Reunion

The next day, John woke up around 6 am and got ready for the day. He tried to wake up Ela and Brandon, but it seems both of them didn't want to get out of bed.

``It's time to wake up guys. We had a busy day today, remember? ``

``Just five more minutes`` Ela said, sounding half asleep.

``Come on guys. Don't you want to find your mom? If you guys keep this up, we will never find her. ``

Both of them got up.

``I don't want that to happen. ``

``Me neither. ``

John smiled, `Good. ``

All three walked out of the Inn.

``Before we search, why don't we get some breakfast first. ``

Both of them were excited and said yes. So, they headed to the shield tavern.

``Welco- Oh hey John. How has your morning been? ``

``It's been good so far. We're getting something to eat before we get to searching. ``

``Oh, what are you searching for? ``

``I'm trying to help them find their mom. I decided to search market first since it's always filled with people. ``

``That's not a bad idea. Do you know what she looks like? ``

``As a matter a fact, I don't, `` John looks at Ela and Brandon, ``Could you guys describe her to me so that I could have an idea of what she looks like? ``

Both were thinking.

``Well, she has long hair and is a little taller than you sir`` said Brandon.

``Is there anything else you could tell me about her?'' John said

``Umm...``

There was a brief pause.

``Oh come on Brandon, you suck when it comes to explaining things`` Ela said angrily.

``I- I- I'm sorry! I'm trying here ok! ``

``Let me show you how it's done. Learn from your sister. ``

Brandon was frustrated at what she said but knew that she was right.

``Ok mister. So, like Brandon said, she has long hair and is a little taller than you. Her hair color is brown and so is her eyes. ``

Ela was thinking for a bit

``Oh, and she wears a necklace that has a heart. And the heart`s color is purple. ``

``Alright. Now I have an idea on what she looks like. Thanks Ela, and you too Brandon. ``

Both of them smiled.

``Now since we covered that, can we have a table Terisa? ``

``Of course. ``

She led them to a table

``Would you like the same thing for breakfast John? ``

``Actually, I was thinking on trying something different today. ``

``Oh, and what would you like to have today`` She said curiously.

``Actually, I want to know what you recommend. ``

She smiled, `` Well in that case, you should try our new pie. We call it pumpkin pie. ``

``I'm assuming it's because it's made of pumpkins? ``

``Indeed. We have lots so we thought of different ways to use them since almost everybody thinks that it can't be edible. ``

``And I'm assuming after all the trial and error, you manage to find something that works? ``

``Yup. ``

John was still thinking about it.

``Alright, I'm curious what it tastes like. ``

``Trust me. It's delicious. You won't regret it. ``

John smiled at her.

``Is there anything you guys want? ``

Ela and Brandon nodded

``Can we have the same thing too. ``

``Of course, coming right up. ``

``Oh I forgot to mention, can I have milk for my drink? `` said John.

When Brandon and Ela heard what John ordered, they both said they wanted the same thing too.

``Can we have milk too? ``

``Of course. ``

Both of them smiled

Once they got their order, they decided to eat the first bite together.

``Okay you guys ready. ``

``YUP! `` said Ela and Brandon excitedly.

``Okay, get ready. 3, 2, 1, go. ``

All three of them ate it and they were surprised how delicious it was.

``This is SOOO good`` Ela said.

``Right. This might be one of my favorites now`` said Brandon.

``It really is. I can't believe that this is made from pumpkins`` John said

``I'm glad you like it. Me, my mom, and my dad spent so much time making it. I'm glad that all our efforts were not in vain. ``

``How are your parents doing anyway? ``

``They have been doing great so far. You know them, always working hard``

John and Terisa were chatting while Ela and Brandon kept on eating and drinking their milk.

In the middle of their talk, John heard another voice.

``So your John, it's finally nice to meet you. Terisa tells us many good things about you. And I can't say I blame her. `` she said.

``Mom don't embarrass me like that. I'm sorry John, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable while you were eating. ``

``It's fine. I assume they're your parents. ``

``Yea. ``

``U know John, You're not half bad. ``

``Oh, and what's that supposed to mean? `` John was curious about what she had to say about him.

