he lunch hour crowd had eaten, giving the restaurant a deserted look. Izumi was glad to see the that the people were gone. John pulled out her chair, motioning for her to sit in it, for Izumi acted as if she did not understand. John sat down across from her, and ordered their lunch. He looked at her, shaking his head.

"How old are you?"

"I turn eighteen, today," she replied, smiling. John shook his head again.

"You sure grew up fast," he sighed.

"It's the new dress. It makes me look older," Izumi reasoned.

"No, it's more than the dress. It's you. I don't see how I could have missed it."

"How old are you?" she asked, curiously.

"A very old twenty-four," John answered jokingly. The waiter came around with their lunch. John bowed his head, with Izumi following his example, and prayed. Then she took a bite of fish.

"This fish is delicious!" she exclaimed.

"It was caught right here in Three Mile Bay. It's one of the largest freshwater bays in the world. People love to come here, especially in the summertime, and do nothing but fish."

"Is that what those people outside are dressed for?" exclaimed Izumi. "I was wondering if everyone in America went around looking like that," she said pointing to someone walking down the street, fishing rod in hand, and wearing a big hat full of fishing hooks. John chuckled.

"How did you know where I live?" she asked suddenly. John looked up from his plate.

"I have a confession to make. I followed you and your mother when you got off the bus. I was afraid you would get lost," he explained, seeing Izumi's happy grin.

"Why don't you ever use my name? Is it so hard to pronounce?" Izumi had noticed that he never spoke her name. John put down his fork, and stared at her.

"Are you always this talkative during a meal?" he asked, trying to conceal a smile. "I never call you by your name, because I call you something else." Izumi could see he was avoiding the question, and wanted to know what name he had given her. She opened her mouth to ask, but he saw the question coming, and quickly changed the subject.

"Eat." He pointed to her plate, and took another bite of his fish. Izumi silently obeyed, following John's example. She would have to remember to ask again, some other time.

John finished before Izumi, for he had eaten quickly. Izumi noticed he kept looking at his watch, as if to hurry her on. She quickly finished her meal.

"What's wrong?"