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Debra Wallen had expected her day to be filled with the usual drudgery of an Interns life for Fashion Blitz magazine. She never expected to be interviewing one of the world’s newest and biggest fashion designers this day. Not only was the woman a force to be reckoned with but a true mystery as well. Debra would be the first person to ever had a one on one interview with Ren Nagata. This was Debra’s big chance and she really wanted to impress her boss by coming back with an interview worthy of her trust. Little could Debra see how this one interview would affect her life or how it would influence her career.

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Chapter 5

Offices of Rococo Victorian Fashions, Present day.

Debra stepped out of the changing room and got her first look at her new self. The young Aristocrat Lolita in the mirror was not what she was expecting. The girl that looked back at her was anything but dower. In fact, she was heart stopping beautiful. Debra had never thought of herself as beautiful before. Yet, in less than three hours she had gone from plain to this stunning beauty before her in the mirror. In a voice barely above a whisper she looked over at a smiling Ren.

“Is that really me?” Debra was still having problems matching the girl in the mirror with the girl in her head. “That cannot be me?”

“It is my dear.” Ren assured her then turned to Alexie. “You never cease to amaze, Alexie. Have you sent her prescription down to Glass-masters?”

“Amanda is waiting for you as we speak, Ren. I told what style we’re going for and she informed me that she has twenty different pairs to choose from.” Alexie answered Ren’s question with her own smile as she handed Debra a parasol. “Go with Ren, dearie. Time to replace those ugly RPG glasses with something far more becoming for a young woman. One that is sure to take the news world by storm.”

Ren picked up the parasol that was sitting next to her chair and stood up with a smile. “Come along Debra. We have one last stop to complete your look.”

With that Ren led the young girl out the door of her shop and onto the streets of Cincinnati. Debra was at first a little scared by going out in public dressed as she was but gained confidence with each step she took. Drawing strength from the woman beside her. There was something about Ren Nagata that just screamed strength and self confidence to all those around her. She just exuded sexuality.

As they walked down the street Ren smiled at the passing men and women. “Remember, Debra, that being a Lolita is not about being sexy for others. Though the term is sometimes used to refer to a sexually attractive young girl, the fashion will always seek to distinguish itself from this interpretation. For most Lolitas, the look is emphatically not about being "sexy" or appealing to men's ideas of what a woman should look like. It's more about reclaiming a traditional version of elegance and femininity. Lolita fashion should be empowering. Being a vision of loveliness is just a fringe benefit.”

It took Debra a few seconds to understand what Ren was getting at then remembered what her boss said in Fashion Blitz’s last month’s article. Brenda Celso had pointedly called the Lolita fashions as a deliberate attack on women’s equal rights and an attempt to return women to the status of sexual objects for men. Something that Ren Nagata and her clients would fight tooth and nail over. Debra was fast learning that her boss’s point of view was slightly skewed. The more that Debra thought about her boss the more she wondered what the real reason was behind her animosity towards the Lolita dress and life style.

“Miss Nagata, I have to ask. Do you know the reason for my editor’s animosity towards the Lolita style? I know that you only agreed to this interview after last month’s article attacking the style.”

“I was wondering when you would come around to that question.” Ren chuckled. “It goes back to when your very ‘business savvy’ boss worked as a model. The designer she walked for had branched out into the Lolita world. The show was a phenomenal flop. Of the twenty models that walked that show only three models recovered from that disastrous event. Your editor wasn’t one of them.”

“Why is that, ma’am?” Debra had never heard that her boss was once a model. Not that Brenda Celso was unattractive, even in her late forties. On the contrary Brenda was still quite beautiful. “Was it a matter of timing?”

“Yes, and no, Debra. Like all things in fashion timing plays a good deal in how styles are received. I personally blame the designer Brenda walked for. The woman had no sense of coordination for her models.” Ren waved her hand at herself then at Debra. “For example, look at the two of us. Neither of us have the body type to really pull off the Guro and Punk styles. Now you could very easily go the ‘Sweet’ Lolita route with very little work, pull of as natural. Something that I would have to work very hard at to achieve as a natural look. Yet the both of us can pull off the Aristocratic Lolita easily. Then there is the ‘Dark Princess’. Which for you is a very natural look.”

Debra had to think about the Lolita looks that Ren had named. There was one that she couldn’t understand, the Guro. “Excuse me Miss Nagata. But you named one look that I am unfamiliar with. The Guro look. Exactly what does that entail?”