``I mean your looks are pretty good and so is your body. You're not too skinny or too fat. And you don't look like an awful person. Your definitely good for my daughter. ``

Terisa was embarrassed by what her mom just said.

``MOM!! Please stop. You're embarrassing me. Sorry John, she didn't mean what she said. ``

``Terisa, I'll have to agree with your mother. If John were to ever propose to you, I wouldn't reject it. In fact, I'll happily approve it`` said Terisa Dad.

``DAD, NOT YOU TOO! ``

Both Teresa's parents started to laugh.

``I appreciate the compliments truly. But I think it's time to stop embarrassing her. Her face is already red from embarrassment`` John said while smiling.

``Haha alright. I didn't mean to embarrass you. I was just curious on who John was`` Terisa Mom said. ``

``Not gonna lie to you John, When I first heard about you from my daughter, I was curious too on what kind of person you are. I thought that Terisa was overexaggerating about you. I thought that you fooled her in some way to make yourself look good`` Terisa's father said.

``Indeed, I have never heard Terisa talk about someone so good before`` Terisa Mom said.

``Well I'm glad that you guys don't have negative thoughts about me`` John said.

``Before I forget, could you tell me your names? It's only fair since you know mine already. ``

``My name is Emma. ``

``And my name is Tony. ``

John looked at Ela and Brandon.

``It's your turn now. Introduce yourself. ``

``Ok. My name is Ela. ``

``And my name is Brandon. It's very nice to meet you``

``Now since everyone knows each other, I think now is the time to leave. ``

Both Emma and Tony looked sad.

``Aww. Leaving already. But we haven't had a chance to chat`` Tony said.

``Maybe next time. ``

``Alright then. It was nice meeting you guys. Come back soon`` Emma said.

Both Terisa's parents went back into the kitchen.

``Sorry about that John`` Terisa said.

``It's fine. Your parents seem really nice. ``

``They are but could be embarrassing at times. ``

``Oh`` John said while smirking, ``You mean when they said that they accept me``

``Please don't remind me, that's was the most embarrassing thing of my life`` Terisa said while getting embarrassed again

``I'm just teasing. Well, I'll see you later. Come on guys, it's time to look for your mom. ``

``Okay!!`` said Brandon and Ela

``Come back soon`` Said Terisa

``Will do. ``

John waved goodbye and all three left and began their search.

Many hours passed and they didn't manage to find her. Brandon and Ela were sad.

``It's okay guys, we could try tomorrow. Don't give up just yet. ``

``It's no use. What makes you say we will find her tomorrow if we couldn't find her today`` Brandon said.

John didn't know what to say to that. He wasn't wrong. John did think about the possibility of not finding her. While they were walking back to the inn, John heard a female voice behind him.

``WAIT! ``

John turned around to see someone running toward him.

``MOM!!!`` said Brandon and Ela

They both started running towards her and hugged her.

``I'm so sorry for not paying attention. It's my fault you guys got lost`` she said while crying

``No mom, it's not your fault`` Brandon said while crying, `` It's our fault for going too far from you. ``

``Yea Mom, we're the ones at fault here. So don't blame yourself`` Ela said crying.

``Are you guys hurt anywhere? ``

``Were fine Mom. We just really miss you. I thought we were never going to see you again`` Ela said.

`` I miss you too. You guys have no idea how worried I was when I couldn't find you guys anywhere. ``

John kept his distance since he didn't want to intrude on their reunion. The whole time, John was happy that they found their mother.

``What did you guys do the whole time? You guys didn't sleep on the streets did you!?`` she said worriedly.

``Luckily no. John helped us`` Ela said and started to look at John.

``You should meet him Mom`` Brandon said, ``He is really nice. He even bought us delicious meals. ``

``Is that so? Why would he do that? `` she said while being suspicious.

``I don't know. We asked him but he said to not worry about it`` Ela said.

``I would like to meet John. Can you bring him? ``

``Of course. ``

Ela went and grabbed John by his hand and started to bring him to her mom.

`` It's very nice to meet you. Thank you for taking care of my children. ``

``Your welcome`` John said while smiling.

