"Teach Me"
By Yui Miyamoto

Lousy Summer Vacation

"Aw, mom," I complained, "it's summer! I need a vacation. My brain needs to recover from school!"

"Yeah, right," she retorted. "It's your fault for slacking off in science!"

"Do I need to have a tutor?"

"I'm absolutely not letting you go to summer school! You'll do the same thing."

"I promise I'll be good?"

"Don't get cute with me. You are good...except when it comes to science. That's that."

That conversation was a week ago. I am going to the library tomorrow for my tutoring. Somebody by the name of Mr. Furukawa was going to teach me. Probably a loser who needs money!

Here I was at Kai's house.

I slumped on her bed while sighing really loudly.

"It's not that bad," she said. "At least you'll learn something."

"Well thanks for being a friend," I sarcastically remarked, but I was smiling. I played around with my friends with an attitude. Of course, they knew I was just kidding. I was just kidding. I was their "Kawaii-chan." (Little Cute One.) They told me I was too sweet to be so b-----.

"I mean, really Kawaii-chan," she seriously commented, "[you're] good at everything you do except science!"

"Honto? (Really?)"

"You dork! You really are stupid. That's `cuz you don't have a boyfriend!"

"How about you? You're not with anyone either!"

With a flick of her hair, Kai jokingly said, "That's because they're too scared of someone so beautiful as me."

I laughed uncontrollably on her bed.

"What's so funny?!" she angrily questioned.

"You!" I cracked up again.

"You really are a tomboy!"

"Well, duh! It's a reflex for me to slap, hit, or punch a boy who touches me!"

"Oh, Akire, you'll find someone!"

"Yeah, right!" I stood up. My shoulder-length, black hair swings in the air. "First of [all,] I'm very short. Five-one is cute for me. I like being short! Second, my face is so fat, it'll burst. Plus, I have glasses that are so [thick,] you can fit a pinky in there!"

"You're exaggerating! You don't have to worry. You're so pretty. Plus, you're personality is something else! The most caring and sweetest person I know is in that body."

"Arigato." I hugged her. "How did we come to this stupid subject?"

The next day, I went to the special room where Mr. Furukawa was. I bowed in respect.

"Mirano Akire desu ka? (Are you Akire Mirano?)" He looked at me. I knew from top of the bat that [we were] not going to get along.

"Yes, I am." I sat on a desk.

"We'll get started right away. My name is Mr. Furukawa. I will teach you biology and chemistry this summer. So pay attention.

"These are the rules: 1) No talking. You are required to take notes. 2) There will only be a 15 minute break for these two hours. 3) At the end of this tutoring session, I will give you a final.

I rose up my hand. "Sensei (teacher), a final? Isn't that kind of harsh?"

"Iie," he barked.

This was going to be a LONG summer. All through it, I didn't have fun. He always picked on me. Hey, I wouldn't mind about it if it [was] only the material being covered, but that wasn't all. Mr. what's-his-face would tell me to shut up when I wasn't talking or sit up straight. He just made me so mad!

The only two good things from this tutoring [were] that I actually learned something while biting back my tongue. If I didn't, I think I would have cursed him. Not with bad words, but with real curses. Second, I would never have him again!!!

One fight that I would like to describe was in the middle of July...

"Ohayo, Mirano, (Good morning, Mirano,)" he greeted me with a smile. "What are you so happy about?"

"I'm just happy because of a dream I had. Plus, I bought all this Anime and Manga."

"You like Manga (Japanese comics)?"

"Hai, Sensei."

"Probably that's what is rotting your brain."

"Pardon me, Sensei?"

"You should read the classics."

"Don't think I'm rude or anything, but I resent that! I am tired and I love my stuff. Don't insult it or you'll be insulting me."

"It's this type of behavior that messes up your character!"

"How about you?!"

"What about me?"

"Mr. Furukawa. I now know why you don't have a girlfriend. You're too strict. You probably let them go to a `courtesy course', then go out with these `proper ladies'!" Just because he's 29 doesn't mean he can treat me this way!

