Same Stars Of Yesterday (book 2)

"&_Ampersand_&"

CXLVIII.
~:•:~

Drew's POV:

"Did something happen to this inn, by the way?" I asked after the short silence succeeding our question as to why we are here.

Eulo and Zolo both looked at each other before Zolo eyed outside the window.

"You might not have heard but this place used to be popular...." Zolo told us that I noticed how Locket got her eyebrows raised.

"Ahh~ I think you haven't heard about this though... I can only imagine that you happen to be from the city... Yeah, I just remembered~" Eulo commented lifting a corner of his lip and keeping his one hand in his left pocket.

Zolo quickly brought his right arm around his twin and laughed telling us that Eulo was just saying random stuffs. It somehow made me feel like something is off about this place.

I looked around me having more time to contemplate about the structure of this inn and I also tried to dug up my memories if I ever known an inn in this place. But first of all, I can't even think that Quioa Town is familiar~

"By popular, like how popular? Uhm, sorry if this sounds kinda weird but I don't think I know this place though~ Honestly, I have only heard the name Quioa Town just today... Or maybe I was just not paying attention when my class studied about places~ hehe..." Locket spoke up being so straighforward with her words.

"I-I think I haven't heard about this place too... I have been thinking about it since before..." Dawn added being a bit uncomfortable since she was obviously fidgeting behind her back.

"Ohh~ That is indeed an issue~ If only that man did not-" Eulo was cut off by himself before he eyed the three of us and Zolo crossed his arms and leaned on the wall by the window of the hallway.

"Hey... Hey... You three are Ash's friend's, right?"

I was caught by the question from Zolo that I felt my finger from my pocket to have twitched.

"He brought us here as his bandmates and for sure as friends~" Locket answered and she looked as if she meant it.

"Indeed... Our little Ash has grown up and made friends so well. I was surprised when he called. And so, maybe we can tell you about this place and why you are here..." Zolo mentioned that I lifted my head anticipating what is to be said.

Why am I anticipating so much?

"Ampersand..." Eulo spoke up after having an eye contact with Zolo and he got that cigarette from his pockets and lighted it up before he turned his back at us.

He blew some smoke and continued on.

"Welcome to your very truly and one only Ampersand Inn..."

"A-Ampersand Inn?? Is that a legitimate name for an inn~?" Locket seemed humored but she chose not to burst into laughter.

"Liam, Percy, and Andrew... Thus, the name Ampersand... They are the ones who really built this place and Percy is our mother." Eulo said still not turning around and he got that cigarette sticking between his fingers.

I find the smell unpleasant at the moment so I had to take a step back.

"Some years ago, our uncles had gone to the coutryside and left this inn to our mother which became her very dear place to manage after marrying our dad. We were told that it was really tough having to manage this inn and employees were not enough to attend to all customers and guests but this inn became successful over the years. If I recall correctly, Ash was just born when his parents were hired to work here and they pretty much lived here as if their home." Eulo eyed outside the window and I couldn't take the scent of the cigarrete so I excused myself before asking permission to open the window.