Ren noticed that the young girl had her tape recorder out again. She smiled and thought to herself. ‘She most will definitely bear watching.’ Ren giggled as she thought about how to describe Guro. “A ‘Guro’ Lolita tries to portray a ‘broken doll’ sort of look, gruesome yet innocent, Debra. They usually use white clothes with blood splats as their first choice. How gory is always up to the individual, and can range from using some simple bandages, a sling, or some blood splatters on their clothing. Thankfully, both the Guro and Punk styles have waned in popularity over the years. I know that it may sound gosh of me, but I have always found the two styles rather unsettling, especially the Guro.”

“Thank you, for explaining that ma’am. Earlier, you said that your girls in the Boy Lolita section would have laughed at me for mistaking them as boys. You called that one style Kodona. Is there a large market for this style?” Debra asked.

“Very much so. Even now, I have a whole spring line-up for the Kodona style. Of all the styles though it is one of the hardest to design for.” Ren explained. “It takes a delicate balance to truly pull of the Kodona style. Especially for a young lady with a build similar to yours.”

“Um… what do you mean Miss Nagata?” Debra asked quietly.

“Debra, as beautiful as you are your small size and slender build is not conducive to the Kodona style. Now, given a few more years I can very well see you coming into the style as you round out a little more.” Ren looked just down the street to the corner. “Ah, we’re almost at Glass-masters. I’m sure that we can find you a nice selection of frames for your glasses.”

“Miss Nagata, please I cannot allow you to spend any more money on me.” Debra whined. As the reached the corner Ren placed her hand on Debra’s shoulder.

“Debra, please. Let me do this for you dear. I’m having so much fun.” Ren giggled and pulled Debra in close. “Besides, it’s only money. I’ll never be able to spend it all on my own. Why not help me get rid of some of it?” Debra couldn’t help herself. She started to laugh right along with Ren as the older woman pulled her inside of the optometrist clinic. “Amanda, where are you?”

“Right here, Ren. Keep your panties on.” A woman in her late twenties walked out of the backroom. She had long black hair and stood around five-ten. She took one look at Debra and sighed. “No wonder why Alexie called me earlier.”

Amanda grabbed Debra by the hand and pulled her over to the countertop. “Let me get some measurements then we’ll look through the selections. I know that we have something here that will work better with her new style and that lovely face.”

Debra followed along as she had been doing all morning. She was amazed when Amanda placed 24 pairs of antique style frames on the counter. Until Debra picked up the first pair she would have sworn that the frames were antique. They were in fact reproductions of 1880-1960 styles. Debra found herself guided towards the Victorian era reproductions by Ren. It was almost as if the older woman was taking her under her wing as her apprentice. The more she was around the enigmatic older woman the more that Debra found herself being drawn in by her mere presence.

‘It’s like I’m the moth to her flame. If Ren asked for me to become her apprentice, then I’ll gladly let my self be drawn to her flame. I just hope that I don’t get burned out before I learn all that I can.’ Debra let the thoughts play through her mind as if they were prophetic. Little did she know how true her thoughts would be.

Amanda placed her hand on Debra’s. “Young lady, I see you going far in this world. You just pay attention to what Ren has to teach. Just place your trust in her and she’ll never lead you astray. I promise.”

“I’m sorry ma’am, but as much as I would love to do that, I can’t. I still have to answer to my current employer over at Fashion Blitz.” Debra had kept her voice low to match that of Amanda’s. She was sure that Ren being on the other side of the shop was unable to hear them.

“I wouldn’t worry about that dearie. If I know anything, it is this. When someone attacks Ren Nagata’s reputation they better pray that she holds back.” Amanda gave Debra a wicked smiled. “Just as your old editor is about to find out.”

“What does that mean, ma’am?” Debra was more than curious about Amanda’s comment.

“What the good Amanda is trying to tell you and failing miserably to do is this, Debra.” Ren’s voice carried a note of mirth from across the room. “Your previous employer should be opening the summons notices just about now. The first one will be informing her that her services as editor are no longer needed by Fashion Blitz magazine. The second one will inform her that she no longer has controlling interest in said magazine. The third notice will inform her that she doesn’t have enough shares to even hold a seat on the Board.”

“Who owns Fashion Blitz now Miss Nagata?” Debra really wanted to know. As the answer to that question held the fate of her Internship. Something that she desperately needed just then. She may not want to be a fashion reporter, but it was a stepping stone on her path to her real goal.

