Chapter 15

Beatrix had taken a panty and a loose grey gown (that had two pockets) from the backyard of a house that they'd sneaked into. The little one wrote on a note they found on the verandah, saying they'll come back with compensation in the future.

Lavana wore them and they left the place.

Now that the clothing issue was settled, they needed something to eat. Lavana wouldn't let Beatrix use her scepter again just because of food!

As they walked in the streets, they held their tummy.

The smell of food all around them was enticing.

"I've got an idea!" Beatrix suddenly said and Lavana took them to a secluded corner.

"What idea do you have?" Lavana asked the little one eagerly.

"Let's choose a place to eat to our fill. Once done, I'll just wipe their memory of us ever eating food there and then we leave. Easy-peasy!"

"What?" Lavana used her index finger to push Beatrix's head. "Seriously? This is the brilliant idea? To dine and dash!"

"How about... after eating, I offer them a pearl?"

"Do you even have one on you? Will you also not bring suspicion to us? How did two random people get their hands on a pearl?" Lavana didn't accept the idea.

"You can become invisible. Just sneak in, get some food from the kitchen and write a note that you'll pay back in the future. It's simple."

Lavana sighed. All the ideas the little one had revolved around stealing.

"Why do you brush off my ideas? Didn't we just steal clothes?"

"That was an emergency."

"Miss Lavana, this is also an emergency. We can't starve in the name of principles." Beatrix walked away from the secluded spot. She headed directly into a restaurant.

Lavana had to follow her. By the time she got in, Beatrix was already seated and ordering.

Soon, the food she ordered by brought and it smelled appetizing.

Lavana sat opposite her and nervously placed her hands on the table.

"Beatrix..." she called out in a whisper. Her eyebrows creased.

"Relax. I have it under control. Now, will you eat or not? Besides, you are so thin." Beatrix said lazily.

"You..." she was rendered speechless.

"Why are you so concerned about my weight?"

"Because I'm afraid I'll wake up to meet a skeleton one day. Eat or not. Time's running out." Beatrix asked, pointing at the food.

Lavana looked at the other customers chatting and eating happily. She looked at the food before her and her stomach grumbled.

She sighed and braved herself for the task.

"I'll eat." Lavana whispered in defeat. Her stomach was grumbling so much that it attracted the attention of others.

"Eh... sorry. My stomach is very excited to eat here." Lavana laughed sheepishly and the others focused on their business.

"Hehe... even your stomach is supporting me here. Why are you afraid? I ordered fish dishes for you since you are...." Beatrix drew closer and continued in a small voice. "Since you are a mermaid."

"I just hope we don't get beaten."

"Hey, don't pull the long face here..."

"Here's your food!" the waiter came again with another food tray and placed the ordered dishes on the table along with plastic bottles of water.

One of the bottled water was three times larger than the other.

The waiter placed it on Lavana's side.

"Thank you for the food." Lavana whispered to him with a weak smile.

"Hope you'll enjoy the food." the waiter smiled and left after bowing.

Lavana looked at the dishes on her side and that of Beatrix's.

Beatrix had ordered meat dishes while hers was mainly fish. Well, she couldn't blame her. She didn't know she was an Omega too. Werewolves loved meat like they loved going out for a run in the woods.

There were two utensils by the side of the plate. She picked up the fork and knife.

"I don't know how to use these." Lavana admitted.

"Really?"

"I mostly use my hand and on rare occasions, a big spoon."

"Waiter!" Beatrix called.

The waiter ran over.

"Yes, miss,"

"Get us a bowl of water. Thank you and sorry for the stress." she said with a beautiful smile.

"No biggie." the waiter laughed softly and left to get what she ordered. In no time, he returned with a small bowl of water.

Lavana accepted it and thanked the waiter.

She washed her hands and placed the bowl away from the dishes, towards the edge of the table.

Lavana picked the fish with both hands and started eating like tomorrow was a zombie apocalypse.

