The Monster Within

Chapter 1.4

"I cannot believe that this happened at school. How many times have I told you to stop making a scene, Eren?" Carla then turned to Mikasa and said to her, "And Mikasa, you too? You don't have to go along with everything Eren tells you to. I told you to keep him in check, not get in trouble."

It was safe to say that Carla Jaeger was angry. Really angry. She was furiously scooping their dinner into individual bowls while letting out deep sighs. As soon as she finished, she rubbed her temples in circular motions and closed her eyes in an attempt to calm herself. However, that was not entirely effective. She turned to face her children, hands now placed on her hips, and her eyebrows were lower and pulled closer together. Her eyes themselves were squinted and her mouth was drawn in a fine line. Carla's expression conveyed two things: anger and disappointment. Both Mikasa and Eren knew that they were in trouble. And on top of that, they would have to survive dinner with an angry mother, which never ends well.

"Sorry." Mikasa managed to let out a soft whisper while fidgeting with her scarf. She did know what else to say. She did not want Carla to regret taking her in after that horrid night.

"Mikasa, I am very disappointed in you. I expected this from Eren, but definitely not from you." Carla said in a serious tone.

"It's not her fault, mom. I was the one who talked in class. Mr. Kaufman was just too hot headed and dragged Mikasa even when she tried to stop me just because we're friends and she's trying to look out for me. Armin got in trouble too, and we all know he's the teacher's pet. Well, maybe not anymore, but that's besides the point." Eren interjected as he stood up from his chair and slightly shook the table. He could not take it anymore. He knew full well that Mikasa had nothing to do with this. She would not be stupid enoguh to argue with the teacher. It was all his fault and he managed to drag his best friends into trouble.

Carla scoffed. "See? There you go again, Eren. At first, it was just the kids in the neighbourhood that you argued with. Then, a few years later you picked fights with the older kids and you started talking back to me and your father. Now, you argue with your teacher? What's next? Are you going to storm inside Wall Sina and debate with the King?" Carla said as she raised her voice. If she were to be honest, she hated yelling at her children, she really did. She absolutely loves them and she loves taking care of them. But, Carla knew that if she did not, they could get into more fights and arguments that they might not be able to escape without dire consequences. It was for their own good.

Eren did not know what to say to that. As a response, he said weakly, "I-I didn't mean to. I just asked a question and he got angry."

"Could you please just—" Carla said, but was immediately cut off by Grisha.

"Carla, it's alright. Let me try." Grisha said calmly as he placed his hand on his wife's shoulder in an attempt to calm her down.

"Eren, I know this must be hard for you. You are a growing boy and naturally, you have many questions that you want answered. I do support you," he paused and glanced at both his children and continued, "both of you, actually, in your quest to find the answers you seek. Curiosity is a part of life; it's what makes us human. If we didn't have it, we would be no different from the cows in Wall Rose."

"Grisha, what are you saying?" Carla said, clearly shocked at her husband's words.

Grisha turned to his wife and said with a soft smile, "What I'm trying to say to them is that it's okay. Now, you two," he then turned to his children, "Just remember that there is a time and place for everything. Respect your elders and learn what you can. What happened today made your mother and I incredibly disappointed, and it shall never happen again. It's alright to be curious, just make sure to respect the opinions of others. We all live different lives and have had different experiences, so it's natural to have a different opinion from others," he took another pause, "And don't rush into growing up. You have the rest of your lives to be adults."