The Show
“Thank you and we’ll see you again!” Mary and a young chimpanzee that was sitting on her shoulder waved to the crowd as they had just ended the show. Half of the crowd made their way to the exit and the remainder had lined up to take photos with the show animals. The chimpanzee jumped into the arms of her handler and made their way off the stage. Mary smiles at the sight of happy faces. She enjoys bringing smiles to people faces and will continue to do so. The zoo has once again broken the record for having the most visitors in a year. Interestingly, one of the particular reasons why this zoo was slightly popular was because of Mary.
“HIIIIII!!!!” A couple of girls squealed and rushed onto the stage towards Mary as she was keeping the equipment that was used during the show.
“Hello, the animals are over there though and if you don’t hurry up to catch a photo, you’ll miss them.” Mary turned to smile at them but continued to keep the equipment.
“We didn’t come here for the animals! We came here for you!”
“What’s your favourite color? Food? Pasta?
“Hey, It’s my turn to ask! Summer or winter? Ohh, how about sky or sea?”
“No! Mary look at me!”
"I want to ask too!"
“A picture please! Just one!
Mary smiled sheepishly and scratched her neck. A habit she does whenever she gets nervous. She backed away slowly from the girls that were crowding in front of her. However, they pushed forward each time she took a step back until her she was backed to an artificial wall.
“AHEM! My apologies, our dear visitors, our Mary is busy today! She has to attend to some important guests today.”
The girls stopped bickering and turned back to look the mistress of the voice.
Whew! Really need to have her around whenever this happens...
Mary heaved a sigh of relief knowing Sayaka is here to save her, again. She walked past them quickly over to Sayaka, even pushing Kirari aside. The girls sighed and walked away feeling dejected. They knew they were speaking to the manager herself and know better than to fight against her. Previously, Sayaka had banned some people from the Zoo because of their behaviour. They have been warned not to start fights, scream loudly and to not disturb other visitors.
“Thanks. What would I do without you.”
“Nothing, I suppose.”
“Excuse you. I’m here now, aren’t I.”
“Only because of THAT reason!”
“Your Zoo is thriving because of me!”
“Oh, shall I get the girls to come back then?”
“Interesting." Kirari voiced out to interrupt their bickering.
"I assume this has happened before?”
“Yes, President.”
“Way too many times that you can imagine.”
“Don’t need to blow your own horn, I want to hear it from Sayaka.”
“Seriously, then why bother...” Sayaka kicked Mary’s shin with her heels.
“FFFFFF…….. FISHES!” Mary resisted the urge to curse, remembering that there were still families around as the photo taking sessions weren't over yet.
“Where!” A child yelled and looked around before spotting the one who yelled “Fishes”. Mary just smiled at him and quickly fished out a small fish, those that were used as snacks for the seals and penguins, from her pocket and wiggled it in the air. Sayaka smiled and waved at the child as well but not forgetting to pinch Mary’s side with her other free hand.
“Mary has done a good job attracting visitors. She makes her shows entertaining and engages very well with the visitors. This is a plus point on what makes us different from other Zoos in Japan. The visitors have increased steadily ever since we placed Mary as the show host. However, while we appreciate the crowd, I can’t tell whether they are here for the animals or Mary. Maybe a poll should be done. We need to see what can be improved in the Zoo. I wonder if we would get genuine results. The test group as well, we don't need too much of Mary's fan dominating the poll."
"Mary's fans?"
"My apologies for rumbling, President. Mary has her own fan base that comes in on different days. They have some sort of unspoken agreement between themselves for who is to come in to “gawk” at her.”
“Sounds like we have an additional exquisite animal in the Zoo then.”
“I am not an animal.”
“I never mentioned that you are one. Are you saying you are?”
“Ahem! Mary, you will be their tour guide today.”
“No. There are more things to do than to accompany our HIGHNESS over here.”
“I believe she said “will”. Not “can”.”
"..."
Mary was going to reiterate but decided to remain silent as Sayaka was literally staring straight through her. “No”, she mouthed and earned an eye roll from Mary.
“Tch. Fine. At least let me brief the rest on the things to do.”
“I have already done it.”
Argh, of course she would have done it already.
Mary looked down to look at her shin that was kicked by Sayaka.
She really has no mercy. Even with heels? Geez... Wait a minute… Something’s missing.
“SAYAKA! IT’S… IT’S MISSING!” Mary cried out upon realising what was missing. Sayaka held Mary by the collar. She had predicted that Mary would run away. Mary fell onto the ground on fours to whine. Sayaka sighed and took a deep breath.
