Chapter 12: Comfort

At 5 in the morning.

Alex woke up, feeling refreshed. He unzip his sleeping bag to find another blanket on him.

He removed it and seat up. He found a big black bag near the bed.

He open to find many different clothes, neatly folded. He took one out, it seem to be a sports uniform.

It is a T shirt, but has the school logo at where the heart is.

The shirt base colour is red, with a few dark blue stripes on the shoulder. There is also a simple black short, it seem to be made of a special kind of material.

He changed into it, as he look outside. The sun just raised.

He left the dorm, as he was about to go to the cafeteria. He saw Andra standing there. She seem to be sleeping even though she is standing up.

"Er. Good morning?" Alex said, as she woke up.

"Ah! Good morning Alex! I forgot that the cafeteria only open at 8. So I planned to cook you some breakfast instead." She said, "Come on." She took the lead, without waiting for Alex to reply.

Alex just followed, as they exited the student dorm. After walking for a few minutes, they reached the other side of school.

There is many two to three story houses here, like another neighbourhood.

Different kind of trees along the path, with colourful blue grasses. A stone path for each house.

Each house also have fences around them, with a big backyard.

Andra walked to a brown house to the right.

She open the door and a meat aroma filled his nose.

"I'm back!" She said, taking off her shoes and stepped on the wooden floor.

The house has a hallway, with a room at the left. Forward seem to have a stairs, the left side leading up, the right side leading down.

"You got your student?" A male voice sounded, "Come on to the dinning room!"

"Come on." She said, as they walked to the right.

On the right of the house, there is a small room with a table, leading to a kitchen further forward.

A man seem to be cooking at the right side. He's back facing them.

The round wooden table have three chair.

"Let's help him." Andra said, as she entered the kitchen and to left and open the cabinet. Revealing many white plates, she took three out, and looked at Alex.

Alex quickly went forward and took it, going to put it on the table. She went and took the utensils, going to the table too.

"Take a seat. Breakfast coming soon." The man said, as he turn, holding two pans. On top seem to be frying what looks like scrambled eggs. He skilfully put a few on the three plates. The other pan have what looks like meat, expect it looks to be mixed with vegetables too.

After putting them onto the plate, he went and put the pans back on the counter.

Alex look up at the man.

He have a textured quiff haircut, he's hair seem to be golden in colour. With his green emerald eyes, it seem to be filled with kindness. He have a gentleman smile, unlike Andra wild kind of smile.

He is wearing a simple white shirt.

"Come on, let's eat now!" Andra said.

"Wait, I thought you said your cooking?" Alex said, 'Huh?' Those word just slipped out unconsciously.

"She. Cooking?" The man held his mouth, "I doubt she can ever cook without burning the kitchen down."

"What does that mean!?" Andra stood up, but the man seat down beside her.

"Now now. Calm down." He pat her head.

"I'm not a child!" She pouted, but seat down. Alex couldn't help but chuckled at their interaction.

"Let's eat now. Its going to get cold. You also need the energy for training." The man said, taking the fork and stabbed the meat.

"Homecook meals are still the best." Andra said, also starting to eat.

"Why can't you cook like this for other meals too?" Alex asked, as he tried the meat. It tasted like chicken, but with a vegetable taste.

"I just came back last night from my mission." The man said, "I can if you want."

Alex look up, and saw the man being serious. He smiled and nodded.

"What do you want to eat than?"

"Anything!" He smile became wider, as he tried the egg.

"Alright than." The man chuckled, also digging in again.

Alex felt comfortable with the two, he felt safe. Something he never truly felt before.

This must be what a comfort of home felt like.