Snippet #1671874

Kaori applied the finishing touches of the oshiroi-nuri upon her skin. It took her more than two years to know how to be taught on how to properly apply it but somehow the nervousness she felt didn't help. Her hands were clammy and shaking, preventing her to get prepared in time. She cursed herself before closing her eyes. She concentrated on the fact that she had to be at her best then let out a soft heavy sigh. She can do it, couldn't she? Her maiko days would be over after this night and she would be considered a full pledged Geisha in a matter of hours.

"Nyoto! Tell the girls to be ready in half an hour. People are starting to arrive," she heard Mama San Michiko's stern voice give the boy an order. The fact that she had to be out on the stage in less than an hour made Kaori feel helpless. She needed more time, she knew. Oh, how could she be so clumsy and be a weakling when the moment needed her to be prepared. She wished she was as ready as the other maikos in the dressing room. She saw how Nami was all prepared and set to be introduced yet her lips barely got tainted by the red stain. She quickly opened the small jar and carefully painted some on her lips, she wasn't sure if it looked perfect but from what her reflection tells her, it was just right. She once again adjusted her kanzashi and flattened her hair, making sure not one stray hair goes out of control.

She slowly stood up, the way Mama San Michiko taught them. And looked at her reflection, she saw how delicate and astounding her Furisode was. Not in a million years could her family afford to buy such thing but Mama San Michiko was kind enough to dress them all beautifully, making an investment in maikos who she barely knew would make it big was a huge risk- financially and reputation wise. But she did, and Kaori was thankful for that.

With her left hand, she slowly pulled out a piece of old and tattered envelope from her Nagajuban and carefully opened it. Afraid that she would rip the only memory she has of her past. A family picture, when her parents were happy, a time her mother was still alive and her in the woman's womb. And if one would turn it over, there in Nihonggo characters was her real name- Aiko Nuruwabe. But now she is known to be Kaori Humemuro, a name given to her when Mama San Michiko adopted her.

Adopted, a nice term to say that she was used to pay for her family's debts. Not that she regretted her present, of course she was feed properly and with a glamorous house to be in, but missing her family weighed more and what's worse was that she couldn't do anything about it.

The noise of the audience startled her thoughts, it was also the reason which reminded her that she needed to get ready. She walked towards to where her Shamisen was located and kept doing deep breathing- her way to ease her nerves.