but the twins, had fallen asleep. So, she whispered, "What's wrong?"

"Sobo."

"There's something else?"

"No."

"Yes there is."

"It was something that Nessa said, as we were saying good bye."

"That she loved you."

"How did you know?"

"Just a guess. What did you say?"

"Nothing. I couldn't say anything."

"How did you feel?"

"I just had a really strange feeling. Like nothing I've felt before."

"And, you didn't say anything?"

"No. Words wouldn't come."

"Not good little brother."

"Did I mess up with Nessa?"

"I sure hope not."

He sank down in his seat. That's all he needed.

"Oh, little brother. I packed a few things in your suit case for you."

"What?"

"You'll see. But, don't let mom see."

The trip to Japan went as well as any trip to a funeral goes. And, everyone was happy to be on the way back home. Except, Akio. She wanted to stay in Japan with her family, but they carefully talked her into going back, and finishing her year.

When they arrived back in Washington, they were met by Vanessa's mother and father, but no Vanessa. Sam looked puzzled. And, Toshi asked, "Where's Vanessa?"

"She didn't want to come.", Mrs. Martin said.

"Oh? Did she say why?"

"No."

Toshi just looked at Sam, and raised an eyebrow. As they were walking to the car, the twins fell behind the group, and Toshi said to Sam, "Little brother. You may have made a major goof."

"Don't tell me that."

"You had better call her as soon as we get home."

"I will."

A little while later Sam called Vanessa. The phone rang, and rang, and finally Vanessa's mother answered. Sam asked, "Is Vanessa there?" . . . "Could I speak to her, please?" . . . "Oh. I see." . . . "Thank you. Bye."

Sam looked at Toshi with tears in his eyes. Toshi asked, "Was she home?"

"Yea. But, she didn't want to talk to me."

"Oh no, little brother."

"What can I do?"

"I'll call her a little later, and talk to her."

"You will?"

"Little brother. What did I tell you that I felt between the two of you?"

"Something special?"

"Yes. We'd better get those things I packed for you out of your suit case before mom, or Aunt Mi, unpacks for you."

About an hour later, Toshi called Vanessa, and Sam could only hear one side.

"Hi Nessa." . . . "What's wrong?" . . . "I see. Is that fair? Remember he is a year younger than you are." . . . "Vanessa Marie, is that all our friendship means?" . . . "All right. Good bye."

Toshi looked at Sam, with a very hurt expression. "Good riddance!", she said.

"You don't mean that. She's your best friend."

"Was my best friend."

"What did she say?"

"That you didn't feel the same way about her, as she did about you. That you were to immature."

Sam, turned and walked away. He couldn't stand it any longer.

Over the next couple of years, Sam never had another girl friend, and became a different person. He basically didn't care about much, other than his studies. And, at times could be down right nasty. And, Toshi spent most of her time with Sue. The way she felt, she never wanted to see Vanessa again.

 

A happier time?

Just before the twins senior year in high school started, one of their friends was going to host a costume party to celebrate the end of summer. Toshi and Sue came up with the idea of going as a group. And, they were looking at going as a Japanese girl punk band, that was known for wearing kimonos, and punk style Geisha makeup. They were able to talk another one of their friends, Abby, who was already a punker, into joining them. And, as they needed a fourth to make it work, they were sitting around trying to figure out who they could find.

When Toshi said, "I may know of someone."

"Who?", Abby asked.

"Let me talk to them first, and then I'll tell you. It may take some doing. But, I'll bet I can do it."

Later that day, after dinner, Toshi and Sam had finished the dishes, and were sitting at the table. Masumi and Miyuki, had gone out for the evening. And, Toshi said, "Little brother?"

"I'm not your little brother. But, what?"

"I have a favor to ask."

"Am I going to get in trouble?"

"Not if you say yes."

"Oh. What are you going to hold over my head?"

"I wouldn't do that."

"Yea. Right."

"Sue, Abby, and I want to go to Sherrie's costume party."

"So. Go."

"But, we want to go as an all girl Japanese punk band."

"So?"

