episode 2 – masking beauty
The time for a long-distance relationship, delayed by quarantine, reaches a climax with unanticipated reactions.
Acclimating to New Surroundings
The time for a long-distance relationship, delayed by quarantine, reaches a climax with unanticipated reactions.
The airplane lands with a bump and a skid on the foggy runway—long after Mayu long after Mayu can remain awake. With a hum and a bell, the baggage conveyor dispenses Jake’s luggage. Then he steps through sliding glass doors into a new world, alive with colorful lights past midnight. He asks the cabbie to drive him through the downtown area before taking him to his accommodations.
With his face pressed against the window, he’s in awe of the traditional dress and authentic aromas. To absorb the new environment, he stops the cab to sample fresh spring rolls, assembled with chopsticks, from a street vendor. But when he gets to his apartment, he’s too tired to finish them.
The jet lag has him ignoring all text messages and phone calls. When Jake finally awakens, he looks around to confirm his new surroundings aren’t part of a dream. Then it hits him like a ton of bricks that he’s in the same city as the love of his life—Mayu. There are numerous messages from her on his phone. As his priority above other calls, he enthusiastically phones her.
She preempts his words with an apology. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t at the airport to greet you. I waited for hours through uncertain delays.”
“It’s okay. I wouldn’t be comfortable with you sleeping in an airport lounge. I made it here safely and look forward to seeing you.”
“When?”
“As soon as possible. Let me get settled in… What time is it?” he asks, looking at a clock on the wall of his corporate-furnished apartment. “How about noonish for lunch? I don’t know my way around. If you text me an address, I’ll take a cab.”
“Okay. Hopefully, I won’t be the only one wearing a blue kimono with large red and yellow flowers.“
“I know what you look like, but thanks for the description.”
Jake showers, wraps himself in a silk robe, and opens the curtains for an impressive daytime view of the city from his high-rise apartment. ‘This is what success looks like,’ he says to himself, then hurries to arrive early for the best table.
Meeting in Person
At the bustling, colorful restaurant, vibrant geishas with trays of miso and fresh ramen noodles float by, wafting pleasant aromas that stimulate the taste buds. Through the crowd, Jake sees Mayu in the distance making deliberate steps toward him. He stands to motion for her to join him at his table.
As she gets closer, it’s apparent that the tight kimono is not the only thing affecting the gait of her steps. Within arm’s reach, they embrace, rubbing faces together, which removes much of her powder makeup, revealing an imperfection on one entire cheek.
Jake discreetly wipes his face with a cloth napkin from the table setting, maintaining a cordial smile. During her animated conversation, he can’t take his eyes off her prominent scar. They order tempura and sushi as she keeps speaking with many gestures without him knowing what the conversation has been about for 30 minutes.
Finally, he asks, cool and unforgiving, “What happened to your face?”
Her eyes frown while removing a compact mirror from her purse. “Oh my. Please excuse me,” she says with distress while limping away to the ladies’ room.
When she returns, makeup intact, she apologizes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I was in a house fire that burned my face and severed my leg. I wear a prosthesis.”
Jake takes a deep breath, trying to think of a reassuring response, but is angered by the deception. After an awkward pause, his eyes dart aimlessly around the room before making contact with her patient gaze.
“That sounds tragic. I, um… I want to pay the bill… so we can go.”
“Jake, I know you have questions. Ask me anything.”
He silently motions for the server. After paying the bill, he helps Mayu to her car, saying, “We’ll talk later.”
Sulking From Deceit
At home, Jake responds with rage, erratically slamming objects on tables and shoving dishes from his table onto the floor. He envisions additional disfigured parts of her body that she may have concealed.
His dichotomous internal conflict flashes back to their many video chats with a vast body of water between them. While trying to focus on his next personal steps, he answers his ringing phone. His mother asks about the flight.
“There were delays. I’m still getting used to the time difference.”
“How are you feeling otherwise?”
“Betrayed,” he mumbles softly.
“Pardon me. Speak up, Dear.”
“Oh, I’m fine. I miss you—and your cooking.”
“I miss you more and love you like no one else. Don’t be a stranger.”
“Okay. I love you too. Goodbye.”
His mother’s unconditional love feels like her warm embrace, which he wishes were enveloping him now. He reflects on her sacrifices to raise him well after his father’s death.
She worked long hours, still coming home to prepare meals and wash his clothes. While growing up, she scolded his smart-aleck nature of teasing others’ misfortunes. Those past insensitivities contributed to his friendless adult life.
Like a pendulum, his emotions swing to childish obstinacy, considering a breakup with Mayu. After ignoring numerous messages asking him to talk, Jake sends a terse message to Mayu, saying “Your name is supposed to mean you’re you’re genuine.”
Continued…
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