Chapter 28

Gerda was in her last lessons in Spanish, where a few of her classmates were attending as well. Gerda was writing down on a sheet, where she appointed her homework for the entire week the task she had just received and looked aside at her deskmate, which was Nathaniel Kurtzberg holding his smartphone to take an image of the task, the teacher had appointed on the blackboard.

„Has the smartphone got an agenda or something similar?" Asked Gerda earning Nathaniel's attention.

„Most of them. I just take pictures, cause it's quicker," Answered the redhead showing Gerda the picture.

„Okay and if I would want to write something down like an important appointment, where exactly do I have to go?" Asked Gerda watching Nathaniel press on a white symbol to open a book-like app with lots of white lines and pressed on the first line and wrote down their lesson language on it, then pressed on the ball aside to show additional options about the due time and date.

„You can also add colors to it to note how important that task is," Explained Nathaniel making it change. „You can delete or tick them off when you're done with them,"

„Thanks Nathaniel," Responded Gerda trying to use it on her own, while most of the students around her got up, getting ready to leave.

„Hey has anyone got a second umbrella?" Questioned Mireille looking at the other students, then some looked out to see it was raining.

„I borrow you mines if you want to. I live a few blocks away from here," Offered another girl handing out from her backpack a small, brown umbrella.

Gerda got up and joined the classmates to leave the room, then all got split and Gerda stopped at the chairs to take a look into her backpack to check if she had all the books she needed. She moved on, reaching the court to see Wayhem play along with Kim basketball on their own and Gerda moved to the exit to see the rain beginning to grow more intense making her smile and lean her back on the wall to watch it.

„Wow," Gerda admired the current state of the weather, then watched beside her Nathaniel pass by along with his friend Alix, which carried with her a small umbrella and tried to squeeze together with the friend under it. Gerda watched curious the two use it to protect themselves from the rain. Gerda looked down into her backpack to see Snowflake, which had seen the other two as well.

„I'm not sure if using any of your books is going to protect you from the rain," Commented Snowflake making Gerda nod.

„They're most likely going to get real wet and decay. I will wait for a little and see if the rain stops or reduces itself," Mentioned Gerda making the spirit nod, then wide her eyes and disappear into the bag and Gerda looked back to encounter Rollan coming along with a pink umbrella, which he was trying to keep it open, but he couldn't.

„Por qué no se abre esta mierda?" Mumbled Rollan in his mother tongue, making Gerda chuckle and call the boy's attention, which looked at the girl. „Hey Gerda!" Greeted Rollan surprised. „Got surprised by the rain as well?"

„Yeah," Responded Gerda watching Rollan step further at the rain while holding the umbrella up.

„That little thing there doesn't want to clip the umbrella up," Stated Rollan trying to close it with his big thumb making Gerda chuckle noticing the size difference between his thumb and the little thing.

„Maybe I can help you," Offered Gerda getting under the umbrella and managed to lock the head of the umbrella to keep it up. „There you go,"

„Maybe this is meant to be used for people with small hands," Guessed Rollan making Gerda shrug her shoulders.

„Your hands are a little bigger than mines and that clip there is so small, I can understand your struggle," Gerda admitted watching Rollan hold the umbrella over the two.

„You haven't gotten from anyone an umbrella. Right?" Questioned the Spaniard making Gerda nod. „The housekeeper borrowed me one and we both fit under it. I can accompany you home like this if you're okay with it,"

„Thanks for the offer," Responded Gerda. „I had thought you were home already or playing basketball,"

„Oh no, actually I had lessons with Mrs. Mancinelli. Now I'm going home and will take a shower, then see what Mrs. Hemming had left out for me to make for dinner,"

„Are you always doing the dinner at their house?" Questioned Gerda making Rollan nod.

„Well, that's practically what I have to do as an Au-Pair. Almost the entire household," Explained Rollan. „Cooking and cleaning is the easiest thing for me to do. Ironing can sometimes be unhandy for me,"

„I know what you're going through. When I was around 10 years I think, I learned how to iron and the first weeks were terrible to get the hang of it. If you need any advice, I'll lean you a hand or give you some advice,"
„Sure….but you know the new time has gotten different irons, right?"

