Samuel POV
"I'm fine, Samuel. It's just that I want to say...Thank you."
"Y-You're welcome, Stella." I said bewildered
You're thanking me...What did I do? I don't understand it...
"Thank you, Samuel... You have been so kind to me. When we first met, I saw how much thought you put into your introduction."
She knew that! I can't believe she is so attentive. I do feel bad though that I didn't greet her properly...
"You showed me around the house so that I would be familiar to it. Even though I don't talk to you, you try your best to get along with me and started conversations to learn more about me. Even since I stepped in this house, everyone has been so kind to me yet I can't repay it because I am such a burden to everyone."
As she said those words, she started crying.
As she started crying, I reflexively hugged her.
"It's ok. You are not a burden to everyone. It is fine for you to ask for help. After all, I'll be there for you." I said
I am selfish... I only thought of her as someone that I can easily befriend...I forgot that she needs help for her to adapt to these new environment yet I used it for personal reasons... If she learns about this, I am sure that she will hate me...
"So don't be scared, Stella. You can tell me everything because I will listen. I promise you, I will stay by your side."
This is the least I could do to atone for my selfishness...
"Thank you...so much, Samuel. I will do my best to become strong so that I can repay all the kindness that you have given me..."
"Well then, I suppose that I would stay by your side so I could support you. Don't worry because I won't leave you behind so it is okay for you to take as much time as you want." I said reassuring her.
"Samuel...If you're so kind to me, I wouldn't be able to fully repay your kindness."
"Well then, I guess I would be staying by your side for a long time." I said jokingly
As we finish our conversation, Stella went to her bedroom. I also went to my bedroom to rest. It is a tiring day but it is quite fulfilling.
I was able to have a conversation with Stella.
It has been a long time since I talk to someone. Because of this, talking to her is quite nerve-wracking but thankfully, it ended well.
I am glad that I got along with Stella. She seems kind and she wants to be strong.
Repaying my kindness... Never thought that someone thought of me that way and going their way to repay it...I'm not that kind though...
As I am lost in my thoughts, a maid informs me that dinner is ready.
As I head there, I saw that my mother and father are already eating so I joined in.
After 5 minutes, a maid comes to us.
"Sorry to inform you, Lady Ivy but Lady Stella said that she will eat alone."
"Ok...I understand. It seems like she is still uncomfortable so she wants to be alone. Maybe next time, we can all eat together." My mother said
"It is a shame though that I took a leave today so that we can at least eat together." My father said.
As my parents are talking, a thought came to my mind. I then told them about it.
"Mom and dad...Can I go to Stella and eat with her on her bedroom?"
As I finished saying it, my parents are shocked.
Did I say something wrong...Oh! I forgot that it is inappropriate to eat in the bedroom instead of the dining room. I need to explain that to them.
"It is just that I don't want Stella to feel lonely but it seems like she is uncomfortable here so I want to join her eating in her bedroom."
As I said that, my parents looked at each other and whispered. After a few minutes, they gave me their answer.
"I guess we will let it slide...We don't want Stella isolating herself and it is important for both of you to get along." My father said.
"Hannah, can you please pick up the two meals and bring it to Stella's bedroom. Oh! Samuel, make sure that both of you don't make a mess." My mother said
"Yes, mom."
As I finished heading to Stella's bedroom, I then knocked on her door.
"Stella, I am here. It seems that you don't want to eat in the dining room. Because of that, I want you to eat wherever you like and as I promised, I will stay by your side."
"Samuel?! You don't have to do that! I mean you can eat without me! I don't want to burden you!"
"But I promise that I will stay by your side. Besides, I want to eat with you."
"But---"
"I guess that I would wait until you eat but since I can't see you eating, I would starve myself."
As I said that, Stella opened the door.
"Come in, Samuel...I don't want you to starve yourself."
As I went to the door, my maid came in to give our meals and went to leave.
"Samuel...You don't have to do this. I can eat by myself."
"So you don't want to eat with me. That's fine then if I go back to the dining room. If you are comfortable with this, I guess I'm just glad that you are doing fine."
"No, Samuel! I am glad if you eat with me! It's just... I feel uncomfortable in the dining room so I want to eat here but when you came and knocked on my door telling me that you are going to eat with me...I felt terrible knowing that I am being a burden once again."
"Don't worry about it! I just want you to feel fine!"
"But---"
"No matter how many times you say it, my mind won't change. I will stay by your side. I will say it over and over again until it puts you at ease."
"Thank you, Samuel...I guess my list of debt will become longer. At this rate, I will never be able to fully repay it."
As I joke around Stella, it felt great that we are getting along. Although there are walls ahead, I am sure we will be able to go through it.
After all, I will stay by her side.