``I will try to repay you in some way for taking care of them. ``

``You don't need to do that. I did it because I wanted to. Not because I expected a reward. ``

Shocked, she said, `` You sure? ``

``Of course, Why would I lie? ``

Still suspicious, she decided to accept the answer.

``Very well then. Are you guys ready to go home? ``

``Yea!!!`` Ela and Brandon said excitedly.

John smiled.

``Well I see you guys' next time. It was fun having you two around. ``

When John was about to walk away, Ela grabbed him behind his shirt. John was confused by her action.

``What are you doing Ela? We already found your mom so there's no need for me anymore. ``

``I want you to come with us, mister. I want to repay you for helping us. ``

``Ela, I already told you that wasn't necessary. I didn't help you guys for a reward remember? ``

``Please mister. Let me repay you. ``

John was confused yet again by her action. He didn't know why Ela was doing this. John kneeled down.

``Ok Ela, tell me what this is really about? I have a feeling that you're doing this for another reason. ``

Ela looked embarrassed that John caught her. So instead of hiding it, she decided to speak the truth.

``The truth is, I don't want you to leave. I want you to stay with us. Please mister, don't leave us. ``

``Ela, you met me just yesterday. Why do you want me to stay with you guys? ``

Ela was about to speak until Brandon stepped in.

``It's because you're a nice and kind person. You are different from everyone else sir. You stepped in to help us when the guard was beating us up while everyone was there either watching or just walking by. And not only that. You treated us with delicious food and took us to your room to sleep. And you also helped us fall asleep when we were scared to sleep. ``

The Mom was surprised at what John did for them.

``Is that true Brandon!? Did he really do all that?!``

``Yea. If you don't believe me, you could tell Ela. ``

She looked at Ela and Ela nodded.

``So you see sir, that's the reason why we don't want you to go. I also feel the same way as Ela. We want you to stay with us. ``

John was at a loss for words. He didn't expect this at all. He didn't know what to say nor how to react in this situation.

``I understand. But it's not for me to decide or you guys to decide. It's up to your mother whether or not that can happen. ``

They both went up to their mom.

``Can John come with us please? `` said Brandon

``Yea, please. `` said Ela

``I don't mind at all. If what you guys said is true, then there's no reason for me to refuse`` she said smiling.

Both of them were happy and looked at John. John knew what they wanted but was waiting for a response. He chuckled.

``Guess I have no choice, lead the way. ``

Both Ela and Brandon started to get excited and started to celebrate. John was happy to see them like this. It kind of reminded him of him and his brother. Every time they achieve something, they will always celebrate no matter how small the achievement was.

As they were walking, Ela and Brandon's mom started to walk beside John and started to talk.

``I know it's late for me to say this but thank you for helping them. ``

``Your welcome. Oh, and before I forget, could you tell me your name? ``

``My name is Elina. ``

``That's a pretty name. Well Elina, my name is John. It's very nice to meet you. ``

``Likewise.``

There was a brief pause.

``I know you don't want anything but please let me repay you. I would feel guilty if I didn't. ``

John was kind of tired of them trying to repay him. So instead of refusing, he had an idea to end it all.

``Since your persistence in giving me a reward, what about this. You owe me a favor and you can't refuse no matter what the favor is. ``

She was kind of hesitant at first but then agreed to it.

``Alright then, a favor which I can't refuse. I can accept that. ``

John smiled.

``Good. Then it's decided. ``

After some time, they reached their home.

``Here we are. What do you think, mister? ``

John saw that the place they were living in was a broken-down house. But he wasn't surprised, in fact, he already suspected something like this. When he first met Ela and Brandon, he saw that they were wearing torn and worn-out clothes including the shoes.

``It looks… nice? `` he said hesitantly

``I know it's not the nicest one, but this is all we could afford. `` said Elina

Once they entered, it was as John suspected. There were cracked floors, the furniture looked old, and the roof had holes.

``Please make yourselves at home and I will get the food ready. ``

John nodded and sat down on the table. Ela and Brandon decided to sit next to John.

