She caught both of them staring at the file. But as they caught her catching them, they just changed the direction of their pupils so smoothly — like they never even saw the file.
But then Ren said, asking Grandfather, "Actually I need to discuss something with you."
He said, "Well, speak up boy."
He said, "So actually today is a meet up at the circuit. All the social circle is coming." He nodded in reply. "So I am asking — is it okay if I take Helena with me as well? As Dr. Haan said that seeing familiar places may help her regain her memories. And as everyone is coming I think it's a better opportunity for her, if you allowed."
He little cleaned his throat and put the spoon back in his plate and sat a little comfortable on the chair and said, "If Dr. Haan said then it's a better thing. But it's not my choice or up to my permission — if she is okay to go then I also allowed. But you need to bring her back early before outside gets more cold. And take care of her safety."
Listening to that Aika was like — Ohh wow, what a change. But what a timing. I appreciate how well he knows when to ask. But I do want to go.
I am so — should I reply now? It's been silent and all eyes are on me. Do they want me to reply?
Nah, I can't say it like that. Ask me as well! How am I supposed to jump in the middle of two people's conversation? It's a different thing that they are talking about me.
Ren said, "So Helena, are you okay coming with me?"
She said, "Okay—" but then stopped.
But I want to ask — who exactly will be there?
She stopped herself mid thought.
Leave it. Let's directly see. And from until now, from day 1, I already learned one lesson — you can't avoid anything. Any event or anything, it has to happen. So even if I say no there is no point.
"Okay," she said.
Then Grandfather said, "Okay. But Noel, you should also accompany them."
Aika was like — why? Her reaction was clear in her eyes.
Her inner monologue was like, Wow, how little this Grandfather trusts Ren. Poor guy, he must be feeling inferior.
And Noel said, "I am also going," as he already knew this was going to be asked.
Then Grandfather stood up as his dinner was already done and said, "Enjoy the time Helena dear," patting her head. "And take care of yourself. And when you go, wear something warm okay?"
She nodded.
But no one noticed. Not even Noel. Not even Aika herself.
How she flinched slightly at the pat. How her neck went stiff for just a second. How she just smiled it away.
Because she was not at all used to this action. Not even a little.
Then Ren also got up and said, "Meet me at the living room okay Helena, after 15 minutes. Go get ready. And you know — wear something warm."
She said, "You ain't to remind me, I already listened that."
Then one of the maids came. "Let me help." It was the head maid.
Aika was just getting a not good vibe but she just said, "Okay," and followed the maid.
Ren just winked at Noel and walked out toward his room. Noel also got up.
Noel just smiled at what Ren did before leaving — just lightly shook his head like, ah, this kid. Then got up as he was also going.
At the room, the head maid was already quietly and quickly working. Aika was just sitting on the sofa as the head maid already brought out the outfits.
Aika's face —
First outfit. Black mini dress, cropped blazer, gold chain belt, knee high boots. Aika doing her best to explain without making the maid too suspicious: no.
Second outfit. Pink off shoulder with a huge white bow, cream mini skirt. Aika's face: who am I supposed to be.
Third outfit. Black fitted top with white bow, cream flowy skirt. Aika's face: I cannot run in this.
As the head maid was already getting suspicious seeing Aika's reaction to the first three outfits — Aika had to quickly fix her expression before she made it worse. And then the fourth outfit came out.
Black oversized hoodie. White crop underneath. Dark cargo pants.
Aika's face immediately: 👀
Okay. Now THAT is an outfit and why the heck miss maid explaining the dresses as am i blind but let her if i stop she gonna again start saying some thing or asking question
She accepted it before the maid could say anything.
and For the hairstyle madam what you would like —
First option: Half up half down with two black ribbon bows, long wavy curls. Aika's brain immediately stopped braining. Too much. Way too much. Who has time for this.
Second option: Soft waves with white headband. Still too neat. Still too put together.
Third option: Natural soft waves. Side parted. Loose and flowing. Simple. Clean. Easy.
Aika pointed stop the maid immediately. whatever i mean just last one u explain teh oen okei .
The head maid looked at the choice as her choice is in question but . Then at Aika.
Then quietly, professionally, began working on the third hairstyle without a single comment.
And even while doing her hair the whole time the maid didn't shut her mouth. Saying, "Madam, still if you want to change I'll bring something else," as she was not satisfied with Aika's choice.
And as Aika in the end said, "But those are — look, it's like a bike event. You need to wear a comfortable outfit and pants at least work."
She said, "But your social group is there so maybe you wear what you always used to."
But Aika was like — at this point I am not wearing what others want to see. I am going to wear this.
But she only said this inside. Outside she said, "No, but I am comfortable in this. And they — if they are my friends they aren't gonna mind whatever I wore. Am I right?"
The maid smiled and said, "Yes, well said."
She was ready and about to go downstairs but the maid said, "Wait Madam, you forgot your footwear. What do you want to wear?"
And seeing all the choices —
White platform heeled sandals. Aika's eyes: next.
Beige block heels with giant satin bow on the toe. Aika's eyes: absolutely next.
Black lace up chunky heeled ankle boots. Sturdy. But still a heel. Aika's eyes: still next.
Cream and black retro sneakers. Flat. Laced. Comfortable. Made for actual human feet that need to actually move.
Aika picked them up herself. Instantly. Fastly. Before the maid could even process what was happening.
The maid's face —
Not the sneakers. Not again. Please.
But Aika was already sitting down tying the laces herself.
Poor maid. She didn't even get to finish her makeup.
Aika had come downstairs so fast after doing her hair that the maid didn't even get a chance. And now she came down again after picking up the muffler and gloves — and the maid was already there waiting.
She held out a lip balm.
"At least Madam, put this."
Aika was like — why is she so stubborn?
If Helena's skin is the same as mine was in my previous life I would definitely put it. But she is already good looking. Why would I put that?
But she still took it and put it in her pants pocket.
At least let the maid be at ease.
because she just don't like the maid continuous bragging and talking as more then er the maid were exciting as the way she extremely in detail explain about dresses then telling each hairstyle uhhh what a time waste i cant no more say the poor maid she is too much talkative maid a would from know on gonna say ....She just pulled the muffler loosely over one shoulder and came back fast — one glove already on, the other one held in her arm as she was still putting it on while walking.
Hurrying.
Because they were both already moving toward the door and she had that specific panicked feeling — like a kid who is always suspicious that their mother is going to leave without them.
To be continued...