„I haven't seen one yet, to be honest, but I don't think there's any big difference in how to iron," Commented Gerda making Rollan snicker.

„Alright I think you're right," Agreed Rollan making Gerda smile. „The boys at the house, Jett and Jake have recently grown very fond of me lately. This morning Mrs. Hemming told me she covered me and her son last night because I fell asleep during reading to the boys. This morning she even took the opportunity to take a photo,"

„You're like their older brother, Rollan," Commented Gerda. „With their parents often absence you're the best thing to happen to them,"

„They do really look quite happier when they have a third person. This I have to admit,"

„Yes. I also believe that the way you treat them and how your character is, plays a role. You surely were kind and gentle around them,"

„They're kids. They're usually really friendly with newbies," Rollan commented, then a thunder stroke over the city shrieking both students, that looked at the sky, that had shown a blinking in the sky from the weather. Both students looked at each other bewildered about the same reaction, then began to laugh.

„This now reminds me, that the boys must be home right now and they're eventually afraid of thunders….or that's what I think," Mentioned Rollan. „I may just be thinking too much," Gerda giggled softly and placed her hand on Rollan's shoulder.

„You're such a magnificent guy, Rollan. The boys are lucky to have you around," Commented Gerda with a soft smile making Rollan furrow his left eyebrow up looking at the girl, which seemed to be lowkey enchanted by him. Rollan dropped his mouth a little as behind him at the same time another quieter thunder cracked. The rain notably grew again, shrieking the two friends, which withdrew tight to each other and Gerda placed her hands around Rollan's waist to stay under the umbrella he was holding. The two's eyes suddenly met as they glimpsed away from the rain, then blushed about each other. Rollan slowly moved his lips into a smile at the girl, then along with her he moved his head aside hearing a car honk and they spotted an SUV standing there, sinking down the side window, which showed Georgette Hemming in it along with her husband.

„Rollan, get in! We're going home," Exclaimed the woman loud, so Rollan was able to hear the woman through the rain.

„Follow me. They can bring you home as well," Offered Rollan watching Gerda look out at the weather, then nodded.

„If they're okay with it," Answered Gerda, then Rollan ran together with the girl to the car and opened the door, then waited for Gerda to get in.

„Is it okay, if we take her?" Asked Rollan making Arthur nod, which looked back to see the girl get into the car and Rollan turned his back to the entrance to close the umbrella.

„Now I made it," Commented Rollan closing the door and look for a place for the umbrella, then Arthur shoved it down at the feet of the back seat passengers.

„What a wild weather, right?" Asked Arthur. „Just passed by Georgette's hospital as it was raining and thought about passing here as well,"

„I had borrowed the umbrella here to walk home. Thanks for the offer," Rollan responded. „Is it okay, if we bring Gerda home?" Questioned Rollan.

„I live at the youth home at…..,"

„Oh I thought she was coming with us," Mentioned Georgette making Gerda chuckle.

„I planned to go home only," Responded Gerda. „I don't mind to come with Rollan, if he doesn't mind," Mentioned Gerda looking at the raven-haired boy.

„I don't mind it," Answered Rollan and Arthur nodded.

„We don't as well," Commented Arthur moving on with the vehicle.

„Have you got any homework to do? I'll have around the 6 to start to do the dinner," Explained Rollan, then Arthur had an idea and waited for the two to pause in their conversation.

„Spanish for next week, for tomorrow it's Literature and History," Gerda had answered, then noticed Arthur wanted to speak. „Uh Rollan?"

„Huh what?" Asked Rollan noticing the blonde man, then grinned." Perdona….uh did I miss something?"

„No, no. I just had an idea. Today you can skip the cooking. All of us. We buy it instead," Suggested Arthur.

„Oh and I think we could get us hamburgers today or anything else?" Suggested Georgette. „I promised the boys after the summer vacation they could pick a place for us to go dinner,"
„They're probably at home doing their homework or finishing it. We'll just get there and ask. I think Jett asked me about this once,"

„Oh I didn't catch that," Commented Georgette, then looked back at the teens, which were facing forwards. „You're alright with that?" Asked the woman seeing the two teens nod.

