Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Jet-Setters
“Okiteru, Oparu-chan!” (“Wake up, Opal!”) The mother’s voice rang throughout the house. Her child did not stir. “Nee, Oparu-chan! Okiro!” (“Hey, Opal! Get up!”)
The girl groaned loudly. “Hai, hai! Okimasu!” (“Okay, okay! I’m up!”)
Opal Akarino is a typical teenager living in southern Japan. One would assume she lives in one of the famous cities, but she doesn’t live in Osaka or Kobe…not even Hiroshima. She’s from a lesser-known city called Takarazuka. Home of the famous theater troupe, the “Takarazuka Revue”, made up of all women for both male and female characters. This city is smaller compared to the bustling food-capital of Japan located just a mere 35 minutes southeast. It was July, and by God, could Opal feel it in the air! She sat up in her futon, a flowery pink patterned pad that was almost pillow-like; traditionally used in Japanese homes as a minimalist bed. It was a little more firm than she liked, but her memory foam pillow that she rests her head on each night made up for it. She tossed her thin blanket to the side, certainly not needing much for warmth when it was already 27 degrees celsius with 90% humidity outside.
As she began to fold up her futon, bare feet touching the cool hardwood planks, she sighed happily. She had looked at her digital clock; seeing that it was 7:00 in the morning on a Saturday, and in her groggy state, she wondered why her mother woke her up so early. She had nearly jumped for joy when she remembered why. That’s right! We’re going on vacation! She squealed as she changed into her black capri leggings and her favorite light purple tunic-style dress with short flutter sleeves. She wouldn’t dream of wearing a T-shirt or tank top with her leggings; that is a definite faux pas in Japanese fashion; which is often on the modest side, especially for everyday wear. In her excitement, she nearly forgot to put her folded futon, blanket, and pillow in the closet. After doing so, she grabbed her large, fully-packed suitcase and carefully carried it down the steep, hardwood stairs.
Her mother, Momoka, was in the kitchen making home-style tamagoyaki, a simple rolled egg omelette. Opal could smell the toast in the toaster oven, and her mouth watered in anticipation. She loved eggs and toast; a great way to start an exciting day.
She sat down at the dining room table and briefly waited in silence. Her mother preferred western-style tables and chairs to the traditional Japanese chabudai and zabuton. These weren’t the only western items her mother enjoyed. She also had what she lovingly referred to as an “American-style” refrigerator. In one corner of the living room sat her beloved Steinway & Sons piano, imported directly from New York as a 10-year anniversary gift from her husband and Opal’s father, Hideyoshi. The Italian “DeLonghi” espresso machine was already brewing two shots of espresso; a favorite of her mother’s as well. Opal recalled how her mother prefers a splash of cream, a small spoonful of sugar, and a little bit of vanilla syrup in her latte. In another section of the living room, she saw that her family’s Kamidana already had a small offering of uncooked rice perched upon it. Opal couldn’t help but grin, relishing in the fact that her house was decorated with a smorgasbord of cultures in mind.
Opal and her family preferred it that way; they have always loved learning about other cultures. Opal’s name actually originated from that affectionate fascination, for her mother was an exchange student to Australia as a child and was first introduced to the gemstone on a visit to Coober Pedy. This trip will mark their very first adventure in the United States, beginning with a 9.5 hour flight from nearby Osaka to Seattle, Washington Once there, they’d rest for the evening and head on a cruise to Alaska the next day. Opal was positively ecstatic.
Momoka began to speak to her in their native tongue. “Are you excited?” She cocked her head to the side. The whole family is proficient in English as well, but reserve the use of it for necessary situations.
Opal nodded and hummed in affirmation. “So excited that I can hardly stand it!”
Momoka pressed her index finger to the bridge of her nose, a common gesture among the Japanese when referring to themselves. “Your mom is excited, too!”
Hideyoshi came downstairs with his suitcase, and Opal couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. Oh, how she envied her father’s ability to pack in such a significantly smaller suitcase. Sometimes, men have it so easy! She thought to herself. No need for makeup, moisturizers specifically for the face, serums and primers underneath the makeup, straighteners and curling irons, jewelry; God, the list goes on and on.
Hideyoshi took his suitcase and set it down on the Genkan just as Opal and her Momoka had already done, being careful to keep any accidental contact between the wheels and the interior floor to a bare minimum. He walked back into the kitchen and sat down at the dining table. “Well, Opal, today’s the day!”
Opal smiled with her lips. “Yes! I can’t wait!”