“Dearie, you’ve probably been spending your morning with the new owner.” Amanda patted Debra on the hand as she told her this bit of news. “Isn’t that right Ren?”

“Is that true Miss Nagata? Did you really buy out Mrs. Celso?” Debra was worried.

“No need to worry your pretty little head about that Debra. I am not the new owner of Fashion Blitz. All I did was talk with a few of the former owners. After a bit of encouragement, they saw through Mrs. Celso’s deceptive business planning. They really did not like the direction of where the magazine was headed. They took measures to regain controlling interest in the magazine. I merely helped in the success by providing a convenient distraction for the former editor.” Ren smiled as she explained everything to Debra. “This has been a long time coming Debra. Remember when I told you earlier never to let your personal feelings or beliefs influence a story?”

Debra nodded as Ren glanced down at her pocket watch. “Your old editor did exactly that, a lot. Now, she is paying the price. As for your internship you’ll find that it has been transferred to Rococo Victorian Fashions. I know that is my company, and not a periodical publication. I do however believe that you will learn more from working with my people than just making coffee runs and delivering the mail for a bunch of no talent morons.”

Debra couldn’t help herself. When she heard the crack about no talent morons all she could think of was Bob Withers and Lisa Carter in editing. Two of her biggest tormentors back at Fashion Blitz. They had both come to the magazine from more reputable network outlets. Bob had once been a reporter for a well known newspaper in New York. That was until he crossed the line an published the name of a minor who had witnessed an attack by a dangerous street gang. His mistake got the kid killed and the paper suited by the parents. Lisa on the other hand had once been an investigative reporter for a major television network. She had been disgraced by trying to defend a known rapist for bigger and better ratings.

“Um… what will happen with other editors over there? There are a few of them that are as bad if not worse than Mrs. Celso.” Debra felt that she should tell her new employer everything she knew about Fashion Blitz. “There are also a few reporters that have it bad. They want to make a big splash. Get their name in some major byline for the main-stream media.”

“How many? And what are their names?” Ren almost growled.

Debra knew then and there that the so called former ‘owners’ was in truth, Ren Nagata. Amanda’s words from earlier became clear as day to Debra. Ren Nagata truly was not someone to screw with, ever. She didn’t play fair nor did she take prisoners.

“I don’t know if I should tell you Miss Nagata. You said that you weren’t the new owner.” Debra figured that now would be a good time to get the truth.

“I’m not the sole owner, Debra. Just one of the majority owners.” Ren answered truthfully. Ren just tell her that she owned the controlling interest in the magazine. It was the truth, after a fashion. “I do have some input as to whom maybe on the staff. Especially among the writers and editors.”

“Yes, ma’am. I think I understand.” In truth Debra had no clue as to what was going on. Still seeing as how Ren’s company were now her employer as an intern she would be honest with Ren. “There are two reporters that are real loose cannons. Bob Withers and Lisa Carter. They’ve both gone way over the line to get their stories published. They’ve said more than once that they’ll do whatever it takes to get back into the major leagues.”

“How far over the lines have they gone?” Ren growled this time.

“Far enough to be fired from their former positions at more reputable news organizations and outlets. Bob even got the subject of his article killed by revealing their identity. I don’t know the full story on Lisa, but I know that it was bad and involved a minor.” Debra would have sworn she saw flames leap behind Ren’s eyes as Ren’s anger spiked.

“What about the editors? How many of them are loose cannons?” Ren asked barely above a whisper. Debra could tell that Ren was still pissed off.

Debra thought about what Ren was asking and knew exactly who she was talking about. She also knew that she had no real loyalty to the editors of her former employer, Fashion Blitz. “Dan and Terrie Miller on the New York desk, Steve Leads on the L.A. desk, and Sasha Danbury on the Paris desk. All four worked for one of the bigger fashion magazines at one time. They don’t care what their reporters send them. So long as it is more gossip than truth.”

“Humph, it looks like I’ll have to have a few words with the personnel department. I think it’s time for a few changes in the Editorial departments and in the reporters pool over at Fashion Blitz.” Ren got a faraway look in her eyes. “Yes, I think I’ll have to make a phone call to Caroline before the day is over. Thank you, Debra. You have given me a good deal to work with.”

Ren turned to look at Amanda. “I trust you to keep quiet Amanda.”