Adrien stood in front of the statue of Ladybug and Cat Noir looking at it, remembering the times the duo only existed together. Adrien heard footsteps on the path, then looked around to see Rena Rouge race towards his direction and he waved at the heroine.

„Where's Ladybug?" Asked Adrien noticing she hasn't arrived.

„She's on her way. She got a little delayed," The fox-themed heroine responded. „She told you what's up, right?"

„Yes about her suspicious of Hawk Moth being my father," Commented Adrien.

„Are you okay with the plan of investigating your father for this case?" Questioned Rena Rouge. „You know it's not quite easy as it sounds to hear such a thing about the own family,"

„Some of the reasons she noticed about the theory do sound rational. I really hope we can find out anything,"

„Me too," Agreed Rena Rouge. „Adrien…..uh theoretically, what are you expecting to find out in here….How do you think you're going to feel if we find out your father really has anything to do with Hawk Moth? Or what if this is just a coincidence?"

„I really don't know what I should say," Mentioned Adrien sitting down on the socket of the statue. „Just to think about how things will change, if we figure out my father to be Hawk Moth or not,"

„Whatever the solution is, we superheroes are all here for you. If you need to talk about it, tell us," Offered Rena Rouge making the blonde nod and from above appeared Ladybug carrying Kagami Tsurugi in her arms.

„I'm sorry. It took us a little while, because of her mother's presence," Mentioned Ladybug helping Kagami down, then Adrien got up and waved at his former girlfriend.

„Hello Kagami," Greeted Adrien neutral, while Kagami had the same deadpan expression as the blonde.

„Hello Adrien. I've….Ladybug told me what's up and as I seemed to be for this plan the best shot I came along," Told the Japanese girl. „To be honest, I'm not really in a mood in working together with you, but it's for a good cause,"

„I can understand you," Commented Adrien remembering his low point on his relationship with the girl. „I shouldn't have done that in the first place,"

„I'm glad you two put aside your issue, so you can work together," Began Ladybug placing her hand on the shoulder of the two teens. „The plan is quite simple or well I know….heard about your father being strict as well….so Adrien you have to take Kagami into your house and tell your dad you two have to do something together for school. You try to search while you're away from Gabriel for anything suspicious. Figure out a way to lead Gabriel out of his office or any other places, he's around often. Search behind every picture, curtain for a clue. Make sure you're not caught or anything. Work together to make sure you have success,"

„The second floor will be an easy bite for us to look through. The first level will be hard as long as my father or anyone else is around," Mentioned Adrien. „Wait…..I have another idea, I just need to know if you're okay with this. My dad has to leave this week and the next one morning to visit Audrey because of a design he had in mind and the house will be empty. I find a way to skip school and return home. You try to do the same and then in peace we can search up the first level. How does this sound?"

„It sounds like a better idea, but aren't the outside cameras of your house activated?" Questioned Kagami making Adrien nod.
„Yeah, but my father rarely checks on them. Only when something happened, he's most likely to take a look at them,"

„Okay and will someone watch and warn us?" Questioned Kagami making Ladybug nod.

„I'll tell Cat Noir to come along and stay in watch," Warned Ladybug making Adrien grin.

„Oh…..uh….where is Cat Noir actually?" Started Adrien. „I heard he was sick,"

„Uh….oh….right he called me before with a low voice and a lot of coughs. Maybe it will be up to me and Rena Rouge only," Responded Ladybug. „Okay, do you think you're able to find out tonight the exact time your dad will leave?"

„Sure I can check it,"

„Good, then I'll see you tonight," Commented Ladybug making Adrien nod.

At the household of the Hemmings, the Swedish-descendant Family sat around the table along with Rollan and Gerda having dinner. As the kids had wished, they all received for dinner hamburger. The twins sat next to each other eating from a small paper bag of fries and showed each other a toy they had received from their kids' menu.