Beatrix felt second hand embarrassment as Lavana ate noisily; smacking her lips repeatedly.

She looked like a hungry ghost incarnation.

"Can you eat slowly? No one's gonna snatch your food." Beatrix looked displeased.

"How's it your business? Didn't you say time was running out?" Lavana continued to eat, not minding the frowns on others' faces.

******

Minutes later,

Both were done with their food and Lavana, to others' shock, finished that big bottle of water. They sized her up again. Her stomach looked flat still. It was like she didn't eat at all.

"Yummy!" Lavana smacked her lips again and rose.

"Beatrix, please pay for the food. I'll wait for you outside." she rose and proceeded to walk outside.

"But you know we don't have any money. We came to dine and dash." Beatrix announced.

This drew the attention of everyone.

"What do you mean? The money is clearly in your pocket." Lavana looked distressed.

"But I don't have any pockets. Which pocket are you talking about?" Beatrix furrowed her eyebrows.

"Beatrix, I remember clearly that I gave you the money."

"Lying isn't good, you know." Beatrix looked at the others and walked to Lavana, frowning. "Please, big sister, just give them the money. It's really not a good thing to dine and dash. I never supported this idea of yours from the start." she looked distressed.

"You..."

Lavana sighed and put her other free hand in the pocket of the gown she wore and brought it out to show it was empty.

"Er... We have no money. So, where's the broom? We know how to sweep well." Lavana said while rubbing her palms in preparation for what is to come.

"Lady, you planned to ditch me here. Hmph! We'll both suffer together." Beatrix whispered. Lavana rolled her eyes.

"You two, follow me." the waiter who served them the food earlier came and ordered them.

"At least our stomachs are full for the time being." Lavana thought and followed the waiter to the kitchen with Beatrix.

There was a door leading to another room where the dishes were to be washed.

"We are in need of dish washers. You two have no money to pay. So start washing." he said and turned around to leave. He didn't look too happy.

"Look, I'm sorry. We..." Lavana got interrupted by the waiter.

"Do your job." he barked before leaving.

"Well..." Lavana looked at Beatrice.

"You know how to wash plates?"

The little one shook her head.

"Servants usually do such menial tasks. I've never done such hard work." Beatrix replied.

"I'm a pro at such things. I'll teach you." Lavana chuckled and drew the reluctant girl closer.

"You start with this and..."

******

It was evening before the restaurant closed. The chefs and other waiters had all left. The waiter who'd ordered them to do the dishes came to them and saw them seated at the extreme. Beatrix was sleeping on Lavana's lap and Lavana was also sleeping with her back reclined against the walls.

The waiter quietly walked to her and coughed to get their attention.

"Ahem..."

None of them responded.

"Ahem..." he coughed again and this time, Beatrix woke up.

She left Lavana's hold and rose, rubbing her eyes to ward off the remnants of sleep.

"Mr waiter, are we free to go now?"

"I bet you girls don't have a place to stay?" he asked.

"How is that your business?" Beatrice asked unhappily, folding her arms.

"Beatrix? Beatrix? Beatrix!" Lavana opened her eyes and exhaled deeply after shouting in her sleep.

"Big sister!" a concerned Beatrix ran over to Lavana.

"Big sister, are you alright?"

Lavana shook her head.

"You had a nightmare?" the waiter asked.

Lavana nodded rapidly and soon hugged herself, shaking tremendously.

Beatrix felt Lavana's temperature become very cold. Even if she was a mermaid, she shouldn't be allowed to get this cold.

The waiter walked to Lavana and went on one knee. He tried to feel her forehead, but Beatrix slapped his hand away.

"Don't touch her." she yelled.

"Why, I have no bad intentions." he looked confused.

"You have no right to touch her. Big sister, let me help you up. This place isn't safe."

"Kiddo, you have to think straight. Your big sister is obviously ill. I'll send her to the hospital and..." he didn't complete his sentence as Beatrix kicked his foot.