“Of course, Ren. I am many things, but stupid is not one of them.” Amanda stood up and walked over to her register. “I’ll just put this on your company account at the usual rate. Will that be all for the day?”

“Yes, that will be all for today, Amanda, but add twenty percent to the bill for your timely response to my request. I know that I took you away from one of your other clients.” Ren smiled as she slid the receipt back to be retallied.

Amanda just retailed the total adding the twenty percent before handing back to Ren for her signature. “All taken care of. As for my other clients I don’t have any until later this afternoon. Sadly, we may have to sell out to Eye World or one of the other big name chains.”

“Why is that, ma’am? You would figure that you get a lot of walk-in business. I mean you’re right next to Fountain Square and in the heart of downtown.” Debra could only see the upside of the location.

“That is true, Debra. This store is in a prime location.” Ren answered for Amanda. “The problem isn’t the walk-in business. They actually have a great deal of walk-ins. The problem is they don’t have enough appointment based business.”

Seeing the confusion on the young girl’s face Amanda moved quickly to explain. “Optometrists are an appointment based business, Debra. While the walk-in business covers our daily operation costs it is the appointments with our Optometrist that are our money makers. Those appointments make up more than ninety percent of our profit margin. Unlike, Eye World or another of the chain stores, we rely on our Optometrist to bring in the rest of our clientele.”

It took Debra few seconds to understand. “Oh, I see without the Optometrist to perform the examinations you don’t get new customers. It is the new customers that bring in return business later on. Is that how it works?”

“Exactly young lady.” Said a man from the hallway leading toward the back of the shop area. “You have a remarkable business sense for one so young. Most people your age fail to grasp the delicate balance that must be maintained between new and repeat customer base for a business.”

“Um… Thank you, sir.” Debra really had no answer to the strange man’s comments. She also couldn’t help the blush that rushed to her cheeks. One of Debra’s biggest problems was knowing how to respond to compliments from strangers. It was something she was unaccustomed to receiving.

“You’re quite welcome young lady.” The man replied then turned to Amanda. “Amanda, there is a family coming in later this afternoon. There will be a pair of twins in the family. Be sure to have a wide selection of the pair-frames for them to select from. Oh, and the twins are girls. If that helps?”

“THAT is two pieces of information that is always helpful, Doctor. Not that we have just new customers but the type of customers. Namely, twins and girls.” Amanda turned to look at Ren. “Ren, as much as I would love spend the afternoon talking. I really must get busy. I have a lot of work to get done if I’m going to be ready for a family with twin girls.”

“I understand, Amanda. Come along, Debra. We have taken up far too much of Amanda’s time.” Ren said with a smile as she turned to the door. Debra quickly moved to follow her. She still had an interview to complete. Even if she didn’t know who it was for anymore. The more she was around Ren Nagata the more confused she became.

“Thank you for all your help, Miss Amanda.” Debra said as they were heading for the door. “I hope you have a good day.”

Amanda just waved to the two as they walked out the door. “There goes a fine example of a mentor taking in their new apprentice.”

“I take it that Ren has found another convert to the life, Amanda?” The doctor said from behind her. “Are you ready to deal with another?”

“I knew that Ren was up to something when she left the house this morning, Adam.” Amanda sighed. “If I hadn’t spent the last four years sleeping with her I would’ve missed the clues. I knew that she was pissed over what that bitch Celso said about us and her company in that rag of a magazine.”

“Is that why she used you to purchase the majority shares in that so called rag?” Adam chuckled at the shocked look on Amanda’s face. “Oh, please Amanda. I figured that Ren would use you to go after Celso. So, tell me how does, it feel to be the next CEO and Chief Editor for Fashion Blitz?”

“First off I am not the Chief Editor. Thankfully that problem will fall to someone far more capable than me. Ren hasn’t told me who, but they have years of experience in the field. As for me being the CEO for that magazine, that won’t take effect until the first Board meeting in January. Until then no one is to know.” Amanda gave her friend a smile over that last bit of news. “Care to tell me how you figured out that Ren and I bought out Fashion Blitz?”

Doctor Adam Horsfield just chuckled. “Amanda, I sat there at your table having diner the night that article came out. I have known you two ladies for the better part of two years now. Ren Nagata may be your S.O. but she is also very readable. It is both her strength and weakness. I knew that she would do something to retaliate I just didn’t expect her to buyout Fashion Blitz. Well, at least not until I watched the stock report this morning. Then there was your little slip out here.”

