-The Land of ETERNALS-

-Part 5-

Eric's POV

I walked up to the front door of my dad's mansion and rang the bell. The maid opened the door and greeted me with a smile. "Everyone's in the lounge," she said.

"Thanks," I replied with a smile as I made my way towards the lounge. As I entered the room, I saw my dad, his girlfriend, and her two daughters. "Good afternoon!" I greeted everyone, making them all turn to look at me.

"Finally, you're here!" my dad exclaimed as he gave me a warm hug.

"Hey, it's good to see you too," I said with a grin. I turned to my dad's girlfriend and said, "Hi, I'm Eric. It's nice to meet you."

She smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Darla. These are my daughters, Fiorella and Alora." She then gestured towards her daughters. Fiorella? and Alora?  I noticed that these were the same girls who had seen Alaric drinking blood, and I couldn't help but feel relieved that my work would be easier.

"Nice to meet you both," I said as I shook their hands. I notice how pretty Fiorella was. I tried to play it cool, but I was definitely admiring her. And like I wondered what might her name mean, I was still wondering.

"My girls have been dying to meet you," Darla said with a smile. Which obviously was a lie because as soon as Darla said that, Alora whispered to Fiorella; "More like dying because we were nervous about what if he didn't like us"

I chuckled and said, "I'm flattered."

Darla then asked her daughters to introduce themselves. Fiorella went first.

"Hi, I'm Fiorella. It's nice to meet you. I hope we get along."

I noticed she had Hazel eyes. Hazel eyes are often mistaken for just a variation of brown eyes. But as I locked eyes with Fiorella, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about hazel eyes.

There was a certain depth and complexity to her gaze that made me realize how wrong I had been to brush off hazel eyes as mere shades of brown.

"It's nice to meet you, Fiorella," I said with a smile.

"You too," she replied with a hint of a smile.

Next Alora introduced herself, "I'm Alora and I can be quite annoying at times but I hope you can bear with me." 

I chuckled and said, "Oh, don't worry at all. I am all-annoying and all-mischievous myself." 

I bet Alora noticed my obvious admiration for her sister and whispered to her mom that it would be great if we got to know each other.

So we three left the lounge. Alora said to me and Fiorella, "You guys have fun! I'm gonna explore the garden." 

As Alora headed off to explore the garden, leaving Fiorella and me alone, a slight wave of excitement and nervousness washed over me. It was just the two of us now.

"So, Eric, what do you like to do for fun?" Fiorella asked me.

"I like to read, play video games, and listen to music." I said even though this wasn't the truth. For fun, I used to go and enjoy different places at Eternals. But of course, I couldn't tell her that. At least not now. "How about you?" I asked.

"I like to paint, listen to music, and go for walks," she replied.

"Your painting must be amazing," I said with a smile.

Fiorella blushed and said, "Thanks, but I'm not that good."

"I'm sure you're amazing," I said with a grin.

As we walked around the mansion, I couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness. I was getting to know this beautiful girl, and I couldn't believe how lucky I was.

It was like the universe was on my side, giving me the chance to connect with a girl like Fiorella in a way I never thought possible.

Alora's POV

I'm under the frangipani tree, admiring its beautiful flowers, when Eric's dad suddenly appears behind me, making me jump. "Sorry Alora!" he laughs.

I smile. "That's okay." He explains that he, my mom were looking for me, Eric and Fiorella to come in for dinner. 

"Dinner? But Mom said we'd leave before dinner." I mean mom did tell me that before leaving home. Did she change plans all of the sudden?

"Actually, you're all moving in here with Eric and me!" My jaw drops. W to the H to the AT, what?

This mansion would now be my home? Nah, Alora stop.

Adriel explains we can collect our things tomorrow to settle in. 

"And we're also going for vacations." His sudden mention about vacations and I couldn't get any happier than this. I wanted to say 'let's go to Dubai. No, maybe, Malaysia. How about South Korea?'

I casually suggest "I've always wanted to visit Japan during cherry blossom season."

Eric's dad strokes his chin thoughtfully. "Japan, huh? Interesting idea. Let's see what the others think."

At dinner, Fiorella and Eric seem keen on the Japan trip. 

My mom says "A family trip sounds wonderful!"

Eric's dad places a hand on my shoulder. "It'll be great having you kids here," he says warmly.

My mom smiles and says "We're all so excited for this new chapter as a family."

I nod and smile, thinking this could bring Eric and Fiorella together. I catch Fiorella's eye and she grins, obviously sharing my hopes. Eric notices her smile and smiles back. I sense a spark already.

Adriel raises his glass. "Here's to new beginnings," he toasts. We all raise our glasses, beaming.

My mom says "To our little family."

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-Sadness flies on the wings of dawn-

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