At least I'm Alive

Surreal

Morning

I woke up earlier than expected. Though I had a good night's sleep, I have gotten used to waking up early.

It's better this way so I won't bother the people here.

It feels weird waking up in a room that's big and fancy.

It feels surreal.

I put on the shoes the maids left for me, and

I walk towards the door and reach for the handle.

I walk out and see a big hallway, the carpet was red, and there was plenty of paintings on the wall, beside the paintings were big windows.

I go to the right and walk, as I look around, the place was empty. I'd pass by some doors, maybe the bedrooms.

It was morning, but the sun wasn't as bright.

I continued to walk, and I reached the staircase, curious, I walk down.

Still exploring, I see a door that wasn't the entrance, but a glass door.

I approach and open the door, revealing the garden. I walk out and go towards the center.

While walking, my surroundings was beautiful. The flowers were blooming, and I felt happy.

I stopped midway because of these beautiful sunflowers. I bent down,

While admiring them, I didn't notice my surroundings.

"Hey kid! What are you doing here?" A voice of a kid spoke.

Being snapped back to reality, I stood straight and faced the person, looking down.

"I'm sorry! I promise I won't come back here!" I say nervously.

"Look at me." He suddenly said.

I hesitantly looked up to see a young boy, who was quite taller than me, he had white hair, that was messy, kinda like bed hair and blue eyes.

He looked at me furrowing his eyebrows, though he didn't seem mad and suddenly asked "Why are you apologizing?"

I felt pressured, and didn't know what to say "B-because I went through someone else's property without their permission."

Is he going to hurt me? Why did I even come here?

"No, don't say sorry. It's okay. Mom said to come find you since we're having breakfast. Let's go!" He suddenly spoke excitedly, and gives me a warm smile.

"I'm sorry for making you find me and bothering-" I get cut off

"Stop saying sorry! It's fine since you're our guest!" He gives a cheeky smile.

"I-I'm sorry- no, thank you." I reply nervously, stuttering and looking back on the ground.

He said it was okay.. Is it really okay?

He grabs my hand "Let's go!" He smiles and we start running.

His pace wasn't really fast, he wanted me to catch up. His hair was being blown back, and him revealing another cheeky smile.

We arrived inside the manor and I was panting. Now I've realised this manor is huge.

The kid on the other hand, felt fine after running like that.

"Oh you're here! Come sit!" The woman from before tells me.

The table was the average long shape.

The Archduke sat on the center, the duchess to the left, and a blonde kid, also with bed hair, who had blue eyes, was sitting infront of the duchess.

The white haired boy who led me here, sat next to the blonde kid.

I hesitantly walk towards a vacant seat, which was beside the duchess.

The seat had a few pillows on it, so I could reach the table. The Duchess then helped me up, and I was finally sitting down. I was sitting infront of the white haired boy.

I look at my plate, it was a two layer pancake. I've never eaten something like this before while living as Abela...

As I stare at the pancakes...

"Is it not to your liking?" The Duchess asks.

I immediately look at her in shock saying "No no! I was just thinking if it was really okay for me to eat this?"

She smiles and pats my head "Of course, enjoy your meal."

She stops patting, and I grab a fork and press down the pancake and take a bite.

It took me a second, and it was delicious I chew slowly and tasted the sweetness. I smiled,

"Is it good?" The white haired boy asks.

Embarrassed at my own reaction, I look down and nod.

They all smiled, well the blonde kid and the Duke weren't really, but they looked relieved.

"Ah! I forgot to introduce you to these boys!" The Duchess suddenly remembered.

I pause eating

"The oldest child in this family, right there, Kai Ortiz." She looks at the blonde kid.

Kai, what a nice name..

"Now, you've already met this one,
Keith Ortiz, Kai's younger brother." She finishes off, and Keith waving at me.

I put my hand up to wave back slightly, and he smiled.

The rest of the time, they were talking about how Keith's swords class
went well. And another topic was
Mrs. Frida's embroidery being picked best.

I so far learnt that the Duchess' name was Frida Ortiz, while the Duke's was Edward Ortiz. They are infact the Ortiz family like what I read in the books. They have the black bear's spirit protecting them, and the Duke is more quiet than I thought, even Kai.

Everyone finishes eating

"Abela, can you come with me for awhile?" Duchess Frida asks.

I nod, and follow her and the Duke who was also accompanying us.

I feel nervous

Are they gonna kick me out?