“Okay, you got us. Now, how did you figure out Ren was taking in a new apprentice?” Amanda figured she might as well state the obvious.

“In the past two years I have watched Ren take some poor unsuspecting young girl under her wing and guide her onto bigger and better things. When Alexie called and told you that Ren was on her way with a new girl I put two and two together. Only I didn’t come up with four, but the National Budget when it comes to you girls.” Adam chuckled.

“Well this time you made one mistake, Adam.” Amanda looked at the door to the shop. “There is something different about this girl.”

“How so? She seems just like any other young intern that Ren has taken under her wing. What’s different this time?”

“Over the past three years Ren has taken a liking to four such young girls. All four of them are now in college as you well know. What you don’t know is that Ren has never before just dropped one of them head first into the deep end of the Lolita lifestyle like she has with this one.” Amanda kept looking out the door to the shop. “I don’t know what is in that girl’s background, but whatever it is, it is important enough for Ren to take notice.”

“I take it that you were more than a little surprised at seeing the new girl dressed as she was?” Adam asked as Amanda just nodded her head. “Do you think it has something to do with the way Ren was raised?”

“I can only believe that it does, Adam.” Amanda never took her eyes off the door. “The scary part is that I believe Ren will finally be forced to face her past for once. She has far too many ghosts in her closet to just keep ignoring them.”

The worry over her lover was load and clear in Amanda’s voice. Clear enough to grab Adam’s attention. Of all the people in the world Adam owed Ren and Amanda the most. They had been the ones to stake him the startup money for his own optometry business. He met the two women at a Business Guild mixer just short of three year ago the first time. Back when he worked for one of the chain stores. Then two years ago during another Guild mixer Ren approached him with an offer he couldn’t refuse. The rest as they say was history. He was still amazed that the fashionably feminine, highly successful, and extremely wealthy Ren Nagata had started off life as a trouble young boy raised by an aunt that was more like a sister.

“Tell me something, Amanda. When did you first meet Ren?” Adam had always wanted to ask his two friends that question.

“It was shortly after her parents had been buried in Okinawa, and she had moved in with her aunt Yoshi in Toyoko.” Amanda chuckled. “I remember the first time I saw her. I would have sworn that she was a naturally born girl. What with the way she walked, sat, even ate, it all just screamed girly-girl of the first order.”

“Can I know what you were doing in Toyoko?” Adam asked.

“My dad, was the corporate liaison for a major electronics firm here in the States to their partners in Japan. He and mom had been there from the time that I was five. I grew up running the streets of Toyoko. My mom and dad used to joke that I spoke Japanese before I learned English.” Amanda chuckled. “I think they were right at times. I did have a Japanese accent for the longest time whenever I used English.”

Adam chuckled at hearing this about the very prim and proper Amanda Sullivan. A woman that he come to know love as a dear friend. If anyone had ever told him that Amanda had an accent that was not English in nature, he would have laughed in their face. The idea of that was just too far fetched for him to grasp. Then there was the woman that she was in love with. Ren Nagata spoke English with absolutely no accent, not even a Midwestern or Southern accent like a good many BRATS.

“How did you girls meet? I mean she had to be two grades lower than you were. After all she is three years younger than you.” Adam really wanted to know this.

“That’s the funny part. She was in the same grade that I was when we first met.” Amanda smiled at the memory of that long ago time. “She had tested out of almost all the lower classes with top scores. She only missed having the top score in one class by two points. The school we attended had to place her in a higher class. Ren may act like a goofball at times, but never doubt that it is just that, an act. Her aunt Yoshi had her I.Q. tested one time. The results were scary.”

“Just how scary could they be? I mean I’ve never seen her act all superior around people. If anything, I find her to be rather down to earth.” Adam was confused by what he was hearing from Amanda.

“Adam, I know that this sounds crazy, but Ren has a Super genius I.Q. I mean she is up there with Oppenheimer, Einstein, Shallenberger, Stanley, Tesla, Timoshenko and Zworykin. Just to name a few. Ren was a member of Mensa before she stepped foot on the graduation stage for our school. By the time she graduated middle school Ren could already speak English, Japanese, German, and Korean. By the time she graduated high school she learned Russian and French. She has continued to learn languages over the years. The last time I checked she speaks eight different languages.” Amanda turned and looked at Adam. “Make no mistake Adam, Ren is always one of the smartest people in the room. It doesn’t matter where that room is.”