Gerda observed the kids play with the superheroes-inspired figures, then looked at Rollan, which was enjoying the double-cheeseburger he had.

„It's really amazing how these children-specific menus offer them toys," Commented Gerda making Rollan nod. „I think for all kids, this is the best part of the dinner,"

„That reminds me of the times I received as a kid small chocolate or caramel flans, when I would eat all the food from my plate," Mentioned Rollan. „This one restaurant did it with each family that had children,"

„Ah cool. Have you been there a lot?"

„Not much. Maybe 5 times when I was young," Answered Rollan. „This was in the time before my father passed away,"

„Yeah I remember," Commented Gerda. „I would have given anything to be able to sit around the table with my entire family like you used to,"

Rollan nodded taking another bite from his cheeseburger, then picked up a few fries to stuff it in his mouth watching the twins.

„Can I have a bit of ketchup again?" Asked Jett looking at his father, which grabbed a small ketchup pack to give it to his son, which took it to use. „Thank you, dad,"
Rollan took a sip from his soda, then warped his face from sensing the amount of gas on his tongue.

„I think with fewer gas, it would be enjoyable for me," Commented Rollan and took another bite of his burger, then from his burger ketchup dropped on his chin and Rollan passed his tongue over it cleaning half of the blotch away.

Gerda placed her burger down to drink from a bottle with apple juice, then noticed Rollan had still a bit of ketchup on his chin, which made her grin. Rollan noticed Gerda's eyes on him and met with them wondering, what was up. The girl picked up a serviette, then reached it on Rollan's chin to clean it.

„You've got here a little bit of sauce," Mentioned Gerda making Rollan smile.

„Thanks. Wasn't necessary to do that," Commented the Spaniard.

„I'm sorry, I had to," Gerda told with a giggle, making Rollan chuckle and continue with the dinner along with the girl

"This sort of food none of you must have ever had back in your time," Asked Georgette looking at the two teens.

"Not like this," Commented Gerda. "Basic toast with ham, cheese, or tuna. Nothing fried or grilled,"

"I remember seeing various types of grilled meat, but it was never done this way," The raven-haired boy commented. "This here is really tasty,"

"The gastro operations really have a lot to offer and so do other restaurants around Paris. You've got your life in front of you, you will be able to try everything possible in the world. You don't have to worry, none of us has tried all the possible foods in the world," Arthur commented making Rollan nod.

"I'm really curious to know, what sort of culinary the new world has to offer, which we haven't discovered yet," Gerda added.

"Convenience food is now trending the past decade. You will be surprised to know, how many foods won't need to be proceeded. Would you like to make Fries? Before you would need to peel the potato, cut it and fry it. Now you can buy them frozen and you only need to fry it," Explained Arthur. "Want mashed potatoes with Köttbullar? The marché sells it to warm it up only and it's ready to be consumed or when planning to make it at home, you can just buy the powder to make the mash,"

"Okay,"

"There are foods, that are already done for you to eat. Like the pasta salad, you had seen at our picnic…..I know Rollan noticed when he was with us,"

"I remember," Commented Rollan nodding. "It was surprised at the flavor being so good,"
"You're right Rollan. The good thing for us is to keep using less convenience food and do more of the cooking. It's important in our household, mostly for the boys," Mentioned Georgette seeing Jett laugh along with Jake as one of the toys fell on top of the ketchup on the fries.

"For their health, right?" Asked Gerda making the adult nod. "They're young, they still need a lot of vitamins and other nutrients for their growth,"

"When I grow up I will be as big as my uncle," Commented Jett making Jake laugh.

"Oh who's that, if I may ask?" Questioned Gerda.

"Ah that's my brother, who lives in Sweden. He's about 2m tall. He's the tallest from our village," Answered Arthur surprising Gerda.

"Wow, that's a lot,"

"His wife is about a head or two shorter. She's about my size I think,"

"Shortly when we arrived here we got measured as well. I was something with 170 I think,"

"I was 184 cm I think," Added Rollan. "According to the nurses I'm close to underweight…..or was,"

"Same about me, but I've been eating normally." Commented the blonde, then her smartphone began to ring and she took it out to see it was from the youth home. "Oh, I forgot to tell at the youth home, that I was here,"

"If you have to go home, you can go without any problem," Mentioned Arthur making Gerda nod.