"We need a fourth."

Sam looked at Toshi, and knew right away what she was getting at, and said, "No way!"

"Why. You like to wear girls' clothes."

"That's, liked."

"Oh. It ended that quick?"

"Yep. Back when Vanessa and I had our falling out."

"And, you haven't done it since then?"

"No. Has your stuff been messed with?"

"No. And, that could help explain why you've been so nasty off and on."

"I haven't."

"Oh, yes you have. Little brother, you have not been pleasant to live with since Vanessa. I figured that it was the way Vanessa did it to you. But, it may be a combination of the two."

"More what Vanessa did."

"But, didn't you tell me, that you felt better when you wore my clothes, or at least girls clothes?"

"Yea. I did."

"So, you stopped dressing so you could feel worse?"

"I guess."

"Little brother. That's stupid. And, I've had it with your attitude. Look you're seventeen, and need to get over Vanessa. I have."

He just looked at her. Then at the floor. Then back at her, and said, "As always, you're right."

"Damn right I am!"

"Sis!"

"Well you've got me mad.", Toshi said. She got up, put her hands on her hips, and finished by saying, "Up to my room."

Sam got up, kind of slowly, she then basically pushed him upstairs, and into her room. She went to her chest of drawers, and pulled out, a pair of panties, a bra, and a pair of pantyhose. She handed them to Sam, saying, "Here put these on. I'm glad we're still about the same size."

Sam took them, looked at them, and looked at her.

She said, "Go on. Put them on."

He knew the feeling of the underwear. It felt good in his hands. She had deliberately given him satin panties and bra. He could feel the want to put them on building within him. She could sense it.

He removed his shoes, socks, shirt, and pants. But, stopped there. He looked at her again, with a somewhat embarrassed look. Toshi said, "I'm not leaving the room, but I'll turn my back."

With that she turned her back to him. He dropped his shorts, and slipped the panties on, and said "Okay."

She turned back around, and said, "Okay. Now the bra."

He slipped it over his arms, reached behind, and fastened the hooks. "Now the pantyhose.", she said.

"I've never put them on before. How do I do it?"

Toshi explained about rolling each leg up, and carefully working it up your leg. He sat on her bed, rolled up the right leg, and worked it up as far as he could. Then he did the same to the left leg. He then stood, and finished working the panty part over the panties he was wearing.

"Well. How does it feel?", she asked.

"Better than I remember."

She smiled, and walked into her closet. She was back in a minute with a pair of shorts, and pull over top. She handed them to him. He slipped the shorts on, they were a bit tight, but he was able to fasten the button, zip them up, and fasten the belt. The top went on with ease.

"And?"

"I don't know. It's the first time I've had this much on since that Halloween party."

"Your feeling a little more relaxed, aren't you?"

"Yea. It's funny what these clothes do to me."

"You need to read some of the stuff that I've found on the Internet."

"Like what?"

"On crossdressing."

"Crossdressing?"

"Yea, it's interesting."

"Show me?"

They spent the next couple of hours looking at some sites that Toshi had found. In fact they got so engrossed in them, that they almost didn't hear Masumi and Miyuki pull in. They heard a car door slam, they looked at each other, and Toshi said, "Quick up to your room, and get changed."

"But, my clothes are in your room."

"Don't worry about that. Hide my stuff in your closet, and put something else on. And, we'll straighten things out tomorrow."

Sam ran up to his room, just as Masumi and Miyuki walked in the house.

"Toshi. Sam. We're home.", Miyuki said.

Toshi said, "Hi. I'm in the den. And, Sam's in his room."

"Okay, honey. We're going up to bed. Don't stay up to late."

"I won't. Goodnight. Love you."

The following morning, Toshi and Sam were able to straighten out the clothes, except that Toshi gave Sam the panties and bra as a gift. Then she asked, "Will you be the fourth?"

"The fourth?"

"The fourth in the band?"

"Ah . . . I . . . I guess."

When Toshi saw Abby and Sue, she said, "I found our fourth."

"All right! Who is she?", Abby asked.