Adam was pulled up short by this revelation about Ren. He had always known that she was a very intelligent woman but never the extent. Then again, no one really knows much about Ren and her past. The only person who really knew anything about Ren Nagata was the woman she spent the last years of her life sleeping with, Amanda Sullivan. Not even Adam knew Ren as well as Amanda.

“How long did you live in Japan, Amanda?”

“From the time I was four until I turned nineteen and went off to college.” Amanda finally turned away from the door to face Adam. “My dad’s company paid for all four years of my college tuition. I just had to go to school here in the states. That was four months after I graduated from high school. I didn’t see Ren for another six years. We finally ran into each other at her first fashion show.”

Adam started to chuckle. “I sorry, Amanda, but I just had this picture of you dressed in the height of Lolita fashion. And as cute as you would look like that I just can’t help but to laugh. Sure, I can see Ren that way as that is her normal. But you’re just too prim and proper to pull off the look.”

“Don’t be so sure Adam.” Amanda giggled. “I only dress like this around the office. You should see me on the weekends and around the house.”

“Wait a minute, Amanda. You forget that I’ve been to your home. I never seen you dressed in anything resembling the Lolita style.” Adam figured he had her. He was wrong in more ways than one.

“Adam, do you remember the outfit I wore the last time you were over for dinner?” Adam nodded his head yes thinking about the bright yellow skirt with white ‘Hello Kitty’ t-shirt, knee-high striped socks, and chunky Mary-Janes. “I don’t do the whole Aristocratic look like Ren does. I go for the more traditional ‘cute girl’ or sweet Lolita look outside of work.”

“Well I’ll be damned.” Adam said with a smirk. Then he thought about all the times he had seen Amanda outside of the office. “Did Ren introduce you to the style?”

“Nope. It was her aunt Yoshi. That woman could get just about anybody into the style given enough time.” Amanda chuckled at a memory. “I remember the first time my parents saw me all dressed out. Dad flipped out and mom just chuckled. They couldn’t figure out if I was rebelling or losing my mind. The truth was I saw the style for the first time and fell in love. I just had to try being a Lolita.”

Adam chuckled at the sight of a teenage Amanda confronting her parents for the first time all dressed up as a Lolita. “I bet it went over like a ton of horseshit on the alter of their professional appearance.”

“In more ways than one.” Amanda chuckled. “It took them a while, but they finally accepted my new look. Especially after they met Yoshi.”

“Just how much of an influence was Ren’s aunt on you and her? You have never really talked about Yoshi Nagata. What was she like really?” Adam asked.

Amanda giggled as she thought about Yoshi Nagata. “Ren’s aunt Yoshi is a force of nature. She is a real spitfire. She broke from tradition and started her own business just to prove she could do it. She was the one to encourage Ren in her designs for Lolitas. But the person that she feels that she owes the most to was the man that helped both Yoshi and Ren with their start in the business. Takashi Shimizu, at one time the top Lolita fashion designer in all of Japan.”

“How, did Yoshi meet such a brilliant member of the fashion industry?” Adam wanted to know with real interest. “Even I have heard of him. Didn’t he commit suicide?”

“He did. After an article written by that bitch Brenda Celso destroyed his career in the industry. I know for a fact that Ren took his death extremely hard. It has taken her six years, but Ren finally has her revenge.” The note of worry had returned to Amanda’s voice. “I just hope that little girl can help Ren as much as Ren helps her. Because if she can’t I have a feeling that Ren just might slip back into that dark place she was six years ago.”

“I take it that this Takashi Shimizu was more than just a mentor and more like a father figure to Ren than anything else?” Adam knew he was onto something. He may have specialized in optometry but like all med students had a basic knowledge of psychology. Something he needed when working with some of his clients who were suffering the onset of blindness or other disabling sight related issues.

“Takashi Shimizu, was her mentor, and more.” Amanda turned to look back out the shop door. “There is a special bond between a Senpai and their kōhai. Especially when that relationship is between a male and female. Even more so when the male is the senpai. Takashi had taken Ren under his wing first as nothing more than a model for his ‘boy Lolita’ line. It became something else within a matter of weeks. The only reason why I know, is because I was there when it all happened.”

“It was like a storm rolled over our part of Tokyo.” Amanda had gotten a faraway and lost to time tone to her voice. “It swept up our class and carried us all along in a fashion blitz that took the world by assault.”

