The Missing Composer

Day 07: Proxy

"Sorry David, I'll listen to you later. I'm in a hurry. Where's dad?" I interrupted David before he could continue his full force lecture slash recollection about his family history.

"I understand, my Lady. Next time I'll be prepared with some slides, projectors, and a documentary film..." I looked at David who was not even flinching one bit with what he said.

"Of course, I was just kidding my Lady. You don't have to look at me like that." He gave me a playful smirk and continued, "The master is in his room with Miss Rei..."

"Good, well at least, he's with someone reliable..." I was glad that David remained his usual playful self even though he became the head butler. After thanking David, I ran upstairs to the master bedroom.

I opened the door and scanned the room. I saw father between his sheets. He was almost the same color as them. Miss Rei, her red hair tied in a perfect bun, was sitting beside father's bed. I approached father's bed making as little sound as possible. Miss Rei nodded at me, acknowledging my presence. She pointed at a box on father's table. It was a big white box about a meter long and a quarter of a meter wide. I carefully opened the cover of the box, preparing for something.

"What in the name of everything holy and decent is this?!" my face was the perfect portrait of confusion.

"Your father wants you to put that on as soon as possible." Miss Rei didn't even look at me when she said it matter-of-factly.

My frown deepened, "You mean to tell me that I left my work, drove for more than four hours, just to put on a dress?!"

"*cough* What's with all the commotion?" Dad sat up weakly while Miss Rei helped him.

"Dad... the letter said, 'there's no more time, you must come here...' Is this one of your jokes? I thought you were really sick. I was worried!" I was raising my voice from normal out of irritation.

"It is true that I am sick. I have a really bad cold *cough* *cough* and sore throat. What the letter said is true we don't have much time. The party is at seven, and it's a two-hour drive *cough* *cough* and you still have to prepare..."

I crossed my arms over my chest and looked at him unconvinced, "Why not send Ruka? You know I'm not that fond of parties."

"Ruka is in Beijing sealing a deal and planning for a branch office there *cough*. Plus, you're the musical one among us three. This is a gathering to celebrate the upcoming music festival, and as the family who produces high-quality stringed instruments for the whole country to use, it is a must that we attend *cough* *cough* even if it's only one of us..." Dad gave a weak yet satisfied smile. That smile is his way of saying that he knows that he'll win this battle but, I won't yield that easily.

"Plus Miss Miharu, important people in the music industry will be there. There will be a big chance for you to meet and even be friends with them." Miss Rei, smiled and winked at me. That does sound tempting. Am I that easy to read? Am I such an open book that people know how to bribe me and make me say 'yes'? I looked back at dad who was lying again, then to Miss Rei who was looking after Dad and probably finishing his paperwork.

"Fine, but I want the beach house to myself for a whole weekend." I demanded. If I'm going to do something that I don't want, I might as well get something out of it.

"Sure *cough* but, what do you need the beach house for?" Dad asked under his breath.

"I may be in need of some alone time sooner or later to compose music. The beach house has the atmosphere that I need." I saw Dad raise his thumb to seal our deal then he released another pair of coughs and sneezes.