Marya turns the page of the book she checked out of the library while she etches a symbol in her notebook. Feeling tension in her shoulders, she leans back, stretching out the stiffness. Hearing a knock on her apartment door, she stands. When she opens it, Bianca flips her wrist, "Yo."
Marya smiles, stepping aside to invite her in, "Hey, what's up?"
"Like, what are you doing?" Bianca notices the disarray of books and papers on her kitchen table.
Marya leans against the counter, "Mr. Makino gave me homework," she rolls her eyes.
Bianca flips through some pages, "Is it, like, helping?"
Marya shrugs, "It is, but I am not going to tell him that."
Bianca smirks, "Like, can you take a break?"
"Yeah," Marya crosses her arms, "What's going on?"
"Like, Zola and Natalie are off, and we were thinking about going to Bloom Island. Like, you want to come?"
"Heck yeah!" Marya starts for the bedroom.
"Like, cool. Like, do you know what you are wearing for the Founder's Festival?"
Marya starts rummaging through her closet, "Founder's Festival?" Pulling out her messy bun, "When is it? I totally forgot about it."
The bed creaks as Bianca sits, "Like, in a few weeks. But, like, with everyone's schedules, you, like, might want to figure it out soon, or, like today, since we are going to Bloom Island."
Bianca nods when Marya holds up a skirt, "Okay, well, since we will all be together, you can help me."
There is another knock at the door, "Like, that should be them."
"Oh," Marya whips a comb through her hair. "We are all meeting here?"
"Like, yeah," Bianca stands to let them in.
Marya peeks around her closet door, grinning, when she hears Natalie, "Woo Hoo! Girls Trip." Throwing her arms around Bianca, "I haven't been out of the infirmary in weeks. We are so busy!"
*****
"So, like, I was thinking," Bianca takes her strawberry creep from the vendor. "We could, like, all wear kimonos to the festival."
"Oh! I love that idea!" Natalie wipes the cream from her lips.
"I concur," Zola swallows, "that sounds like a splendid idea. It will commemorate our first festival since graduation."
"Um," Marya licks her fingers, "I have never worn a kimono. I have no idea how to put it on or anything."
"Like," Bianca picks off a strawberry, "we will show you."
"Oh!" Natalie squeals, "This is going to be so much fun!"
"Okay, like," Bianca swallows, "We need to find a shop."
"I believe," Zola wipes her fingers, "I know an affordable place."
Natalie swings her shopping bags, "This is so much fun!" Looking over her shoulder at Bianca, "Thanks for inviting me!"
"Yes," Zola steps aside for someone to pass. "That was a spectacular suggestion. I believe we did splendidly."
Marya's head turns as they pass food stalls. "Where do we want to eat?"
"Like," Bianca swings her shopping bag, "I could go for some sushi."
Zola chimes in, "That sounds acceptable to me."
"Oh!" Natalie claps, "I know a place!"
They rounded the corner, giddy and babbling. Marya paused as a recognizable figure hurried down the adjacent street, his hands in his pockets. "Like," Bianca nudges her, "What's up?"
"I think that's," They all follow when Marya rushes after him. Stopping at the end of the street, she calls out, "Vaughn!"
He stops. Slowly turning, his eyes go wide. Rubbing the back of his neck, "Oh, hey, little sister."
"Hey," she waves. Vaughn's eyes nervously shift when they close the gap. "Where have you been? We have not seen or heard from you since we got back."
"Oh," Vaughn shoves his hands in his pocket, "Ah, around. I had some stuff to take care of."
Marya's brow creases, "Is that why we haven't gone anywhere?"
"Hey, like," everyone looks at the sign Bianca is pointing at, "is this where you are, like, going?"
Natalie cocks her head, "It's a jewelry shop."
"Oh," Vaughn chuckles, "I hadn't noticed."
Marya grins devilishly, "Are you here, shopping for someone?"
"Ah," Vaughn glances away, "What would make you think that?"
"Simple deduction," Zola points a finger up. "Your reaction to the question provides enough validation
"OH MY GOSH!" Natalie squeals, jumping up and down. "Are you here for a ring?"
Vaughn's shoulders drop in defeat. "Fine, you got me." Their eyes shift to each other in anticipation.
"Like," Bianca flicks her wrist, "Is it for, like, Harper?"
Vaughn's head falls back, "Yes."
"OH MY GOSH!" Natalie grips his arm. "Are you going to propose?" She squeals louder when he replies with a flat stare. "OH WOW! This is so exciting!" Tugging his arm, "Come on! We have to help you with this!"
Vaughn smiles as his fingers glide over the velvety box. "So, like," Bianca holds the door, "we are, like, going for sushi. Want to, like, come?"
"Oh," the door swings behind the group, "Actually, I have to get back." Vaughn secures the box in a pocket. "I have a meeting to get to."
Marya asks, "When are you planning on popping the question?"
Vaughn replies, "I was thinking at the Founders' Festival."
"That is so great!" Natalie squeaks. "We can all be there!"
"Yeah," Vaughn sighs, "I want it to be a surprise. So, if you could keep this a secret."
Natalie gestures, rotating an invisible key over her lips. "Your secret is safe with me!"
"I agree," Zola nods. "We will keep this confidential. We have more reasons to look forward to this year's Founder's Festival."
"Thank you, ladies." They turn to him when he stops, pointing, "I need to go this way. Marya, I am most likely getting our next tasking, so don't stay too long."
*****
"Your translation is sloppy," Nao looks down his nose at her notes. Shaking his head, "You will need to do better." Placing the book down, he frowns. "Are you even trying?"
Marya scowls, "Of course I am. I have only been at this for a week."
"Yes," Nao drawls judgmentally. "You are indeed your father's daughter. You were not blessed with your mother's brilliance."
Attempting to break the tension, Himari giggles. "Oh, Mr. Makino, I am sure she is doing her best."
"Well," he slides the notebook to her, "It simply isn't good enough. I would think the daughter of…."
"Marya!" Their heads snap around at Charlie, standing at the end of the library table. "We have a task. I was sent to find you."
Marya sighs in relief. Standing, she gathers her things, "Thanks to both of you. Maybe we will find each other when I get back."
"Yes," Nao leans back, "See that you do." Standing, he looks her in the eye, "Do not slack off in your studies."
Marya slowly nods, "Ah hu." Arms full, she follows Charlie, whispering, "You are a lifesaver."
Charlie nods, "Meet you at the sub."