“How many of your classmate went the Lolita route?” Adam asked in a joking manner. Only to have Amanda smile in a way that caught him off guard.

“More than thirty percent, believe it or not.” Amanda reached up and pushed a small lock of hair behind her left ear. “We were quite the sight on graduation day. I know that this is going to sound crazy, but almost all of our old classmates still shop at one of Yoshi’s stores in Tokyo. We still get invitations to weddings, births, and just about everything else under the sun. Even though we live here in now.”

“Have you two accepted any of those invites?”

“A few over the years. Mostly we go when Ren has a show in Japan. It saves on the cost of tickets that way. That, and she can write them off a business expense.” Amanda giggled at the thought of the last trip they had to Japan. “The last time Ren moved her Spring line forward by two weeks, so we could be there to walk a friend’s wedding for her. Terry made such a beautiful bride.”

“I may not be up on Japanese names, but I know for a fact that Terry is American.” Adam pointed out.

“And she is American. Or at least she was. Terry was like me in Tokyo. The dependent of an American businessman living overseas. Only Terry never left Japan. She went to college there, got her doctoral degree in pediatric medicine, and is now a practicing doctor and citizen of Japan. She met her husband while in college. They have twin boys and a baby girl.” Amanda’s jealousy over her friend’s family showed in her voice. Adam was wise enough not to push the subject. At least for now.

“What happened with your parents? Are they still in Japan?” Adam figured that was a safe topic for the change. He was right.

“Dad retired last year. He and mom are living in Yokohama now. It seems that mom wanted to stay after visiting the U.S. two years. They still had their visas and decided to stay. Dad still does consulting work and mom works as a translator for the Japanese Government now.” Amanda got a funny look on her face before laughing. “The funny thing is mom only learn Japanese out of survival. She only put up with living there for the money dad earned with the company he worked for. Now, you couldn’t get her to live Stateside if you paid her.”

“Amanda, earlier you said that you were worried about Ren confronting her past. Why? From the sounds of things Ren had a relatively peaceful up bring.” Adam was now worried for his friends. “What am I missing?”

Amanda got extremely quiet and pain filled her eyes. “It happened during our first year of school together. I know it still haunts her to this day.”

“What happened, Amanda?” Adam almost demanded the answer that he knew was coming. He had seen the signs in some of his emergency room patients. More than once he had to treat someone for injuries to the eye and orbital cavities. A good many of those injuries from violent assault cases. Women and men brought into the ER by EMT’s and police. “Who assaulted her?”

“Ren was attacked by a pack of thugs off a British Navy cruiser. They had made port call in Tokyo harbor earlier that afternoon. They were drunk when they attacked Ren. The only good thing that came out of that attack was Ren didn’t have to face them in court. The laws over there protect victims a hell of a lot better than over here. That and the men were all military, so they faced Military Tribunals instead of civilian courts. I know her uncle used every contact he had to get them before the Japanese Military courts. It had something to do with SOFA.” Amanda told him barely above a whisper. “They’re all still behind bars in a Japanese prison.”

“My God!” Adam knew that Ren was always skittish around men. Now he knew why. Female assault victims tended to carry their attacks emotionally far longer than men, with the exception of rape victims. Then it doesn’t matter what the sex is, the attack stays with them forever. “Please tell me that she was only beaten.”

“Sorry, I can’t do that Adam. Those monsters raped her both orally and anally for the better part of three hours before getting creative.” Amanda fought back the tears that threatened to fall as she remembered that terrible time in Ren’s life. “The police found her with a beer bottle rammed halfway into her rectum, knife slashes over her arms, legs, stomach, and back. The bastards had broken both of her feet, the long bones in her legs, and five ribs. She had to undergo emergency surgery to save her life. They had castrated her before leaving her for dead on a park bench near Tokyo harbor.”

“How did they find the men?” Adam knew that in these types of attacks the suspect is hard to find under the best of circumstances. With no way of identifying her assailants they should have gotten away. Especially with a ready escape available like a British Naval Cruiser.

“One of the nice things about Tokyo is the CCTV coverage. They were caught on camera entering the park carrying Ren. Then leaving the park without her. If it hadn’t been for a passing couple Ren would not have been found until morning. By then it would have been too late. The couple were out walking their dog when they found her and called for the police.” Amanda turned back to Adam. “Ren’s attackers never made it back to their ship. They were arrested at the docks trying to board a tender to take them back out to their ship.”