"No. I said NO! Don't you get it? Big sister..." Beatrix looked worriedly at Lavana.

"D-Don't take me to the hospital. Just some warm water and pain killers should do." Lavana spoke with difficulty.

"No, I insist. If it's the fee you're both worried about, it's okay. I'll cover it. Please, don't refuse my help. Let me help you up." he made to touch Lavana's hand but Beatrix stopped him.

"I said she can't go to the hospital. Are you deaf, human?" she thundered.

"Beatrix... calm down." Lavana said and looked at the unhappy waiter.

"Sorry sir, for her behaviour. She didn't mean it. I know you really want to help but she's right. I really can't go to the hospital."

"Are you scared of the needles or the hospital itself?" the waiter placed both hands on his waist.

All his life, he'd never seen people so adamant about not receiving proper treatment.

This skinny girl before him was shaking terribly. She's obviously very sick and yet she and her little sister are begging him not to take them to the hospital? How weird!

"Sir," Beatrix went on her knees and pulled on his trouser lightly.

"If you really want to help us, please take us to anywhere we can lay our head and keep warm. Cheap fever medicines and painkillers will do. Please."

The waiter shook his head and sighed.

"You ladies..."

"Look at me." Beatrix said.

Lavana's eyes widened and she tried to stop the little one but she had no energy. She ended up fainting instead.

"I'm looking at you." the waiter said.

He watched Beatrix's eyes change color to a greyish purple.

"Do you understand now, human?" she asked.

The waiter gasped in shock but then regained his composure quickly. He now understood why they were insisting not to go to the hospital.

They weren't human!

This was such a great discovery. So there were people who weren't humans in this world. He didn't know what this little girl and her big sister were but he knew he shouldn't offend them by any means!

He sighed and rubbed his face.

"Alright. I see your point. She absolutely can't visit the hospital. I'm actually the owner here. Occasionally, I do some waiter work coz that's how I first started. I'll take you to my home. There's a guestroom you two could use. What do you think, Beatrix?" he asked with a smile. Deep inside, he was afraid.

If they recovered, would they kill him to hide the secret? That... he also couldn't escape from here now, right? He doubted if he could make it to the entrance of his restaurant.

"Don't worry. We just need a place to stay and we won't silence you if that's what you're worried about. Please, help me carry her." Beatrix said and the man quickly got to the task.

"By the way, you can call me Carl. Carl Smith." he introduced himself as he lifted the unconscious Lavana over his shoulders.

*****

Carl lived in a 2 bedroom apartment. The other room was a guestroom.

Lavana was placed on the bed of the guestroom in Carl's home. He lived alone and the guestroom was just there in case one of his friends decided to spend the night. He's usually very busy, so it's not easy for a friend to even come hold him down with gossip and spend the night.

Beatrix sighed and looked at Carl.

"Em... Mr Carl, I'll need you to get me these," she gave him a piece of paper. It was a list containing some common food ingredients.

"Oh, I do have them in my kitchen. Let me get them for you," he said and turned to leave.

"Wait!" the little one walked to him and handed him another paper.

"Prepare the tonic according to the instructions. Remember, you must wash your hands with tea seed oil before preparing it." she warned and then headed back to watching over Lavana.

"Ok!" he muttered and walked out of the room, not forgetting to close the door behind him.

Seeing that he was gone, she sighed and tapped on her right index finger twice. A golden ring appeared on her finger and flew out of it. Golden light covered it and it transformed into a golden scepter- her witch scepter that had the red crystal at the tip and encircled with green vines.

It levitated in front of her.

She pressed her palms together as her eyes turned greyish purple.

"Oh crystal witch ancestor, grant me my wish. Heal my big..."

Beatrix couldn't continue as she heard Lavana cough.

"Beatrix? What are you doing?"

The little one slowly turned back to look at Lavana with a sheepish look.

Lavana was frowning.

"Kiddo, what did I tell you... cough... cough... Didn't I warn you not to casually use your witch scepter? Why don't you listen?" Lavana berated despite her hoarse voice.

