"..." I look behind me to see Noela standing behind me, looking at me sketch, "You've been dazing out lately - are you okay Teseia?"
... I let out a sigh, "I'm okay..." I put my pencil on the drawing stand, "I... have some things going on outside of school. I'm doing fine with it, so I apologize—,"
"No need to apologize." Noela said—!? "... You probably won't tell me - I won't force you to tell me, but if you need someone to talk to, you have people who will listen and help you out." After rubbing my head, Noela left to go look at other students.
I fixed my hair after Noela rubbed and patted my head - sigh. Honestly, the issue with Cecelia was still something I really didn't know how to address or solve myself. After all, I couldn't really just go to her school and ask that the school safeguard her. Plus, her total lack of social connections at her school - alongside what Alicia did - completely ruined her confidence and sense of self. With me, Cecelia was fine, but I didn't want to spoil her too. I wanted her to learn how to stand on her own, to be an equal, to be someone confident and independent in themself.
"..." In front of me lay the rough sketch of—... I let out a sigh, erasing the sketch that resembled the seal I once carried. No one would know what it was, but the oval-shaped seal with a sword and two crossed spears was the seal that recognized me as an Imperial Advisor. Now—... I let out another sigh - I've been reminiscing about my past a lot...
Art class passed and my music class came next. Unlike in art where I was absentminded, music gave me a focus and a goal. I would begin full participation in class today - with the last session being one where Noela tested my studying and practice. I was glad that she allowed me to play with the class, as I found music oddly enjoyable.
With my violin and bow in hand, class began and everyone played their part. Although I was playing the same part as the others with my shared instrument, I felt like I resonated with everyone else. It was rare, but for once I felt like I fit and belonged to a place. Class went on, and ended as we all finished on a high note.
As everyone packed up and began to leave the music room, Noela came over towards me, "Good job Teseia."
"Thank you." I replied as I holstered my music case over my shoulder. "Though thank you for giving me the chance to play with everyone else, Instructor Noela."
"No - it is simply all the effort you've put in Teseia." Noela said, "I'm just glad you enjoy music Teseia. I could tell that class today distracted you away from what was bothering you this morning, and that you enjoyed your time here."
I couldn't help but smile - it was true. "Well—you do a good job, Instructor Noela..."
"I appreciate your words, but don't sell yourself short." Noela said, "... I know a lot has happened, and that the Academic Director has some suspicion, but you can be proud and happy about your growth and progress; at the very least know that your instructors are proud and also trust in you and your scores Teseia."
"... thank you..."
Afternoon homeroom was ending soon, and soon I would have to go pick up Cecelia again.
"I'll see you." I said to Felis, Philia, and Yederis as I left school... yet I felt like Yederis was thinking of something. Her intention of planning something spilled out of her expression when I told them I was leaving again.
Whatever she was planning, I decided it likely wasn't anything I needed to concern myself about as I left school early again to get Cecelia. Though on my way, I felt someone watching me... Unlike with Kaeula, I knew whoever was watching me was a complete amateur in following or basic logic - I literally caught a glimpse of her tailing me. Unlike Kaeula who was simply following me with concern, it was obvious they had intentions - not ill intentions, but intentions.
Well, why not play a little prank on her? I mean, it was obvious that it was Yederis. And why wouldn't I find a fun way to get back at her for some things earlier in my school life?
Luckily I had plenty of time until I had to get Cecelia, but with that I decided to 'practice' my evasion a little.
I went my usual route, going inside the cafe like normal.
"... would it be possible for me to go into the back?" I asked the cashier. She looked confused at first, "... someone's following me..." I quietly whispered, to which the cashier then realized what I meant. With that, they welcomed me into the employee area. I thanked all the employees before leaving out back, and doubling back to Cecelia's school.
I wonder what Yederis would think, seeing me go in like an 'employee' and just not come out. Well, if she is waiting, it was my innocent 'payback' for the first day. Well, it was also to save Cecelia the trouble as well - I don't think Cecelia could handle someone like her yet in front of her school - so it was all good in the end.
I was early to Cecelia's school again, so I simply sat down at a bench nearby and waited. As the students started to leave school, I stood and began looking for Cecelia. By now we both knew where each of us were likely to be, and looking over the heads of students, I found Cecelia.
I held my arms up, waving at her. Cecelia quickly spotted me waving at her and began running towards me. "Hello Cecelia."
"Alicia!" I can't help but just smile at Cecelia's innocent greeting. With Cecelia, we leave her school heading to the station.
This routine walk was honestly quite relaxing - having the time to walk together to the station everyday felt like spending the lost time we never had together—
"Teseia?" I turn to see—
"Felis?" We both look at each other - and Cecelia looks at her before scurrying behind me... "Er—hello again Felis." I didn't expect to meet her on my way to the station...
... I wasn't keeping Cecelia a secret, but I also wasn't really trying to publicize her either... It was a by-chance occasion that Kaeula met Cecelia, but I wasn't worried about him saying anything unnecessary. I wasn't concerned with Felis either, but I didn't know her as well as I did with Kaeula—
"Oh." Felis uttered, seeing Cecelia, "Sorry for popping out of nowhere; would you happen to be Alicia's sister?"
"Ano—... um..." Despite Felis and her casual-close greeting, Cecelia simply stayed behind me, still timid...
"Sorry—a lot has happened, and my sister is still a little timid due to it." I step in and explain to Felis, "Sorry for leaving early lately, but I likely will keep doing so for a while..."
