Flying the Dragon (13 page)

“And Mom was the surprise?”

Her mom nodded. “I was a surprise, all right.”

“Since I hadn’t been home in so long, I had fallen out of touch with what was happening in the village. My mother was ill, and my family hadn’t told me.”

“But why?” Skye couldn’t imagine. “You would tell me if Mom were sick, right?”

“Of course we would, sweetheart,” her dad said. “It was my mother who didn’t want to admit that she was sick. She would eventually have to face the facts, of course, but this was still early on in her sickness.”

“So what did she have?” Skye didn’t have a good feeling.

“She had a different kind of cancer from what Grandfather has, Skye. It was leukemia, cancer of the blood.”

“Oh.” That sounded horrible.

Her dad sighed. “Your grandmother was not fond of Americans, I am sorry to say. Our village lies across Tachibana Bay from Nagasaki. At the end of World War II, the Americans dropped a terrible bomb on that city, and tens of thousands were killed. Of those who survived, thousands more developed cancer from the bomb’s radiation.”

Skye had heard of the bomb, World War II, and Pearl Harbor, although she hadn’t studied any of it in school yet. Even though none of it was her fault, she felt guilty for what her two countries had done to each other.

“So my grandmother didn’t like Americans because of the war. Okay, I get that. But Mom wasn’t even alive during that war. How could she not like Mom?”

Her mom smiled and squeezed Skye’s hand. “It’s a lot more complicated than that, honey. Your grandmother’s older sister developed leukemia shortly after the bomb fell and died soon after. And her older brother, a soldier, was killed in combat.”

“So that’s why she didn’t like Americans.”

Her dad looked embarrassed. “That’s why. But I didn’t think she would hold a grudge once she met your mother and understood how in love we were.”

Her parents fell silent, and Skye didn’t dare ask another question. Most of the questions jumbled in her head were ones her parents couldn’t have answered, anyway—like whether or not her grandmother really would have liked her. Her dad thought so, but Skye wasn’t so sure. Would she have minded that Skye was half American?

“When your dad introduced me to his family, they were very polite. I think they may have even thought I was English at first. I hadn’t been learning Japanese for very long at that point, so I don’t think they could tell what kind of an accent I had.”

“So did you tell them you were American? Or did they guess?”

“Your grandfather asked if I missed my family and whether I saw them much. I said that yes, I missed them, but with America being so far away, visiting was difficult.” Skye’s mom sighed. “And that’s when they all knew.”

Skye’s dad patted her mom’s hand. “I remember holding my breath at that moment, hoping—” Her dad shook his head.

“Maybe we would have become friends, if it hadn’t been for her diagnosis,” Skye’s mom said. “It was too recent, and I think it opened up a lot of wounds that just couldn’t be mended.”

“But what about Grandfather?” Skye couldn’t imagine that he would snub her mom, American or not.

Her dad smiled. “He has always been the family mediator—for spats between my brothers, especially. He always made us work out our differences.” His smile faded. “But there was nothing he could do this time. He was never rude to your mom, but he stood by my mother’s decision that I must choose between them and my future wife. Obviously, I chose your mom.” He smiled. “And I’ve never regretted my choice for a minute.”

Skye saw her parents’ eyes go teary, and she tried to swallow past the lump in her throat.

“Did you ever call them or see them after that?”

Her dad nodded. “I tried, especially as my mother’s health worsened. My father was so devastated by the thought of losing my mother that he did not want to go against her wishes. But I did keep in contact with my brothers—Hiroshi’s father in particular.”

“Your father was offered a job in Washington, DC, soon after that, and we made the decision to move to the States.”

“And my grandmother, she—?” Skye didn’t want to finish the question.

“She died about six months later.”

“Didn’t you go back then?” Skye asked.

“I wanted to go back for the funeral, but all three of my brothers advised against it. Your grandfather was grieving, and they thought my being there would only make things worse. I should have gone. I know that now.”

“How do you know?”