"Err..." the scepter transformed back to the golden ring and entered her right index finger. Then it vanished.

Beatrix ran to the bed and sat on it.

"Big sister... I know I'm wrong. I won't do this again. I promise." she said, pulling on Lavana's sleeves and swaying it gently from side to side.

"Pinky promise?"

Beatrix wrapped her little finger around Lavana's.

"Deal. Can you stop being angry at me, big sister?"

"I'm still pissed." Lavana closed her eyes.

"Big sister, I was wrong alright! I'll never do it again."

Lavana opened her eyes again and smiled.

"If so, cough... cough... how can you prove your sincerity?"

"Have some water, first." Beatrix poured water from a plastic bottle into a glass and helped Lavana drink it.

Lavana sighed after drinking the water. Now that she was awake, she felt the fever and chill go down slowly but her chest still felt hot and tight. She didn't know why it was like this.

Was it because of the gills and the heart? If she had only the gill, she can't survive long outside water and a heart can't withstand water for that long. Then there's also her dragon core that is newly formed. Maybe it contributed to her situation too.

"Do you feel sore in your chest?"

"Show me your sincerity first." Lavana changed the topic.

"Ok. How about... um... how about I sing a song for you?" Beatrix asked with uncertainty.

Hearing this, Lavana recalled how her beautiful late mum would sing for her often until that unfortunate day that Alpha Blake ruined all the happiness she'd ever known.

Thinking of it, she clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.

She was exuding a dangerous aura.

Beatrix felt it and looked at her in surprise.

"Big sister, are you alright?" she held Lavana's right wrist and took it in her hands.

"Did I say something wrong? If I did, then I'm sorry. Please don't be mad at me, alright! I won't sing if it makes you unhappy." Beatrix said with concern.

Seeing what she'd caused, Lavana felt really guilty. She needs to keep her emotions in check. She wouldn't want to hurt this innocent babe's feelings.

She had nothing to do with her past. She is someone who has brought laughter into her life after over a decade of being in darkness.

She won't let anyone harm her, not even herself. Beatrix was very precious!

"Pft! Hahaha," Lavana laughed.

"Big sis, what's funny?" Beatrix looked confused.

"Hehe, I could be an excellent actress, don't you think?" she had tears in her eyes and even clutched her stomach.

Beatrix saw this as her big sister being amused. As to why she was this amused, she didn't care. The important thing is, big sister is going to recover properly now.

"I just wanted to see your reaction but I guess I got into character too much. Sorry I made you worried for nothing." Lavana wiped off her tears and smiled.

"Ok. If you say so." Beatrix shrugged.

Lavana knew her act to cover up was successful. Now the little one was happy again and she deeply sighed internally.

"Hun, you have a pleasant voice when you talk, so I'd be honoured to hear you sing..."

At this moment, the entrance door opened and Carl entered the room carefully.

He carried a tray containing a porcelain pot, plate and spoon.

He carefully placed it on the table in the center of the guest room.

Beatrix cleared her throat and placed the bed tray over Lavana.

"Big sis, have some medicine first," she said softly as she accepted the porcelain bowl containing a red tonic that smelled awful.

"Beatrix, did I get it right?" Carl nervously asked.

Only heavens know how much effort he'd put into this. He'd never even be so serious if he were preparing a king's meal but these girls in his home could send him to death at any time. He wanted to keep his head alright!

"If you prepared it wrongly, you think I'd accept it from you? I told you to relax. Big sis and I are good people," Beatrix scoffed and placed the deep plate bowl on the bed tray.

She flashed a smile at Lavana who looked very unwilling to drink it. She preferred those bitter herbs she took in that hellish place to this tonic.

"Big sister, if you can be good and finish it up, then Beatrix will reward you." the little one pointed at the porcelain pot that was still covered with its lid. "Beatrix will reward you with the food in there. What do you say?"

