Chapter 6 A new housemate

It was closing time, and they all shot a look at Astara.

"Where will you stay now? You don't have a home, do you?" Nana asked, and Astara shook her head. "I don't think my place still exists. How about your house?" Astara asked her.

"My dad is strict! He won't allow it," Nana said.

"Same here," Ryan added.

"I guess I'll just live in the forest," Astara said.

"I can talk to my mom. Don't worry, I think she'll let you stay," Sammy said.

"Really? Are you sure?" Astara asked, taking his arm.

"Sure!" Sammy said.

•••

When Sammy and Astara got home, the smell of scrambled eggs filled the air, but Sammy could barely focus on it as he walked to the kitchen. Astara followed him but waited by the door as he went in and stood at the kitchen counter.

"Hey, Mom!" he called.

"Oh, welcome, Sam," Mrs. Collins said.

He nervously watched his mom prepare dinner. He knew he had to tell her about Astara staying with them, but he wasn't sure how she would react.

"Mom, there's something I need to talk to you about," Sammy started, trying to keep his voice steady.

Mrs. Collins looked up, her eyes warm but curious. "What is it, Sam?"

Sammy took a deep breath. "There's a girl at school, Astara. She's in a bit of a situation. Her family had to move suddenly, and they won't be back for a while. She doesn't have anywhere to stay, and I was wondering if she could stay with us for a bit."

Mrs. Collins raised an eyebrow. "That's quite a situation. But Sammy, just because she's a classmate doesn't mean she can stay with us."

"I know, Mom, but she's really nice. She's become a good friend, and I can't just leave her out there. Please, just for a little while until we figure something out?" Sammy pleaded.

Mrs. Collins sighed, her maternal instincts battling with her concerns. "Alright, Sammy. She can stay, but only for a little while. And I want to meet her properly."

"She's here!" Sammy quickly said. "Come in, Astara," he called.

Astara quietly walked in and smiled. "Hello," she greeted, bowing slightly. Mrs. Collins stared at her for a moment.

"Hello, Astara. Sammy told me about your situation. You're welcome to stay with us. But please, don't overstay," Mrs. Collins said.

"Sure, Mrs. Collins," Astara said in an obedient voice, trying to be as polite as possible. "Thank you. I promise I won't be a burden."

"Good. Since I'll be feeding you, you'll have to help with the house chores," Mrs. Collins said.

"Of course!" Astara nodded.

"You're welcome, then," Mrs. Collins ended.

Sammy's face lit up with relief. "Thanks, Mom. You're the best."

•••

It was past 9 p.m., and Sammy was about to sleep, but he couldn't stop thinking about Astara, who was in another room.

He turned off his light and lay on his bed. It didn't take long before someone knocked on his door.

Sammy went to open it and was surprised to see Astara.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I was lonely. I guess I miss my old friends," she said. "But how do I look? Your mom lent me some of her clothes," she said, twirling around.

"You shouldn't be here... Mom-"

"She's asleep," Astara said as she walked into his room. "Your room is nice," she said, looking around.

Sammy quickly began to tidy up his room, arranging clothes and other items.

"It's okay," Astara laughed as she sat on his bed. "I just wanted to talk to you."

"You can talk," Sammy said as he sat beside her.

"Thank you for letting me stay here, Sammy," she said softly.

Sammy smiled, feeling a strange warmth in his chest. "It's okay. And besides, you promised to help us too," he said.

"Oh yeah! I'll need my book. I think I've forgotten some spells," she said.

"The book from the library?" Sammy asked.

"No, my own book. I think it should be in my place. I don't really know what the place will be like now," Astara said.

"How will you find it?" Sammy asked.

"How about we try?" she asked as she stood up. "Take my hand."

Sammy was unsure what she was trying to do, but he slowly stood up and took her hand. In the next second, they vanished from the room.