“I had a long talk with your grandfather when he first arrived here with Hiroshi’s family. He said he had hoped to see me at my mother’s funeral. He took my absence as a sign of bad will on my part, and that’s why he never opened any of the letters I sent after my mother died.”

“So this whole time he thought you were mad at him, and you thought he was mad at you?” Skye couldn’t figure out adults sometimes.

Her dad shook his head. “So many years lost because of a misunderstanding.”

“And then I came along.”

“Yes.” Her mom smiled.

“Did they even know about me?”

Her mom nodded. “I sent them your birth announcement and a photo but never heard from your grandfather. Your uncles called, of course. I continued to send your grandfather a photo every year on your birthday, but he never answered.”

Her dad cut in. “Meeting you now has been a joy for him, Skye. I know he appreciates how hard you’re working in Japanese school so the two of you can get to know each other.”

There was that guilt again. Sure, she’d been working hard—so she could play on the All-Star soccer team. Which suddenly didn’t seem as important as it was an hour ago.

Skye hugged her parents a little longer than usual. “Thanks for telling me the story.”

Her mom nodded. “Thanks for waiting so long to hear it. It was about time we told you.”

Time. There was a lot of that to make up.

“It works!” Hiroshi couldn’t believe the dragon was back up in the air. He gave the dragon more line, urging it to climb. “We did it!”

Grandfather smiled. “
You
did it, Hiroshi. You fixed the dragon.”

“Except for the paint.” Hiroshi could still see the dragon’s white wound where he’d replaced the
washi
paper.

“We can paint that later this week,” Grandfather said. “For now it is enough to know that the dragon can still fly.”

Hiroshi felt the cell phone vibrate in his jacket pocket. He didn’t want to break his concentration on the dragon, but he knew his parents would be worried if he didn’t answer. They’d made him take it along in case Grandfather grew tired and needed a ride home.

“Can you hold the reel, Grandfather?” Hiroshi slipped the phone from his pocket and pressed the answer button. “
Moshi, moshi.
“

“Hiro-chan?” It was Mother. “Skye just left a message for you on the machine.”

“What did she want?”

“She didn’t say. But she’s home now from Japanese school, so she might like to join you and Grandfather in the park. Why don’t you give her a call?”

Hiroshi said good-bye to Mother and sighed. Even as he dialed Skye’s number, he tried to think of the best way to keep her away from the park.

“Hello?” Skye picked up after half a ring.

Hiroshi stepped away from Grandfather, holding a hand over one ear as if the phone connection were bad. “It’s me, Hiroshi. Mother said you called.”

“Hey. I’m home from class, and I thought I’d come over and help fix the kite.”

Hiroshi watched the dragon flap in the breeze. There was no way he would ever let her touch that kite again. “Um, I fixed it already.”

“Wow—that was fast.”

“I stayed up last night and worked on it. It turned out okay, I think.”

“That’s great, Hiroshi. Can we fly it?”

Hiroshi snuck a look at Grandfather and hesitated. Grandfather seemed to be focused on the dragon, but Hiroshi switched to English, just in case. “I … I have a test. I must study.”

“A test? But today is Saturday. Did Mrs. Garcia say anything about a test?”

“It is for ESL.” Hiroshi could almost hear Skye pouting. “A very hard test.”

“But you have two whole days to study. Let’s fly the dragon kite for just an hour. I’ll help you study later.”

Grandfather raised a curious eyebrow at the phone.

“I cannot now.” Hiroshi took a few more steps away from Grandfather. Not telling Grandfather that Skye was on the phone felt like lying. But he knew Grandfather would only invite her over, and he didn’t want her to hear Grandfather’s voice and know they were at the hill.

“Hiroshi? Are you still there?”

“Yes. But the kite cannot fly—the glue is still wet.”

“Oh.”

He heard Skye sigh and for a moment he felt a stab of guilt. “Maybe one other day we can fly the kite.”

“Okay. Well, I’m just glad the kite is fixed. And sorry about what happened.”

“Yes. No problem.”

“Wait! Hiroshi, is Grandfather there? He might want to go to the park.”

