The Time of Cherry Blossoms

Honorable Mention 2011!

ladycharlottehubert — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:47:07 +0000

Hello everyone!! I have great news!
As you probably know, I have entered the 2011 Textnovel contest with The Time of Cherry Blossoms.
Although I haven’t made it into the Semi-finalist selection, I’m still proud to say that TTOCB has been awarded “Honorable Mention 2011″.
I wish to thank you all for the great support for me and TTOCB you have shown over the two and something years I’ve been working on it.
The first draft of the novel is still not quite finished but it’s nearly there!!
I hope you’ll keep enjoying it and will support me in future with the projects I’ll undertake.

Note: I am currently working on the planning of two projects. I don’t know which one of the two I’ll be focusing on, but keep an eye out for more writing!! ;)

Once again, thank you everyone!

Much love,

Lady Charlotte

Firefly「ホタル」: A Collaboration Project for Japan Tsunami 2011

ladycharlottehubert — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:57:52 +0000

Following the disaster that happened in Japan last Friday March 11th, Takatsu’s gotten the great idea to create the Firefly project. In this project anyone can join in and write short stories, poems, encouraging messages, and anything that would inspire the victims in Japan.
This is a great opportunity for you to show your support to the victims in Japan as well! Why? Well, simply because anyone can contribute!

Click here for more information about the project and what you can do!

Here is my current collaboration to the project (Chap.13): The Rising Sun as an example.

I really hope you participate in this project, and spread the word! We are looking for as many people as possible to take part in this.

Thank you!! :)

Editor’s Choice 2011!

ladycharlottehubert — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 14:35:21 +0000

Hey everyone!

Yes! You’ve read it right! The Time of Cherry Blossoms has received the Editor’s Choice award 2 days ago!! :D
My guess is that I’m really excited about this, because; yes, my writing got an award, but also mainly because I’ve been working on TTOCB for a bit more than two years now. So naturally it’s a great feeling to get an award for something that I’ve been developing over a few years.
I have lived through so much during the writing of this novel.
I’m sure that many experiences that I’ve been through have affected the storyline. Actually, quite recently I’ve been able to recognize myself in some of my characters.

Well, anyways, you know what you can do to make this even better for me, right? ;P
Yes! Please keep supporting The Time of Cherry Blossoms as I work on finishing my first draft, and hopefully getting it published in the future.
But there’s a long way to go before I get there. Your support will go a long way though!!
And please, do spread the word! :D

Here’s the list of all novels who’ve received the award this month: Textnovelblog

Thank you everyone!! I hope you’ll keep reading!!

Much love,

~Lady Charlotte

Chapter 8: A Text Message

ladycharlottehubert — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:10:36 +0000

“Mom, I’m home!” I called as I opened the front door. I heard no reply. I took off my shoes and looked around.
“Mom?!” she wasn’t in the living room. Maybe she was gone to the grocery store… I went to the kitcher to pour misself some tea and found a note on the fridge.
“Gone to an urgent meeting, your dad couldn’t attend. Will be home around 6 p.m. There is food in the fridge and tea ready to be boiled. Won’t make it to dinner, sorry. Lots of love. Mom”
When I read it, I put it in my pocket and boiled the tea. I could do homework in peace at least…
I took everything up to my room and made myself comfortable at my desk. I decided to tackle history homework first to get it out of the way.
When I was well finished with my history homework and concentrating deeply on Japanese literature, my phone sounded. A new text message. My phone had been sitting on my desk. I took my phone and opened the messsage.
“Here is my phone number.” Who could it be from? A prank call? Then I remembered Ryo. Of course! He said he would contact me!
“Thank you.” I looked at my message a minute before sending it. I was being polite but somehow it didn’t feel nice enough… No. I must be on my gards, I don’t know him well enough. Again I could here the little tune from my phone.
“What are you doing?” Why did he care? Was he bored? I got up and went to sit on my bed.
“I was doing homework. Until you sent me your message.” I hoped it didn’t sound too rough…
“Oh… sorry. Do you have a lot left?” Wow, that was quick.
“No finishing up my last one.”
“Do you mind talking to me then?” Sure I would talk to him. I would just have to be on gard about personal questions. Just in case…
“Sure, if you want…”
“Ok, first I want to say I’m sorry if I’m annoying you.” I felt guilty. I was being to rough on him…
“No. It’s okay. It’s just that you surprise me.”
“How so?” Oops. I would have to tell him some feelings here, great start Mizuki!
“Well, let’s just say that the first time we met, you weren’t the way you are now.” I hoped he understood…
“Oh that. Again, I’m sorry…”
“No it’s okay… But can you just promise me one thing?” I hoped he would reply and not make terms here…
“Sure… What?”
“Please never hurt Mei again. No matter what.” I decided to wait for a concrete reply. I would not let this keep going…
“I promise. :)”
“Thanks! Well, I should do some chores around the house now. My mom’s out for a while.” Only after I pressed the send button did I realize that I gave out too much information. What would he do? Now he knew where she lived and that she was alone in the house!?
“Ok. Then I’l let you work. See you tomorrow at school!” His reply seemed honnest. I hoped deep within me that it was true…

