Memories

Chapter V: Memories

It was a little blurry and muddled but Ren was sure it was a tiny memory of long back then. It was from one of his adventures as a rebellious child, he’s small though. He likes to escape and sneaks out of the house whenever the babysitter has fallen asleep, but Ren is a good little kid you see, he always makes sure to be back before they notice he’s missing. 

It was near winter, the remnants of autumn season was slowly fading and the wind began to get more chilly in the morning and every night. Although not cold enough to puff a smoke when talking. 

It was the time of the year that their neighborhood had gone silent, as if everyone went to hibernate and prepared for months of snowy season. The streets were clean, void of any presence outside. Almost like a ghost town only if it weren’t for the lively decorations each house has.

Ren continued his little trip, walking carelessly, there was a spring in his step and he was humming happily. He planned to go to the plaza or to a public court. He wants to go there because that’s where mostly children bigger than him can be found. And for some reason, people are always cheering whenever he arrives, although he’s not the one they’re cheering for. 

It was the same street and direction, he completely ditched the idea of plaza and park in favor of going straight to the court and seeing if there’s that exciting game again. 

He was not disappointed when he began to see pairs of people walking, their chatter was loud. 

“It’s really getting cold!” the girl shivered under her puffy jacket. 

“No worries, we’ll get to see something hot later! Ha ha ha ha!” her friend replied, cackling like a maniac. “We should hurry! Lots of them tryna keep their eyes on those guys.” 

“You mentioned it! I keep hearing about it even in school!”

He followed their conversation although with not a single thing to understand. They just keep squealing together at some point and hitting each other, looking flustered and all. 

‘Girls are weird. Does it make it more funny when you hit someone while laughing? Is that a rule?’

He left their side when the familiar area was right before him.

Their neighborhood in this town isn’t that small, it’s just right, they were not too populated. It makes building the establishments far easy without having to worry if it’s enough.

And at the center of the neighborhood lies a big plaza, but the court wasn’t there, it’s just nearby. 

It is big enough, there’s a giant roof sheltering everyone just in case for rain and shield from the sun. The ceiling was high and wide. Inside, there was a small stage. There were stone seats made on each side of the court, big and long enough to accommodate more audience. Of course there’s one basketball ring on each end. 

“Waah~ they’re really working hard in this cold.”

“Really! If it were me I would collapse in an instant.”

“My bones ache when it’s cold. Is it a sign of my impending aging?”

“You’re sixteen.” 

“Tell that to my bones.” 

Murmurs began to circulate and Ren lit up before him. 

‘Woah! Woah! That looks cool!!!’

He rushes to the entrance, he almost tripped but good thing he didn’t. The seats were almost full of spectators. 

His eyes shine like ever. ‘They’re so popular!’

“There are a lot of people.”

“You can go home to lessen it then.” 

“Nope I identify as..” 

He didn’t spare them any attention anymore and was more invested in what’s presented in front of him. On the court is a very tall stool! And there’s someone sitting there, so high! There was a net set at the center. 

‘Smack! Smack!’ 

His eyes trailed to the side of the court and saw a group of teenagers hovering. Some were dribbling the volleyball, some were doing some painful stretches and the rest were rushing forward and sliding on the floor with their chest. It’s weird but it looks fun! 

___

“Hey why couldn’t I reach you these days? Ya’ got a girl?” 

Ren frowned, figuring how to use more tools. “More like I got a shovel. This thing weighs down so much.” he complained.

On the other line, Noah makes a confused noise. “Hah? What do you need a shovel for?”

“For digging, duh.”

“I know but why?”

“I’m making.. a super big project.”

Ren looked back days before, Mizuki promised she called for help and he also doesn’t want them to do it all on their own. 

“We’re clearing some up space in the backyard,” if he calls it a backyard. “and renovate it into a small court.” 

“Ah.. I see, need help? I’m bored,” 

“I need workers, not a potty mouth friend, to shut up everytime.”

“I am offended.” 

___

When he reached the site, it was still void of people. No one has arrived yet and Ren was kind of glad for it. It’ll be awkward for him if someone is already here, greetings were hard for some reason. 

He left the stools on top of a log, yesterday Mizuki gave him a boot appropriate for this and it’s really convenient. He seized the soil again, for the nth time, it’s as messy as before but it makes renovating more fun, the results even more satisfying. 

He went to work, he used the shovel to make the land even or at least he tried to. He hit some rocks and almost slipped. Got a few bruises as well. 

The sun was high when he noticed a presence on the side, he was startled to see Mizuki standing, arms crossed against her chest and eyes observing as it was behind her glasses. 

She smiled when she noticed.

“You work as if you’re being paid twice the price.” she commented

Well yeah, Ren likes what he’s doing. 

“I brought lunch with me, hurry and wash your hands.” 

He left the shovel, planting it on the ground and followed after her.

Mizuki had already arranged a small table when he arrived with a clean plate and cutleries prepared.

“I thought you said you’ll be holed up in your office?” 

“Hm, I did. But I have free time now don’t I, and as much as I like my job, it’ll kill me if I don’t go out and make use of it.” she said solemnly, handing him the disposable clear white gloves when his hands aren’t that clean. “Also I have something to tell you.”

“Okay,”

They eat first in silence with a few questions thrown to each other. It’s new, it feels like a picnic for some reason, only if Ren isn’t almost covered by mud, that is. 

Ren feels at ease. 

They were putting the plastic cutleries on the bag when he remembered that she had something to say.

“Oh right, I almost forgot. Would you mind coming with me for an almost two week trip?” 

He frowned a little. “To where?”

“To Boston that is.” 

“Why would you bring me with you then? Won’t I just be a distraction?” 

“What? No, and it’s not like you were going to be in the actual meeting. I just want to bring you with me.” 

It’s that he minds.

“If it were about renovating, don't worry they'll still do it.” she was convinced. “Actually why not draw what you wanted this space to look like? Just in case.”

Ren opens his mouth then closes it, considering his choices. On most days, flying with Mizuki is always good because not only does he get to travel but also he is not left bored at home alone.

“All right..” 

____

Meanwhile at the skating club. Van let out a frustrated groan and pant heavily. He really wants to land at least that jump! He wants to accomplish it! Although he started too late and with no experience, learning is always fun because it comes with surprises. 

“Don’t push yourself!” Everly yelled at the side. 

He got up, heaved a deep sigh and gave her a thumbs up to assure her that he’s not in any pain. 

Van really wants to perfect it and he’s going to try his best.