Chapter 4

It's almost midnight and my assignment as part of homeschooling is finally complete.

That means it's time for some snacks!

There was a bell on the door and I went to answer it.

"Welcome back mother"I greeted my mom who answered with my tired smile.

Why can't my lost brother acknowledge how hard our parents work for us and says nonsense like to work is too lose.

I insisted on taking the shopping bag she was holding and took it to the kitchen.

"You want me to make something to eat"I asked to which she replied from the living room.

"No thanks dear.

Are Hachiman and Komachi asleep?"

"Yes mom.

It was Monday after all."

When I returned to the living room she was sitting on the sofa and her eyes were closed like she was taking the nap.

My relatives had mentioned that I look like my mother,except that I don't wear glasses and my hair are not as healthy.

She then looked at me and motioned me to sit down.

It seemed like she wanted to talk again.

"Were your hospital tests alright?"

I shrugged

"You know,the usual"

She nodded and after a moment of awkward silence I asked

"Mom...does my being here make things hard for you?"

She almost had a look of shock on her face and it slowly changed to that of understanding.

"What brought this up,Rikka?

Did something happen?"

I took a moment to sum up my thoughts

"I met a friend of Hachiman yesterday,even though he would ever admit it because he thinks being a loner is cool or something.

Anyways,I realised that I almost know no one outside family and take it for granted you'll keep taking care of me like always"

I realised I've been clenching my fists

"Am I being a burden to you?"

Mom had been listening quietly and looked away,seemingly to gather her thoughts.

She sighed lightly and looked at me.

"I'll be honest Rikka,when you were diagnosed with XP and were told what it entails your father and I were horrified.

I even blamed myself for a long time but no matter what you are our daughter and we accepted what we had to do.

We will always love you no matter what."

I was speechless as it had been a long time we had a conversation so personal.

I mean they would dote on Komachi,her being younger and all but father's attention towards her is sometimes...scary.

She got up from her sofa

"Well,I going to bed and your father will probably come home drunk so don't be too harsh on him"

I laughed on making a mental picture of his state

"He's more fun when he's drunk and can't even find the door to his room"

Instinctly,I stepped forward and hugged and after staying still for a moment,reciprocated by gently holding my shoulders.

Now I'm starting to feel embarrassed for doing this but didn't regret it.

We let go and mother walked towards her room but stopped just before her room's door and turned towards me.

"I know we don't get to talk like this a lot but let me know if anything bothers you"

I felt my smile grow wider

"Sure thing,mom"

She turned and opened the door.

"And one more thing"

She stopped and turned back to me.

I took a moment of hesitation before saying

"Brother may be lousy and seems apathetic,he feels lonely and neglected.

Can father at least lay off of him,Komachi will not like being treated like a little girl forever"

She sighed but understood what I meant

"Let's just say father is still in his doting stage.

But I can ask him to at least pay attention to Hachiman."

She thought about something for a moment,then said

"We'll celebrate together Hachiman's next birthday like family.

I'll force your father if I have to that he at least give him a present"

Once mom had made up her mind there is no stopping her.

I think I just scored some Rikka points!...

Nah,it sounds so corny unless Komachi said it.

So what was I going to do again

*stomach growling*

Right!Snacks.

A/N : Hachiman is neglected in the LNs in favour of Komachi by his parents and never even celebrate his birthday which is kind of sad.

Makes me appreciate my parents even more.