When all my homework was done, when I had done some chores and eaten dinner I felt a bit bored. I took my phone out and looked for any new messages. None. I started to feel a little lonely. I actually wanted to speak to that guy! I couldn’t beleive myslef. But it was stronger than myself. I opened his last message and pressed the reply button.

Read the whole novel on Textnovel.com>>

Chapter 7: Trust?

ladycharlottehubert — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:55:15 +0000

“Mizuki!” I could hear someone call as Tsubaki left. I turn around and see Ryo jogging my way.
“Hey Ryo! What’s up?”
“You forgot your phone earlier. I thought you might need it.” he says as he takes out my phone out of his pants pocket.
“Oh, thanks!” I say really greatful.
“Would it bother you if I walk with you?” he asks clearly embarassed by his shyness.
“Sure! I would be glad to have someone to walk with for a change!” And the thing is; I was really, really glad and tried not to show it. We set off and neither of us found something to say at first. Then I decided to break the silence.
“You’re house is in this direction too?” I felt stupid. Why would he walk with me if his house was the other way?
“Yeah, it is.” he answered. But what could I say now? It has never been so difficult to talk to someone. Usually I always had something to talk about. No matter who I was talking to.
“Where is your sister?” he asks suddenly. I didn’t know what he was talking about at first then I remembered Mei.
“Oh! She’s has an after school lesson.”
“Oh, ok.” he simply said. My heart started to beat faster.
“You’re not going to do anything to her are you?” I asked all of a sudden alert of the possible situation.
“Wha-?” he started, “Oh, of course not! You still think I’ll hurt her like yesterday?” he glanced at me then chuckled. I just looked at him aggravated. Why was he making fun of me? Wasn’t it normal for someone to worry about a person you care for?
We turned in my street. I hadn’t even noticed.
“My house is just over here.” I told Ryo pointing at a little house.
“Okay then.” he stopped. Surprised I looked at him.
“What’s wrong?” I asked suspicious.
“Isn’t your mom or your dad gonna make assumptions?” he asked a bit embarassed.
“Oh. Maybe… I don’t know.” I replied.
“Well, do you mind giving me your cell phone number?” he asked, still embarassed. I wondered for a while. What if this was all a trap? He did say to look out for bad surprises. But he did present excuses this morning. But what if it was all fake? He would know what class I’m in, where I live, my phone number, he might even keep bullying Mei… But when I looked at him, something in his eyes told me he was serious, and embarassed about it.
“Sure.” I say, and give him my number.
“I’ll call or text you later. Then you can save my number if you want.” he said, putting his phone away. We remain standing there. I try to not look at him. Then he speaks up.
“I think I should go home now.”
“Okay. See you tomorrow then.”
“Yeah. See you tomorrow…” he walks away. I’m a bit worried. But still I am amazed by this person. I never thought I would feel like this about someone. Especially a guy that I’d met just a day ago.

Next Chapter>>

Chapter 6: A Change

ladycharlottehubert — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:12:09 +0000