“I take it that their uniforms were covered in evidence?” Adam asked.

“Blood, tissue, and a shit load of DNA. The Tokyo police could have thrown the whole law library at them and never missed.” Amanda then admitted to how the attack could have even happened. “To this day I wish we hadn’t gone to that Karaoke café.”

“Hating yourself for having fun as teenagers is a fast way to a padded room.” Adam told her harshly. “You girls were only having fun. Those animals didn’t have to attack Ren. They are, and were, the ones in the wrong.”

“Adam, if I hadn’t begged Ren to go out with me that night she wouldn’t have been anywhere near that part of town. If I had just left that café with her when she wanted to, she wouldn’t have been alone at that bus stop. If she hadn’t been at that bus stop she wouldn’t have been attacked.” Amanda was almost in tears now.

“How long have you held all this guilt in Amanda?” When Amanda didn’t answer right away Adam guessed. “Since the attack I’m guessing. Are you and her seeing anybody?”

“We’ve both been seeing Doctor Wright over at UCM’s Women’s Health Group.” Amanda sighed. “I know there was no way to prevent what happened to Ren. I’ve known for years now. I’ll tell you the truth. The real reason I came back home to go to college was so that she won’t have to see my face. I just knew that she blamed me for what happened to her. As for her aunt Yoshi, I still doubt her word that she won’t gut me at first sight.”

“Damn. I know that you listed Ren’s injuries, but for some reason I just can’t picture them all at one time.” Adam was still trying to wrap his head around how Ren even survived the attack. “How long was her recovery?”

“Almost four months. She spent most of that time in the hospital. Between the emergency surgery and three follow up surgeries she was on bed rest for the first two months. It took the last two months for her to just relearn how to walk.” Amanda gave Adam a truly sad look. “I know that Yoshi and her family went totally ballistic over what had happened. Her grandfather threatened to sue the British Naval Office in International Court. If the Japanese SDF hadn’t gotten involved things would have gotten ugly in a major way.”

“How did they get involved? I thought that the attackers were British sailors. Wouldn’t that have given them some kind of protection from prosecution?”

“The Status Of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, between Japan and the UK military allows for the Japanese government to prosecute British Military under their laws for infractions of the law. Only instead of facing a civilian courtroom and judge they can also face a Military tribunal. The same thing applies to our own military forces in places like Japan, Korea, or Europe.” Amanda knew that the explanation gave Adam the needed information to piece the rest of the story together.

“Do you think that new girl will really help Ren?”

“I can only hope so, Adam.” Amanda looked back out the shop door. “Even if Debra doesn’t help Ren, Ren will help her. I don’t know what is troubling that girl, but Ren will find it. Once she does that you know how Ren gets. She won’t stop until she’s either dead or fixed the problem.”

“Her only problem is she can’t fix her own problems, is that it?” Adam asked her. Amanda wanted to deny the accusation but couldn’t. “How old was she when the attack happened Amanda? Sixteen, seventeen, years old?”

“She had just turn sixteen. I missed her birthday party, and to make it up to her I took her out to that café. I know that no one is at fault but those monsters. Any way now you know one of the reasons for why we don’t celebrate Ren’s birthday.”

“By the gods it’s no wonder she hates that time of the year. Isn’t that about the same time as when her parents were killed?”

“In the words of a beloved man of science ‘Eureka!” Amanda didn’t want to bring up that painful time in Ren’s life. “Her parents died two months after her fourteenth birthday. The attack happened five days after her sixteenth birthday.”

Adam couldn’t believe what he was hearing. All that trauma around the same day. A day that should be one of celebration was instead of a day of nightmare memories for one of his best friends. “Let Ren know that if she ever needs to talk. That she can call me anytime of the day or night.”

“I will Adam.” Giving him a reassuring smile Amanda returned to work. “But I think that she’ll be holding that favor back for young Debra. I have a feeling that there is something in the background report that Ren ordered. Something that is just as dark and almost as frightening as the attack on Ren. Like I said before this Debra Wallen is not like the others. She is far too much like my sweet Ren.”

“How could you tell? She seemed like any other teenage girl that I have met? What could be so terrible in her background that only you could spot it?” Adam asked.

“It was in her eyes Adam.” Amanda sighed. “You’ve hear the old saying ‘that the eyes are the windows to the soul’ right?” Adam nodded. “There is a lot of pain behind the eyes of that girl. Pain and misery.”

-----tbc-----