"It's not a she. It's my brother, Sam."

"You are kidding. Aren't you?"

"No."

"There's no way he can look like a girl."

"Wait, and see."

"Is this going to work?", Sue asked.

"Sure it is. I shouldn't tell you this, but he was a girl once before."

"Really?"

"It was a few years ago for Halloween. And, he looked good."

"We'll see. How about the costumes?"

"We have enough kimonos' for everyone. And, my mom is good at makeup. And, I've found some good pictures on-line of the punk bands makeup. So, I think it we can make it work. I'll ask my mom if she'll do it."

"Think she will?", Abby asked.

"I think so. I'll ask her tonight."

That night at dinner, Toshi said, "Mom. Do you think you can help us with our costumes for the party?"

"I don't see why not. What are you doing?"

"It's an all girl Japanese punk band."

"Really! A punk band?"

"Yea. They dress in kimonos', with punk Geisha makeup."

"And, we're furnishing the kimonos', I suspect?"

"Yea. And, doing the makeup. If you will?"

"You girls! Who's in this band?"

"Me, Sue, Abby, and . . ." She looked at Sam. Who looked down at the table.

Miyuki said, "And, Sam?"

Sam just nodded his head.

"And, who may I ask talked you into this?"

He pointed at Toshi.

"Toshi! Why?"

"We needed a fourth. And, everyone else that's going already had their costume, I remembered that Halloween a few years ago, and I just sat down and talked with Sam. And, after a little persuasion, he said yes."

"Sam. Are you sure about this?"

Sam looked at Miyuki, then Toshi, and said, "Yes."

Masumi said, "All right you two. Do you have any pictures of this group that you're trying to look like? So, we can see what we might need."

"Yes, mom. I'll go get them.", Toshi said, as she got up from the table, and ran up to her room.

"Sam, are you really sure that you want to do this again?", Masumi asked.

"Yes, mom. I promised Toshi, and it won't work without four girls. And, they can't find anyone else."

"All right young man. We're not going through what we did last time. Are we?"

"No, mom. Toshi and I had a long talk about this the other night, and it'll be fine."

Just then, Toshi returned with pictures of the group, and set them in front of her mother.

"Oh my! That is some really different makeup. It's going to be interesting to do. I'll make up a list of what we need, and you two will have to go get it. Remember where we went for the Halloween stuff?"

"Yes."

"They should have everything we need. Right off, three of the girls have long severe shag cuts, one red, one black, and one white. The fourth is almost a traditional Geisha head dress. You'll have to get wigs for the first three, and if you are careful, you can use my Geisha head dress. We have the kimonos' that you will need. And, I know there are enough tabi socks for everyone. What about getas'?"

Toshi jumped up, gave her mother a hug, and kiss on the cheek, saying, "Mom, you're the greatest. I don't think getas' would be a good idea for everyone. They take some practice."

"You really owe your brother on this. Do we know which girl is going to be which band member?"

"Not yet. We're doing a lip sync of one of their songs, and we need to find who fits which spot best."

"We're doing a what?", Sam asked.

"Didn't I tell you?"

"No, you didn't!"

"Sorry."

"I bet."

"Settle down you two. I we should do a full dress rehearsal the Saturday before the party, just to be sure the makeup and, kimonos' work.", Masumi said.

That week the girls, and Sam, worked on the lip sync song. The real band, had a lead singer, and three background singers. And, the background singers also played stringed instruments. Abby had access to instruments, and came up with two guitars, and a bass guitar. And, luckily, the girls really wouldn't have to play. It turned out that Abby was the best at lip syncing the lead. So, that meant that Abby would wear Masumi's Geisha head dress, Toshi would wear the red wig, Sue the black one, and Sam the white one.

One evening during the week, when all four were at the house. Masumi decided to show them all, what was required to wear a kimono. Toshi and Sam knew, but the other two didn't. To be funny, she choose Sam as her model.

She started by having Sam put on the juban or white slip, then coming into Toshi's room where everyone else was.

