Third Night

Ar and Rooga came out, looking very fresh. Rooga's hair was a bit long, I should cut it. He was grinning from eye to eye, so happy just from taking a bath. Maybe because of who he was taking it with.

The six of us had dinner... uhmm, not quite peacefully. On a long table for 12 people, 5 on each side and 1 on each edge. I sat on the main chair, my right, there were Rooga, Ar, and Feena. And my left side, there were Ibil and Roona.

"Sis, don't! I like the beef stew!" Rooga looked at Feena angrily.

"Oops, maybe next time." Feena put the remaining stew to her bowl.

"Finish your food, don't fight. Rooga, you can choose other dish," coaxed Ibil.

"Mommy...," Rooga looked at me with tears, looking so pitiful.

"A man doesn't cry over food," I said flatly.

Rooga pouted slightly. He stopped crying.

Ibil stunned looking at me, but didn't say anything.

I was a bit overwhelmed. It's the first time in a long years since I've dinner with many people. 3 years? 4 years? It's been so long that I couldn't remember.

The day I came to this wonder world, I met two strangers and spent the night with a little elf. The second day I met with the rest, but all had gone on their own except for meeting in the afternoon, so again I was mostly with demon princess and the little elf. Tonight was our first dining together... as family. As mothers and children. It would be perfect if the original Sally's here, not me, the fake one.

Family, huh... I wondered how's mine in Earth.

What's big brother doing? Where's my little sister now? I miss them so much. I should have called big brother... at least, telling him that I care. If the two of us together, maybe it'll be easier to find her.

"New semester will start in two weeks. I already registered the three of you." (Ibil)

"I heard they just teach reading and writing, because there are common people who still illiterate." Complained Feena.

"Of course not. The teachers're ex adventurers. You can learn magic or swordmanship or archery and many more. It has not advance curriculums like Dandeli, but I promise you, it's a proper school." (Ibil)

"I'm full, I'll go first."

I lost my appetite. The thought about my missing sister ruined my mood.

Ever since Mom's gone, my world crumbled in pieces. And when Dad married again, even those pieces were not spared. Merely because a man, I hurt my sister, all because of my selfishness. And because of nonsense pride, I cut myself from the family. From my dear brother.

I took a quick wash. Cooling my heavy head, then back to my room. Sitting on the window, looking at the beautiful stars in the sky. Night wind soothed my lonely soul.

"*Wise men say only fools rush in

but I can't help falling in love with you

Shall I stay, would it be a sin

If I can't help falling in love with you..." I sang my family hymn. Mom's fav song.

"Like a river flows surely to the sea

Darling so it goes, some things are meant to be

Take my hand, take my whole life too

for I can't help falling in love with you..."

A little head poked in the door. I waved to let him in. Rooga ran in with his little feet.

"Have you brushed your teeth?" I asked, lifting him on my lap.

"Yup, iiii...," he grinned, showing his pearls-like teeth. "What were Mommy singing just now?"

"It's... the song my mom sang before I sleep when I was young," I smiled, hiding sadness in my heart.

"I don't understand, but I like it. Is it elven language?" (Rooga)

No, kid, it's a proper English-language.

I thought a moment. I sang once again, this time in their language.

Rooga giggled happily, leading my hands to hold him tight. It's soft, warm and comfortable. Not long, Rooga fell asleep. I wanted to bring him to his room, but he wouldn't let me go. And so, again, in the third night I slept with the little elf.