Lavana looked at Carl, asking with her eyes if what the little babe said was true and he nodded quickly.

"Ok," Lavana mumbled in agreement.

"Now just relax, lil sis will feed you fat now," Beatrix said happily.

Lavana chuckled as Beatrix mixed the tonic properly and started to feed her.

"It's so bitter!" Lavana confessed after managing to swallow the first spoonful of the tonic.

"And so spicy. Are you trying to kill someone?" she complained.

"Big sis, relax. Take 9 more spoonfuls and I'll let you off." Beatrix's grin looked insincere and creepy.

"9 more spoonfuls? I'd rather die." Lavana lay back on the bed and looked away.

Beatrix looked at Carl who immediately raised the cover of the porcelain pot.

Lavana quickly turned her head to look at the pot.

The fragrance was so good. She almost drooled here.

Carl immediately covered the pot now there was only a faint fragrance which was disappearing by the seconds.

Lavana became disappointed.

"Big sis, I didn't lie to you, right? I told you there's a big reward behind this medicine. Come on, open your mouth. 9 more spoonfuls to go." Beatrix said as she prepared to serve Lavana another spoonful.

"I... I..." she looked at the pot again and swallowed hard.

"OK!" she finally compromised. Everything was for the sake of the food. For the sake of the reward.

******

Now that Lavana was done taking the 10 spoonfuls, Beatrix gave the deep plate to Carl who accepted it like he was receiving an imperial edict.

"No need to be so nervous. You are sweating despite the AC. Why are you so scared?"

"I... Do you eat humans? I'm just afraid that if I made a mistake..."

"Hey, Carl. Yes, we aren't human but that doesn't mean we eat people." Lavana said.

"Mr Carl, being so nervous is useless. I love eating meat but the meat must be well cooked. I eat animal meat. Are you an animal?" Beatrix looked pissed but Lavana patted her shoulder. Her temper was really like Thora's.

"Mr Carl, you can go outside and have a rest for the night. My lil sis and I can take it from here." Lavana said with a smile.

"Ok!" Carl quickly exited the room as Beatrix shook her head in pity.

"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Such a coward. He's even more spineless than a grasshopper. Hmph!" she scoffed.

"Baby, that's enough. Where's my reward?" Lavana asked, her eyes fixated on the small porcelain pot.

"Alright!" Beatrix went to the table to get the pot and returned, placing it on the bed tray.

She took the deep plate and spoon from the bed tray and returned them to the tray on the table.

She skipped back to the bed and sat on it.

Lavana licked her lips, rubbing her hands that had been itching.

"I can't wait to eat the chicken in it," she said.

The main reason she was this anxious was because of the aroma earlier. It was chicken.

So she excitedly took off the lid, forgetting the bitterness in her mouth.

But she soon frowned.

"Beatrix what's this?" she asked unhappily.

Where was the chicken that she was so prepped up to eat?

"Big sis, this is chicken flavoured fish. And the soup was made from ginger..."

"Forget it. I'm not eating. Take it away, Beatrix. You deceived me." Lavana folded her arms, pouting.

"Eh?" the little one widened her eyes in disbelief, pointing at herself.

"I deceived you? How could you say such a thing!"

"You said there's a reward but I see no reward." Lavana looked away.

"Big sis," Beatrix drew closer and whispered. "You are a mermaid, right? Why are you unhappy to eat fish? Or is seaweed your favourite food then?" she asked.

'What seaweed? Who wants to eat those? Who told you I like fish?"

"I thought you'd like it."

"You... I already ate so much fish back in the restaurant. I love meat alright." she said.

Beatrix sighed and got off the bed looking sad.

"It's alright. I'm at fault. I wrongly assumed that, based on your identity, you must like fish a lot. I'm sorry.'

Lavana felt bad. She'd saddened the little one again. What was wrong with her tonight?