As she talked, she helped Sam put on each piece of clothing. "It's not as hard as you think. First it's best if you put on the white tabi socks. If you don't, and you're dressing yourself, it could be hard to do once you have the kimono and belts on. Then comes the slip, and the white collar, called an eri-sugata. Now, when you put the kimono on, be sure that the seam is centered in the back. And, always overlap the left over the right side."

Abby said, "It looks too long."

"We'll take care of that in a minute." She then carefully adjusted the collar, and the kimono. Then said, "Now the obi, or belt. Actually there are two of them for the kimono. First we need to adjust the kimono until it's just at your ankles." She carefully folded the material until it fell right at his ankles. And, told him to hold it there while she wrapped the koshi-himo belt just below the excess fabric. "This belt starts in the front, wraps around the back, and is tied in the front." After she tied the belt, she fussed around, so the fabric fell just right, and then folded the excess kimono material down over the belt. "And, finally we wrap the date-jime belt around, covering the koshi-himo, and tie it in front. See that wasn't bad. Was it?"

"Now, normally you would finish this with the geta sandals." She walked back to the closet, and came back with a pair of getas'. She set them on the floor, and had Sam slipped his feet into them. But, it takes practice to wear them. And, you would take them off when you arrived at the party, as it's not proper to wear them indoors. So, we won't use them. You'll just wear regular shoes, and take them off when you get there."

Sue looked at Abby, and said, "I didn't realize that there was so much to a kimono."

"Yea.", Abby said, "Are you sure that it's not going to be too much work Mrs. Gifford?"

"No, honey. The four of us here know how to do it, so you'll have four of us working on the two of you. The interesting thing is going to be the makeup."

"Mom?", Toshi said, looking at Sam.

"Yes, honey?"

"There's something missing."

Masumi stood back, looked at Sam, and said, "No, honey. Everything looks fine."

"Mom. He doesn't have any breasts."

Abby and Sue giggled a bit. Sam glared at his sister. And, Masumi said, "Oh! You're right. We'll have to do something about that before the party."

"Mom!", Sam said.

"Don't worry honey. They won't be permanent."

More giggles from the three girls, and Sam's face went red.

The following Sunday was the dress rehearsal for the costumes, and makeup. Abby and Sue were coming over at two. So, Masumi started on Sam, as she had to try and turn him from a boy to a girl.

The three, Masumi, Toshi, and Sam, were in Masumi's room, Sam was dressed in nothing but a pair of panties. And, there were a number of things on Masumi's bed that Sam wasn't sure of. He looked at them a little strangely, and then at his mom, and asked, "What are those for?"

Toshi giggled a little, and said, "Your breasts."

"You're kidding?"

"No honey. If you want to be one of the girls, you need them.", his mom replied.

He just shook his head.

Masumi picked up a bra that matched his panties, and handed it to him. He slipped it over his arm, and fastened the hooks in the back.

Masumi thought, 'He does that just a little too easily.'

She then handed him one of the breast forms. He held it for a second, and looked at this mother. She said, "Slip that one in the left side." He did. She handed him the other one, and he just slipped it in the right side.

Masumi adjusted them a little. And, Sam said, "They're cold, and heavy."

Masumi smiled a little, and said, "They'll warm up, and you'll get use to them."

"No I won't."

Masumi went to start working on his makeup, but hesitated, and just looked at his face.

"What's wrong mom?", Sam asked.

"Oh, nothing. But, we need to do a little work, before I start with the makeup."

"What kind of work?"

"Your eyebrows need some cleaning up."

"What?"

"There just a little ragged, and don't look very feminine."

"You're not going to make them thin like Toshi's?"

"No. Yours are naturally thin. There are just some strays that need taken care of."

"Okay. I guess."

He sat there, and endured Masumi plucking. Hoping that she wasn't going overboard.

"There. All done.", Masumi said.

"They're as thin as mine.", Toshi said.

"What!", Sam yelled.

"Just kidding."

"Toshi. That wasn't funny.", Masumi said.

"Sorry."

