Chapter 15

`Lavi

Arriving, I met a child aged around ten who suddenly ran off to me and clinged to me.

"Olá, Lavi-nii. It's me Road."

She spoke a mixture of languages but I understood her clearly and replied in almost the same manner.

"Olá, irmã. You've grown taller and cuter."

"Arigatō, Lavi-nii," she said while beaming a large smile.

"Who taught you that, irmã?"

"Mama taught me a few words she heard from you. They often told me about you. I feel like I know you real well."

"Is that so? Where are they?"

"Mama is in the kitchen. Papa is still at work. Tyki is still in school. They'll be arriving later. Let's get inside. Mama cooked something really good."

"Okay," I said as I brought my things inside.

I put it down first and went to the kitchen.

"Welcome home, Lavi. It had been years. Before you had only been as small as Road."

"I'm not small," said Road as she pouted.

"You'll get taller," I said while hiding my laugh and instead showed a smile.

Auntie Tricia temporarily left her cooking and headed towards me. She suddenly held me in an embrace.

"I missed you so much, Lavi. It has been so long. You feel well after the journey?"

"I'm well, Auntie Tricia."

"Your room is still in the same place, untouched but cleaned regularly. Help Lavi, will you now, Road dear? I'll finish this up and then we'll wait for your Papa and Tyki."

"Yes, Mama. Let's go, Lavi-nii."

"Yes, irmã," I said with a smile then followed her to my old room. She left me there to unpack and headed downstairs to open the door after hearing the knock on the door. She rushed down and I heard her voice saying cheerfully, "Welcome home, Papa. Lavi-nii is up in his room."

"Ah, he has arrived."

"Yes, Papa."

Uncle Sheryl has arrived. Tyki-nii is the only one not yet here.

I went back to my things to unpack. There really aren't much. I only brought a few things with me. I didn't have that many clothes. We didn't spend too much for it despite not having the lack of money to by it. We spent more on books and travels.

I should feel happy being back home but I don't really feel anything. 'Lavi' is the only one cheerful and happy to be here. He actually isn't but acting the part anyways. He is my forty-ninth persona, a cheerful nature he has and takes nothing too seriously but does well with things, an outgoing character and smiles most of the time.

Well, even if I don't really feel anything being here... I am 'Lavi' now. I'll do my best as usual and do the things I came here for.

I came down stairs after finishing to join them. A knock on the door came, I opened it since I was the once nearest to it. I knew who it was at the other side of the door yet I was still surprised when I opened it just as he was.

Silence lingered before I finally broke it while smiling cheerfully.

"Welcome home, Tyki-nii!"

`Tyki

I knew he was arriving here today but seeing him once the door was opened really surprised me. I unconsciously stared at him for awhile with disbelief that he is actually here.

It had been a long time. He has grown taller. What should I say? I-

'Welcome home, Tyki-nii!'

He suddenly greeted my with a wide smile. I blinked a few times making sure that this is actually happening.

Why is he so cheerful? His voice and face looks so cheerful but it isn't entirely real.

Why wouldn't it? There's no way for him to welcome me home with real cheerfulness after what happened years ago.

I saw it in his eye that can't seem to lie no matter what expression he wore, only this time however... it was blank, empty.

Did I really make the right choice in sending him off with Bookman?

Nothing can be done anymore though. I have to do with what I can and solve the case.

It has been long, I need to work fast. I can't let what happened happen again, not another tragedy.

`Lavi

I did my best to sound cheerful and look happy, playing the part of 'Lavi'. I know they aren't used to it since I act like as if all the years that passed hadn't happened. I am even more cheerful unlike before but only Uncle Sheryl and Tyki-nii noticed. Road didn't know and is happy. Auntie Tricia is just content as well that her family is having fun.

It won't be much of a problem. This new persona isn't much. The only problem I have to solve is what Bookman asked me to look for and that is the truth.

little bunny 1412:I hope you like this chapter.

Thanks to 'In a silent night' and 'lal' for reviewing. ^_^

Olá, irmã- Hello, sister. (Portuguese)

Arigatō- Thank you (Japanese)

*Please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm not entirely sure of some of the translations.

11/03/2011