"I will finish this, then I'll go," Mentioned Gerda taking a bite on her last bits of the burger, while Rollan shoves the rest of his cheeseburger into his mouth.

"It's getting dark. Maybe you should drive her?" Questioned Georgette making Arthur shrug.

"It's just 8:37. There's still daylight out there,"

"No one of you needs to drive me. I can go on my own without any problem," Commented Gerda placing her phone down on the table, then heard Rollan hold back a burp, making her grin at his deed.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," Apologized the Spaniard.

"It's fine, it can happen," Commented Gerda collecting her last fries so she could finish the dinner and got up to wash her hands. Rollan watched the girl leave, then he glanced at the adults, then noticed Georgette had a smirk on her face and Rollan tilted his head confused.

"Did I do something wrong?" Asked Rollan making the woman shake her head.

"No, but I was thinking as a friend you could walk her home. Make sure she gets home safely," Suggested Georgette watching the boy pick up a few fries to watch Gerda wash her hands, then Rollan pondered about the words of the woman.

Gerda passed by the table to put back her chair, then Rollan got up and grabbed Gerda's drink.

"Don't forget your drink," Warned Rollan making Gerda nod.

"Oh thanks. So….I have to go," Mentioned Gerda, then Rollan looked at the table, then Georgette rolled her eyes from him at the girl, noticing him to offer her the walk.

"Hey, if you're interested….I could walk you home….So you've got someone to talk with," Offered Rollan making Gerda widen her eyes in surprise.

"You don't mind it?"

"I'm good with it," Stated Rollan making Gerda smile.

"Okay, I'd really like to walk with you," Responded Gerda making the boy smile, then led her away to the exit and looked back along with the girl to the family. "Thanks for the invitation Mr. and Mrs. Hemming. It felt good to be around people sharing a family-like bond,"

"You're always welcome, Gerda," Mentioned Arthur, then Gerda looked at Rollan, which gave her a soft smile and opened the door, so he could leave behind her.

Kai and Alfida sat toge together on the edge of a mail delivery train reach. Reaching their destination. Alfida held in her own hands a map of the entire city of Paris. With a pen, she marked several places on it, which they would need to look for Gerda's possible presence.

"Have you found the Notre dame on it?" Questioned Kai looking at the map of the romantic interest.

"Yeah it's on the island here," Stated Alfida making Kai nod. "Is there something about it?"

"It's a religious place. Gerda could have gone there eventually,"

"It's a good thought, but is there a possibility that she could be there for long?" Questioned the former pirate girl.

"I don't know. One occasional visit is probable. Maybe she has been there already and someone might know something,"

"We see that later. What do you think? Paris is huge on this map. Should we search for Gerda together or do you think it would work for us two if we would split up?"

"I think it's better if we stay together," Responded Gerda's older brother. "A lot could happen to one of us and if someone is around it can be prevented,"

"That's what I thought. After all odd things that came along and in the new surroundings for us, it's quite a good idea,"

"Good, good," Responded Kai, then looked along with reach a railway where it was end station and further on carts stood there, so they could unload the cargo.

Rollan accompanied Gerda along the arrondissement to get to the youth home.

"It didn't really bother you, that I came along?" Asked the Spaniard.

"I wasn't actually expecting you offering me to walk. I wouldn't mind it anyway,"

"Even if I didn't plan to come?"

"Your….guardians just wanted to be sure I would get home safe. You probably would have done it anyway if it was late or far away,"

"Yeah if you'd like to. I wouldn't force you, that I would get you home,"

"I'm fine with walking in the dark. Maybe it's a little scary when you think about walking the path all alone," Commented Gerda. "I haven't really thought about it yet,"

Rollan chuckled and nudged Gerda on her arm.