"Hehe. Why do you always believe? I'm a mermaid. Of course, I love fish the most. Where would you see a meat-loving mermaid? Fish is excellent for my body. I'm very thin so I must eat and get fat. Then you can push me around in a wheelbarrow." she started eating it with relish.

"If you get too fat, I'll just run off."

"You'll abandon me?"

"Hmph! I don't want you to become obese. Just add a little more meat." Beatrix folded her arms and looked away.

"Here, have some of the fish and soup. It tastes really good. Carl's a really good cook." she gave a thumbs up and fed Beatrice a spoonful.

Beatrix nodded with a smile.

"His cooking's the best I've ever tasted." she exclaimed and added: "It would be a waste to wipe out his memory."

"Little sis, no need for that. He helped us so we shouldn't pay him back with evil, alright?" Lavana patted Beatrix's shoulder.

"Okay. But after we leave here, where will we go?"

"To your home of course. I need to make sure you reunite with your family." Lavana said as she fed her another spoonful.

"But what about after that? You don't want to stay with me anymore?"

"I could but... I've got to move on later and find people of my kind."

"You mean there are more of your kind out there?"

"Well... yeah!" Lavana nodded.

Beatrix sighed.

"Dear, this's not the time to pull that long face. We have a long time ahead of us. Have more of the fish."

"No, you need it more than me." Beatrix pushed her hand away.

"I know. Just this one last time. That will make big sister happy." Lavana urged.

"Ok!" Beatrix took one more spoonful and Lavana kissed her forehead.

"Yeah. That my lil girl." she finished the remaining fish and soup.

Then he tried to get off the bed.

"No need. Let me keep it away." Beatrix took the bed tray away and placed it on the table in the east wing of the room quickly.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Lavana said, reclining her head on the pillow.

Carl carefully entered and brought two nylon bags.

"What are these for?" Beatrix inquired.

"Well, they are new clothes. You girls can change into them after having a bath." he placed the bags on the bed.

"Thank you very much." Beatrix and Lavana said in unison.

He smiled and waved it off saying it's what he ought to do.

As he wanted to leave, Beatrix stopped him.

"Mr Carl," she took off the ring on her left thumb that had just appeared.

"Beatrix," Lavana called in a reminder but she simply smiled at her and then looked back at Carl.

"Keep this ring as our thanks to you. It will protect you from danger and bring you wealth," she said but he retreated 2 steps.

"No, no. I can't take this."

"Don't piss me off. Take it!" her eyes turned greyish purple.

"Y-Yes, Beatrix. I'll keep it well," he said as he accepted the silver ring from her.

It was quite small but he would keep it anyway.

"Wear it now," Beatrix ordered.

He looked at the small ring. What she demanded was impossible. How would he do so?

"It expands to fit the finger of the user. Do it," she demanded.

"Yes," he put the ring at the tip of his right thumb and surprisingly, the ring expanded and entered his thumb by itself. It started to glow.

"This..."

"The ring is yours now. You will take our secret to your grave. Am I right?" she smiled meaningfully at him.

"Y-Yes, of course. Only a fool would do otherwise." he hurriedly replied.

"You are smart," she said and blew on the ring on his right thumb.

It immediately vanished, shocking him.

"The ring will only show itself if you are in danger," she explain and he nodded in understanding.

"Alright, we're done here. Bye." Beatrix pushed him out and locked the door behind her.

"So, are you happy now?" Lavana said with folded arms.

"Eh... yeah."

"Come here."

Beatrix walked to Lavana and sat on the bed.

Lavana pinched her cheeks lightly.

"You are very stubborn huh. You keep going against your promise."

"I didn't use my witch scepter." Beatrix defended.

"You keep threatening him with your eyes. I know that using your witch eyes also consumes your energy."

"No... it..."

"Don't deny it, kiddo." Lavana stopped pinching the little girl's cheeks and bit her left index finger.

Blood started trickling.

"Big sis..." Beatrix wanted to get something to stop the bleeding but Lavana held her back with her other hand.

"Big sis..." Beatrix called out with concern.

