The Mansion

Chapter 2. Bad News

Something was going to happen that day, and Luna knew it. She could feel the two opposite energies in the air as she woke up. After getting dressed, she came out of her room, and on the floor, in front of her door, she found her CD with a note saying

"You were right, I needed to listen the entire song. See you at the rehearsal tonight."

The brunette smiled, knowing who was it from. She took the CD and left it onto her vanity. The went out again and finally hurried downstairs to the restaurant, where all of the mansion's inhabitants had breakfast before working hours, the only meal they all shared.

Today I'm on bar duty again. She thought perhaps I could ask Kanon tae cover for me, so tha' Ulquiorra and I can practice before the rehearsal. When she arrives, the restaurant is packed full of people, she saw Nelli motioning for her to approach them, as she shared table with Gaara, and surprisingly, Ulquiorra. Tha' means someone dragged him downstairs. thought the brunette, approaching them.

"It's been a while, lass" Nelli said trying to do a Scottish accent. A little joke both girls had going for a while. "ready for tonight's rehearsal?"

"Definitely" nodded the redhead "you'll see, Nelli. My song's great."

"We still need tae practice a wee bit more, do you no' think so, Ulquiorra?"

The green eyed nodded in agreement as he sipped his drink.

"By the way" Luna continued spotting Shanon and her brother close to the kitchen "there's something I've go' tae discuss with Kanon."

She stood up and approached them, before the others could say anything. What's with her? thought Ulquiorra as he put his cup down.

"So, how are you doing?" Nelli asked leaning in.

"Hm?" The green eyed looked at her "Better than yesterday, I think."

"You better" She sat back as her friend returned.

"Ok!" She started "we're practicing today at noon. Is it alright with you?"

"I won't forget about it." Ulquiorra nodded. Who do you think I am? he thought.

"You make it sound as if you tend to forget stuff" added Nelli.

"Och well, I'll go get myself something. Do you want anything, guys?" The brunette asked.

At her companions negative, the girl disappeared behind the kitchen's door, and got back soon with a steaming cup of spearmint tea and cookies.

"So." Nelli began "have you thought on getting a job, Ulquiorra?"

"Yes, somewhere in town" Answered he.

"I think someone didn't sleep well yesterday" Gaara told Nelli, and they both laughed. Luna looked at them as if they'd both gone mad, as L and Nana came into the restaurant.

"Mail's in!" Announces the private eye. "Here, Miss Black. There's a letter for you from Inverness."

"Inverness, you say?" The girl took the letter eagerly, at the older man's nod, she beamed. "It must be from my parents!"

"You're welcome" L added before following Nana to a nearby table. The brunette began reading the letter. As she read the item once and again, her expression darkened, as if she couldn't believe what was written on the paper.

"What's wrong, Luna?" Asked her red eyed friend, leaning in.

"Here" The brunette handed her the letter, as he covered her mouth with one hand, trying to suppress a sob, and her eyes watering. Nelli read the letter once and again as well.