Masumi went to work on his makeup, and when she was done, Sam looked very much like the female punk rocker in the picture she was working from. Then she helped him put the kimono on, followed by the white wig. Sam was Samantha again, or a punk Japanese version of Samantha.

Toshi just said, "Wow. Little sister you look great!"

Sam just glared at her.

The door bell rang, and Masumi said, "Sam would you answer that. While I get started on Toshi."

"Dressed like this?"

"It's only Abby and Sue."

"Yea.", he said, as he slowly walked out of the room, and downstairs.

He looked to be sure that it was Abby, and Sue. And, it was. So, he opened the door. The look on the girl's faces was worth it. Abby, cautiously said, "Sam?"

"Yea. It's me."

"You've got to be kidding."

"No. It's really me."

"Your mom did a fantastic job."

"Yea. Come on in. They're upstairs."

The three walked back upstairs, and to Masumi's room. Sue said, "Mrs. Gifford. We can't believe how good Sam looks. You did a marvelous job."

"Thank you. I took a course, awhile ago, on makeup, and it's fun to put it to use again. Let me finish Toshi, and then we'll get started on you two."

Masumi turned the four into a girl's punk band. And, with the help of Toshi and Sam, got the other two girls dressed in their kimonos'. The girls couldn't believe how good each other looked. Masumi suggested that they try their lip sync act dressed in the kimonos' to be sure they could go through al the gyrations. They tried, and only had to make a couple of minor changes. Masumi took a couple of pictures, downloaded them to the computer so the four could see the group, and were happy with what they saw.

The Saturday of the party, the four again gathered at the twin's house, and were transformed into the girl punk band. It amazed Abby and Sue as to just how at ease Sam was about the whole thing. Abby said, "You know Sam, we can't call you Sam tonight?"

"What can we call him Toshi?", Sue asked.

"We could call him Sumi? It's close to his real name.", Toshi said.

"Sumi. That sounds good. Okay with you Sam? I mean Sumi."

"I guess.", Sam replied.

The four left for the party around five, and when they arrived, there were about thirty or forty people there, all in their late teens. The girls made an impression with their entry. Most of the costumes were very good, everything from Bat Man, to another Geisha, to a Fairy Princess, to a Dick Tracy. The girls were really enjoying themselves, but Sam was still nervous about being in a crowd dressed this way. As he was walking through the crowd, he spotted the Fairy Princess, and even though he couldn't see her face, for her mask, she looked familiar. But, so did a lot of the other people. About ten o'clock, the hostess announced that the Japanese girl punk band was going to do a song.

Abby gave the tape to the DJ, and the girls got on the small stage. The music started, and the girls started their routine. The song lasted about five minutes, and about half way through Sam saw the Fairy Princess again, and she was watching him. Watching him very closely. As the song ended, the girl removed her mask, and Sam almost froze, it was Vanessa. There he was looking like a Japanese girl punk rocker, and her like a fairy princess. He almost panicked. But, the applause from the crowd brought him back. The four girls bowed just like they had practiced. Like four proper Japanese girls. As they were walking off the stage, Sam whispered to Toshi, "Vanessa is here."

"So what!?"

"I think she recognized me."

"No way. You don't look like you."

"But. She just stood there, and stared."

"Don't let it bother you."

"Okay. If you say so."

About midnight, as the party was starting to break up, Sam felt a tap on his shoulder, and he turned around. There stood the Fairy Princess, or Vanessa, with her mask on. He froze.

She said, "Do I know you?"

Sam shook his head no.

"You look familiar?"

As softly as he could, with as good a Japanese accent as he could do, and a little bow, Sam said, "My name is Sumi."

"Hello Sumi. My name is Vanessa."

"I am sorry, Vanessa. But, my English is not so good."

"That's all right Sumi. But, you do look familiar. And, that was a great song you, and your three friends did."

"Thank you.", Sumi said bowing.

Toshi was standing watching the scene, but figured that she had better not interfere.

"It was nice talking with you Sumi. Maybe we'll see each other again sometime?"

"Thank you, Vanessa. Yes, maybe again."

