The Month Of May

Chapter 23

WHEN WE REACHED MY HOUSE, I SUDDENLY NOTICED THAT ANNIE WAS SHAKING.

She was nervous. That was so...unexpected, actually. I hadn't expected her to be so worried about fitting into my family; then again, considering how she'd been left on the streets, it made sense. Instinctively, I reached out for her hand, squeezing it in mine. Her icy blue eyes widened in surprise.

"They'll love you," I told her. "Don't be scared."

"Armin..." I could see Annie gulp as she spoke my
name. I put a reassuring smile onto my face, and she sighed. "Okay."

I opened the door, revealing the well lit entrance of my house. The royal blue carpet was flush against my shoes as we walked further into my house. I had always thought of my house as rather plain, with white walls and cushy blue furniture. I know Annie had already seen my house before, but it felt different this time.

"Ah, Armin! You're back!" My mother exclaimed, her blonde hair falling into her face as she moved away from the sink. She pushed it back, revealing a kind smile. "And you must be Annie. It's so nice to meet you."

"Yeah...that's me," Annie seemed to revert to the way she had been the first time I met her- small, helpless, and worried. Her icy blue eyes were wide, and there was no sign of the fierce woman I had grown to know and envy during our training. She seemed so lost and incapable, a far cry from the warrior I had seen fight and take down even the strongest of enemies. I had to shake my head several times to make sure I wasn't seeing things.

"We're so happy to have you here!" My father's voice rumbled low in his chest, his round face crinkled into a jovial expression. "I know it's strange to just move you in, but...I hope you aren't too freaked out."

"Dad, you make it worse when you point it out," I sighed in irritation. Annie was frozen, her crystalline blue eyes wide. I knew I had to step in. "Can you guys introduce yourselves?"

"Oh, right!" Dad's laugh was boisterous and as loud as usual. "I'm Victor."

"And I'm Armina."

"...That's where my name comes from," I said after Annie still remained silent. "They wanted a girl to name after my mom, but then they got me, so..."

"We're happy to have you, Armin," Mom chuckled, her gray eyes brimming with excitement as she eyed Annie. "...But now we get to have a girl, too! What a blessing..."

"I...I'm sorry. I know I'm not...what you want," Annie mumbled under her breath as she moved her gaze to the ground. She was so worried...I attributed it to being her nerves about this whole situation. That must be it, what else would she be nervous about? I rubbed my thumb over her palm, trying to soothe her as best as I could.

"My dear, if we didn't want you, we would have just said no to Armin," Dad closed his green eyes before taking a chug of his water. "No one deserves to be left on the street like that."

"True. I've never heard of any Leonhart around here...but if I ever see them around, I'll pummel them myself!" Mom's voice suddenly grew deadly as she narrowed her eyes. "How dare they leave you alone like that!? No one should ever leave their child!!"

"It's okay. I don't really care," Annie said as I facepalmed at my mother's aggressive nature. I was surprised Annie wasn't more freaked out.

"No, it's not okay! I would never send my children somewhere dangerous if I could help it."

At that, Annie stiffened, her face hardening. Her blue eyes shrunk back down from their wide state, narrowing into the blank glare I had grown to know so well. Her blonde bangs fell into her eyes, shadowing her face. I gulped.

"Mom, that's great-" I tried to stop her, but my mom was on a roll here.

"Honestly, the nerve of some parents...! It just infuriates me! It's so selfish."

I could tell the tension was escalating, but neither my mom or dad were noticing. Annie's fists were clenched tightly. I knew I had to do something, but I just didn't know what. I just wish I could make this situation stop...

All of a sudden, Annie suddenly straightened out and pushed her bangs out of her eyes, the deadly look gone from her body. My mom had stopped talking, only smiling. None of us said a word. I didn't know what miracle had come upon us, but I couldn't be happier.

Well, if it wasn't for the awkward silence...

"Annie, let's show you your room!" My dad suddenly cut in, and I smiled gratefully. He was always good at breaking tension...I suddenly realized just how tired I was. My eyes were stinging just from having to keep them open. I rubbed at them before following the family into the room.

The rest of the night went much better, thankfully. Everyone was happy to have Annie in the family, and she had a home. When I laid in bed, I could only breathe a sigh of relief.

That couldn't have gone better.