I have confidence that I will pass the entrance test for the middle school that I want to join, but I should verify it. Yesterday night the results should have been announced. The results may appear on today's newspaper. Since I don't have anymeans to know except newspaper I will get it from Nakamura-san after breakfast. Knock... knock 'Good morning, Akki' 'Good morning, Ayami. She sent it again huh?' Ayami handed me the box she brought which her mother made as she entered my home. 'Akki, you haven't washed yourself yet?' 'Sorry, sorry I woke up just now. But why do you have dark circles around your eyes?' 'Don't tell me you have forgotten what day today is?' I think today is 26th February. Oh! It is Ayami's birthday too right! 'Ah! Akki, did you really forget it?' 'No. Don't worry. I remember it. Happy Birthday Ayami!' 'Thank you. But I was waiting upto 1 o'clock last night, since I thought that you would wish me. But you didn't, So I woke up again at 6 o'clock. I knocked the door and called you but it seemed like you were in deep sleep. So I left. That's why I am still sleepy.. Waah!!" Since I was finding work and house I was busy last week. Because of that I almost forgot her birthday. 'Well I am really sorry, I will do anything. So, How can I make it up to you?' 'Really, you will do anything?' 'Yes' I nodded. 'O.K. Then, Let's go to shopping today.' 'Okay, I agree. You decide the time, but you have to get a little nap. Otherwise you may doze off in the road or in the shop. Did you get it?' pout.. 'Okay. I agree then lets go at 3 p.m.' She agreed to me as she pouted. 'I will get ready by then. You go and sleep. And also say to aunt not to send food for the afternoon. I can eat this big box for two meals. ' 'Okay. I will try to convice her. Then Bye.' She left the home. 'Oh, I totally forgot to ask her about the results!! Well, I will look over the newspaper later.' Ayami and her mother took good care of me even before my mother died. But I can't depend on them evertime. Because they have other things to worry about. Since Akari's father is a drunkard. ( Akashi took a bath and had the meal Misa Shinozaki sent. He checked the newspaper for his name on the list of people who are eligible for the school admissions. It was there in the first. And Ayami's was in the second. But Akashi didn't know that he was first in the entire school. After that he cleaned his house and packed his stuff as he was going to shift his house soon. Akashi refused help like cleaning house or lending him money from Misa because she already had much burden on her. He said to Misa before that his mother had saved money for his school fees, house rent and his needs which may last for 6 months. So Misa agreed to him and said that even though he had money he should depend on them. She even suggested about adoption after his mother's death. But he outright rejected her. He wanted to be independent as his mother used to suggest him before. Akashi used to read high level books which should be studied in highschools. But he wanted himself to be prepared for his upcoming harsh future.) I have been reading this tough stuff for two hours but it is really hard. Even though I have gone through middle school level books, highschool level books are comparatively really hard. I guess practicing the middle school's comes first. Oh! It is 2 p.m already. I will have the meals and get ready or she (Ayami) will get angry at me again. At 3 p.m Ayami came to my house. We went to nearby Mal across the station. Ayami asked me to help her pick some dresses. I picked some gifts for her secretly. At 4.30 p.m as we were returning home I suggested her to play with me in the park. At 5.45 p.m as it was getting late we decided to head home. But Ayami stopped me and said 'Akki, close your eyes.' 'Why?' 'Just close.' 'Okay.' When I closed my eyes. She was wrapping something around my left hand. After a minute she said.. 'Now open your eyes' 'Hmm.' Even though she forcibly bought some T- shirts for me before, while shopping. The thing wrapped around my wrist was a watch which looked costly. 'Hey, what is this for? And when did you buy it? I don't think you have visited any watch shops.' 'Hee-hee. I brought it with my mother yesterday. I knew that you were going to be first in the test. I think you don't know right? You got First place in the entrance test in the entire school. My mother also said that you have fees compensation for a year. And you will also get something called Scale-or-sheep ' 'Ha- ha' The way she pronounced scholarship was really funny. It suddenly made me laugh. 'Hey, girl. Its called Scholarship, not what you said. ha,ha,ha...' 'Okay. Stop laughing already.' 'Oh, yes. Ayami, I have also got something for you. Close your eyes.' 'Oh! Really. Then here you go.' She closed her eyes smoothly. As the sun was setting Ayami's hair fluttered in the air reflecting the pink hair like cherry blossoms. When she closed eyes I also wrapped a watch on her hand and kept a necklace with the "A" letter on it in her palm which I brought while she was busy shopping. 'Can I open my eyes now?' 'Wait a sec. Okay, open them now.' 'Ayami. I am sorry. The gifts I gave you are not as costly as the watch you gave me But, please accept them for now. One day, when I grow up I will give you something even better for your birthday.' She looked happy when she saw the watch but she became even more happy after seeing the necklace which was cheaper compared to the watch. ( She was extremely happy as she thought the "A" on the necklace depicted both Akashi and Ayami. Sadly for her, Akashi didn't notice this.) She replied happily 'No, No. Don't worry. I will cherish the gift you gave me. They are betterthanany other costly gifts.' Then she asked 'But why two gifts. I have given you only one.' 'Oh! One is for your birthday and other one is for passing the entrance test.' 'Okay, I get it. Then let's go home.' I was informed beforehand to bring Ayami after 6 o'clock by Misa-san. We walked near Ayami's house. I let Ayami open the door. As she opened the door, the house was dark black for a while. Suddenly the lights were lit and Misa-san welcomed Ayami 'Happy birthday, Ayami.' As soon as Ayami saw her mother's surprise she hugged her tightly. As I saw them I remembered my mother who did the same thing for me last month. But.... Tears were starting to flow from my eyes. But I controlled them. I didn't want to upset the happy mood of Ayami's Birthday. 'Ayami here is the cake.' 'Aunt where is uncle?' I asked saki san 'Don't worry, Akashi-kun. He will come home later. Ayami, blow the candles and cut the cake. Give Akashi-kun the first bite. Akashi-kun, come here and take the bite.' I refused her. Because I thought it would be good for Ayami's parents to have the first bite. But Misa-san insisted. Since it was not a good idea making her angry I reluctantly agreed. After cutting the cake. Misa-san was giving some sweets which she made. But... chuk...thud.. The door of Ayami's house opened. A man with drunken face and smell entered the house. He was Ayami's father Hatori Shinozaki. He glared at me and shouted in his drunken voice. 'What is this little bastard doing here?' This was another reason why I didn't want to depend on Shinozaki family. Ayami's father was voilent. He scolded Misa-san for every single mistake. He continously ignored Ayami. And he always scolds me wherever he saw me. Because whenever he scolded Ayami or Misa-san I interfered. So, he is holding a grudge against me. He warned me to never come to their house. But I ignored it every time. 'Uncle, today is Ayami's birthday. Atleast let them be happy today.' 'Bastard, First you get out of here.' I didn't want to prolong the fight so, I left the place and went outside after taking the leave from Misa-san. Ayami who became furious after seeing how her father behaved towards me, she rushed immediately to her room as the tears started to roll down her eyes. Outside of Ayami's house There was a medium sized Teddy bear placed near door. As I saw it I exclaimed.. 'Ha-ha! I don't get it. Why can't that man express his love to them?