“America…” He pondered with his thumb to his chin. “I wonder if we’ll truly see American flags everywhere like how it’s portrayed in movies and TV shows?”
“Maybe.” Opal replied.
Momoka set their breakfast plates in front of them and sat down. They each pressed their hands flatly together in prayer and said, “Itadakimasu” (“I will humbly receive this meal”) in unison. After they finished eating, they prayed in the same fashion, this time uttering “Gochisousama Deshita” (“Thank you for the meal.”) Opal and her mother worked on dishes while her father began to take the suitcases to their car outside. A few minutes later, it was 8am; time to drive to KIX, the international airport in Osaka. Their flight to Seattle was scheduled to depart at 11:45 am, so they planned to leave by 8:00 am to account for any traffic delays.
A little over 3 hours later, they were in the plane preparing for takeoff. The captain announced in English over the intercom that the plane had been cleared by air traffic control. The long flight went without a hitch; Opal vacillated between visiting with her parents, watching movies on the headrest monitor, and playing on her Nintendo Switch to pass the time. She was nearly to the end of watching Disney’s “Moana 2” when the intercom came on over her headphones, subsequently pausing the movie playing from her headrest. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the captain began. “We have started our descent. We expect to land at 1:20 pm local time. The weather in Seattle is currently 75 degrees fahrenheit with an expected high of 82 degrees. Please remain in your seats. Thank you.”
After their plane landed and they successfully went through customs, they summoned a large Uber and were shuttled to a nearby hotel with their belongings. A quick check-in and unloading of luggage later, and they went off to explore Seattle for the rest of the afternoon. As they took a short Uber ride to Pike Place Market down on the wharf, Opal stared out the window at her surroundings, silently mesmerized by all of the English signage, the unbelievably large semi-trucks, and the majestically beautiful Mt Rainier to the north. She smiled at how it looked so similar in shape to Fuji-sama. Hideyoshi broke the silence from the front passenger seat as he turned to face Opal and Momoka in the back, triumphantly bellowing in Japanese. “I’ve seen 6 different American flags so far since we’ve landed, so I think it’s safe to say Americans thoroughly enjoy flying their flag!” All three of them laughed softly as the Uber driver remained silent. Hideyoshi turned to the Uber driver and spoke in English. “There are so many flags flying. It’s lovely.”
The Uber driver grinned as he continued to drive. “It is! We take great pride in our flag and what it represents. It’s definitely kind of a cultural thing to fly so many of them. To a lot of Americans, the flag represents all of the sacrifices made in the past to preserve our freedom.”
Hideyoshi hummed in understanding. “That’s quite inspiring.” The two of them beamed at each other, the Uber driver’s blue eyes seeming to sparkle with joy.
Getting out of the Uber at their destination, the family looked up at the large, red neon sign reading “Public Market Center,” noticing a retro red and white analog clock next to the word “market”. They went in and explored, joining other spectators as they watched local fishermen throw fish at each other. They learned it’s a famous tradition, and it drew quite the enthusiastic crowd, all cheering as the two men expertly caught each toss as they shouted at each other. The vendors that lined the indoor, open-air market were selling a wide variety of goods; from fresh sunflowers in colorful vases to smoked salmon and handmade Native American goods. Opal took a moment to admire a turquoise necklace, the natural greenish-brown veins and splotches fascinating to her eyes.
When the early evening hour of 5:00 pm hit, Opal and her parents were eager for dinner. Her father’s research prior to the trip brought them to “Ivar’s Acres of Clams” on pier 54. A staple of Seattle and the pacific northwest, Hideyoshi was bound and determined to try it. They all agreed to order the clam chowder, served in a white, cream-based broth with potatoes and bacon.
After enjoying their dinner, they made their way to their hotel, exhausted after a long travel day. Their hotel room had two queen beds; Momoka and Hideyoshi sleeping in one, and Opal getting the other all to herself. She plopped onto her large bed and giggled as her head sank into the pile of pillows.
Her father looked at her and shook his head as he burst out laughing. He laid down next to her mother and shut his eyes, calling out to both ladies. “Oyasumi!” (“Good night!”)
“Oyasumi!” Opal and her mother echoed.
Momoka was next to lay her head down on the right side of the bed. “Oyasumi, Oparu-chan!” (“Goodnight, Opal!”)
“Oyasumi, Kaa-chan!” (“Goodnight, mom!”) Opal was the last to close her eyes, dreaming of the adventure that awaited them tomorrow when they embark on the “Norwegian Bliss.”