"Don't mind if I retort back?!"

"Be my guest, Sensei."

"Hai. I don't have a girlfriend because she left me. As for you, with your type of attitude, you'll never find a boyfriend!"

"Quiet," a librarian hissed at the door.

I couldn't hold it much longer. Even though I'm very high-spirited and strong as a lion, I am ESPECIALLY sensitive. When someone gets mad or insults me, I break down. So, I turned around and got a napkin.

"Ms. Mirano?" He had already calmed down.

"Hai?"

"Gomenasai. I didn't know you'd take it so seriously."

"I'm also sorry about your girlfriend."

I turned around and went to my desk. He resumed his teaching and I took notes.

When the last day of his tutoring ended, I learned he didn't really hate me...but then again he never said he liked me either. I sat at my desk answering the last question. This final wasn't so bad. I could actually pass this.

I got up and handed it over to him. "Very good, Ms. Mirano."

"Oh! I almost forgot." I got something from my backpack. "Here. It's a `thank-you' gift."

"How sweet." He took the box and opened up the wrapping. It was a coffee mug that had, "I love science, but I don't know about my students."

"Arigato, Mirano."

"Doitashimashite, Sensei. (You're welcome, Teacher.)"

"Matte. (Wait.) Um, will you please evaluate me as your teacher. Just an oral."

"Hai." I stood in front of his desk thinking. "You're very strict, but then again, that's good for discipline. I like the [audiocassettes,] lectures, and written notes we did. In fact, you're good in every aspect except relating to your students."

"How would I do that?"

"I don't know. Probably, be a little bit nicer and loosen up on the `proper manners' stuff. Teenagers hate that."

"Arigato."

"No problem."

I walked out with a smile. As I closed the door, he suddenly turned his head to look intently on the cup. It was because I had chosen to look back at him.

When I walked out of the library, I shouted, "Arigato, Kami-san! (Thank you, God!) I thought I was going to die!"

The (Not-So) New Teacher

My summer vacation came to an [end.] I was once again going to be at school, but as a sophomore. This was my first day as a soph.

I have eight periods a day. The uniform I wore practically stuck to me because it was so hot! Thank goodness for science being one of my last periods of the day!

At lunch, my friends and I were on the field watching the [boy’s] soccer team. To tell you the truth, they were always the ones looking while I read something. Today, however, was something quite different.

"You guys," Kai was squeaking loudly. "I think I'm in love!"

"Again?!" we exclaimed.

"You said that the last seven times this year," Ai remarked.

"You just go for looks," Eri commented.

"Now if it were Akire right there said that," Renmi said, "I'd worry. So let it go guys."

"Hai!"

"Who is it the [lucky] guy this time," I asked.

"He's not cute, but he's a little handsome." Kai slyly teased, "I love the new science teacher!"

"THAT good-looking, YOUNG one," Eri inquired. "Now you're talking! I think I'm in love too."

"Science, huh?" I was put off by this. "Probably a dufus."

"Don't say that!" Ai glanced at me. She's the sensible one. "We shouldn't judge [him.]"

"I guess you're right."

"We get to go to him next period," Ai sighed.

Jokingly, I laughed," I'm glad it's not my science tutor. Now I'd faint if it was him!"

"You're right!" They all laughed. I never told his name to them though.

"Yeah, he's really nice to us," Kai commented.

[They] talked on. My mind began to wander. I knew I'd never really love a guy. If I did, it wouldn't be for a LONG time. Love at first sight! Ha!

I had butterflies in my stomach as they talked. There was something wrong with what they said.

"C'mon, Akire!" Ai was practically pulling my sleeve. She ran with it dragging me behind. "We have to get there early! I want a seat in the front! I'm near-sighted!"

For a minute there, I thought she really wanted to meet the teacher. "I need to sit up front too!"

"No, I need it to see the cute teacher!" Okay, so I was slightly wrong when I said sensible. How was I supposed to know?! I'm not perfect!

