Chapter 50: A Sudden Preparation
It was a somewhat special day for Sakolomé.
After taking care of his preparations, Sakolomé decided to dress up.
Sakolomé: Since it's a party organized by the Liuly family, I have to be presentable, at least so I don't embarrass Sally.
Well-dressed, Sakolomé left his room and headed towards the famous party.
He found himself face to face with Amu, who immediately stopped him.
Amu: Where are you planning to go, Mr. Killer Man?
Sakolomé: I'm invited to a party by a friend!
Amu, intrigued: A friend? Is she your girlfriend?
Sakolomé blushed and replied:
Sakolomé: No, she's just a new friend from school. She's part of the Liuly family!
Amu, surprised, questioned:
Amu: Such an important family? It all seems suspicious to me!
Sakolomé: Ah... You too!
Amu smiled.
Amu: I'm glad we share the same thought. They might have something strange planned for you since you're a Satsujin Otoko. So, I have the pleasure of telling you that you'll stay home with your little sister. Besides, there won't be anyone here if you leave; she can't stay alone!
Sakolomé was annoyed by what Amu said.
Sakolomé: But mother, when I said it was strange, I didn't think of such things. It's just... well, I don't even see the point in explaining.
Amu: There's nothing to explain. You stay home, period!
Sakolomé insisted:
Sakolomé: But mother, I can't afford to do that! Sally will be very disappointed if I do!
Amu turned around and said firmly:
Amu: I've already said you're staying home. If you still want to go, then you'll go with Salomé. Otherwise, you don't move; Salomé can't stay alone here!
Sakolomé frowned with a worried face.
Sakolomé: Go with Salomé? But how will Sally take it? She invites me and I come with my sister?
He imagined the scene in his head:
He presents himself in front of Sally with Salomé.
Sally: Hi Sakolomé, who is she?
Sakolomé: My little sister. I couldn't leave if...
Sally gets angry and scolds Sakolomé.
Sally: Really, you're only good at annoying me and disappointing me, Sakolomé. I understand why everyone hates you. I invite you to my party and you bring your sister? Tell me you came just to fill your bellies; there mustn't be much food at your place!
A thought bubble bursts.
Sakolomé shook his head.
Sakolomé: Mother, please, I can't go with her. And besides, where are you going today? Why can't you take her with you?
Amu: I'm going to the lab to present my new vaccines and potions to the doctor. I can't take Salomé to the lab!
With a worried and nervous look, Sakolomé sighed and finally agreed to take Salomé to the party.
Amu was satisfied:
Amu: Very well! Hurry up and get your sister ready, and leave together. And take good care of her!
Sakolomé nodded.
He headed to the living room and saw Salomé sitting watching TV.
Salomé noticed Sakolomé's disturbing gaze and asked:
Salomé: What? What's wrong, big brother?
Sakolomé replied with a grumpy face:
Sakolomé: Go take a shower and change; we're going to a party!
Salomé was thrilled to hear the news.
Salomé: Hurray! A party!!!
Sakolomé still had a grumpy face:
Sakolomé: Hurry up, please!
Salomé retorted:
Salomé: I'll finish this episode first; it's the last one!
Sakolomé frowned even more, getting nervous from her response.
Sakolomé: Damn it... Salomé, get off that couch and go take a shower! Make it quick!!
Salomé protested:
Salomé: But big brother, it's just one episode and it's the last one too!
Amu interrupted them while she was well-dressed and ready to leave.
Amu: Well, see you later kids! Have fun!
She cast a teasing glance at Sakolomé, whose face showed discontent.
Amu left, closing the door.
Salomé said cheerfully:
Salomé: See you later, mom!!!
Sakolomé fixed Salomé on the couch with a severe look.
Sakolomé: Your episode will be re-aired!
Salomé replied with annoying contrariness:
Salomé: No, I refuse! The rerun is this week and today there will be another rerun that takes time!
Sakolomé jumped on Salomé to snatch the remote control. She dodged agilely and stood on the other side of the couch.
She started licking the remote control before handing it to Sakolomé, saying:
Salomé: Here, take it!
Disgusted by the sticky saliva on the remote control, Sakolomé recoiled and turned off the TV with a sharp motion.
He sarcastically laughed while Salomé sat back on the couch and turned the screen back on with the remote control.
With eyes narrowed by growing anger, Sakolomé exclaimed:
Listen to me, Salomé, we're very late!
He spoke in a raised tone.
Salomé replied nonchalantly:
Well, we can just skip it; we'll go to another party!
This response further disoriented Sakolomé, who hit his hand against his forehead in frustration. He felt like the world was conspiring against him.
Observing his desperate state, Salomé asked:
But big brother, if this party is so important to you, you can go alone. I can stay home; I'm grown up now!
Sakolomé sighed and sat next to her on the couch. Salomé hid the remote control behind her back, fearing he would snatch it again.
It's just that mom thinks you're not capable of staying alone, he explained.
But why? she asked.
Probably because she thinks you're still too young, he replied, shrugging.
Is this party important? she asked again.
He nodded affirmatively:
Yes, it's about Sally, a friend of mine... well, a new friend. She's as kind as Agatha; do you remember her?
Salomé's eyes lit up:
Oh yes! Agatha was so kind!!!
Sakolomé smiled.
Exactly! Sally really wants to be my friend and no matter what she hears about me; she doesn't reject me like others!
Pensive but a bit sad, he looked at his sister before she interrupted him:
I'll go shower and change; we're going! I want to meet this girl!
A smile appeared on Sakolomé's face as he asked:
And your episode then?
She replied joyfully:
Never mind! It's not as important as my big brother's friendship!
Touched by her sincere words, Sakolomé smiled tenderly:
You're really my adorable little sister! Come into my arms!
He opened his arms for a hug. Salomé approached and hugged him warmly.
After a preparation full of amusement like never before, Salomé was finally ready for the party. Together, they took the path that led them there.