ARC 1.2: Masaki Household

2 years have passed since then.

Quirra was standing by the front door, and tiredly sighed as she watched her sisters fighting.

"It's totally your fault! Not mine!!" Kiiara screamed at Reign.

"How is it my fault!?" Reign screamed back as she tried to push their younger sisters away who were holding her and Kiiara back from tearing each other out.

As Reign (15) was squirming from Rina's (12) hold on her, Kiiara (16) glared at Reign heatedly under Mika's (11) hold.

"Haven't I told you to watch the stove while I quickly talk on the phone!?" Kiiara said as she tried to push Reign out of the way.

"Quickly my ass! You took an hour away when I told you I could only take 5 minutes to watch the stove! And yet you took your sweet time to talk to Clint and forgot to keep an eye on the dinner that QUIRRA ASKED YOU TO MAKE!" Reign retorted back.

"Well who's the one who DIDN'T told me they were LEAVING out of the house?" Kiiara scoffed then added in a loud voice; "I could've went back to cooking IF ONLY YOU TOLD ME!!!"

Reign smirked at her and said "You're not my mother! besides, didn't you say that you would only be on the phone QUICKLY!? While I CLEARLY told you that my ride was coming to pick me up in 5 minutes. you're the one who was distracted on the phone, that dinner end up burning!! So don't blame me if I tell Quirra the TRUTH!" she snickered and added; "She'll be sooo MAD at you!"

When Reign snickered, Kiiara couldn't help explode in anger towards Reign and shouted; "SHUT UP! SHUT THE HELL UP!!" before she lunged at Reign.

Quirra felt that now would be the best time for her to intervene, so in a loud voice she said; "BOTH OF YOU STOP!! AND SHUT THE F**K UP!!"

Kiiara paused in her actions, then turned to look at Quirra in surprise. All of the girls stared at Quirra in shock, they never heard her curse before so their expressions were quite normal.

Meanwhile, Quirra had just gotten off from her 12-hour shift at a famous Hotel, where she works as a housekeeper.

Everyone in the room went quiet and bowed their heads in shame, after they saw their eldest sister's haggard and exhausted form. They all felt guilty and ashamed to face her.

"The both of you.." Quirra gestured at Kiiara and Reign with her hand, "clean this mess in the kitchen and start making dinner all over again. Stop arguing and start working! I don't have the time to deal with you guys right now. You're both old enough to be responsible, so you should already know what to do by now. Why do I always have to tell you guys!?" she told them as she took her work uniform and a clean towel at her dresser drawer in the living room, where she currently stayed at, before walking to where Rina and Mika is.

Hand on her hip; "You girls..." she pointed at her youngest sisters, "are you done with your homework?".

Both girls shake their heads No, to which Quirra sighed. "Go back to your room and do your homework. Dinner will be ready by the time you both finished. isn't that right Kiiara, Reign!?" she turned to look at her other sisters who were currently busy doing what she told them in the kitchen.

Kiiara glared at her for a moment before she ignored everyone and went back to cleaning up the mess.

"I'll be cleaning while Reign cooks." she finally said when she reached the sink.

Reign kept her eyes to the ground as she started to prepare dinner.

With the 2 older girls doing housework, Quirra finally took a quick shower and changed into her work uniform. When she came out of the bathroom she saw her 3 younger brothers come in thru the front door.

Leo (17), Brent (14), and Clyde (13) were still in their soccer uniforms when they arrived at home from school.

"Quirra" Leo smiled as he greeted Quirra, while the rest just nod their heads upon seeing her.

Quirra worked so much that they hardly ever saw her. While she worked, Leo was the designated caretaker and disciplinarian at home, while Grandma Maggie also worked part-time to help with their finances.

"I'm heading off to work." Quirra told Leo.

"Let me send you off to work! I have something I want to talk about with you so let's talk on the way." Leo replied.

"Okay then. Brent, Clyde make sure you both do your homework!" Quirra told the other boys before she went out of the house.

"Yes, Quirra." both brothers responded, and went to their rooms to do their things.

"Kiiara and Reign! Make sure to check your younger brothers's homework!" Leo shouted at the girls in the kitchen as he followed Quirra outside, but as he was closing the front door he added; "When I get back I'll also check both of your homework!!".

Kiiara and Reign grumbled under their breaths as they continued working in the kitchen.

Outside the house....

while they were walking, Leo was the first to speak, "Once I graduate, I'll find a job as well. Then it won't be so hard for you and Grandma."

Quirra was surprised by Leo's suggestion.

"No! Don't. You have to continue with your studies and graduate in college." she told him. "This family can only afford one drop-out! Besides, Mom and Dad will be furious to know that you didn't go to college! So just spare me the scolding when I get to meet them in the afterlife." she joked at Leo.

"But what about you?" He asked worriedly.

"Who says I'm not going to college?" she replied, smiling "Once everyone graduates from college, I can get my GED and then attend college."

-Although it sounds like a good plan...- Leo can't help but frown at Quirra's reply. He was really worried for her. "I just want to help you out, and Grandma too." he pouted at Quirra. Leo really wanted to help his eldest sister.

Quirra smiled widely upon hearing his brother's concern and so she said "But you are!"

"Huh?" Leo was confused as to what she mean.

Sensing his confusion, Quirra softly explained, "While I'm working, you take care of the house as well as our family. You're the one who taught them how to cook, and do chores. You always make sure their homework is done. And whenever thay have some issues with their friends, you were the one present to advise them."

Quirra stopped walking and looked at Leo in the eyes then smiled warmly, as she continued; "You've helped me and Grandma so much, you just didn't know. We noticed your efforts and we really appreciate all you've done. I couldn't have done what I do without you backing me up." she then patted his head and continued walking towards her workplace.

Leo stood rooted at his place as he went silent for a while before he managed to compose himself and catch up with Quirra. He was touched with what she told him. He was so touched that he felt like crying. -It really feels good to be appreciated. All the hardwork pays off.- he thought to himself.

"Thank you, Quirra." Leo told Quirra when he finally got ahold of his emotions.

Quirra just smiled at him in response.

They both continued walking in silence.

Each mulling over their own thoughts.