The door opened and the teacher's head was facing the board. Everyone was running to get here.

"Konni-" The teacher turned around to look at us. "...you're here early?"

I stared at him. If looks could kill...Kami-san, why me?! Did I deserve this punishment?! "You!"

"You!" He pointed his finger at me as I had done with him. "You go to school here?!"

"Hai. I kind of mentioned it at the beginning of the sessions."

I stood there while people were piling in. They took their seats while watching us. Ai was confused as everyone else was.

"You know each other?" Ai asked me.

"What does it look like to you?!"

Facing Mr. Furukawa, I lamented, "Do you hate me this much, Sensei?"

"Iie."

Ring. I sat down. He was introducing himself to the class.

Oh no!! I knew my life would be a living hell from then on.

"Since you are an expert with this Ms. Mirano," Mr Furukawa remarked, "Please read page one aloud."

"The study of equations..."

At the end of the school day, I was mad, cranky and hell-bent all in one. Stupid school couldn't afford to get another teacher?!

"Why me," I muttered over and over again as I fixed my stuff to go home.

"Ms. Mirano?"

"Hai, Sensei," I sighed politely.

"I need to have a talk with you for five minutes."

"If it's about earlier, I'm REALLY sorry. PLEASE don't get mad at me."

"Iie."

"Ai," I shouted to the back of the room. "I'll meet you over there."

"Hai." She walked away.

Mr. Furukawa sat on his desk. "I don't want to start the year off badly."

"Me too. It's just that-"

"Wakarimasu. (I understand.)" I couldn't believe what I was hearing! Was he really this soft with me?

"Let's shake to it." He stood up and put his hand out. "Konnichiwa, Furukawa Kyosuke desu."

"Nice to meet you. Mirano Akire desu." He held my hand firmly before letting go. It was really weird.

"Um, I have to go, Sensei."

"Okay..." I was already taking my bag from the [desk.]

"Chotto matte. (Wait a minute.)" He stood there silent.

"Hai, Sensei?" I wonder what he wants?

"Don't think badly of me, Mirano. Boku wa... (I...)" I looked at him carefully. He stuttered like some love-struck high-school boy talking to the girl he liked.

"Mr. Furukawa?"

"Hai?"

"Remember this: I never did. I just acted like I did." With a smile, I left. So, he had his moments. I was laughing thinking about his stupid expression imprinted in my brain. Why?

When I sat at the coffee shop across the school, I was about to burst! This "boy-talk" was driving me nuts. Is that all they talk about?!

"So I hear you know my cute teacher," Kai told me, "Ai said so."

"Yeah, so?"

"How do you know him?!"

"He was my science tutor all summer." I slumped in my seat.

"You had him alone all summer?!"

"Don't put it that way! It was hell! And I thought I wasn't ever going to see him again."

"Not see him," Renmi surprisingly asked. "Heck, I'd pay to be with him."

"Don't make a joke like that," I snapped.

"What's wrong?" Ai hugged me.

"He...he..." I shivered with hurt.

"Spill it, Akire!" they shouted at me.

I got up abruptly. "I've got to go! He'd kill me if I told!" Then, I walked away.

"You coward! You don't like him and yet you protect him," Kaid shouted behind me while standing up to pound her fist on the cold table. "Do you have a thing for this guy?!"

I stopped walking to listen to what she had to say.

"You complained about him all summer. That's all you ever talked about. HIM."

The anger and hurt built up inside of me. I couldn't believe she would embarrass me like this! So, I walked over to her and screamed, "For your information, I ABSOLUTELY DON'T LIKE THE GUY!!! The reason I won't say anything is that I don't want anyone talking about me! Ever heard about the Golden Rule? Or try looking up the word DISCRETION."

I walked out with everyone shocked behind me. No one except my parents and that Mr. Furukawa has seen me have a temper. I guess they're really shocked now.

You Weren't Supposed To Hear about it

I was pretty ticked off with Kai this time! No, I wasn't going to ask her for forgiveness again for all the times SHE was at fault. Whenever I couldn't do something like that for her, she'd compare me to her bratty [self,] which I totally hate!

