Chapter 95 – End of Trip (3)

Chapter 95 - End of Trip (3)

...

With a cheerful Jorah and complacent Celesta, the way back home was filled with delight. Alas, all good times must come to an end, and our outing today ended as such. Although I did have some special memories and sneaky pics with me, I could only reminisize about our time together, until we went on our next one. Since I knew how hard it was to arrange everything for it to actually happen, I decided to patiently yet eagerly look forward to it.

That reminds me... it has been nearly three months since I arrived at Celesta's house. There were some ups and downs for sure, but these three months were the most eventful ones I have experienced in all of my years of living, with the time mostly filled with surprises and encounters. But, I would never forget that if I hadn't been offered the helping hand from Celesta that day... none of these would have ever happened.

How glad am I that I could have someone so kind, giving and caring like Celesta in my life. And, I may have stupidly taken it for granted until now. If I don't step up my efforts, she might drift away from me all over again. I just can't find myself satisfied with a normal friendly relationship with her anymore. My desire to possess her and claim her as mine and mine only has grown so explosively that it was absolutely impossible to be stopped now.

The only way that Celesta would never leave me again is if she develops some romantic affection for me. If we two become a real couple, then nobody would be able to wring her away from me.

Ah, but that doesn't mean that I should let down the other important ladies in my life either. Other than my few casual relationships, my bond with Isla and Sis Lin is very strong and serious.

In the depths of my depression, only these two were there supporting me in the own ways. If I say now that I don't have feelings for them, then I would be completely lying. I know that I am not perfect, still I just hope that Celesta doesn't mind my relationship with them too much. The chances for that happening are pretty slim though.

As I glanced towards little Jorah and Celesta walking ahead of me, chatting so innocently to each other, guilt quickly overwhelmed me as it felt like I was spoiling myself with their generosity and care, while deceiving them and betraying their trust in me by longing other women at the same time.

...

"Ahahahaha! Did he really do that?!"

"Of course. Can you imagine my shock when I found out about it? Like, totally gross!"

"Girls... it's not good to speak like that. Ladies should have some elegance too, okay?"

"Oh, come on, Mom. It's not like there are outsiders here. Why should I act differently even at home. Acting like a prim and proper girl is totally uncool and exhausting."

"Is that so?? I don't act any differently though. By the way, does that even make a difference?"

"Hmm... not much, but they tend to agree to my demands more easily when I do so."

"Heeh... is that so?"

"You girls... you are becoming too naughty already, aren't you?"

Entering the house, the inside was filled with sounds of laughter and loud chattering. As we quickly walked in then towards the living room, I could see Isla laughing along with the twins as they were having a great time together.

Knowing how my existence would surely spoil that happy family time, I prepared to sneak away by myself. But, Celesta probably realised my thoughts as she strongly grasped my hand within hers and walked in as she announced,

"Mother, we are back."

Isla soon turned back to look at the two of us, as her gaze lingered on Celesta's hand holding mine a bit longer, afterwhich she calmly spoke to Celesta,

"Oh! You are back so soon, Celesta? You could have spend some more time outside, you know? And Carene came back too, I see. Good timing though. Sit down with us for now. The girls were telling me about their experiences with their opposite gender. Well... how about you girls?"

Lara suddenly snorted heavily as she gave me a mean look and spoke with a voice full of spite.

"Uh. Why do you have to ask that, Mom? Take one good look at that girl and you would know that she had never even held a boy's hand before!"

The Tenant too, jumped up from her seat as she pointed her finger at me and angrily scolded,

"Yeah, yeah! Landlady, Lara is absolutely right. This... girl, named Carene is totally different from US! Rather, she is definitely not how she tries to appear to everyone. It's better if we don't let weirdos like her within our talk."

Lanita looked alternatively between the two angry girls, afterwhich she simply shrugged her shoulders and leaned back on the couch as she spoke mildly,

"Um, I have no opinions on anything like that. But, I would like to have some peace around here too, if possible. It's better to avoid people who could cause unnecessary discord between us."

I had anticipated the twins to react that way, but for the tenant to actually side with them in denouncing me, that I could hardly believe. But then again, considering what happened that time between us, and with how things have been since then... it kind of makes sense that she hates me.

At the same time, Isla's face turned stern, as he spoke to the twins,

"Stop it already, you two. Putting everything else aside, Carene is a member of our house already, so don't forget that. She is one of us, alright? Another thing, I won't tolerate any of you acting so rudely towards her in my presence. I cannot control what you do behind my back, but as long as I am around, be on your best behaviours with her. And Celesta is your Elder Sister. Have some basic respect for your elders too, okay? It might not be easy to tell from her casual and generous nature, but she has sacrificed the most to hold this family together. I won't tolerate it if anyone disrespects her or her friends in front of me, got it?"

Lara looked shocked at Isla's sudden words, as her mouth kept hanging open for a good while, as she spoke stutteringly,

"Eh... but, Mom..!"

Before letting Lara complete her words, Isla shot her down again as she sternly spoke to her,

"Did you understood what I spoke to just now, Lara?"

In front of Isla's strong gaze, Lara's eyes turned away as she mumbled in a low voice,

"Y-Yes. Got it, Mom."

After glaring at Lara for a good while, Isla turned towards the other twin chilling on the couch as she spoke to her too.

"You as well, Lanita. It's good to be peace loving, but not when you passively disrespect someone. I expected better behaviour, from you at the very least."

Lanita looked very embarrassed from being called out as she looked down meekly and spoke in an apologetic tone,

"Sorry, Mother. I promise not to do that again."

Isla seemed much appreciative of Lanita's response, as she nodded in acceptance. However when she glanced back towards Lara, she ended up sighing as she spoke in resignation,

"Hmm. That's better. I will let it slide just this once, for you as well, Lara. Now, what were we talking about again?"

As if trying to break the chilly silence, the Tenant jumped out as she quickly exclaimed,

"Ah! Landlady, it's about Lanita's chance encounter with men! They are such filthy creatures, I tell you..."

Hearing the Tenant describe their topic of discussion, I could only realise in agony of how different their lives were from mine and how much of an uphill task it would be to gain their acceptance eventually..

...

A/N: Anyone's got catnip?