Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 Delicate Flower

   By Emi Tsuruta

   Note: this is one in a series of posts about my life.  If you'd like to
know more about my friends and me, drop by my home page at:
/~emitsuruta/

   One day a while back there, I was in an artsy mood, so I signed up for a
course in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.  It was through a
local cultural center here in Oceanview, California.  Ms.  Takeda, the
teacher, was a refined and elegant lady.  She taught us many things, and
not just about flowers.  She taught us to take time out of our busy day to
stop, and appreciate the beauty around us.  Every leaf, branch, petal is
different, but they each have a beauty all their own.  I started to look at
things with new eyes, noticing all the trees, plants and flowers in my
neighborhood, and the little touches that people put in to make their
surroundings more beautiful.

   That summer, there was a Natsu Matsuri (summer festival) in the cultural
center where all the different Japanese hobby groups put together an
exhibition of their crafts or skills - tea ceremony, judo, kendo, what have
you.  Ms.  Takeda asked if I could do a flower arrangement, and man the
ikebana booth during the festival.  I said 'sure.'

   The morning of the festival, I got up early to go pick flowers to use in
my arrangement.  After my shower, I pulled on some cargo shorts, my safari
jacket and a pair of leather sandals.  At that back of our yard, there's a
gate leading out into a park.  I went out, and hiked along next to the
creek looking for flowers or plants I could use.  I could hear cicadas
chirping away reminding me of my summers in Japan.  I just love summer.

   Anyway, I had to find some somber plants - grays and browns - with
straight lines to make up the design.  In the park, I found some small
white wildflowers, rock cress I think, which I might be able to use, but I
didn't see many straight-line plants at first.  I thought a pussywillow
would be nice or some bulrushes, but I had to go down to the far end of the
park to get those.  I eventually did find a pussywillow and some bulrushes,
picked them, then hurried home to shower, and change into something more
summery for the show.

   Not long before that, I'd bought a new sundress.  This one had a pretty
yellow floral pattern on it.  The skirt was quite short, and the top part
was backless, so it showed quite a bit of skin, but I saw it as being more
cute than sexy.  It even tied up with a bow at the back of my waist.

   Anyway, I put it on, wrapped up my flowers in a bouquet, pulled on my
sandals, and headed for the bus stop.  There weren't too many people around
at this time of morning, but there was quite a breeze blowing in from the
ocean, and it kept making my skirt billow up.  I had on white cotton
panties, a fairly loose weave, made in Japan, but I did my best to hold my
skirt down with my free hand, delicately balancing the vase and flowers in
my other hand.

   There were a few more people on the bus, and when I walked by, a couple
of guys turned to check me out.  I think part of what drew their eye was
the bow at the back of my waist, which swayed to and fro as I walked,
calling attention to my caboose.  Ah well.  I was glad in a way, happy that
they liked my dress.

   At the cultural center, people were all scurrying around getting ready
for the show.  I recognized most of the other volunteers.  They'd call out,
"Hi, Emi," as they rushed on by.  I eventually found Miyoko, one of the
other girls from my Ikebana class.  We headed up to the Japanese
Association office to unpack the other flower arrangements, and bring them
down to our table to get set up.

   "Hey, Miyoko.  Do you mind if I go freshen up?" I asked.

   "Go ahead," she chirped.  She seemed to be in a good mood.

   In the washroom, I washed my hands and face again, but my body felt all
sticky from the ride in.  I lifted up my skirt to check my panties, and
they were kind of stuck to my skin.  Oh dear.  Not sure what to do, I ended
up peeling off my panties, and rinsing them out.  At least, they're clean
now, but they're still wet.  I'd better hang them up to dry.  I tied them
to a string in the window, but then came back to the mirror.  I wonder if I
can get away with going out like this.  I felt a bit naughty to be out of
my panties - kind of excited actually - but I was worried that people might
see my...  uh...  'bikini region.'

   One of the things I noticed though was when I retied the bow, that
pulled up the hem of my dress at the back.  You could see my butt cheeks
from underneath.  I guess that's why those guys on the bus had been staring
at me earlier.  They'd probably gotten a peek at my panties when I walked
by.

   Even so, I had to make a decision here.  I couldn't wear my wet panties,
and Miyoko was waiting for me.  I stood here checking the dress length in
the mirror, trying to convince myself that it didn't look too bad.  It was
kind of covering my pussy, and I would probably be sitting most of the time
anyway.  It was summer after all, and I'd seen American girls roaming
around outside in some pretty short skirts.  Maybe no one would notice. 
Anyway, I eventually decided to just scoot out, and see what Miyoko made of
my outfit.

