No, Really, I Am an American

I was in the middle of a lesson this morning when I heard my phone vibrate, signifying a new text message. Puzzled, I reached down to check who would be texting me.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was from Kate.

“jessi lim! what time u working til sweet?x”

I couldn’t help but smile. I couldn’t reply right away, what with the teaching and all, so at the next break, I explained that I was on my split. I had the sneaking suspicion that the delightful Brit had come to town for a visit.

I received confirmation from Rob after the first half. I had made arrangements to see the apartment in Bentenchou today at the time Kate wanted to meet up, so naturally, I rescheduled the viewing.

I really have missed her. Hell, I was even risking looking forward to it, if anything because I really wanted to see an absent face.

We made arrangements to meet in Shinsaibashi. I was on my way to the exit when I spotted her out of the corner of my eye. I didn’t even flinch as she hugged me; in fact, I returned it in kind.

Wow, it was so good to see her!

We picked our way through the mass of people and headed towards Starbuck’s. I was mildly amused because only that morning, I made an extra trip to the one near work, and this trip would make the fourth time I’ve been to Starbuck’s in the six days since I’ve been back in Japan. I teased her about smoking as we situated ourselves outside near the construction. We would have preferred a quieter place to sit, but we made due with what we had.

We filled each other in on our lives, both good and bad…and unsettling. She received some news recently that, well, that brought her to Osaka. She said she just needed to see her mates here. I was happy to be one of the few people she sought out since she’s visiting kind of incognito.

Kate has recently become a RENT-head; we exchanged e-mails about it and I totally gushed about the show and movie. She showed me her iPod with what songs she had and I was appalled.

“I cannot allow you to not have a complete recording,” I told her. “We’re going to Tower.”

She didn’t protest. She did, however, when I insisted on buying it for her. “Call it a Christmas gift.”

She reluctantly compled. I explained how the Original Broadway Cast would be a little different from what she knew, but I would be happy to fill in the blanks. I’m also going to track down the movie soundtrack and or burn her a copy of mine so she, like me, can be the proud owner of both.

I didn’t want to part company, but the second half of my shift was soon to begin. I told her I would gladly skip work for her if she wanted me to. She just smiled and gave me a “yeah right” look, just like everyone else who knows my work-ethic here. But in all seriousness, I would skip in a heartbeat if it was necessary.

She told me to come visit her, and to my surprise, I found myself telling her that I would.

And I will.

There was more hugging involved, but it was mutual. Nothing awkward on my part.

I’ve really missed Kate, and I was really happy to see her.

The day was that much brighter.