"No, you can't leave without promising me."

"Promise?" Beatrix's eyebrows creased.

"Promise me that you will not do anything that draws upon your little internal energy while you are with me. Promise me that, Beatrix." Lavana's eyes changed to orange. "Promise me. I must take you back to your home safe and sound, alright! So now promise me. Promise me, little one."

Beatrix sighed in defeat.

She bit on her left index finger and it started bleeding.

"I promise, big sister," she whispered and touched Lavana's bleeding finger with hers.

Soon, their fingers stopped bleeding.

"Beatrix, don't be mad at me. I get very worried when you do things you shouldn't. Your parents must be out there looking for you and I want them to see you looking well. You are also my little sister. Naturally, I wouldn't want you to harm yourself coz of me." she brought a sulky Beatrix into a hug.

"One day, you'll be able to do as you please and we'll even fly in the skies when you become a high ranking witch. You are still an apprentice," she whispered, patting Beatrix's back.

Beatrix sniffed.

"I'm sorry. I won't disobey you again."

"It's fine. I'm sorry for shouting at you earlier. Don't be mad at me, ok?"

"I'm not mad."

They stayed like that for a while and Lavana decided they go have a bath and change into new clothes.

Beatrix agreed and helped a staggering Lavana to the bathroom.

******

1 hour later.

Both had changed into new clothes.

Beatrix now wore a black nightgown while Lavana wore a white sleepshirt with a bear logo.

Both lay on the bed and Beatrix took out a children's book from the cupboard.

She gave it to Lavana.

"Bedtime stories," she said.

Lavana scrunched her nose with one eye closed.

"What's with that expression, big sis? You don't want to?" Beatrix asked with a pout.

"Gimme then. I'll try."

Beatrix gave her the colorful children's book and she opened it so it covered her face.

After a minute, Beatrix heard nothing from Lavana.

"Big sis, when will you begin?"

"Er... Just a minute more. I'm checking out something."Lavana said as she flipped through pages.

"Big sis..."

"Here you can have it. I'm done with it. There are many pictures."

"Eh? That's it. I wanted you to read me bedtime stories."

"Go to sleep. It's late." Lavana said and turned to face the other side.

Her face was red from embarrassment. How was she going to explain to the little one?

"Big sis, could it be that you... you actually can't read?" Beatrix asked.

"Nonsense! Who told you that?" Lavana immediately turned to look at Beatrix.

"See? I knew it?"

"You knew what?" Lavana asked in confusion.

"Your face is red. You must be embarrassed."

"You... I can read." Lavana defended.

"Okay, read the sentence here." Beatrix opened a page of the book. The words on that page were few but to Lavana it was like thousands of words.

"Uh-huh? I'm waiting."

"Forget it. I'm gonna sleep." Lavana lay back down, turning to the other side.

"Big sis, don't be mad at Beatrix, ok? I'll read you a story instead."

"It's..."

Beatrix interrupted and started reading the story.

"Once upon a time. There was a kingdom called Animal kingdom. In this kingdom were all sort of animals and among the birds, the vulture was the most beautiful bird. It was so beautiful that many birds lined up for her hand in marriage.

But Vulture was very proud and would choose none of them with many excuses.

One day, there was a commotion in the kingdom. There was a stranger bird that had come to settle in the kingdom. It was more beautiful than vulture by many times. When she spread her feathers all who saw her would fall in love. She walked with so much elegance and grace. Even the lion king wanted her as his concubine but she refused.

Vulture was very jealous of this new bird in town.

How dare this unknown nobody come to snatch her treasured position? She felt unhappy as there was no longer a long line of handsome suitors at her doorstep anymore. There were just a few aged ones who wanted her as their 6th wife.

She was so angry and lost appetite day by day. She decided to swallow her pride and go to meet an animal that was banished from the kingdom some years back.

"Oh Vulture? What brings you to my abode?" the old tortoise asked.

