Chapter 27

`Lavi

Walking fast, I barely arrived on time at the backdoor to prepare for my shift.

"You're late, baka usagi!"

"Ignore him, Lavi. You're just on time," said Lenalee encouragingly.

"Yeah, just ignore Bakanda. He's just being his usual self."

"Shut your mouth, Moyashi," said Kanda as he glared at the said beansprout.

"It's Allen. Can't that little brain of yours get it, Bakanda?" said Allen as he glared back.

Sparks were flying just like the usual. The air-conditioned room grew warmer as the tension rose.

The Chinese girl tried to calm down the two and smiled at me to say that she'll take care of it and that I should change into my uniform already.

I smiled back at her then walked away to change into the uniform.

It was simple compared to what the other waiters wear in other restaurants. I guess Allen's uncle like to keep things simple and not overly extravagant.

It is comfortable too so there is nothing to complain about. I'm really lucky getting a job here. Everyone is really kind.

The customers, most of them didn't think badly of my eye patch. Most were rather concerned. Only a few were bothered. Lenalee made sure to assign me to a table where they won't be bothered by it.

It really made me happy. So far, there hasn't been any problem here.

After changing clothes, I went back to see that Kanda somehow calmed down and is back to work. Allen is by the piano ready to play a piece and Lenalee is at the door ready to welcome the guests coming for lunch.

The clock struck two o'clock. My shift ended. I finished changing and was headed home for lunch.

"Hey, Lavi. Can I come over your place?" asked Allen as he just came out after changing.

"I guess it will be fine. Would Yuu-chan and Lena-chan also come?"

"They're actually going somewhere else and I don't want to be left at home doing nothing."

I smiled back at his complaining expression.

"I should warn you though, Road would love to play with you and she isn't easily satisfied with one game."

I've told stories about Road to Allen but they actually haven't met yet.

"I'm fine with that. I've taken care of kids before."

"But Road isn't just any kid," I added in a whisper that crept out Allen a bit.

He showed a worried expression which made me laugh.

"Don't worry. I was just kidding. Road is a sweet girl."

"Okay," said Allen after giving off a deep sigh of relief.

`Allen

We arrived at Lavi's house and was welcomed by his little cousin Road. She gave a greeting then let us in. Her smile was sweet which made me let my guard down.

I guess Lavi really is just kidding. Right?

The moment the door closed...

She showed a sadistic grin when Lavi left the room to talk with his Aunt. I'm just imagining this, right?

I guess I was exaggerating but her smile looked as if she were planning something.

"You're Allen Walker?" she asked meekly.

"Yeah, and you're Road?"

"Yup. I'm Road Kamelot. You can simply call me Road."

"And you can call me Allen."

We shook hands before she held my wrist.

"Okay, Allen, follow me. I'll show you something."

"How about Lavi?"

"He'll come up later," she said as she led me up the stairs into a room.

Entering it, the room somehow surprised me. Not that it wasn't too unusual for a girl since the room was very much feminine. It's just that, the colors held a bright color of pink. The floor was colored like a chess board except the fact that it's pink instead of white. Adding to that, the style of the room was like a mixture of lolita and gothic.

"Come over here and close the door before Lavi come inside. I'll show you something really nice."

I did as said and closed the door. I walked towards her then settled down in a sitting position next to her in front of a box.

"What is this?"

"Photographs. Old ones when Lavi and Tyki were children. Would you like to see?"

"Tyki is Lavi's brother, right?"

"Yup and he's my cousin or rather like a brother to me."

Road opened the box and took out the old album.

We both opened it to see pictures of Lavi and Tyki together playing around.

They look nothing alike. Lavi never told me much about his family but I can tell that he isn't related to him by blood.

Was he abandoned by his parents like I was?

Stop it, Allen. Don't think of negative thoughts.

Lavi is even looking so cheerful in these photographs. His smile is brighter than ever. The two of them really look like siblings with those smiles. Ignore the physical characteristics, they are siblings.

I wonder though, how does Lavi's parents look like? I have never seen mine. Are their photographs here?

My hands looked though the box but found none.

Allen, you should control your curiosity. There is no need to think too much of the past.

"Allen?" asked a concerned Road.

I smiled to assure her nothing was wrong. I tried to stop myself from spacing out.

Everything's fine despite the past. We both belong in a family now and are happy. I should stop thinking negatively. Focus here, Allen. Focus.

A knock came at the door.

"Irmã, what are you doing there with Allen? I'm coming in," said Lavi as he unlocked the door and walked inside.

"Ola, Lavi," said Road while smiling innocently.

"What have you got there, Road?"

"Photographs. Tyki came across them awhile ago. I asked him to lend them to me before he placed it back in the attic."

"Of whom?"

"You and Tyki. When you were children. You looked really cute."

"Thanks, Road. Can I see?"

"Sure. Come over here."

`Lavi

I didn't expect to see those photographs again. I didn't want to worry them so I retained my cheerful character and went along with it.

And looking at Allen, I bet he's figured out that I was adopted. He won't ask though since that's the way he is.

The photographs usually bring nice memories but I remember lies.

The lies that I wished weren't lies.

"Where is this place, Lavi?"

"It's the local park near our old home."

Home? It brings me good memories but not all of those were true.

It's hard putting up a smile. My persona is getting harder to portray.

I can't let them know. I'll just excuse myself for a short while. I'll just say I'm going outside for a breath of fresh air

"Allen, I'm leaving you with Road for awhile. I'm just going to take a short walk outside for a breath of fresh air."

He seems to understand my situation and agreed. He even tried occupying Road's mind with other things so she wouldn't notice too much.

It won't do to cause trouble.

`littlebunny1412: Thank you for reading.

Thank you to 'You Still Love Me', 'PINKhairedBADASS' and 'Lifepaw' for reviewing.

Two days away from Christmas ^_^

Advance Merry Christmas!

12/23/2011