"You're Gerda. You defeated the Snow Queen and saved your brother. You're one of the bravest girl I have ever met. I can't imagine you fearing the darkness," Stated Rollan making Gerda smile enchanted and roll her eyes away from the boy.

"I'm not really, really scared of the dark. I'm just stating the thought about it,"

"Okay," Commented Rollan.

"How are you doing at the school?" Questioned Gerda. "Any more progress?"

"I'm doing my best. According to Mrs. Manccinelli, I'm doing okay. But it was fine for now on. I'd have to continue to work on it,"

"I'm doing okay too. I've been working together with Fabienne or Rose and Juleka. Thanks to them, I'm able to make it through,"

"Cool. Rose and Juleka are the girls, you're with during the break? The blonde and the raven-haired?"

"Si….uh, yes," Responded Gerda making Rollan chuckle.

"You're imitating me?" Asked Rollan raising his eyebrows making Gerda laugh.

"No, no. It was an accident. I had Spanish class today,"

"Oh right, you mentioned it," Commented Rollan. "How was it?"

"Fine. We've done two pages about the words, we've used last week. It's still easy for me at the moment,"

"You'll see, next year we'll be able to speak Spanish with each other," Commented Rollan making Gerda nod.

"I'd love it," Responded Gerda. "Did you had classes before when I left classes or were you playing basketball? I haven't seen you with the boys,"

"I was with Mrs. Mancinelli. I've been with them two days ago I think,"

"I noticed the few times you were playing with them how good you were at it and how they seemed to adore your presence,"

"I'm really glad there. It's a little strenuous, but entertaining at the same time. Michael offered me when I had more free time he could ask his trainer to add me into their team and play with the others together,"

"That would be amazing Rollan. You're pretty good at playing. You gotta accept this when you got the chance to...and the time of course,"
"Thank you, Gerda," Commented Rollan earning a smile from the blonde. "You….when you got time and I'm on a match with the guys, you can come to watch. Like last time" Offered the Spaniard. "Front row again," Gerda chuckled and nodded.

"I'd like that," Answered the girl making Rollan smile, then the two stopped together in front of a building, then saw on the mailboxes the address of the youth home on it. "Here we are,"

"Woah, that's one big house," Rollan said astonished making Gerda shake her head.

"People have corrected me about it. We call this a building. This is actually more than just the youth home. The first two levels are our youth home, the third level is a food canteen and the rest are offices. I've been there once only. All the rooms look the same, it's not very special,"

"Like classrooms?" Questioned Rollan making Gerda snicker.

"Well in a way," Answered Gerda, then looked at the entrance. "Well, thanks for walking me back home. I really enjoyed the time together with you,"

"Me too," Added Rollan. "We should really be more able to speak with each other or even do short walks like this….We know each other for a little while, but never got to know each other as much,"

"You're right, we haven't. Tomorrow or any of the other following days we could talk with each other and I don't know, maybe visit a place or go on a walk," Suggested Gerda. "What do you think?"

"Would be nice," Answered Rollan making Gerda smile, then the two shared a hug and the blonde sank her head deeper onto his neck, making him smile amused at feeling her head's weight on him.

"Good night, Rollan," Wished Gerda getting off the arms of the Spaniard, which smiled back at the girl.

"Buenas noches," Replied Rollan making Gerda smile and walk at the door to unlock it up with her key. Gerda turned her head around to see Rollan wait for her to enter while having a small smile plastered on his face. Gerda smiled brighter, then departed from the door to hug the raven-haired boy again. "Oy Gerda!"

"Buenas noches, Rollan," Wished Gerda again, making Rollan chuckle and place his hands around Gerda's back.

"Buenas noches," Rollan repeated, then Gerda moved her head up and pressed her lips on Rollan's cheek to give him a peck, surprising him at the unexpected deed of the girl. Gerda returned to the door, followed by Rollan placing his hand on his cheek. "Porque fue eso?" Mumbled Rollan, making Gerda chuckle, understanding half of the sentence.

"Hasta mañana" Said Gerda entering into the building, leaving a dumbfounded Rollan back.

"Dulce…...sueños…." Commented Rollan while caressing the cheek he got kissed on.