“Maybe another day,” Hiroshi said. Now Grandfather was walking in his direction. “Um, Grandfather is not feeling well.” Hiroshi spoke quickly and kept his voice low. “I have to go now.
Sayonara.
” Hiroshi stuffed the phone back into his pocket as Grandfather handed him the reel.

“You were speaking in English.” Grandfather sounded proud, which made Hiroshi feel even more guilty. “Was that one of your American friends?”

“Kind of.” Hiroshi pretended to study the dragon as it swooped from one pocket of wind to the next. “It was Sorano.” He didn’t want to tell Grandfather, but since she’d left a message with Hiroshi’s mom, Grandfather was sure to find out once they got home.

“Wonderful! Did you ask her to join us?”

Hiroshi bit his lip. “She has soccer practice.” She did have soccer practice—sometimes. Just not right now.

“She does?” Grandfather sounded doubtful. “She did not mention this.” He shrugged. “We can invite her next time.”

Hiroshi focused on the dragon for the next twenty minutes, trying to forget about Skye. The dragon flitted from one cushion of air to the next, then parked at the top of its string. It floated, staring down at Hiroshi. Accusing.

Hiroshi couldn’t do it. Grandfather would find out about the lie, and then what? Hiroshi dug for the phone in his pocket. He was about to ask Grandfather to take the reel again when he heard him say, “There she is!”

Hiroshi turned and saw Skye standing at the foot of the hill, her bike at her feet. She was looking at them—at him—like someone had slapped her.

When Hiroshi offered half a wave, Skye picked her bike up and turned around. Grandfather looked confused. Hiroshi saw Skye pause, then turn back around. She hopped on the bike and didn’t stop pedaling until she’d gained enough speed to carry her clear to the top of the hill. She skidded to a halt, swung her leg over the seat, and leaned the bike against the bench. Without even taking off her helmet, she marched over to where they stood, the dragon now flapping overhead. Hiroshi swallowed hard.

Grandfather went to meet her. “Sorano, I am so pleased that you could join us after all. Was your soccer practice canceled?”

“Soccer practice?”

Hiroshi winced and turned his gaze to the dragon.

“And you, Grandfather? Are you feeling better?”

Grandfather smiled. “Better than ever.”

Hiroshi could feel Skye’s stare boring into his back, but he didn’t dare look at her. “Oh, really?” Her voice was rising. “Better than ever? I thought you weren’t feeling well.” Hiroshi snuck a look at Grandfather’s puzzled face, and then watched as the sarcasm drained right out of Skye. “I am happy that you are well,” she said.

“Did you come to fly the dragon?” Grandfather asked.

“The glue’s dry?”

Grandfather laughed. “The glue dried hours ago—it is a fast-drying, very strong glue.” He smiled at Hiroshi. “While I slept, Hiroshi worked his magic on the dragon. With some touch-up paint, it will be as good as new.”

Hiroshi glanced at Skye. Would she give him away?

“Sorano?” Grandfather was waiting. Hiroshi held his breath. He was sure the dragon was holding its breath, too.

“I’d love to fly it, thank you.” Skye turned and glared at Hiroshi. He handed over the reel, and glared back. They fought with stares until Skye looked away, up at the dragon. Hiroshi could see it was tugging on the line.

Skye looked panicked and handed the reel to Grandfather. Hiroshi was secretly glad. He was sure that the longer Skye stayed, the more tempted she’d be to tell Grandfather that Hiroshi hadn’t exactly told the truth.

“Are you sure you do not want to fly longer?” Grandfather asked as he fed the dragon more line. He glanced at Hiroshi with questioning eyes.

“No, I’ll just watch you fly it for now.” Skye took off her helmet and dropped it at her feet. No one spoke as the dragon bobbed and weaved, showing off now that it had its audience’s undivided attention.

“Sometimes two people are silent in the very moment in which they have the most to say.” Grandfather spoke without taking his eyes from the sky.

Hiroshi looked sideways at Skye. Why didn’t she just leave? Surely she could see that he didn’t want her there. Grandfather finally felt strong enough to fly the dragon, and now here she was butting in again.