Sam turned to walk away, and then heard someone say, "Sam." Out of conditioned reaction to hearing his own name, he turned, and looked. It was Vanessa that had said it. She removed her mask, and smiled. Sam was ready to run. But, she took his hand, and said, "I thought that it was you. Can we talk?"

"I'm Sumi. Not Sam.", Sam said, as he tried to maintain his composure.

"Sam. You can't fool me. I'd know those soft, gentle eyes anywhere."

Sam looked down at the floor, then back at Vanessa, and said in a whisper, "Do we really have anything to say to each other?"

"Yes. I have a lot to say to you."

"Really?"

"Yes.", she said, softly touching the side of his face, "I really would like to talk."

"All right. I guess."

"Tomorrow at one, by the big oak, in the park?"

"I guess that would be okay."

"I'll see you tomorrow at one.", Vanessa said with a little smile, as she turned, and walked away.

Toshi walked up to Sam, and said, "What did she want?"

"To talk."

"Are you going to?"

"Tomorrow."

"Are you sure you want to talk to her?"

"Yes."

"It's your call, little sister."

On the way home, Sam was very quiet. And, when they got home, he was still very quiet. The four sat, and told Masumi and Miyuki all about the party, including Vanessa being there, and how great their costumes went over. Then the four headed up to Toshi's room to change, and remove their makeup. They helped each other remove the kimonos', and started on their individual makeup. Finally Toshi realized that everyone, including Sam, was dressed only in panties and bras.

"Uh. Girls. Sam is still here", Toshi said, as she grabbed a pillow off of her bed, and started beating on Sam, to chase him out of her room. The other two girls joined in on the fun. Sam, feigned being hurt. And, actually everyone got a good laugh out of it.

After Sam had escaped the beating, and retired to his room, Sue asked, "Is Sam all right? He was really quiet after the party."

"I think. There was an old girl friend there tonight, and she recognized him."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"I don't know. It was Vanessa, and as you know their break up was very bitter. But, she wants to talk to him."

"Vanessa! Is he going to talk to her?"

"I think so."

When the girls had changed, they went back downstairs, and sat around the kitchen table talking about how much fun the party had been. After Sue and Abby left, Toshi went upstair to check on Sam, and go to bed. Sam's door was closed, so she knocked softly. She heard, "Yes?"

"It's Toshi. Can I come in?"

"Sure sis."

She opened the door, and walked in. Sam was laying on his bed, and he still had the panties, bra, and forms on. It didn't surprise her one bit. She asked, "Are you all right?"

"I guess. I'm just trying to figure out what Vanessa wants."

"I'm surprised that you are going to meet her. Especially after what she did to you."

"I know. But, I still miss her. And, I'm willing to listen."

"Well, it's your call little sister."

Sam frowned at her, and said, "Little sister, thanks to you."

"Are you complaining?"

"Not really."

"Goodnight, little sister."

"Goodnight, sis."

It was about ten o'clock Sunday morning when Sam woke up, and was still wearing the panties, bra, and forms. He just smiled to himself. He undressed, put on his robe, went to the bathroom, and took a long, hot, shower. Then he ate a light lunch, and set off for the park. He was early, but so was she. She was standing by the big oak, waiting. He stopped, and watching her for a few minutes, trying to decide if he really wanted to talk to her or not. As usual, she was dressed very nicely, she was wearing shorts, a very pretty top, and wedge style sandals. As always, she looked cute.

He slowly walked toward the big tree, when she saw him, she said, "Hi."

He just looked at her for a few seconds, and said, "Hi, yourself."

"You looked very nice last night."

"So did you."

"I really wouldn't have known it was you. Except for your eyes. They were a dead giveaway, at least to me."

"Mom did a good job with the makeup."

"She did all four of you?"

"Yes."

"A lot of work. But, I bet she had fun doing it. How's school going?"

"Fine. I'm looking at a couple of colleges for pre-law. How about you?"

"Really!. I'm looking at education "

"Education. You always did like kids." Sam wondered why she was just making small talk, and asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

"Can we sit under the oak?"

"Sure."