   I walked past the receptionist, peering back at her over my shoulder. 
She didn't really look though.

   I found Miyoko unpacking the different arrangements.  To check her
reaction, I walked right over, turning my back to her to see if she could
tell.  She didn't see anything wrong with my outfit at first, and just
motioned for me to help her unpack.  However, when I lifted my arms up to
pick up a vase, she noticed, and asked,

   "Emi.  Isn't that dress a bit short?"

   "Yeah, it's this bow at the back.  It pulls the whole skirt part up," I
explained, wiggling my behind to show her.  She looked like she was about
to say more, but just then, the Japanese programs director, Mr.  Yoshimoto,
came in.  I turned towards him hoping he hadn't seen my little
butt-wiggling dance.  Fortunately, he had other things on his mind.

   "You're the Ikebana group, right?  You're at table five, halfway down
the hall there."

   Miyoko and I bowed a greeting, but he soon headed out to go get the
other volunteers organized.  Miyoko and I placed the first couple of
arrangements on our table, and went back to get the others.  Miyoko did
seem a bit bothered by my dress, but she didn't say anything.  Maybe it'll
be OK.

   Once we were all set up, we sat down on chairs behind our table.  The
cool vinyl of the chair seat felt strange on my bare behind, but at least,
I was safe from prying eyes for the moment.

   Some of the other volunteers came by to see our arrangements, and
everyone seemed to like them.  That was a good sign.

   Soon, the first visitors started to arrive.  When people stopped at our
table, we'd explain.  Our teacher worked in the 'Nageire cascading style,'
but I joked that my own arrangement was more 'Jiyuuka,' free style, mainly
because I didn't know how to do 'Nageire,' literally 'throwing the flowers
in the vase.' People usually laughed at this, and our table seemed to be a
hit.

   Everything went along smoothly for the first little while. 
Unfortunately, there was this Chinese American boy, Wilfred, who was
wandering around, taking pictures for the newsletter I guess.  Wilfred was
an earnest enough sort, a good kid most of the time, but before long, I
caught him peering over at me, studying my bare back and thighs.  I looked
down, and straightened my dress, but I think what was setting him off was
the lack of a bra strap running across my back.  Every time I leaned
forward, he'd stop, and peer over this way.  At first, I wondered if he
could see my boobs, but the dress was pretty tight on the sides.

   I didn't really know Wilfred all that well.  We didn't talk much, but
I'd seen him around the center a few times.  He often took pictures at our
events I guess, or helped with the AV equipment.  He clearly was intrigued
by how I was dressed.  He was too polite to stare, but he kept circling
around our table, stealing glances at me when he thought I wasn't looking.

   The customers kept coming, so I didn't have time to go check my undies.
I felt a bit nervous with Wilfred eyeing me, but eventually, he went away.
Soon though, this family of three came up, and started asking about the
flower arrangement I'd made.  I don't think it was really anything special,
but they liked it so much that they ended up buying it!  I was so happy!

   "Here.  Could you help bring it out to the car?" the mother asked me. 
She was carrying her baby in a sling, and her husband had his hands full
with their stroller and other gear.  I looked to Miyoko, hoping she might
help, but they clearly wanted me, the creator of this arrangement, to bring
it out, and show them how to set it up.

   I slowly got up, but I could feel the breeze nipping at my bare behind.
My hello kitty started heating up.  I looked around for Wilfred, but
luckily, he didn't seem to be around.

   I motioned for the couple to lead on, but the wife wanted to talk to me
about my creation.  Reluctantly, I cradled my flower arrangement with both
hands, and padded along towards the front door with the husband following
along behind.  I tried not to swing my hips as I walked, but I could feel
the bow swaying back and forth, calling even more attention to my bare
bottom.  I glanced back at the husband, but he feigned innocence.  'Who,
me? I wasn't staring,' he seemed to be saying.  Despite my best efforts, I
was getting more and more turned on.

   Outside, there was a strong breeze blowing, making my skirt billow up
even more.  I don't think the wife noticed, and when I looked back at
hubby, he seemed to be mulling over my outfit.  Was I wearing undies or
not? Hopefully, he thought I was wearing a thong, but he must have been
getting quite an eyeful since the hem of my dress kept floating up.