``I know it's not what you expected, mister but please bear with it. We would like to show you our gratitude by having you have dinner with us`` said Ela

``I really appreciate it and I'll gladly accept it. ``

Both of them started to smile.

``Alright, here is the food, hope you guys enjoy``

John noticed that the food was quite small. There was only bread and vegetable soup. John felt bad for eating it because he knew that they have limited food. He was hesitant to eat. Elina noticed that John wasnt eating.

``As expected, you don't like it`` she said sadly.

``No it's not that, it's just that I feel bad for eating your guyses food even though you barely have enough for yourselves. ``

``You don't have to worry about that. I have more than enough to go around. ``

John knew she was lying. She was only saying that for his sake. He was sad to see the state they were living in.

``If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for work? ``

``Well, I work for a noble. And basically, we help with loading up his cargo. ``

``How much does he pay? ``

Elina looked hesitant to answer that. When she tried to lie, John would catch up on it, so she told him the truth.

``I make 20 bronze coin a day. ``

John was shocked about the amount she got paid.

``That little, that's no less than a slave. ``

She knew John was right and was sad about it.

``I know, but it's what I could do to provide for Ela and Brandon. Even if that pay is too little for the amount of work, he puts us through, it's the only way to earn money. ``

John was upset about this. He knows that's their only income but to get paid that low, he couldn't accept that. He knew that if things don't change for them, Elina could collapse from exhaustion because of the lack of food. And not only that, but he was also worried that she could die from overworking or worse, be taken advantage of by the noble. It was common for nobles to take advantage of their female workers for making them do undesirable things. John remembers that his brother told him one time that it's hard to arrest nobles who do this. And the reason is because they will bribe their way out or the victim won't report it due to them being scared of the consequences. So, with that thought in his mind, John decided to do something about the situation.

``Alright then, I guess I have no choice. ``

Elina, Ela, and Brandon were confused.

``You have no choice on what? `` Elina said.

``After listening to your story, I can't just sit around and do nothing now can I.``

Still confused on what John is saying.

``What are you trying to say mister? `` Ela asked.

``That is a secret. I'll show you when it's ready. For now, why don't we go to the tavern. ``

``The tavern, why would we go there?`` Elina asked

``What do you think? To eat of course. ``

``I'm sorry to say John but we don't have the money to go to a tavern. ``

``Who said that you were paying? ``

Elina was shocked.

``Don't tell me you're going to pay John. ``

``Of course I'm going to pay. And before you say anything, I won't be taking no for an answer. ``

``But-``

``No buts. Now let's go. ``

After hearing what John said, Ela and Brandon were excited to eat there again. But Elina was hesitant about it but felt defeated since her kids liked the idea.

``Alright then, lead the way. ``

John was happy that she accepted.

Once they reached the tavern and entered, they were greeted by Terisa.

``Hey John. Welcome back. I see you have another member. ``

``Yup, her name is Elina, and she is Ela and Brandon Mom. ``

``Oh. I'm so happy that you managed to find her. ``

Terisa went up to Elina.

``It's very nice to meet you. My name is Terisa. ``

``It's very nice to meet you. ``

Terisa smiled and looked at John.

``Alright then, follow me and I'll lead you to your guyses table. ``

They followed and sat down.

``Now, what will you guys be having today. ``

While everyone was deciding, Elina took a look at the menu and was surprised about the price.

``Are you sure we can order whatever we want? They look expensive. ``

John let out a big sigh.

``Guess I have no choice then. Terisa, I have one of everything on the menu again. Oh, but could you get us four pumpkin pie slices. I've been craving it. ``

Terisa smiled.

``Coming right up. ``

As soon as Terisa left, Elina started to speak.

``Why did you do that? ``

``Because as I said before, you could order anything you want but since you were questioning whether or not you should order, it's better to order everything so that you don't have to choose. ``

Elina was surprised.

``And besides, I did the same thing for them when we came here. Right guys. ``

``Yea`` said Brandon and Ela.

``But still…``

``You don't have to worry about it. I'm paying, remember? And besides, since everything is coming, you get to eat different types of food that you never tried before. ``

No matter what Elina said, John was persistent.

