My Other Family

I enjoyed the rest of my date with Mia in relative peace. As usual when I tried to move past simple kissing Mia shot it down. But at least now her wardrobe gave me something more to fantasize about.

Eventually it got late and I made my way home (Mia wasn't ready for me to sleep over yet).

My home is a single story three bedroom that sits inside a middle class neighborhood. I rented a bedroom from the landlord Vina Sky and her and her daughter Rae lil Black.

-

Vina is a kind but distant landlord. Though she's polite, it's clear I'm seen as an outsider by her. I'm not part of their family or culture. And It always felt like she felt uncomfortable having an adult male living with them that wasn't part of the family.

Rae and I aren't very close despite being the same age and having similar interests. I mostly credit the fact she was raised very sheltered and doesn't know how to make a connection. It also doesn't help that Vina has a tendency to get between us when we interact, perhaps to ensure I don't start corrupting her precious daughter.

-

When I arrived at the house, I entered to find Vina and Rae enjoying dinner together. "Hey guys."

"Hello John. I hope you had a pleasurable birthday." Vina said politely but without much affection.

"Yeah I spent some time with my uncle and then saw a movie with Mia." I said

"Did one of them get you that new necklace?" Rae asked curiously.

"Yes, it was from my uncle. It's sort of like a family heirloom. It was a very meaningful gift." I said with a smile.

"That's good to hear. Family time is very important. Everything from birthday celebrations to family dinners are very sacred." Vina said politely but her tone made it clear she'd rather me leave the room and leave them alone to enjoy their family dinner.

Instead I pulled a chair from under the table and sat with the mother and daughter. Vina looked like she was going to make another comment but I managed to speak first, "That's why me sitting with you two is okay. After all you both see me as family." I said the last sentence while focusing on the power of the necklace.

"Exactly but that means you must make the effort to make it to family dinner. I know young men like you need to explore the world but family comes first." Vina said, her tone no longer inviting. Instead switching to a semi strict motherly tone. Any annoyance she had at me sitting with them disappeared immediately after using the necklace's power.

"Yeah Big bro, We miss you, when you miss dinners." Rae said sweetly, her shy demeanor lessened when she started seeing me as family.

"Understood guys. I'll make sure to prioritize family time more. You know how much I love you guys."

"Good. Also let me know when your next free day is. The three of us will head to the hot spring to celebrate your birthday together." Vina said

-

We chatted a little while longer before I excused myself to go rest up in my room.

When I got in my room I was surprised to find a stranger waiting in my room.

"Ah. Seems like our newest member finally arrived. We need to talk." The stranger said.