They walked over, Sam sat with his back leaning against the large tree's trunk, and he reached up to help Vanessa. He thought that she was going to sit next to him, but she sat between his legs, with her head resting against his chest. Her hair smelled really good. This had been a favorite spot of theirs, it was on a small rise, that overlooked a small pond that was in the park. They sat there for a long time, before Vanessa said, "Sam."

"Yes."

"I am so very sorry that I treated you the way I did, the week your grandfather died. There was no reason for it. I had just hoped that you felt the same way. And, when you didn't say anything, I figured that you didn't. I got mad, and just didn't want to see you again. I said you were immature, but I was the one that was immature and childish."

"You really hurt me."

"I am so sorry."

"Do you know, that I've never had another girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"Oh?"

"I had my spies. I needed to know about you. What you were doing."

"Why?"

She turned, and knelt between his legs, so that she was looking directly at him. She was quietly crying. Sam wiped away the tears. They just looked at each other. And, she finally said, "Because I still care. And, I wanted to know what you were doing."

Sam finally said, "So, you really still do care?"

"Yes."

"What if I don't?"

"You wouldn't be here. Would you?"

"I guess I wouldn't. You know, back when you said that you loved me, I felt something, something that I had never felt before. And, words wouldn't come to me. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't."

"Really?"

"Yes. And, Toshi and I had a talk about it on the flight to Japan. And, we figured that I had made a mistake by not saying anything. And, when I tried to call you after we got back, and you wouldn't talk to me. And, then after what you said to Toshi when she called you. I got to the point where I didn't give a damn any longer. Not only had you hurt me, you hurt Toshi. Your best friend. And, what Toshi has told me about twins is true, what one feels the other does. So, I was really hurt twice, just like she was."

Vanessa sat back a little bit, and the tears really started. He let her cry a little, and then held her until she stopped. He whispered to her, "I'm willing to forget, and forgive. But, I hope that Toshi will too. You hurt her very much by what you said."

Again she sat back, so that she could look at him. And, he again wiped her tears away. She asked, "And, if Toshi doesn't?"

"Then I don't know. I love my sister very much."

"I know you do. Do you think she'll talk to me?"

"She might. Do you want to try."

"Yes. When?"

"Now."

"Now?"

"The sooner the better."

"You're right."

Vanessa stood up, and reached down for Sam's hand. He took it, and she helped him up. As they were walking out of the park, Sam asked, "Would you like something to drink?"

"That would be nice."

They stopped at a little stand, at the edge of the pack, and Sam bought them each a Coke. They continued the short walk to Sam's house. Sam could tell that Vanessa was nervous about talking to Toshi. Toshi could be very cruel.

As they walked, they talked a little. Vanessa said, "You know when I lost Toshi as a friend I lost my second best friend."

"I thought she was your best friend?"

"No. But, I also lost my best friend."

"Who?"

She took his hand, squeezed it, and said, "You."

When they arrived at the twin's house, Sam said, "Why don't you sit on the steps, and I'll go talk to Toshi. I think she's home."

Vanessa said, "Okay." As she sat down on the top step.

Sam went in the house, and found Toshi in the den working on the computer. He sat down in the side chair next to the desk, so that he could look at Toshi. She looked at him, and said, "Well. How is Vanessa Marie?"

"Sitting on the front steps."

"Why is she here?"

"She wants to talk to you."

"Me?"

"Yes. She and I had a nice long talk. And, now she would like to talk to you."

"What did you two talk about?"

"I'll tell you later. But, now she wants to talk to you."

"I don't want to."

"For me?"

She sat there, and looked at him. And, finally said, "For you. I guess I can."

"Be nice."

She got up, and headed for the front door, saying, "Maybe."

Sam heard the front door open and close, and he went to the window. He saw Vanessa turn around and look at Toshi. Toshi stood on the porch, with her hands on her hips, looking down at Vanessa. He could see that they were talking, with Toshi doing most of it. He couldn't hear what was being said, so at least Toshi wasn't yelling. After a couple of minutes Toshi sat down next to Vanessa on the top step. He could tell that Vanessa was crying, and was now doing most of the talking. Toshi was taking it all in, but added a comment every once in awhile. He wished he could hear their conversation, but couldn't.

