LRAB Chapter 317: School time?
Chapter 317: School time?
The inside of the house was cozy and inviting. The walls were painted a warm honey color that glowed in the soft light from the lamps scattered around the room. A big stone fireplace took up one wall, with a mantel covered in family pictures and little decorative trinkets. Comfy couches and armchairs were arranged around a low wooden coffee table in the center of the room.
Colorful rugs and throw pillows added cheerful splashes of color.
Rose and Blake, walked into the living room with their daughter trailing behind them. "Celena, sweetie, why don't you go play in your room for a bit while Mommy and Daddy talk about some grown-up things?" Rose suggested with a soft smile.
Celena pouted but nodded. "Okay, Mommy." She turned and scampered off down the hallway to her bedroom.
With a sigh, Rose sank down onto the couch. Blake settled next to her, draping an arm around her shoulders. For a moment they just sat in silence, listening to the faint sounds of Celena rummaging around in her room.
Finally, Rose spoke up. "Blake, have you noticed how independent Celena has been lately? She's only two years old but sometimes she acts more like a ten-year-old. It worries me a little."
Blake chuckled. "Well, she's not exactly a normal two-year-old, is she? Don't forget, our little girl is a vampire. She may look like a two year old but her brain functions way beyond her age. You yourself said vampires kids tend to mature faster than human children,"
Rose shot him a look. "I know that. But still, it seems like more than just advanced development. She's so headstrong and fearless. Chasing after hunters, running off on her own, trying to protect forest animals... It's almost like she thinks she's invincible."
"Hmm. Were you like that too, when you were a little vampire kid?" Blake asked curiously.
"No, I was an absolute angel," Rose replied with a grin. "I always listened to my parents and never got into any trouble."
Blake laughed and poked her playfully in the side. "Oh, I'm sure you were a perfect little princess."
Rose stuck her tongue out at him. "I was! Celena must get her wild streak from you."
Rose sighed. "I suppose you're right. We can't keep her hidden away forever. She needs to learn how to interact with all kinds of people, not just us."
"Exactly," Blake said, giving Rose a squeeze. "She needs some independence and a chance to make friends and learn new things. We'll figure it out. You know we'll always protect her and make sure she's okay."
Rose smiled and leaned her head on Blake's shoulder. "I know. We've got a special little girl and we'll do whatever it takes to help her thrive."
Suddenly, a loud rumble cut through the tender moment. Rose turned to look at Blake with a grin. "Was that your stomach growling? Is the big daddy vampire hungry?" she teased.
Blake smiled sheepishly. "What can I say, chasing after our little speed demon daughter works up an appetite!"
Laughing, Rose smacked him lightly on the chest and stood up. "Alright then, I suppose I should go whip up some dinner right away."
Still chuckling to herself, Rose headed to the kitchen to start preparing a meal. Blake watched her go with a content smile before leaning back on the couch to rest for a bit before dinner.
Meanwhile, Celena sat on the floor of her room, surrounded by stuffed animals and dolls. She had heard every word her parents said, thanks to her superhuman hearing. A sly smile spread across her face. "School, huh?" she whispered to her favorite teddy bear. "This should be very interesting..."
As Celena contemplated the idea of going to school and all the opportunities it presented, in the kitchen, Rose bustled about putting dinner together. She stirred a pot of fragrant soup on the stove as she sliced up a loaf of fresh bread. The domestic scene was so normal and peaceful.
But Rose couldn't shake a tiny feeling of unease as she cooked. Her mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Blake about Celena. She knew her daughter needed more stimulation and interaction. But Celena was so unique, so powerful and headstrong already. How would human teachers and children react to her? Could Celena really keep her vampire nature a secret?
With a troubled sigh, Rose pushed the worries aside for now and focused on making a nice family dinner. They would have to take things one day at a time and do their best to guide Celena as she grew. But Rose couldn't escape the sense that their peaceful, hidden life in the forest was about to change in a big way. For better or for worse, Celena was going to start exploring the wider world.
As a mother, it was both exciting and terrifying.