The Shadows of Tragedy

Chapter 9

The next morning Juvia went to join the family for breakfast. She didn't eat much, just some toast and a cup of tea. As she sipped from her tea cup she glanced over to see what everyone else at the table was doing. Erza much like herself was just enjoying a cup of tea, Romeo helping himself to some eggs and bacon with a glass of orange juice, Laxus was just reading the newspaper while drinking his coffee, and Lucy wasn't eating at all. She just sat there with only a cup of water.

"You're not skipping breakfast again Lucy." Erza said.

"I'm not hungry." Lucy said.

"Is that right?"

"Yes. You can't control if I'm hungry or not."

"Perhaps not but if this continues I'll force feed you if I have to." She said before taking another sip of tea. "Speaking of skipping breakfast has anyone seen Natsu?"

Everyone at the table either said no or shook their head.

"It's not like him to miss out on a meal. Laxus would you please check outside to see if he's working on anything?"

"Why do you care what happens to him? He's a moron." Laxus said.

"He's a loyal employee and a good friend therefore my concern is warranted."

Just then the door to the kitchen was opened by a brown haired, slim tanned-skinned young woman with an ample bust. In one hand she carried a folder and in another she held a flask. She sat down in a chair next to Laxus and reached over to the plate of toast.

"Good morning Cana." Erza said.

"Morning." The brunette said.

"Cana have you seen Natsu this morning?"

"No. I just woke up." She looked over at Juvia. "Who's she?"

"This is Romeo's governess Juvia Lockser. Juvia this is Dr. Cana Alberona, Romeo's therapist."

"Very nice to meet you." Juvia said.

"Likewise I'm sure." Cana said. "I'm not just a psychiatrist you know. I'm also a certified hematologist."

"What's a hematologist?" Romeo asked.

"It's a doctor who studies blood dear." Erza answered.

"Cool! You never told me you did that. You got any blood I can see?"

"It doesn't work that way kid." Cana said.

"In my opinion you're not certified for anything except being a quack." Laxus mumbled.

"I heard that!" She snapped. "And for your information I happen to be a college graduate in both of those subjects. You on the other hand probably didn't even finish high school. Is that why you couldn't find any work aside from being a used a car salesman?"

"At least I don't have a drinking disorder."

"It's not a disorder."

"Cut it out you two." Erza said before turning to Juvia. "Juvia if you don't have any lessons prepared or if you need some more time to settle in we can post pone the teachings if you'd like."

"That's not necessary." Juvia said. "I planned everything out before I went to bed last night and I'm well settled in."

"I'm glad to hear. In that case you and Romeo can begin lessons in one hour. His lessons end at three as I told you last night and his therapy sessions are from four to five. When he's finished he has free time for the rest of the day and he likes to go outside but please don't leave him alone out there and don't let him out after dark."