The first time was when this toy I got in the first [grade;] she stole it and never gave it back because she [liked] it. Okay, so I was nice with her. Then, I had no idea that this [guy, Ryan Miramoto,] came to our [eighth] grade class, she was totally in love with him. The problem was this: He had a secret crush on me while getting to know Kai. She thought he was going for her when in actuality, he liked me and told her so!

That's not all! What I dislike strongly (I don't like saying hate) also is when she tries to say that her grades or ANYTHING she [says or does] just to be "better" than I am.

Kai doesn't like to say sorry. She's now more prone to not say sorry since I insulted her and the "one she loves" (...for the moment).

No one was on the third floor yet at the beginning of school; so I stood at a window sighing. I ABSOLUTELY dislike it when someone's mad at me...

"You want to talk?" Ai walked up to me and put her head on my shoulder. "I know you're upset, but try to understand Kai."

"Watashi?! (Me?!) I always `understand'? Once in a while she should give in to her own mistakes. Just because she's rich and cute doesn't mean she can step all over me."

"You know not all of this isn't Kai's fault."

"Nani? (What?)" I glared at her with a surprised expression.

"I know you too well. You were just very embarrassed yesterday. But you were more furious than usual?"

"Ai, are you blaming this on me?"

"Iie, Kawaii-chan."

"Then what?"

She pointed her finger at me. "Why are you hot when it comes to talking about Mr. Furukawa? Do you really hate the guy?"

"..."

(Mr. Furukawa's speaking)

I was at my classroom to get it ready for the day. Two students were talking in whispers, but in an empty hall, they travel loud and clear. My door was closed; so I didn't pay attention.

No, I didn't pay attention until I heard my name. I think it was Orika Ai who said, "Why are you hot when it comes to talking about Mr. Furukawa? Do you really hate the guy?"

I wonder who she was talking to. The person isn't responding. My ear was plastered on the door for SOMETHING. Say something!

"No, I don't hate him. I can never hate anyone! That's bad! It's against our religion!"

"Then you like him?"

"You know I strongly dislike, but don't hate."

"You strongly dislike him, then?" Ai was asking this over and over. "Why are you so upset at him?"

"It's because...he said that I could never..." I heard sobs from Mirano.

Did I really hurt her with what I said? I didn't know she was so sensitive. Usually, she's as strong as steel!

(Akire)

"Why are you asking me all these questions?" I ran to go to the bathroom.

Ai came and hugged me. "Gomenasai."

"Gomenasai. I didn't mean to be so rude, Ai-chan."

"I always understand. Demo (But), Mr. Furukawa is looking for you."

"What now?" I whined.

"Just go. Hiyaku. (Hurry.)" She pushed and dragged me to his door. Victory sign was what she gave me and left.

With a big, deep breath, I opened the door and closed it behind me. "You were looking for me, Sensei?"

"Hai."

I took a seat in my desk while he paced in front of me. "Don't be upset with me, but I heard your earlier conversation with Orika."

"You'll never leave me alone," I asked pathetically.

"As your teacher, I must clarify any disruption in our teacher-student relationship."

"You know as well as I do, Mr. Furukawa."

He looked deeply into my eyes. "Gomenasai...again. I didn't know you'd react so harshly to my comment about the `boyfriend' thing."

"Well, it hurt me, Mr. Furukawa." I began to cry. "I don't care about having a boyfriend! It just upset me that it was affirmed that I would never find someone who really cares and loves me for who I am! Not because I'm smart or you need help with homework! Iie! I want to be accepted and loved for who I am, not what I do!"

I turned away from him.

"How about your parents and friends?"

"You know very well I'm talking about." Facing him once more, I cried, "People compare me to themselves. I know I'm not that pretty or smart. Heck, I don't even know if I have a good personality anymore!"

"Does it count if I care?"

"You're different! Goodness sake! You're my [teacher!]"

