Because as much as I am itching to help her first and foremost, I’m also going to find out exactly why she’s here.
35
NERO
“Why does she keep staring at me?” I asked Cosette as we watched the girl that had appeared out of nowhere, eating the sandwich in her hands like she’s starved for days.
The milk beside the plate stayed uncapped as she would chug it now and then straight from the carton.
“I think she’s taken a liking to you,” Cosette mumbled to me, careful not to let her hear because we’ve been theorizing that while she hasn’t spoken yet, she could understand us.
While C and I were seated across the table from the girl, Dex and Siege had to stay at a specific distance, their backs against the wall, or the girl would stop eating and would just glare at the two.
I figured it’s either because she knows that they’re Azuls, or it’s because they do not look friendly at all. I’m willing to bet it’s the second one.
We waited for her to finish her food, and the girl even did a loud burp, which made C’s lips curl into a smile.
“Was that good?” She asked the kid, and it was the first time she ever responded, nodding in answer to the question.
Cosette’s eyes lit up, coming to the same conclusion we all did.
She can understand us.
“Good. That’s good.”
Cosette’s voice was calming, and I couldn’t help but admire her while watching her handle this situation like a pro. I am so proud of her for wanting to help the girl without hesitation, and even though I feel that Dex and Siege had their well-placed reservations about letting the girl into their home, I know they believe Cosette was making the right choices in helping the kid.
“I’m Cosette, by the way. That’s Dex, that’s Siege, and this,” C paused, patting my arm, to which the girl’s eyes followed the action. “This is Nero.”
I felt Cosette’s knee bumping mine under the table, and I knew what she wanted me to do.
“Hi,” I said with a smile, and sure enough, the girl was acting somewhat shy as she looked down at the table.
I turned to look at Cosette beside me, and she met my gaze with her expression amused, though I know it’s not because she was mocking the kid, but merely she’s glad that there seems to be progress, and she found a way to get there.
While the girl was still avoiding my eyes, C urged me to continue with a raise of her brows. I rolled my eyes, feeling like I’m being used.
Whatever makes my girl happy, though.
“So, what’s your name?”
“Callista,” she answered with a heavy, unidentifiable accent, still not meeting my eyes.
“That’s a pretty name.”
I looked at Cosette for guidance on what to say next, but she just looked at me with her hands urging me to continue.
“May I ask what you’re doing here, Callista?”
Kid finally looks up again, looking at Cosette this time as she speaks in a language I don’t understand.
“Hinatid ako dito nung lalaking mabait, pero hinarang kami. Bago siya patayin, sabi niya, tumakbo raw ako. Hanapin ko raw yunggatena meron nito.”
Callista pulled a ring out of the pocket of her torn-up sweatpants, placing it on the table.
Dex and Siege visibly went alert, with the former approaching the table, though he was more careful and slow this time not to trigger Callista. He looked at the ring, and it didn’t take him too long before he said, “This is an Azul ring.”
Turning to Cosette again, I found her with her lips slightly parted, brows furrowed.