``You win. I won't complain about it anymore. ``

``That's good cause the food is ready`` said Terisa.

``Thanks Terisa``

``Thank you`` both Ela and Brandon said.

``Your welcome, there's more to come. Hope you enjoy. ``

Everyone started to eat, and John noticed that Elina really enjoyed it. Her expression says it all.

``HMM!! This is SOOO good. ``

``I know right. Mom, you should try this too. The meat is delicious. `` Ela said.

``And you should also try this pumpkin pie. I'm telling you it's the best`` Brandon said.

She listened and took a bite.

``HMM!! This is the best dessert I have had so far. I can't believe it's this good. ``

She couldn't hold herself back anymore and started to eat. John was happy everyone was enjoying themselves.

After they had finished all their food, John paid and said his goodbye to Terisa and her parents and left with Elina, Ela, and Brandon. When they were outside Elina couldn't help but say thank you to John.

``Thank you for treating us today. ``

``Your welcome. It was my pleasure.

``I kind of feel bad since we were the ones who were supposed to treat you today. ``

John chuckled.

``It's fine. Like I said, I was happy to do it. Everyone had a good time so that's enough for me. ``

Everyone started to smile at what he said. Even if they didn't know too much about him, they knew that he was someone with a kind heart.

``Alright then, are you guys ready to leave? `Elina said.

``Are you guys going back? ``

``Of course, I mean that's where we live after all. ``

``I'm sorry but I can't let you do that. ``

``What do you mean? ``

``Don't you guys get cold. I mean the house is a complete mess. ``

``That may be so, but you don't have to worry, we`ll manage, right guys. ``

``Yea`` both Ela and Brandon said.

John looked worried for them.

``You don't have to worry, we'll be fine. Now it's time for us to go. Until next time. ``

As they were leaving, John stopped them.

``Wait, why don't you guys come to the inn with me. ``

``Is fine. You already did more than enough for us.`` Elina said.

``Please I insist, don't you want to sleep comfortably? ``

``We already do so please don't be persistent. ``

``I know you're lying. I saw it with my own eyes. ``

Elina didn't know what to say. No matter what she said John won't budge.

``Ela, Brandon, do you want to go back home or go to the inn? `` John said.

They were hesitant at first, but Ela decided to speak up.

``If I was telling the truth, I would like to sleep in the Inn. It's very comfortable and warm. ``

``Me too`` Brandon said, `` I really like that place. ``

``Elina`` John said, ``Please come to the Inn, not only is it better, but it's also something you won't regret. ``

Elina was hesitant until she looked at her children and could see that they really wanted to go.

``Alright then. Guess I have no choice. ``

``Alright then, just follow me. ``

Once they arrived, John asked the receptionist for another room. Once he received the key, he led them to the room that he just got.

``This is where you guys will be sleeping. If you guys need anything, my room is next to yours so don't hesitate to ask. ``

``Thank you mister`` said Ela.

``Your welcome. `` John closed the door and went to his room. He decided to practice playing his guitar since he wasn't tired just yet. Right when he was about to play, he heard a knock.

``Who is it? ``

``It's me Elina. ``

John opens the door.

``Is there something you need? ``

``No, Ela and Brandon wanted me to tell you if you could sing for them. They were too shy to ask so they ask me to tell you. ``

``I guess they really like the song I played for them last time. Let me grab my guitar. ``

John grabbed his guitar and went to their room.

``Alright, hope you guys are ready`` said John.

``Yea`` both Ela and Brandon said excitedly.

``Alright then you guys know what to do. ``

They both nodded and started to lay down.

``Alright then I'll begin. ``

So, John started to play and sing the same song. After some time has passed, both Ela and Brandon feel asleep.

``That was a lovely song`` Whispered Elina

John smiled.

``You should get some rest too`` whispered John.

``I will. ``

John got up and left for his room. After putting the guitar back, he layed in his bed and started to think.

``What should I do tomorrow? How can I help them? This is more difficult than I thought. ``

After some thinking, John had an idea on how he could help them. And once he had an idea for tomorrow, he fell asleep.