"Ah—okay..." Felis simply took my words as I said them, "Sorry—I forgot to introduce myself." Felis walked towards Cecelia who was still behind me and held out her hand, "It is nice to meet you, I'm Felis Kristiea, your sister's friend."
"I—..." I smiled at Cecelia, reassuring her that Felis was someone who she could trust. "... um—I am... Teseia Cecelia—ano, it's... nice to meet you - Felis."
Though looking at Felis, her eyes lit up like she was seeing a cute animal... I leaned next to her, "Cecelia is a little shy - so don't push yourself too much on her..."
"Okay." Felis replied, "Once again, sorry for suddenly popping up, but I hope we can get along, Cecelia."
"I—..." Cecelia meekly replied, with a nod.
"Alicia." Felis uttered, "You can use my name too—I consider you a good friend. And quite honestly, I've always wanted to hear you say my name."
... I let out a sigh - she didn't need to whisper it next to me. "Yeah—let's get going now, Kristiea." I hold Cecelia's hand and begin to walk.
With that, all three of us walk together towards the station. Arriving at the station, we all manage to find a bench and sit together.
"You both have really pretty hair and eyes."
"Ye—yeah..." Hearing Kristiea's remarks, I honestly thought to myself... I never really boasted my looks, but I knew I did look pretty. Cecelia also shared the same features I had; honestly, she looked just like me... Though I do admit, she definitely had the 'cuter' look, different from my 'pretty'. Though despite her being more 'petite', her chest was—wait, why am I thinking this? "Anyways—ahem, why bring that up so suddenly, Kristiea?"
"Simply because you two look so natural next to each other - the cute younger sister and her protective older sister; you must be a protective older sister for sure Alicia." Ahem—,
"..." Cecelia simply looked at Kristiea, flustered by her words 'cute'.
I myself couldn't respond either - I mean, I couldn't really refute Kristiea's words... Thinking on it, I really was a 'protective older sister', but I mean—I had no idea what a sibling would do other than be that? To me, I felt like that was the only natural outcome... I mean—I never grew up with Cecelia, but... I couldn't describe it, but I felt like she was incredibly close to me - even if my mind couldn't relate to Cecelia, I felt a close link to her. Maybe it was the link or closeness family had - a family unlike my own before; I couldn't say. I just knew I cherished Cecelia deeply.
"Well... I'm sure Alicia would be a wonderful sister to have - if I were to have a sister." Kristiea laughed, playing her words off as a joke, but inside I could only think back - again - to the past Alicia...
Perhaps Cecelia was sensing my feelings too; sensing me connecting myself to what Alicia did before. "... Alicia is mine..." Huh?
More surprised than me was Kristiea next to me. Seeing Cecelia - who despite her timid and reserved nature - boldly declared such brazen words shocked both of us. Yet, somewhere in my mind, I was happy Cecelia said that... so much so, I couldn't help but laugh at her bold declaration, "Hehe—don't worry, I don't plan on being anyone else's sister."
"Aw..." With Kristiea jokingly expressing her disappointment, Cecelia in turn smiled a little. Looking at Kristiea, I assumed Kristiea planned this out - judging by her smiling, looking at Cecelia who softened up a little. Kristiea sensing my gaze, winked at me - guess I'll have to thank her later.
Our happy mood together continued until we all had to part ways - Kristiea and us both leaving in different directions.
On the train headed back, Cecelia simply looked at me - there was a sense of... Well, I had a feeling she felt uneasy - or dissatisfied...
"My friends are your friends, Cecelia." I had a feeling she was feeling down, from seeing how close Kaeula was to me, and how close Fe—Kristiea was. "If... you want to see or talk to them again, I can see if they're free - I'm sure they'd love to see you."
"Really?!" Her eyes lit up - despite her timid self, she really did resonate with them both.
"Of course." I replied, "Actually—," A thought came to me as I thought of my previous words, "When we get home, could I see your school calendar?"
"Unn~!" Hearing her delighted, happy self different from her reserved, shy self was honestly refreshing.
Arriving at our station and making our way home, Cecelia showed me her school calendar...
"It's about the same..." Her summer break was about the same length as my break, though it began three school days earlier - today was her last day. "Just to ask, you don't have any plans, do you Cecelia?" Asking her, Cecelia shook her head.
... actually, wasn't this a great opportunity in general for us both? I could take her out with me tomorrow for a school visit and then spend the day after my therapy appointment with her. As for the rest of our summer break... Well, I don't really know what to do together, but I'm sure we could decide on something together.
"Cecelia," I called as we were cooking dinner together - she turned to look at me, "If you don't have anything going on tomorrow—err, want to come to school with me tomorrow?" Hearing me, her hands froze and she stared ahead blankly, slightly looking down...
She turned to look at me, "Can... can I?"
"Of course." I reassured her, "I think it would be good to visit potential school options." Though... what else to reassure Cecelia? "And—well, I think you would enjoy being with me rather than here alone..."
"I—ano, thank you..." Hearing her honest gratitude - I couldn't help but smile. "Um—yes, can I come to your school tomorrow, Alicia?"
"Of course." I tell her. Suddenly I realized the pause in our cooking, and looked at the pan behind her. "Eh—watch the food."
"Ah—?!" Cecelia turned to see the sizzling from her pan; the oil shooting up suddenly at her.
"Are you okay?" I moved next to her to check on her,
"I'm okay..." She says, "It just surprised me..."
"Well, just be careful." I told—ah, well, I guess I'm also to blame as well. "And... I'll try not to distract you as well."