Ryo told me about his childhood and growing up in America. He had lived in California until about two weeks ago. I let him talk and never mentioned the fact that I too had lived in California for a year. I didn’t want to find too many similarities between us. At least not yet. He also had a sister but she was already married and still lived in California. He never talked about his parents or why he came here. When I asked him about it, he just said he would tell me some other times or just changed the topic.
We walked back to school and he asked about me but Kamiko came running to me, she seemed to have some important news.
“Er… I’ll see you later. I got to go…” he hesitated, “I’ve got to do something.” he ran off.
I looked after him as Kamiko came to my side.
“Was that Ryo, the new guy, you were talking to?” she asked.
“Um, yeah…” I never felt comfortable in these kinds of situations, “What’s up?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
“I wanted to tell you that apparently Tsubaki was foud in the girl’s bathroom with that little girl clique G6″ I looked at her surprised, the G6 was the group of girls that called themselves the Glamorous 6. They weren’t very popular, although they were rich. No one liked them much but they thought they were loved by everyone. They also think they have some authority in the school but they really don’t. They don’t do much. They only shop and are often found in trouble here in school. They just give themselves a name. In a way it’s useful. We wouldn’t need to remember their names everytime they got in trouble.
“What was she doing with them? She’s so different from them! The only thing she has in common with them is the fact that she’s beautiful. Otherwise, she doesn’t get in trouble, she works hard, she isn’t rich and she doesn’t have that much confidence.” I said.
“True. I’m not sure of the reason myslef.” Kamiko answered.
“Maybe it was all just bad luck, perhaps she was just in the bathroom and they just happened to be there at the same time.” I suggested as we walked to class.
“I hope you’re right.”
“I’ll go talk to her after school.” I said to reassure her. I haven’t had the chance to talk to her since we started taking different classes.

“Hey Tsubaki!” I said as I tried to catch up to her. She looked back and gave me a small smile.
“Hello Mizuki.” She didn’t stop walking. She probably didn’t want to talk about what happened earlier.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
“Look, tell me what happened. You know you can trust me, I’m not going to tell anyone or judge you.” I try to encourage her, it always helped in the past.
“Mizuki, I…” she turned to me for the first time. It looked like she was tired. She seemed more closed up in her world that before. “I don’t feel like talking about it right now. Maybe some other time?” I knew that it would take her time to do that.
“Okay. But don’t hesitate if you need to talk to someone.”
“Okay, thanks.” she attempted another smile.
“I’ll see you around.”
“Yeah. Bye.” she walked away, fast.
I wonder what changed. What happened today in the bathroom? Why hadn’t I hear from her since school started?

Next Chapter>>

Chapter 5: Questions

ladycharlottehubert — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:42:39 +0000

Ryo got assigned the seat right next to me. The teacher also wanted to assign a buddy to him but Ryo just said that he already had one. And the teacher was glad to hear it was me. Throughout Japanese history he passed notes asking questions about me, such as; “Do you have any other siblings?” or “Have you always lived in Japan?” I never answered to the notes. I either put them in my desk or pockets. Why did he want to know so much?
When it was finally the end of class I gathered my things together as fast as I could hoping he would forget that I was to show him around. I was pushing my luck a bit too much.
“Can you show me the way to the lunchroom?” Ryo asked with a smile. His smile was beautiful almost… No. Get a grip Mizuki!
“Yeah sure.” I answered.
Once we were in the cafeteria I showed him how things worked and eventualy two guys came to join us. As they were talking with Ryo I could quickly escape and join my friends who were already eating.
“Were you showing that new guy around?” asked Tsubaki.
“Yeah. It’s pretty enoying, really.” I answered opening my lunch box.
“Really? I know some girls who would die to be in your place!” she replied looking at the other girls.
“Well, he’s bothering me with questions.”
“He just doesn’t know how things work. You should have more patience! You used to be good at that!” she replied.
“But, the questions are all about me. It’s really strange.”
“Maybe he likes you!?” Kamiko exclaimed. I felt my cheeks go red, and pretended to be busy eating.
“Look she’s blushing!” cried out another girl. I looked up and swallowed my food.
“That’s because you’re embarassing me!” I defended myself. The girls looked at each other and giggled. I finished eating quickly and got up from my seat.
I headed to the little pond our school had in the little park behind the school. Few people came here and it was really relaxing. Hearing the flow of the water, feeling the warm sun on your skin and an ocasional soft breeze. Then I heard a voice behind me.
“You never answered any of my questions.” No doubt it was Ryo. I stood up he seemed to be standing closer than just a moment ago. I took a step back.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked surpried.
“I see you still don’t trust me. Do you?” he seemed a bit disappointed, “Would it help if I told you a bit about myself?” he asked, “I won’t go much into detail, don’t worry.” He looked at me, hope was clearly in his eyes.
“Sure.” I said after hesitating a bit.
“Let’s sit down first.” he proposed.
We sat down in the grass facing the pond. Everything seemed perfect. Perhaps too perfect…

Next Chapter>>

Chapter 4: A Fresh Start

ladycharlottehubert — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:15:40 +0000

