Confusion Abound

In front of Mika was a much bigger house than she expected. More like a mansion. The car is also beautiful, but this left her even more in awe. Definitely big enough to house those Colin said he helps. Suddenly, the gates in front of the house at the halfway point of the driveway opened up for them.

Once clear to proceed with driving, Colin pulled fully up and parked. Mika noticed there were surveillance cameras around most parts of the property, that she could see. Once out of the car, a dog started barking after hearing the car doors close. Mika got startled a bit at that, but then calmed down, interested in seeing the doggy. Spark wasn't as thrilled, but didn't leave from Mika's arms.

The main entrance doors were opened by a young boy, and suddenly a big dog came charging out from behind him, barking loudly. Mika squeaked and froze, while Spark's hackles rose in defense. But the boy quickly called out: "Ngồi xuống!" And the dog obediently stopped and sat down, panting happily after a bit when he saw no threat was around.

Mika was wondering what language the boy spoke, but was too shy to ask at the moment. "Come on in, everyone. I'll finish up dinner... Bianh, why don't you show this young lady around and introduce yourself?" Colin made sure each of them were inside before he left, going into the kitchen.

Bianh looked shy too, and slightly nervous, but not as much as Mika at the moment. "Um... What's your name? You probably heard Mr. White; I'm Bianh. Bianh Hà." "I-I'm Mika Taira, and this is Spark."

"You have nice names." He offered a kind smile towards her after shutting the door, and she shyly returned it. "Th-Thanks, so do you... Actually, I'm just curious, but... What language were you speaking earlier?"

"It's Vietnamese. I learned it from..." Bianh suddenly looked saddened. "My parents." "Oh... Do you want to talk about it?"

Bianh usually didn't trust anyone, but felt like he could trust Mika for some reason. After thinking on it, he told her his story, and Mika's ears lowered in sadness. Mika spoke up when she realized something, her eyes widening. "I ended up in the same box." Bianh looked surprised too, and asked if she'd like to share her story as well.

Mika looked nervous again, wondering if he also wouldn't believe her. But she figured that she might as well since he was nice enough to share. Bianh was amazed, shocked, and felt even worse for the lot of them after hearing her tale. "...I believe you." He paused and looked confused.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing... I'm just glad you made it like me and Phuoc did." Bianh smiled again and pet the top of his head, making him bark happily and his tail wag like crazy. "I'm glad you both made it too."

Even though he was only two years younger than her now, he was already a bit taller, Mika noticed. Bianh started to walk ahead with Phuoc after he stopped petting him.

"Come on, I'll show you around. Then you can get cleaned up in your room."

The inside seemed so huge compared to her tiny frame.

After counting, Mika saw there were 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, the kitchen/dining room, a music room with a grand piano, a pool in the backyard, and a closed off basement. On their way around, she stopped to look at the displayed family picture framed in the living room above the fireplace. She noticed there were 7 men stood around an older couple. She noticed Colin in the picture, however, his name was labeled under one of the other men near him. "Huh...?"

Above Colin was the name: "Leopold"

Mika shook her head and dismissed it, thinking maybe it was a mistake. Spark stayed quiet but didn't look very pleased in this place, even if he was grateful to be in a heated building again. Bianh was side eyeing them, wondering if Mika noticed, but kept silent. After the tour, he took them both to their new room.

It was well cleaned and wasn't overly colorful, but Mika didn't mind either way. She liked the dark and light blue tones of the room, along with the feeling of the wooden floor underneath her. She was glad she took her shoes off at the entrance, because she'd feel bad getting the polished floors dirty. "I'll let you know when dinner's ready... It was nice to meet you two."

Bianh said and gently closed the door. Mika went into the bathroom connected with her new bedroom and decided to have a bath. She put Spark down, and while the tub was filling he sat down and looked at the floor. "Something doesn't feel right. And why would he lie to you about his name?"

"Maybe he doesn't like his name?" "I don't know, but... Just be careful." Spark said, then noticed there was already food and water set up for him in the corner of the bathroom and went over to have some. Despite his suspicions and trying to sniff out any hint of poison, he was very hungry, and wasn't going to pass up this opportunity.

Mika sighed softly, trying not to think more on it. Especially since she was too exhausted right now and just wanted to try and relax. After getting undressed, she got into the tub and sighed again, feeling more relaxed already. Spark immediately left after he finished, giving her privacy.

After Mika finished and got out, she dried off and looked down at her clothes, grimacing slightly. She didn't realize how dirty they really were until now. After putting them in the dirty clothes hamper by the sink, she put on a towel and went out into her bedroom to see if there was anything else to wear. She ended up finding a cute light pink, ruffled lace dress about her size. Even if it was a little big, it was good for now, and she loved the butterfly and flower patterns.

She grabbed some new, plain white cotton socks as well to put on. They were pretty comfy. Mika felt grateful that both her and Spark were taken in from the alleyway. "I wish I could help everyone who is homeless and struggling too." Mika thought to herself.

A knock came at the door, which made Mika and Spark simultaneously jump a little, but they calmed down when they realized it was nothing dangerous. Mika went over and opened the door to see Bianh like he said. "Are you ready to eat?" Mika nodded and smiled slightly. Spark was about to follow, but Bianh spoke up.

"I'm sorry, Mr. White doesn't allow pets around the dining table, so..." Bianh awkwardly looked down at the floor.

Mika looked upset, but turned and sat on her knees next to him. "Will you be ok? I'll come right back to you after dinner. I don't want to leave you alone, but-"

"I understand... And I don't want to mess up your chance at getting a proper meal. But still, just yell as loud as you can if you need any help." Spark got up more to nuzzle her and then wandered around the mansion, sneaking out of sight to poke around. "I don't think I'll ever get used to him talking."

Mika laughed a bit and said, "Yeah, I don't know if I will either. But he's still one of my best friends."

Bianh smiled back and took her to the dining room. The smell instantly hitting Mika and making her stomach growl loudly. She blushed heavily and looked down, gripping the sides of her dress in embarrassment.

"E-Excuse me."

Mr. White chuckled and said that it's alright, offering her to sit down. Bianh pulled out Mika's chair for her, and pushed her up to the edge of the table after she sat down. "Thank you." She felt more nervous around this man.

Mika was confused on what to even call him, and if she should ask why he told her his brother's name. But decided against it, since she didn't want to come off rude or something. Bianh helped reveal a big spread of food laid out before them on the gigantic table. Mika could barely even see over it all to the other two, who were now sitting down. After Mr. White said it was alright, Mika dug in, trying to mind her manners, but she hadn't had such a good meal in years.

It took her a long time to finish, but Mika was told that she didn't have to rush at all. "You need your energy, as well as the proper nutrients... And I wasn't sure what you would like, so I had everything made!" Mr. White said smiling wide, and opening his arms to gesture at everything.

Mika was smiling until she thought more, looking at her surroundings again. Pausing after fully finishing; because even her head was filled like her belly, except with questions. "Um... May I ask you something... Colin?"

"What is it?"

After gathering up her courage, Mika looked up with a serious and perplexed expression, before asking:

"You said you help others like me, but... Where are they?"