The two girls talked for a good twenty minutes. Finally they both stood up, and hugged. Toshi was facing the window that Sam was looking out of, she saw him there, and gave him a thumbs up. The two girls walked toward the front door, and came in the house. Sam met them in the hallway, and Toshi said to him, "Sam. I don't ever want you to make Nessa cry that much ever again."

He looked at her in complete puzzlement, and couldn't come up with a come back. Toshi grinned at him, and Vanessa even had a little smile. Toshi then took Vanessa to the downstairs bathroom, and helped her clean up. Sam just stood there, and waited for them.

When they came back out, Toshi steered her toward the kitchen. Masumi and Miyuki were there having a cup of tea. "Hi, mom. Hi, Aunt Mi. Do you remember this lady?"

"Vanessa!", Masumi said. "It's good to see you again, honey. Would you like something to drink?"

"Hello, Mrs. Gifford. It's nice to see you, and MS Tanaka again. Something cold would be nice."

"Toshi would you do the honors. Vanessa, please sit."

The five had a nice long talk. Catching up on everything that had happened. Dinner time was close, and Masumi even asked Vanessa to stay for dinner. Vanessa called home, and told her mother that she was staying at the Giffords' for dinner. Later that evening Sam walked Vanessa home, and right after they left, Miyuki asked Toshi, "I thought that was over a long time ago?"

"It was. It's a long story."

"We have all night."

Sam and Vanessa walked toward her house very slowly, after the first half a block, it was hand in hand. They weren't talking much, but letting their feelings they had for each other rebuild. When they reached Vanessa's house, they stood on the porch for a while holding hands, and just talking. She finally said, "Can I show you something?"

"Sure."

She reached under her sweater, and pulled out the necklace that had her name in Katakana on it. Sam, just looked at her.

"See. I told you that I still cared. I've worn this a lot."

"Really."

"Yes."

He pulled her close, and kissed her. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and held him like her life depended on it. They held this, until the porch light suddenly came on, and Vanessa's mother peeked through the curtains. They both looked at her, and blushed. She opened the door, and said, "I'm sorry. But, I thought I heard something."

"Sorry mom. I should have told you I was home. We were just talking. You remember Sam don't you?"

"Young lady, what I saw wasn't talking. But, Sam it's really nice to see you again. It's been too long."

"Thank you, Mrs. Martin. It has been too long."

"I'll be in a minute mom.", Vanessa said trying to get rid of her mom.

"Make it a quick minute, young lady."

"Yes, ma'am."

Mrs. Martin closed the door, and turned off the light. And, Vanessa's arms again wrapped around Sam's neck, and their lips met. They broke after a short time, and Sam said, "Looks like I'm going to have to find my dog tags."

"You haven't lost them have you?"

"No. I just put them away."

She kissed him again, broke the kiss, and said, "Goodnight Sam. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Nessa."

She walked into the house, and blew him a kiss through the window. He started a slow, walk home, trying to figure out his feelings. When Sam got back home he found Masumi, Miyuki, and Toshi still sitting in the kitchen.

Toshi said, "That short walk took a long time, little brother."

"It took as long as I wanted it to."

"So, are you two an item again?"

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"I'll bet on maybe."

"Sam. I'm glad to see that you and Vanessa are friends again.", Masumi said.

"Me too.", Sam said, with a smile.

"More than friends. I'll bet.", Toshi added with a grin.

"Now young man. We need to talk. And, this we, doesn't include Toshi.", Masumi said, turning, and looking at Toshi.

Toshi said, "Huh?"

"Goodnight, Toshi."

"Uh . . . Goodnight, mom. Goodnight Aunt Mi. Goodnight, lover boy."

Sam play chased Toshi out of the kitchen, turned around, looked at his mother, and said, "What did I do?"

"Sit down. Lets talk."

 

-End Part 2-

  

  

  

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