   Up ahead, two of the Japanese boys who were working the concessions were
outside taking a smoke break.  I quickly asked the wife which car was
theirs, and luckily, they were parked on the far side, away from the two
boys.  The boys didn't spot me right away, but before long, they were
looking over this way too.  With my hands full, I couldn't smooth down my
dress, so they may have gotten a peek at my pussy.  Oh god!  Don't look! 
This is so embarrassing!

   The wife went to set her baby in their car seat.  I had to stand there,
and wait while the husband opened the hatchback of their SUV.  The hem of
my dress kept fluttering up in the wind.  I had to do something before they
all figured out I was naked.  I swung around to the far side of hubby, so I
was facing both him and the two boys, and tried to hold down my skirt with
the vase.  My hello kitty was tingling like crazy, but eventually, I got to
set the vase down in their trunk, and fluff down my skirt.

   The wife came back out to thank me.  The husband still had this amused
look on his face, but luckily, he didn't say anything.  Eventually, they
got in their SUV, and drove off.

   The two boys were watching me carefully now as I made my way back.  With
my hands free, it was easier to hold down my skirt, but even so, they
seemed awfully interested in my hips.  I kept my distance though.  I hoped
that they hadn't realized I was naked, but I think actually they had.

   The receptionist bowed to me as I walked past.  She looked a bit
perturbed this time as she watched me walk away.  I don't know what I did
to set her off, but it looked as if she knew that something was up.

   I probably should have gone, and gotten my panties then, but Miyoko
spotted me, and waved for me to come help her with the customers who had
gathered around our table.  I couldn't really ignore her, so I went back,
and sat down.  Then, the two boys from outside came in, making a beeline
straight for me!

   "Hey, you're that girl.  The one who's always here doing...  uh..."

   "Ikebana?" I said finishing his sentence.

   "Yeah, yeah.  That's it.  What's your name?"

   "Emi."

   They were awfully young, maybe late teens.  They came right round to the
side of our table to look at my thighs.  I held my legs together in
lady-like fashion hoping they couldn't see my bottom.  Realizing they
should say something, they glanced at our table.

   "So you make these things, do you?  Which one did you make?" the one boy
asked.

   "I just sold my arrangement to that family.  Miyoko made this one
though," I said, trying to get them to come around to the front.  They
didn't budge though.  They were too fascinated by my bare hips.

   "How do you make one of these anyway?" one boy asked.

   I looked over to Miyoko for support, but she was ignoring me.  Maybe she
thought I'd been teasing them on purpose.  Honestly, I hadn't meant to show
them at all.  It was hardly my fault that they'd been out in the parking
lot when I went out.

   One of the other customers asked me a question, so I turned to help her.
The boys backed away, still watching me from afar.  I think I managed to
keep my bottom covered long enough that the boys eventually gave up, and
headed back to the cafeteria.

   Soon, Miyoko asked for my help wrapping up an arrangement for her
customers.  Reluctantly, I stood up, but when I reached out my arms to hold
the vase, I felt my hem creep up my backside.  The boys had gone back to
work, but suddenly, a flashbulb went off.

   Wilfred was right there behind me snapping pictures of my ass!  He must
have snuck up while I wasn't looking.  I frowned at him, trying to get him
to back off, but I couldn't let go of the bouquet while Miyoko was tying
it. The way I was leaning, he could probably see maybe like half of my butt
cheeks.  I was so embarrassed, but I couldn't fix the hem, and hold the
vase for Miyoko at the same time.

   I don't think the couple we were wrapping the bouquet for could see my
pussy because the table was in the way, but I'm sure they must have
wondered why I was blushing.  I bowed an apology to them, but that just
pulled my skirt up even more.  I looked back at Wilfred pleading him not to
look, not to take my picture, but he was so excited to see me naked his
hands were shaking.

   Miyoko wasn't helping either.  She kept tilting the bouquet away from
me, forcing me to lean over even more.  I think the hem must have been up
around my waist by then.  My hello kitty was buzzing away like a five alarm
fire, but I still couldn't cover up.

   Wilfred had got off a few shots, but soon his camera went silent.  I
think he was so nervous he must have pressed the wrong button.  He could
still see my bottom, but at least, he couldn't take my picture anymore.  I
nodded for Miyoko to hurry.

   "Hold the vase steady," she chided.  I wanted to tell her about Wilfred,
but I couldn't without setting this couple off.  To at least get this over
with, I bent way over, and held the vase firmly, so Miyoko could tie the
flowers.  Wilfred was practically going cross-eyed by then at the sight of
my upturned ass.