“I’m not going to do anything until I find it!” Sayaka spoke at the same time as Mary. Mary looked up to glare at Sayaka. She was obviously mocking her.
Ririka let out a giggle behind the mask and took out the necklace from her pocket. She squatted down and held the necklace in front of Mary.
“I believe this is yours.” Her robotic voice ran.
Mary grabbed the necklace from her hand and stared at the object in her palm, making sure that it was the right one.
“OMG YES. THANK YOU SO MUCH!” She leaped and gave Ririka a tight hug before releasing her. She rubbed the stone with her thumb and breathe warm air on the stone behind wiping it with her shirt. She wore it over her head where they belong.
“I’LL GET THE BUGGY CAR READY!”
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Mary came back with the buggy car and gestured to them to go over. The trio moved over to the car and Ririka walked straight to the passenger seat without a single hesitation. She was well aware of Sayaka’s fondness for Kirari. Even though the actions were subtle, she could tell from Sayaka’s expressions, the pitch in her voice and her actions and behaviour whenever Sayaka was talking to Kirari. At first Sayaka protested but gave in when Kirari petted on the seat beside her while giving her a warm smile. Though Mary was frowning as she thought that it was more of a sinister invitation from that smile.
Seems like Sayaka’s coming too? But, it’s probably a “thing” to please your Highness. Poor Saya. I should buy her a drink next time from working so hard to please these people.
“Mary, we are ready to head off.”
“Ah, sure, Saya.”
Usually, Sayaka only gives instructions to Mary to bring these “important people” around while she herself will be occupied with the paper works and some other preparation. She couldn’t remember when was the last time Sayaka had went along on the tour with her. Plus, whenever Sayaka comes along, she will always take the passenger seat beside her and not behind her. It makes things worse that her side passenger had that darn mask on which she couldn't tell what she was thinking or how she was feeling. She shrugged off the thoughts and did her best to run the tour just like any other times that she had done this - driving to locations, giving a brief introduction, fun facts of the animals, tries her best to make them smile and hope that they will leave this place happy and wanting to come back for more.
_______________________________
“Thank you for attending the tour. I hope you have enjoyed your time as much as I have enjoyed mine bringing you around. Mind your head when you exit and I hope to see you again."
Mary pinched the bridge of her nose. She was so used to the line that she usually gives to other visitors. She smacked her cheeks with both of her hands and looked at her passengers. Kirari was smiling with that smile again and looking at Sayaka’s direction. Sayaka was scribing something into her notebook and seemed to be taking that occasional glance at Kirari’s direction. Mary tried to look at what they were looking at but couldn’t spot what they were staring and decided to give up. She then turned her attention to the third party beside her. She was stunned to see that she was looking at her direction, though she wasn’t sure because the mask was in the way. Ririka slightly bowed and exited the car.
Was that supposed to be a thanks?
“I must say, I may be getting an idea why you were well sought. The tour was splendid. Not too bad.”
Kirari said as she exited the buggy car. Ririka looked at Kirari, giving her a nod.
“Thank you. We will be taking our leave now. We are currently needed somewhere else. We will be sending ourselves out.”
“No! We will send you out!”
“There’s no need to.”
“But”
“My dear Sayaka, I do not think she has to repeat herself.”
“... My apologies, President and Vice-President. I understand. Do take care.”
“HEY! HOW… OOF” Sayaka punched Mary in the stomach before she could say anything. Mary immediately dropped to the ground, holding onto her stomach, wincing in pain. Once Sayaka saw that she couldn't see the twins backview anymore, she looked down at Mary and sighed.
“What was that about?”. Sayaka extended her hand.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that question? She was mean to you and I was ready to kick some ass.”. Mary grabbed her hand.
“She’s import..They. They are important people and own the Zoo. While I appreciate that you have my back, I ask of you to not act so impulsively in front of her.” Sayaka pulled at the contact of her hand.
“You mean them?” Mary pulled herself up with her help.
“Yes! Them! I meant them.” Sayaka corrected herself quickly.
“Okay…? I’ll try. No promises. Masked stranger was nice. Braided Bitch wasn’t.”
“Do not call her that!”
“Pfffffff” Mary stuck out her tongue and earned another punch on her shoulder.
"Fuck!"
_______________________________
Mary leaned against the door, waiting for Sayaka to finish packing her belongings so that she can drive her home.
“Saya”
“Hold on. I’ll be ready in a minute.”
“Take your time. I just wanted to know what’s the masked stranger’s name?”
