NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: Sister
As I left the room, I saw my sister Isabella. She is studying and working, unlike Eleanor. Eleanor is 20 years old, while Isabella is 16 years old. Although they are about the same height, Eleanor is about 176 cm tall, while Isabella is 172.
Even though Eleanor is often lost in her thoughts, it was very hurtful of her to forget about a member of her own family. Especially since Isabella is the one who works. There was some money from her in-laws, but the relationship with them had also gradually soured. Thus, the only incompetent person was Eleanor.
At that moment, Isabella was just sitting on a small couch, looking grimly at me. I noticed that her eyes had turned a little red, probably because she hadn't slept very well. She was piercing me straight with her eyes, but at the same time, she didn't say anything. After thinking for a while, I cautiously asked, "What's the matter, Isabella?"
She did not speak and still remained silent, but her gaze still did not take her eyes off me. Sighing to calm myself, I took a chair and sat down in front of her.
The two sisters didn't have many possessions, so I had to use what I had. Although I was already drenched in sweat, I still had to talk to her. I didn't want to offend such a kind sister who had been so good to Eleanor. I was affected by those memories that didn't work on the original owner. Unlike her, I could clearly see Isabella's efforts. If I could somehow get out of my current situation, I decided that I would have to repay her.
Yes, these were not my memories, but they gave me more warmth than in my past life. Even if it wasn't addressed directly to me, I wanted to do it. And so, after looking at her for a while and watching her in silence, I finally spoke, "So, ask me what you wanted to ask me."
She was silent again, and I felt thirsty. Thinking that it might take a while for her to talk, I decided to grab a glass of water. As I rose from my seat, I noticed the change in her face - resentment was written all over it. I have a skill that allows me to read people pretty well. Walking over to the small kitchen, I grabbed a glass and started pouring water. I didn't notice the dirty dishes until I had been there for a while.
There were usually a lot of dirty dishes in the morning, but since she was tired from work and eating later, she hadn't cleaned them yet. She did it on the second day since every fourth day she had a night shift. Unfortunately, Ellanora didn't even ask her where she worked.
Realizing that there were no dishes, I asked her "Haven't you eaten?" She remained silent, but I thought she might be hungry, so I took a look at the fridge to see what I could cook.
Though my cooking skill was only level one, I thought I could do better than yesterday. The ingredients were scarce, but I had everything I needed and began laying them out on the kitchen furniture. Even though I wasn't looking at Isabella, I could still hear small movements behind me. From the murky reflection off the furniture, I could see that she had moved and was looking at me.
Ignoring her, I began to wash the dishes first. After finishing that, I started cooking. Unlike last night, my hands were a little more dexterous, and I was more able to estimate the necessary things for cooking. As I was cooking, a skill flashed before my eyes. Immediately thereafter, my hands became faster and my estimation of things more accurate. I thought it was probably a cooking skill, so I continued my movements. My attention naturally shifted from my sister to cooking.
Took about 20 minutes to make a simple dish for Isabella. The color and appearance were clearly better than yesterday, but I don't know what it tasted like since I haven't tried it.
After finishing cooking and turning off the stove, I took the plates from the top and turned to put them on the table. Suddenly, I had to abruptly stop my movements as Isabella came right up to me. Luckily, my reflexes helped me avoid spilling the food.
I was so focused on cooking that I didn't notice Isabella approaching me. Subconsciously taking a breath, I quickly calmed down and told my stunned sister, "Come on, sit at the table and eat. And then go to bed; we can talk later." My words seemed to bring her out of her stunned state.
Interrupting her, I took the plates in one hand and with the other hand gently pulled her to the table. After placing the dishes and seating her at the table, I returned to the kitchen. Everything was ready and placed in front of her after a while.
I sat down on the couch myself and looked at her. She looked at me too. "Go ahead and eat and tell me if I'm a good cook." I don't know why, but when I said it, I smiled smugly as if the credit for it was mine. Of course, without the skill panel, I wouldn't have been able to cook. In the last world, I ate out all the time. Thinking back to those days, I quickly shook my head and focused my attention on my sister.
She was still looking at me. I read some doubt in her eyes, but I didn't know what it was about. Realizing that at this rate the food would get cold, I couldn't help but bring it on.
"You wanted to talk. If you don't eat, I won't talk to you."
Her eyebrows furrowed at my words. She took up her food muttering under her breath.
"Coaxing like a child....I'm afraid I might get poisoned...."
I couldn't hear the rest of what she said, but I didn't say anything. Even though I couldn't cook, I certainly wouldn't spoil the food. With the skill, I didn't have to think about that anymore.
I watched her expression change as she tasted the first bite. At first, there was a look of apprehension on her face, but then it changed to one of doubt, which became astonishment. After tasting a little, she looked at me and asked, "Did it turn out well?"
I felt a kind of anticipation when she asked. In the past, I didn't cook for others. I had some expectations about it, too. But Isabella only snorted and said, "It's okay to eat." She said nothing further, occasionally throwing weak glances at me.
Watching her, I realized that I was still sweating. If this kept up, I could catch a cold. It seemed I needed to face what I had avoided during the time I had been here. I had to take a shower, and then I would have to explore my new body up close. Memories gave me little immunity to this. But, like other memories, they didn't affect me much myself.
So, I actively used the breathing skill and got my things for the shower.
After telling Isabella I was going to take a shower, I went into the bathroom.