"Akire..." He held my shoulders. "You're the brightest and most good-natured person I know." Then, he let go slowly.

I walked out saying, "But you always pick on me. I don't know whether you like me or hate me as your student."

Kai was not speaking to me. Well, I really didn't care. Ai has tried her best to bring us back together.

One day, a month later...

"Have you heard about Mirano?" Yori was walking beside Kai. She said it quite loud for everyone to her about it. What'd `ya expect? She's the telephone of the school. Her mouth is so wide with gossip that you can't fit the universe in it.

Enthusiastically, Kai answered, "No, but what?!"

"She's teacher's pet! Your Mr. Furukawa sure is nice to her. That's because only you, her and your other friend like him."

I butt into the conversation by going in front of her. "Don't spread rumors about me! I have only respect for Mr. Furukawa. No! I don't like him."

Suddenly, I turned, "I'd like to make this clear."

Everyone nodded. "You always tell the truth! We'd never believe it anyway. It's her word against yours."

"Thanks guys!"

"No problem, Akire."

"Hey, you," someone shouted and came towards us. "Who'd be stupid enough to believe your word against hers anyway, Yori?! I mean it. Don't mess with Akire or you'll answer to me."

I couldn't believe my ears. Mikiru was defending me! He never did this for me before.

"So who's your knight in shining armor," Kai slyly snapped. "Can't decide what guy you want?" (As if she didn't recognize our other friend!)

"What was that?! My hands were shaking. This is the [pinnacle] of my temper. I couldn't stand it anymore. So, I slapped her.

She held her cheek in disbelief. The hall was silent. She was about to cry. "Why? Am I not your friend?"

"Otomadachi?! (Friend?!) Ha! First (putting up my index finger), you embarrass me in our favorite hangout!"

Putting up my middle finger and saying, "Two, you accuse me, yes accuse me, of liking Mr. Furukawa. Three, you listened to that stupid blabbermouth instead of defending me! Otomadachi?! Yeah, right! Why in the world are you so mad at me, Kai?"

"You've always stolen what I've wanted! She was kneeling on the floor pointing at me in disgust.

"Remember, stupid, I always earn what I've gotten. Whatever comes to me, [it's probably] mine. I have a clear conscience! I never stole anything." Tears were rolling down my cheeks.

"Ryan and now Mr. Furukawa!"

"You want them?! Go ahead and have them. I'll give you everything that's mine. Okay?"

"Honto?!"

I knelt to her. "Yes."

She sat there wondering. I took her arms to help her up. "You and your stupid ideas." I smiled at her.

We both laughed. She held my arm firmly as we skipped to homeroom. This was her way of apologizing.

Class Field Trip

As usual, I was going to science class. What can I say? Time flies...but not really when you're having fun.

What I really mean is that I love school, but I'm already worn out. I was walking like a nervous wreck on the verge of a breakdown due to finals. Report cards came and went with my parent's usual "pat on the head for my good work." Thank God they give me a reward system for it. Of course, I go on a manga spree! That's what gets me through these weeks as well as praying.

Ai and I are talking about what to do with ourselves. We're bored as heck.

"So," she questioned, "what are you doing this weekend? Will and I are going to a movie."

"Yeah, tell me] that you're bored and you have a date."

"Gomen. (Slang for `sorry'.)"

"I-" The bell interrupted me and the class became quiet.

What was so weird was that I saw Mr. Furukawa smiling. "Class, I have very good news."

"Yes, Sensei?"

"The [administration] has given me permission to have a field trip to the Scientific Museum."

"Honto, Sensei?!" We were excited! This was a very exciting place to visit, or so I've heard.

"But, only one class can go...and I've chosen you to go."

"Yea!!"

"I need permission slips and a [small] monetary fee for the entrance and bus."

"No problem!"

I was smiling. This was really nice of him...considering that he hates me.

Now, how did I come up with THAT conclusion? Well, 1) he always picks on me, 2) he tends to pay attention to me in class if I just ask a question from one of my classmates, and 3) I rarely get a perfect paper on his worksheets! They're all in a different language. Even if I get no check marks, he marks me off one point. It's irritating!