In the morning I woke up very early, and made breakfast for my parents ans Mei. My mom was surprised, as I usually don’t wake up before seven. The truth was; I wanted to start out the day well before confronting that guy again. But would he show up to class this time? I wonder… Never mind. I would just have to show that I’m strong, and that I have no reason to fear him.
As I walked to school I noticed how the cherry blossoms would soon be opening. My favorite time of year. When everything just seemed perfect… I got woken from my trance when Mei tugged at my skirt.
“Big sister Mizuki, goodbye!” she grinned, “Thank you for taking care of me!”
“Oh… That was nothing! You can come over any time!” I told her. She ran off to join her friends on the playground. I smiled to myslef, she is a cute little girl.
When I arrived at school I saw no sign of the guy. Perhaps he had decided not to come today. Or he’s just not coming to class and will strike again later…
When I went into the classroom there was no one. Of course not. What did I expect? I’d come so early today! I hadn’t even realized it! I sat down to read ahaead in the book I had to read for Japanese literature. Then everything went black. Someone had covered my eyes with their hands. I knew Kamiko didn’t do this, but Tsubaki often did.
“Tsubaki!” I said without hesistating. The hands disappeared.
“Wrong.” said the voice of a man. Surprised I looked back. And there he was the guy that had bullied Mei.
“Wha-” he didn’t give me time to finish.
“Was it that you couldn’t wait to see me? You came to class so early.” he said, as if we had been friends for a long time. Maybe he was just pretending when we were in front of other people; I looked around. No one. I turned back to him he was sitting on the desk next to me with feet on the chair. Could he be the new student that hadn’t shown up yesterday?
“What do you want?” I asked keeping my tone as neutral as possible.
“I just wanted to say sorry to you about yesterday. It wasn’t very nice of me to talk to you that way.” I looked at him, surprised, “Afterall, it’s not your fault. You don’t know what happened. You were only protecting your sister like you should.” he said looking out the window.
“I’m Ryo, by the way. I’m half Japanese-half American. In America they called me Paul. And your are…?”
“Mizuki.” I replied. So he was the new student after all.
“Would you mind showing me around today?” Ryo asked, “Otherwise I might get lost.” What was he up to? His attitude was so different from yesterday. Did he really mean it? But he had said to watch out for unpleasant surprises. I didn’t know whether to trust him or not.
And as if he could read my thoughts he said; “What I said to you yesterday, about unpleasant surprises, I don’t mean it.” he looked at me, “I mean, I only said it out of anger. So please forgive me.” I looked at him closely. He seemed to mean it. I decided I would give him a chance but still be on guard. Maybe he wasn’t a bad guy after all.
The door opened. I realized I was still looking at him and he was looking at me. I turned away and pretended to be reading.
“Good Morning!” it was Kamiko with Kazuki just behind her.
“Good Morning!” I replied.
“Oh! You must be the new student in our class!” exclaimed Kazuki, “Nice to meet you!”
Ryo only smiled and glanced my way. I turned back to my book. I couldn’t believe it! Why was I being so shy?! Wasn’t I determined to show I was strong?

Next Chapter>>

Chapter 3: First Meeting

ladycharlottehubert — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:05:00 +0000

