“I haven’t spoken to her in a few months. She’s gone on another bender with some random guy she meton Bumble.”
“Funny you should say that; I downloaded the app theother day.”
“You did?”
“Yep, Jake made me do it.”
“Is Jake the cute bouncer with the buzz cut?”
I nodded. Clearly not cute enough for Beth to remember he practically carried her home on a night out about six years ago.
“Jake is the cute bouncer, yes. My point being, Rachael popped up on my suggestions.” I chuckled. “I’m guessing she still can’t decide which gender she prefers, huh?”
“She likes to keep her options open,”Beth added.
“Can I safely say there is no real competition for Godmother then?”
“None at all.” Beth smirked.
“Gladto hear it.”
I infringed on her personal space with no remorse because she was my best friend. I placed my hand against her belly. “I’ve got you, kid. You stick with your auntie Holly, and you’ll be just fine. Plus, when you’re older I can get you out of trouble, pro bonoof course.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Beth smacked my hand away playfully.
“Yeah, but if it does. I’ve got you.”
*
The drive back to Beth’s apartment took almost an hour. We spoke about taking some day trips outside of Tokyo, getting away from the big city Beth was so accustomed to, and heading to the countryside. After extensive research, I’d learned Nikko was amazing to visit for its shrines and temples, and Kamakura was supposed to be a great place if you liked Buddha statues and Zen temples, which I did. Ever since Beth brought me a souvenir Buddha on her first trip back from Japan, I’d decided I just had to have one in every room. My latest addition sat on a shelf by the toilet. He’s calledNasam,because, well,Ratnasambhavawas too much ofa mouthful.
Mount Fuji—the crème de la crème of mountains in Japan. Beth was adamant she didn’t want to climb it, but I’d done my research, and you could take a bus partway up the mountain to experience the views. This was my fifth trip to Japan. There was still so much to see and do, and so little time to do it.
Beth’s apartment had changed. A new driftwood style standing lamp hovered over the large cream sofa. Two matching circular tatami cushions on the opposite side of the coffee table kept the traditional Japanese style that Ren loved. There was a large gold framed mirror on the wall behind the sofa; that was new, and the scatter cushions were now a shade of yellow as opposed to green—Beth loved a theme change.
The spare bedroom looked exactly the same. The grey futon had already been pulled out and made up with a fresh set of linens. The wooden wardrobes had exposed rails for my clothes and shelves filled to maximum capacity with trinkets and photos of me and Beth amongst others. In the corner there was a small white desk with a leather office chair and a stack of paperwork nearing the ceiling. The apartment was small, so the spare room doubled as workspacewhen needed.
I dropped my shoulder by the door, allowing my bag to slide off and unintentionally sprawl its contents across the floor.
“Urgh, I’ll deal withthat later.”
On the bed lay my favourite treats and the surprise I’d so carelessly spoilt. The tiniest little white babygrow had the words,I love my auntie Holly, spelt out across the front in pride colours. Myeyes welled.
“Turn it over,” Bethencouraged.
On the reverse there was a picture of a cartoon plane flying from the word Tokyo to London.
“I don’t understand. What does this mean? Are you moving back home?” I grinned.
“It’s an option.” Beth leaned casually against the doorframe.
“You’re kidding? Don’t play with me, B. If you’re moving back home, I’m about to become the happiest girl in the world.” My smile was so wide my cheeks started hurting.
Beth laughed. She walked over to the small set of wooden drawers by the side of the bed and began neatly stowingmy clothes.
“We spoke about it as soon as we found out. I’ve said to Ren since the beginning, if we were to have a child, I’d want to be closer to my parents. Ren isn’t that close with his dad, and you know his mum passed away last year, so it makes sense. We would need help with the baby, and we don’t have a lot of support here.”
I slumped on the edge of the bed, watching Beth fold my clothes and aiding her by passing one T-shirt at a time. She liked to mother me, and I likedletting her.