“Masked Stranger?”
“You know the one with our dear almightly YOUR HIGHNESS.”
“Ririka. My apologies, I seemed to have forgotten to introduce you two.”
“Do you have her number?”
“What? Why?”
“I have forgotten to give my thanks to her. She found my necklace! You know how I’ll get when I lost it.”
“I will kill myself if I don’t have it.” They said in unison.
“I have heard the lines too many times that I know when you’ll say it.”
“Tch. Just give me her number.”
Sayaka took out her phone and scrolled through her contacts, stopping at “Vice President”.
“I have to ask her first. I can’t just give anyone her number.”
“What's that over there!” Mary yelled and pointed behind her.
“Huh?” Sayaka turned her head to look in that direction.
“There’s nothing there, Mary.” Sayaka turned back and noticed that Mary was no longer there.
“Huh…? Wait a minute… MARY! GIVE ME BACK MY PHONE! YOU CAN’T JUST TAKE HER NUMBER LIKE THIS!”
_______________________________
~Ririka’s Phone~
*Ding*
*An unknown number sent you a message*
Unknown number: Hey, this is Mary.
Unknown number: Not sure if you remembered me but you found my necklace today in the Zoo today.
Unknown number: Thank you so much!
Ririka: Hello Mary-san. Yes. I remembered you. You’re welcome.
*Number saved*
*Ding*
*Sayaka (Kirari’s) sent you a message*
Sayaka (Kirari’s): Vice President! I sincerely apologise that your number was given out to Mary. I wanted to ask for your permission first but she ran off with my phone. I’m so sorry!
Ririka: It’s alright Sayaka! If it is Mary-san, it’s okay. I told you to drop the honourifics as well.
Sayaka (Kirari’s): I will make sure it does not happen again. I shall not disturb you further. Rest well and Good night Vice President.
Sayaka (Kirari’s): *Ririka :)
Ririka: You too Sayaka ^^
*Ding*
*Mary-san (Zoo) sent you a message*
Mary-san (Zoo): You really saved me there!
Mary-san (Zoo): I was ready to brawl my eyes out!
Ririka: Seems like it means a lot to you? Do be more careful next time.
Mary-san (Zoo): It is!
Mary-san (Zoo): Oh, by the way. I took your number from Sayaka.
Mary-san (Zoo): It is not her fault.
Mary-san (Zoo): I “stole” your number from her.
Mary-san (Zoo): I hope that you do not mind. I just wanted to give my thanks to you since I didn’t have the chance to before you left.
Ririka: It’s alright. I have taken your gratitude. I really enjoyed the tour. Thank you as well.
Mary-san (Zoo): You’re free to come back for more!
Mary-san (Zoo): I can be your personal guide!
Ririka: I will let you know the next time we head to the zoo again.
Mary-san (Zoo): Sure!
Mary-san (Zoo): Just let me know!
Mary-san (Zoo): Sayaka is screaming at me for disturbing you. Goodnight!
Ririka: Goodnight Mary-san.
____________________________________________________
“What’s funny?”
“Oh, it’s just that Mary-san is thanking me while Sayaka is apologising for letting Mary-san for “stealing” my number.”
“I see that you have saved Sayaka's name as mine.”
“It isn’t wrong anyway. Besides, you saved her as...”
“Speaking of funny. It was rare to see you smile like that.”
“I told you, it’s Sayaka and...”
“I meant this afternoon. You giggled. Twice even.”
“I.”
“Shall I name out when exactly you did that then?”
“Kirari...”
“I’m just teasing you, my dear Sister. I just haven’t seen that in a while where you smiled at a stranger. What’s her name again? Mary? Did she catch your eye?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Sister. We only just met today. How is that possible?”
________________________________________________
“I can’t believe you just did that!”
“Well, I can’t believe that you would fall for that.”
“What if she’s angry?”
“She just said it’s fine isn’t it. Also, I have let her know that I was the one who took her number without your consent. But I feel that a girl with such beautiful eyes like her will have a nice heart.”
“The Vice President HAS always been nice.”
“She is. She even texted me that she enjoyed my tour.”
“Stop texting her and give her a rest! It’s 12am!”
“Geez. Fine.”
“Good. Wait. What did you say earlier?”
“She enjoyed my tour?”
“Not that. Before that.”
“She has a good heart?”
“Before that also. You said she has beautiful eyes? You don’t usually praise anyone. Did she... catch your eye?”
“Don’t be stupid, Saya. We only just met today. How is that possible?”