Chapter 12: The Next Morning

Chirp~ Chirp~ 

"Big Brother! Big Brother!"

"Ughhh yeah, Euphi?"

"It's time to get up! Mom said she'll kick your ass if you—"

"Euphi!"

"What?"

"Don't curse!"

"Whyyy? Mom says it!"

"You aren't Mom! Mom's a bad girl—don't copy her! Just listen to her!"

"Hmph! I'll do what I want! But hurry downstairs, my food's probably cold because of you!"

"Fine, fine. Go ahead, I'm up now."

"Yay!" 

Her voice vanished into the wind quicker than I could lift myself off the bed. I didn't even remember falling asleep and let me just say, this bed was super comfortable.

But I couldn't stay in it forever.

Getting out of bed, I ran over to the bathroom and started a cold shower, instantly waking myself up. I speed-washed every part of my body and was in and out within five minutes. After a quick two-minute brushing of my teeth, I was almost ready for the day. I let my hair fall naturally as I didn't have any particular style yet. 

It was finally time to see what kind of wardrobe I was working with.

I opened the massive closet—which was practically a second room in itself—and found it lined with simple clothes. Right in the center, though, were three suits—black, blue, and gold—spotless and completely wrinkle-free.

You know… I kind of want to wear one of these, I thought, but I don't want to ruin them either. I shook my head, dismissing the idea. It'd be a shame to mess up one of these suits just for a two- or three-hour school day.

Instead, I opted for a more casual fit—but even these clothes were anything but cheap.

Actually…

Sliding into a black long-sleeve T-shirt, I couldn't help but question the state of this house. 

"If Eiz starred in some movies, then he has to have a decent amount of money. Especially if Mom got him some roles."

It made sense. She was clearly loaded—given the house and the fact that she seemed to be a single parent. She could afford that trip for Cain and Euphi without blinking. She must get paid a ton, and even a role she deemed insignificant might still be bigger than what most people ever get.

Regardless, I'm sure there's a banking app or something I can look into to figure it all out. I had just finished getting dressed—black long sleeve, khaki pants, and tennis shoes. Nothing extravagant, but once I got used to life here, I promised I'd step it up. It's a matter of self-respect.

"Good morning, Mom!"

"Eiz, dear! Come eat—and don't forget about later!"

"Mom, shouldn't I go now?" It was 6 a.m. If I didn't leave soon, I'd be super late.

"Why? We can use the helicopter!"

"…Excuse me?"

"The helicopter!"

"O-oh yeah."

'THE HELICOPTER?!'

With my brain blanking out, I just sat at the table and absently started eating breakfast.

Still, what the hell?! Who just casually says that? Matter of fact… where would we even land?

"Mom, where would you even land?"

"I wouldn't land anywhere—but Jack can land us on the agency's roof. Just like yesterday."

"Ohhh. Yeah, sorry. Can't believe I forgot."

"It's okay, dear. You were busy practicing your lines, after all."

"O-oh."

"Bhehe~ Guess you remembered you left them behind?"

"Yeah, totally. Can I have them back?"

"Of course! This is your first major role. Can't mess this up—or I'll look like a fool."

"No pressure, Mom!"

"It's fine. You've got plenty of time and practice. Filming doesn't start until winter—so, about another five or six months."

"Phew~"

If it was any sooner, I might've actually cried.

Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, bacon, and jelly toast. A simple start to the day but nothing was wrong with that and hey, some weren't even fortunate enough to eat this so really no complaints when I think like that. 

We finished eating in no time. Euphi and Cain practically inhaled their food—they were so excited about today—so it ended up just being me and Mom at the table. We talked about random things that helped me understand things better about the whole family dynamic, like how she was searching for a boyfriend but also wasn't really worried about it. 

She said she was happy with us, and that the other person hadn't been all that. All she really wished for was our happiness.

"We want you to be happy too, Mom."

"Yeah, yeah, you've said that multiple times already. Mom'll see how it goes but you've seen some of the men who've tried. Just a bunch of horn dogs… which isn't wrong, but hah~"

"Don't sweat it. My bad for bringing up something sensitive. I just wanted to see where things were at."

"Hehe~ Thank you for worrying."

We smiled at each other, and Mom led us out back. Cain and Euphi were already waiting, dressed in light clothing and holding their luggage. Figures, since they were headed to a resort-style place.

"Good morning, ma'am. And good morning to all of you as well."

"Morning, Jack! Everything ready?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Alright, everyone, let's go and be careful. Euphi, I'm talking to you!"

"Meanie!"

"Huh?! Come here, you little rascal!"

"N-No! You'll mess up my hair!"

"You should've thought about that before talking back!"

While they were messing around…

"Hey, Jack—here's their luggage."

"Thank you, sir."

Getting a closer look at him, Jack was about as average-looking as a man could get—aside from the clearly strong physique. He looked around thirty or thirty-one, had a trimmed beard, short, neat brown hair, and matching brown eyes. What brought him up a notch was the sharp black suit he wore. You'd think a helicopter pilot would dress differently, but hey, as long as he didn't crash, I wouldn't complain.

I helped load the luggage, and after five long minutes of chasing her around, Mom finally wrestled Euphi on board.

"See, Mom?! My hair…"

"Relax, dear. I'll fix it when we land."

Thu~ Thu~ Thu~

"Alright, everyone, make sure you're buckled in. I'm lifting off."

The cold morning air seeped through the cracks of the cabin as the door shut behind us, contrasting with the lingering warmth of the house. The low hum of the rotors grew into a mechanical roar, vibrating through the seat and into my spine. It was disorienting, exhilarating—and loud. The noise-canceling headphones helped a little, but Jack's voice still came through like a distant echo. I think Mom was the only one with a mic, but honestly? I had no idea. This was my first time in a helicopter