We finally reached the bookstore. The simple stone roof with the glass display of books both old and new reminds me so much of the used bookstore I visited in my previous life. I wonder if the books here are half-priced as well, but I doubt it.

I was dragged into the bookstore and the moment we were in, I bowed saying my thanks, and then left with a small farewell. I want to stay close to him, but I am under a time limit. I have to meet Tulio at 3:00 P. M; so the plan is to get the book, pay for it, and then begin going down the road to the meeting place. I did glance back at Ryunosuke and saw that he was entering the shelves and calling out to someone, but I couldn’t make out his words. I wonder if I should have used the wind to hear him…stop Laveda, don’t eavesdrop. I must respect his privacy, even though I am curious about whom he was meeting here. Focus! I must get the translation book.

I managed to find the books related to learning other languages after managing to check my hand for any damage away from prying eyes (Ryunosuke did a good job), but is this a joke? None of the language learning books is in the Fairsky language! Did Fairsky translators just get lazy in making books? I really need a Rosetta Stone! Calm down Laveda, you need to focus. I will get these books and figure out step by step what they are saying. Maybe I could ask for a tutor, but my father would never get one for me since he wants me to stay stupid. I bet he only let me go to the bookstore to mock that I can’t read. I can read father, but not these languages. I feel so helpless.

Wait a minute: there is a tutor right here. He’s someone who traveled to all countries at a young age and learned all the languages. If I am lucky, since he is here, he may know a lot of languages by now.

I grabbed the books and then ran around the bookstore making sure not to collide with anyone. Bibi somehow ended up resting on top of my head since the books occupied my arms, but enough of that. I must find Sensei!

This bookstore is surprisingly big and there is still no sight of Sensei. He might have left already…no, I won’t accept that. I must find him to reach my goals.

I ran around more frantically to the point that Bibi had to hold the top of my head. I turned a corner and collided with someone and fell on my butt again with the books falling all around me. I really need to watch where I am going.

“Are you OK, Laveda?”

This voice. I look up and saw that it was Sensei…I mean Ryunosuke once again with concern on his face. I smiled and was about to say his name, but then I heard an unfamiliar voice.

“Awa, Awa, you knocked down another person, Ryu.”

This voice was slightly lower and sarcastic. I saw the owner of the voice was the short blue-haired boy right behind him wearing the same school uniform as him. They kind of look alike, but Sensei…I mean Ryunosuke looks gentler…you know what: I’m just calling him Sensei.

Sensei looked at the unknown boy with a troubled expression saying, “Shuya, please don’t tease me now.” The boy, Shuya, chuckled in response. So they really are acquaintances, how nice.

Sensei helped me up to my feet and of course, I thanked him and then looked at his acquaintance; and curtsied, saying hello to him and said my name as well.

Shuya whistled for some reason while looking at me and stated, “She’s pretty polite and you know her Ryu.” Sensei nodded saying, “I met her today by chance and helped her get here.”

“You really are kind, especially to kids,” stated Shuya. Sensei was blushing slightly. I guess he was embarrassed or something. Oh yeah, I was looking for him for my goal.

I grabbed Sensei’s hand making his eyes fall on me and asked, “How many languages do you know?” I could tell that his face was riddled with confusion, but he did answer.

“I know about twenty languages.”

Jackpot!

I held one of the books that had fallen and held it to him asking, “Can you read this?” Sensei took the book and flipped through the pages, and nodded confirming that he knew what the book was saying. I cheered making both Shuya and Sensei jump in surprise.

I showed my best puppy look and asked, “Can you teach me how to read these foreign books?” Shuya and Sensei were both silent, but Shuya suddenly spoke saying, “Just say yes, Ryu. I wouldn’t mind having another girl visit our room once in a while, even though she is tiny.”

“I’ll grow!” I exclaimed. He makes it sound like I am shrinking. I am still in my growing stage darn it!

Sensei still seemed unsure and it seemed he would say no, but Shuya suddenly was crouched behind me with his hands on my shoulders.

“If you won’t teach her then I will. I know just as many languages as you and she is pretty cute.”

The way this Shuya person said that line makes him sound like a pedophile. SAVE ME SENSEI! He must have heard my call for help because he yanked me from Shuya and stated, “I’ll teach her for a month until we have to leave the country.” Shuya pouted, but I was so relieved. Sensei really is nice.

Shuya shrugged saying, “Well, teach her well, but make sure to tell her where we are staying.” He then began to walk off saying, “I’m going to go get Ebina.” Ebina…that name sounds familiar.

Suddenly, Shuya fell on his face making both me and Sensei gasp. Shuya groaned in pain and I think I saw him twitch, but I also saw the cause of his fall...Bibi when did you manage to trip him without me knowing? I picked up Bibi, while Sensei helped Shuya up. Shuya remained silent as he walked off. Must be trying to recover some of his pride after the fall.

Sensei chuckled and then knelt beside me with a smile.

“I have some errands to run today, but I can teach you tomorrow, so come to the Starfire Inn at around noon and head to room 101, OK.”

I nodded holding Bibi to my chest. Sensei smiled at me again and began to leave once again. This seems unreal. Sensei is going to be my language learning teacher for a month. I guess a month is when he leaves, but I will treasure the moments with him. This must be heaven awarding me.