   I was worried too that the girls at the crafts table or the other
customers might notice.  As Miyoko finally got the arrangement tied in, I
let go, and quickly fluffed my skirt back down.  I shot Wilfred an angry
glance, and he backed off worried about what I might do.  I asked Miyoko if
I could go after him, and she nodded for me to go ahead.  He made it to the
stairs before I did, but I bolted up after him.  He exited on the second
floor, and I finally managed to corner him in the Japanese Association
office.  Luckily, there was no one else there.

   "Wilfred!  Give me that camera!"

   He was freaking out, flailing his arms in the air, even knocking off his
own glasses.

   "Calm down for heaven's sake.  I just want to delete the photos you
took," I explained.

   "Stay back.  Leave me alone," he whimpered.  I waded in, and grabbed the
camera.  He flicked up my skirt, but actually, he couldn't see without his
glasses.

   "Stop being silly.  Just let me have the camera," I demanded.  He
wouldn't let go, so I finally leaned in, pressing my breasts against his
chest.  This proved to be a bit much for him.  He finally slouched to the
floor, and let go.  I took the camera from him, and stood back up.  I
scrolled through the menus trying to find the button for 'delete.' He
picked up his glasses off the floor, pulled them on, and peered over at me.

   "Don't tell anyone about this, you hear?" I snapped at him.  He shrugged
a half-hearted apology.

   "Why are you dressed like that?" he asked softly.  I didn't know what to
say.

   "I was just...  I...  I don't know.  No reason," I told him.  He tried
to peek up my skirt at my pussy, so I turned away.  He was so worked up his
face was all red.  It was kind of funny.

   I finally found the photos that he'd taken.  I did look pretty indecent,
bent over almost as if I was asking for it.  I quickly scrolled through
deleting each in turn until there were gone.

   "Can I have my camera back?" Wilfred whined.

   "Promise me you won't take any more pictures of me, or tell anyone about
this," I demanded.  Wilfred seemed torn.  I smoothed my skirt down over my
rear, trying to get him to focus.  Before he could answer though, Miyoko
appeared at the door, looking for me.  Reluctantly, I gave him his camera
back, and ran off with Miyoko, warning him not to follow.

   "What were you two doing up there?" Miyoko asked.

   "Oh nothing." No sense in getting her all in a tizzy.  I was about to go
rescue my panties, but unfortunately, just then, we bumped into the
programs director Mr.  Yoshimoto again.

   "Miyoko and Emi, is it?  You girls are doing a great job.  I just
received a whole bunch of compliments about your ikebana table."

   I wondered about the timing, but I bowed to him anyway.  Maybe other
people had seen me, but I don't think he personally had figured out what I
was wearing.

   "If you girls don't mind, could I introduce you to a couple of people
who sit on the board of directors?  They want to thank you for your work."

   I wanted to go get my panties first, but I couldn't think of a good
excuse.  We ended up following Yoshimoto down the stairs.  How do I get
myself into these situations?

   These director people were sitting in the cafeteria.  The two boys from
earlier smiled at me when I walked in, but I just ignored them.

   One of these directors was a lady lawyer, Junko something, and the
other, Mr.  Nakata, a former executive for the American branch of a large
Japanese placement agency.  I'd actually seen Mr.  Nakata around the
cultural centre before.  I think he did tea ceremony.  I originally thought
that he was this refined connoisseur of the arts, but he actually turned
out to be a fairly sly old charmer.  He looked me over carefully, making me
a bit nervous.  He started asking me about how I'd come to the States and
what my plans were.  With his connections, he might be able to find me a
job when I graduate.

   While we were talking though, Mr.  Yoshimoto had come around behind me,
and was peering down at my bottom.  I couldn't really fiddle with my skirt
with all these people watching, so I just gave Yoshimoto a bashful smile,
hoping I didn't look too indecent.  He seemed puzzled by my outfit, but was
trying not to stare.  I was after all one of his prize volunteers and one
of the reasons for the festival's success apparently.

   Mr.  Nakata cleared his throat, and asked me,

   "Emi, could you be a dear, and bring me one of your arrangements?  I'll
set it up in the tokonoma in my home." A tokonoma is an alcove along the
wall of a Japanese style room where people hang art or poetry.

   "Oh I'm sorry, sir.  I've already sold my own arrangement.  I think
Miyoko still has one of hers though."