"You see, I was once the prettiest in the kingdom but a nobody has come from nowhere to snatch my place. I can't tolerate it. I want to be the prettiest in the kingdom once again even forever. Old tortoise, you are the wisest, what do you suggest." she asked after dropping the plentiful gifts she'd brought along.

Seeing this much splendid gifts, the old tortoise smiled.

He went into his room and came back with a small box. There was a dried blue plant inside.

He went back in to bring another box that was slightly bigger.

In it was a dried golden leaf.

"Vulture, m dear. Go back home and put this blue leaf's powder into her food. After that, the moment you get home, take this leaf's powder and add all of it to your food. Eat a lot of strawberries to increase the effectiveness. After that you must showcase your refined beauty to everyone." he advised.

"Thank you, old tortoise. I shall bring you more gifts when this is done. Thank you." she said and got up to leave."

Beatrix stopped reading and saw that Lavana was paying attention now.

"It's interesting. What happened next?" Lavana asked eagerly.

She helped Beatrix turn the next page.

"That's all for the night. It's late. Go to sleep, big sis." Beatrix kept the book on the cupboard and lay down to sleep.

Lavana sighed in defeat.

"This babe is sure grudgeful." she hugged the little one from behind and patted her head gently.

"Thank you, Beatrix. I've never had anyone do this for me for so long. I'm very grateful. I hope one day, I can read you bedtime stories too. I love you honey." she whispered, her eyes drooping with sleep.

"Same here," Beatrix whispered before both were taken to the land of dreams.

*********

The next morning, Lavana woke up to see Beatrix was already bathed and dressed in new clothes.

The red-checkered gown looked really good on her.

"Morning, sleepyhead." Beatrix greeted.

"What happened to 'Big sis'" Lavana asked.

"Eh... Big sis isn't awake yet."

"Oh?" Lavana raised her eyebrow.

"Be careful your eye doesn't fall out of its socket."

"Hey..." Lavana got out of the bed and put on the slippers.

"You can't catch me. You can't catch me." Beatrix said as both started running around the room.

The door opened and Carl who was dressed in a white T-shirt and black Nike shorts came into the room. There was a bear head on his head.

"Hi, Mr Carl. Just so you know, that headband makes you look... let me not say it." Beatrix had seen Lavana's meaningful glance just now and so didn't continue with her words.

Lavana walked up to Carl.

"Mr Carl. I wanna thank you for your help last night. And also we made your night restless. I apologize for that." Lavana said with a smile.

"It's nothing. I wonder what you girls would like to eat," he asked.

"No, Mr Carl. You've done enough for us. We'll find our way from here." Lavana shook her head.

"At least let me prepare you something. You are my guests."

"Just say we're freeloaders," Beatrix mumbled from the side.

"Eish!" Lavana motioned her to remain quiet.

"Mr Carl, thank you for the offer. We'll trouble you," she said and he left.

He felt this big sister was better than her little sister in temperament.

"Beatrix, what do you have against him?"

"Nothing. But I do have something against both of you."

"Oh? I recall now. You wanted to sing me a song?"

She nodded.

"Alright." she walked to the bed and sat cross-legged.

"I'm now your audience. Let's hear your angelic voice," she said.

Hearing this, Beatrix became happy and rushed over to Lavana.

"I assure you, I'm the best singer ever."

"Alright. Alright. Let's hear you sing."

Beatrix walked to the center on the room and faced Lavana with her back.

"Big sis, I'll open your eyes.' she whispered.

Lavana rubbed her palms together in preparation to hear the little one's voice.

A/n: hello again, huns. I finally delivered. Eh, don't think it's a baby. I'm referring to the book. I'm still a big baby myself. Ok, how do you find this chapter? Do tell me in the comments. I love reading comments a lot.

Lest I forget, accept my kisses.

Dunno when I'll be chanced to post again but be sure it will be very soon. Meanwhile, why don't we call on others to come read too?

Bye, I need to fetch myself some sleep. :)