an afternoon break

[Masako]

After classes are over Masako goes to the cafe hoping to catch one of the students from the shamisen class to hear if the teacher said anything. Actually wanting to talk ot Teruko.

[Teruha]

Teruko entered and ordered her usual yakitori.

[Masako]

Calling to Teruko, "Please Teruko set with me. Tell me will you am I all wrong, wasn't she overly hurtful toward me, and for no real reason."

[Teruha]

"I couldn't hear all of it, and I don't know what happened during the car ride home, but your oneesan is very mean to you. And the way she kissed you right after was twisted."

[Masako]

Lowering her face, Masako replies, “Sakuraki is father’s new geisha, number 3 woman, and she is frightened of him terribly. Why she kisses me as she does we can only assume. And as you know I also fear father, so I feel I must go along with her wishes. She does act disgraceful does she not?

“My question…in class, the instructor, was she not overly harsh toward me? Teruko, I have asked mother, she does not feel I have done anything wrong. Father owns the land and house, as he does most of Gion; she operates and owns the business, I was ordered to submit my will to these men, thereby giving the house more yen, yet I, not Father seem to be the embarrassment here…why has everything become so confusing. especially now that I have begun having so much fun?

“I have done nothing wrong, nor have I dishonored myself, my house, nor the proud Gion name in any way.”

[Teruha]

"No matter how wealthy and powerful your father is, it is not appropriate to walk out in the middle of class. Sensei must be afforded your respect. Do remember that you are but a junior maiko."

Teruko closed her eyes. "And I do agree, your oneesan's behavior is disgraceful. She shames you with her behavior, not the other way around."

[Masako]

"I know I was wrong there, but I burst out crying as soon as I left, to me better where others cannot see, then in the class.

"I do not know what to do about Sakuraki's unhealthy attentions toward me. Or even if I can.

"None of this should bother me as it does, mother told me Father enjoys playing with people's lives...I just do not know what is his doing or Sakuraki's.

"I do know he will not cause me harm...sadly I am but one of his investments, and if I'm damaged I will not give the profitable returns he expects,"

Teruko sees tears, as Masako continues, "That sounds so cold, an investment, and profitable returns.”

[Teruha]

"But what if what damages you as a person does not damage you as a performer? What then?"

[Masako]

Masako sets, obviously deep in thought, then asks Teruko, “You are right Teruko, my wonderful friend…no more of this submissive attitude with Sakuraki, she is willing to act so perverted toward me and I am not that way.

“When next she tries I will stop her and tell her no more of that,” Then getting a worried look on her face, “Surly Father is not the force behind such actions from her…is he…Sakuraki is his geisha, he would not be pleased if he knew she was doing this,”

Now looking confused, “Teruko, this is so complicated to me…darn, I want to be happy, and joyful, not feeling whatever this is I feel now. If her actions are from father, once I tell Sakuraki this…I wonder what repercussions I’ll experience from him, if not; Sakuraki will become even meaner toward me.

“That is the only reason I have not said anything to her, because each time she yells at me or hits me, after she is so sweet and loving…NUTS!!! Let the chips fall where they may, if she becomes too impossible, surely the house mother can do something for me…can she not Teruko?”

[Teruha]

"Whenever I have a problem, I talk it over with Okaasan."

[Masako]

“Thank you, yes, I will do that, surly she can give me the best answer to this.”