   Nakata's eyes darkened.  I wasn't sure why, but he didn't seem quite so
interested in Miyoko as he was in me.  He expressed his regrets at not
getting to buy my arrangement.  I began to wonder if I could get away with
giving him a peek just to thank him for his 'support.' The problem though
was the lady lawyer sitting right next to him.  I was pretty sure she
wouldn't approve if she knew I were pantiless.

   When Nakata turned to question Miyoko, I slid over, and stood next to
him trying to hide from the lawyer lady.  I smoothed down my dress at the
front, but leaned over looking up at him with wide eyes.  I waited for a
lull, and then quietly asked him if I could get his email address.  He
agreed, but he didn't have a business card with him, so I invited him to
come back with me to our ikebana table, where my stuff was.  Miyoko stayed
with Yoshimoto and the lady lawyer, so I finally managed to get away from
them.

   I led the way, but I was getting all excited by then, happy to have
found an ally of sorts.  I held my dress down at the front, but I could
feel it creeping up at the back, leaving my booty exposed.  He was trying
to act all dignified and such, but he did sneak a brief peek down at my
bottom.

   When I got to our table, I scurried around behind to fetch a pen and
paper from my bag.  My hello kitty was tingling away like crazy, but I
wasn't really sure how far I should take this.  Should I let him see that I
am naked?  Would he look down on me?  Or introduce me to the job of my
dreams?  I did feel like I could trust him, but there were a lot of people
around, so I had to be careful.

   Mr.  Nakata was no shrinking violet.  He followed me around behind our
table, watching as I squatted down to get a pen from my bag.  I felt for my
skirt, but it had lurched up exposing even more of my behind.  I felt so
embarrassed.  I hadn't really intended to flash him so soon.

   I stood back up, hiding my face in my hair, curious as to what he
thought of my bottom.  I peered over at him, trying to gauge his reaction.
He did seem surprised of course, but he gave me a gentle smile, reassuring
me that it was alright.  My whole body was tingling now in the warm glow of
having found a new 'friend.'

   Remembering what we'd come there for, I spread the paper out on the
table, and set down the pen next to it, so Mr.  Nakata could write his
email address.  When he went to write, I leaned forward, setting my elbows
down on the table next to him, peering up at him with wide eyes.  I was
trying to act natural, but I was kind of exposing my ass again, almost
daring him to look.  He met my gaze, wondering what I was up to, but I just
smiled sweetly, playing innocent.

   I honestly didn't want people to see me naked, but I was riding on a bit
of a natural high by then.  I couldn't quite flash him my breasts either.
My dress was backless, but wrapped pretty tight down my sides.  I stretched
my arms way out almost like I was practicing yoga or something.  He glanced
over at me, aware that I was trying to tease him, but didn't look down at
my rear.

   Complicating matters, I soon caught sight of Wilfred.  I quickly
straightened back up letting my skirt fall back down.  Wilfred already knew
I was naked, so in a way I wasn't so worried about him.  I didn't want him
to see me flirting with Mr.  Nakata though.  I maneuvered around, so Mr. 
Nakata was blocking Wilfred's view.  Having to get creative, I lifted my
arms a bit to pull up my dress, and then rested my butt cheeks on the edge
of the table.  He noticed, but was still trying to play it cool, so he
didn't really react.

   "Are you working still?" I asked.

   "No, just volunteering.  Were you thinking of working in the U.S.  or
Japan?"

   "I don't know.  Either.  I haven't really decided yet."

   "Send me your resume."

   I smiled my appreciation.  I took the paper from him, and double-checked
the spelling of his email address.  I kept leaning forward, showing him
more and more of my bare bottom.  His reaction was so different from
Wilfred and the concession boys though.  They were so hungry, eager to see,
but Mr.  Nakata looked like he felt guilty for catching me naked, worried
maybe that his wife or someone would find us out.  I smiled to signal it
was alright, but I started to have doubts too, wondering if I'd gone too
far.

   Before I could do much, Miyoko came back.  She glared at me, for
standing here so close to Mr.  Nakata, almost like we were thick as
thieves. I straightened up, and pushed my skirt back down.  I thanked Mr.
Nakata, bowed to him, and then finally ran off to the washroom to retrieve
my panties.

   I ran into Mr.  Nakata a few more times after that, but we never quite
got around to talking about jobs.

   More next time,

   Emi Tsuruta
/~emitsuruta/