School had been perfect today. No bad remarks, good grades so far. It was strange the new student hadn’t shown up today. I was walking through the little park of our school when I heard a little girl cry. I followed the cries. They led to the park that was more densly filled with trees.
“Leave me alone!” sobbed a little girl. I couldn’t see who it was but she sounded very young. I carefully tried to get nearer and hid behind a big tree. From here I could see Mei, a little girl I took care of at times, she was about five years of age. A teen boy of about my age standing just in front of her.
“Plea-ease! Leave me alone!” Mei cried.
“Why should I? You have taken everything from me!” the teen shouted at her.
“But I don’t know you, I’ve never seen you before!” she sobbed helplessly.
I couldn’t stand it anymore. I walked out from behind the tree.
“This will teach you–” he raised his hand ready to slap her.
“Leave her alone!” I heard myself shout. He dropped his hand, and looked my way. My heart beat fast when I noticed he was taller than I was and most likely stronger as well. However, I coudln’t deny he was good-looking. But what did I get myself into?
“Mind your own business will you!? This doesn’t concern you!” he spat at me. His manners weren’t that great either, then. I summoned my courage.
“Yes, it does concern me, actually.” he gave me a questioning glance. “She’s my little sister.” I lied as I walked in her direction. Well, I wasn’t completely lying. I spent so much time with her that she almost was my little sister.
“Oh, is she?” He asked unimpressed, “well it’s time you started taking care of her.” I looked at him chanllengingly.
“That isn’t for you to judge.” I said coldly. I pushed passed him, picked up Mei in my arms and walked away.
“Watch out this week; you might have unpleasant surprises coming your way!” he shouted frombehind me.
“I’ll be ready!” I shouted back. And the truth is; I was ready. Perhaps this week wasn’t going to be what I thought it would be afterall.
“Thank you big sister Mizuki!” the little girl said with a smile as she put her arms around my neck.
“Do you think I would just stand there and watch that brute hurt my little sister?” I asked.
“No! You wouldn’t! You’re too nice!” she said giving me a kiss on the cheek. Then she giggled.
“Why are you laughing?”
“It was funny seeing that big boy’s face after loosing against you.” she laughed and I joined her.
When I came back home my mom was there to greet us.
“Hello Mizuki! Hello Mei! How was school today?” she asked, as she took our bags and put them in the living room.
“Big sister Mizuki saved me from a mean big boy after school!” She said excitedly as I helped her untie her shoes.
“That is nice of her.” my mother said. Mei couldn’t see the concern on her face, but I could. “You better be careful girls, and make sure to tell somebody about him if he keeps this up!”
“We will don’t worry” I said as I stood up, giving her a comforting glance. “Is dad home yet?” I asked changing the topic.
“No he’s out working late again. Do you need anything?” she asked.
“No. It’s okay. Just wondering… And don’t forget that Mei is staying overnight today!” I reminded her.
“Of course! I would never forget little Mei!” she smiled at the little girl. “Now let’s drink some tea before it gets cold!”

Next Chapter>>

Chapter 2: Back to School

ladycharlottehubert — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:54:43 +0000

I couldn’t help but smile as I walked to school. It was a Monday, but somehow, it felt like a wonderful week was ahead of me. School had started last week. Some of my friends already set sights on certain boys of our class. Like Tsubaki and Kamiko who had sights on Kazuki ans Yuta.
Tsubaki is a beautiful girl, she’s almost the perfect type of girl. She has never hung out with the small group of girls whom are not only beautiful but also rich. Perhaps it’s because she never really had enough self-confidence. Tsubaki often asked me to talk to Kazuki on her behalf as I’m friends with him. I also became friends with Yuta and talked to him for Kamiko. Kamiko is too shy to ask me to do it, but she’s my best friend so I do it to make her happy. I however, decided that love would come at it’s own time. Tsubaki often asked me who I liked. She found it hard to believe my answer, but in the end I think she learned to accept it.
I opened the door to our classroom Kamiko was already there.
“Good morning Kamiko!”
“Hello Mizuki!” she exclaimed with a smile, “You seem in a good mood!”
“Yes. I feel as if this week will be great!” I reply with a grin.
I put down my backpack on my chair. I sit in the middle row of the classroom. Kamiko sits in the seat behind me.
“Mizuki, what classes have you chosen this year?” I hear Kamiko ask.
“I’ll be in the humanities half. Science and math isn’t really my thing.” I reply taking out my books. “What about you?”
“I took humanities as well, but I heard Tsubaki will be taking science and math.” I turn around to look at her.
“Really?! But she has often said that she dusliked those subjects… But I guess it’s her choice.” I knew there must be something that caused her to change her mind, but I didn’t say anything to Kamiko.
“Too bad she won’t be in the same calss anymore…” Kamiko sounded a bit disappointed, so I decided to tell her something that would cheer her up.
“I also hear Yuta will be taking humanities this year.” I said as I turned back to my bag and took out my pencil case. “Apparently it was a hard decision for him. He likes both suject immensly.” I put my bag down and turned to her again. She was trying to hide a smile and was very red in the cheeks. I smiled at her. The door opened and Kazuki walked in.
“Good morning!”
“Good morning Kazuki!” both Kamiko and I said in unison.
“Have you girls heard the news?” Kamiko and i looked at each other then Kenshin went on, “We will have a new student. I heard he lived in Amercia most of his life. But that’s all I know.”
Our conversation ended there as now was the time most people came into the classroom.
“Maybe he’ll be your type of guy?” Kamiko whispered from behind me.
I didn’t reply. How would I know? Besides, it wasn’t my main concern. I just wanted my studies to be successful.