What is his problem?! If he hates me so [much,] why not tell me to my face?!

In no time, we were on a bus. I brought my walkman with me to listen to the songs. And when I listen to music, I sing..."I just..."

Everyone was drowning me out. That was good. I don't want anyone to hear me. The people around me were singing with their [walkmans] up to the loudest it could go.

Ai was with me, but we decided not to sit next to each other. She wanted to be next to teacher while I wanted to stay the heck away from him.

The bus stopped in front of the curb. Mr. Furukawa gave us some instructions. I didn't notice anything until I got up from my seat and glanced to the right window. When I saw what had happened outside, I looked away as I hadn't seen anything.

Outside, Ai hugged me. She was smiling, but she looked kind of sad. I wonder why?

This lady gave us maps and [catalogues.] When everyone was off the bus, Mr. Furukawa announced, "This is my good friend, Nimi Romiru. You should thank her right now because she's the one who arranged for us to go here. And she'll be our tour [guide.]"

"Arigato, Romiru-san!"

We went inside to the first set up. It was a three-dimensional dummy of Isaac Newton computerized. There was a tree and an apple would fall on his head repeatedly. On the side read something about gravity.

I really did love science, but it's just that it was so boring. Now, at least Mr. Furukawa makes it a little fun with all his experiments and models of various things.

We went to another corridor and then another. She toured us through the whole building for two hours. Each room had a specific field of science with their own hands-on experiments and displays.

Since there was still thirty minutes left, I walked around gloomily taking notes. I don't know why, but I feel rather...melancholic?

After the tour, we went to a nearby-park. I sat on a bench with Ai. She's looked pretty depressed ever since we've come out of the bus. Then, she sighs very loudly on the bench.

Looking at me, she asked, "Did you see Mr. Furukawa and that girl?"

"What do you think? They were always next to each other."

"Iie...did you see them when he got off the bus?"

I smirked and leaned my head on my hand. "What do you mean?"

"He kissed her."

Gulp. I averted my head straight ahead and patted her on the back while smiling. "You'll get over it!"

"Hai. I guess you're right." She got up and left me alone to cool off and walk.

I don't know why she of I am...Iie, that couldn't be it. It's IMPOSSIBLY not that... Instead of sitting there [cross-legged] and bored, I brought out my walkman and put it really loud; so I wouldn't have to wear the headphones. Having them on for too long is a health hazard.

This is nice. I am alone. Nobody to bug me. My parents are really strict; so I cherish moments like these.

As I was singing, someone approached me. "So, you love to sing?"

I looked up. "Yes, Sensei."

"Are you bored?"

"Iie. In fact, I love it!"

"Naze?"

"My parents totally forbid me to be alone anywhere. At least I have some temporary breathing space."

He stood there, silently, checking the other students at a distance. After of what seemed forever, he sincerely looked into my eyes. "I'm glad you're having fun...Can I ask you something? Don't answer if it's too personal."

My stomach flipped like hot okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza) on a grille. "Hai, Sensei."

"You're always so cheery and perky. Why do you seem kind of depressed?"

"You're wrong. See!" I smiled at him. "I'm smiling because I'm happy!"

"Hai." He walked away to go to the others.

"Phew!" My smile faded as fast as it had come. I was sad, but I really have no explanation for it.

The rest of the day, I just sat or walked while singing. Some of my classmates sympathized with me because they left me alone and he talked to me.

I fell asleep on the ride home. My walkman played, but I turned it off.

Since we arrived two hours early, we called up our parents. I was the second person in line for the school's main phone. Demo, when I met Mr. Furukawa, weirdly, he questioned me if I had called my parents. (As if he even cares...)

My mom asked me while we were going home, "How was the trip?"

"I had so much [fun!] Plus, I learned so much from the little captions." Can you believe that I had the [strength] and lightness to smile the whole way home? I wasn't so depressed anymore...

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