"So, this is the end all be all goal, the ultimate aspiration. But is it yours or hers?" Daniella asked.
The sight of her slurping down the noodles relieved me. I pulled a seat over, picked up my own chopsticks, and began eating myself.
"Why do you ask? Is it important?"
"No, a little curious, a little concerned. I don't see you as exploitative, but there's a lot of that going around in the industry. Monetization of children and all."
My chopsticks became stiff in the air.
"Lumi's mature well beyond her years, so I'm not surprised she has such grand dreams. But she's in her preschool and kindergarten years. Compromising that for something so elusive and with the potential for harm is, well, unsettling."
I understood where Daniella came from. I never considered the possibility of schooling after learning about our special telepathy. She could access all my mind as well as the knowledge and experience of this past body. I was a top student before my life went astray. Her learning again about the multiplication table and how to read was a waste of time, to be frank.
Of course, Daniella did not know that. She could not know that. No matter how much I trusted her, our special telepathy would never leave the pockets of our secrets. Scientists would clamor to dissect and research the two of us if word got out.
"She's a genius not only in singing," I said, trying to divert the topic. "Math and reading too."
Daniella rolled her eyes. "You think I don't know that? What five-six-year-old can speak coherent sentences, follow our thoughts, and read the room? I meant she's missing out on the social aspect of school."
I bit my lip. This was something I still had my doubts about. I did not know if it was out of guilt, concern, or selfishness, but having Lumi not by my side frightened me. But I did know explaining this to Daniella would improve our relationship. It would improve her relationship with Lumi too, if they could connect and empathize more.
Though shame clawed me deep into my sleep, I came clean about Lumi's past.
"I neglected her. I saw her the for the first time in years last week. The day I met you."
"... what?"
The chopsticks slipped from her fingers and clanked against the quartz countertop.
"She was frail and small, shriveled up in a blanket. It wasn't even a blanket. It was a bunch of rags tied together. She didn't meet my eyes. Her voice was hoarse. Dry. Full of hurt. It was hurt. It broke my heart. A lifetime of regret hit me. I wanted to make it up to her. By dear God, she understood that."
I stabilized the quivering of my voice. I raised my head and met Daniella's staggering gaze of astonishment and disgust.
"She may not show it with you, but she's terrified of people. I can't let her go to school, trapped with a bunch of kids she did not know. Forced to spend years and years with them who may bully her and trigger her. I can't watch over her in the classroom. She needs control. She needs to know she's not a victim of the universe. She needs to put trust in people, and have it reciprocated. I can only facilitate that in the world outside with her own dreams."
I hesitated. "Am I... less trustworthy now?"
"She's strong, stronger than me. If I were her, I would be brimming with hate. I mean, I still am."
Daniella's words made me freeze, but she continued. She shook her head and gave me a reassuring look.
"No, you're not. Thank you for telling me. It makes you more trustworthy. I understand where you're coming from, where she's coming from. I can only be a better teacher... a better friend... with this."
I found the image of Lumi's layer over Daniella. The reminder shot all those tough and heavy memories again. I choked up, murmuring to myself.
"Mhm? Did you say something?"
I inhaled a deep breath. I looked her in the eye and passed her fallen chopsticks over.
"She wants to the world recognize her, to acknowledge her, to never be lonely again. Will you help her achieve her dream? Our dream?"
Daniella chuckled. "You don't need to treat me like a five-year-old and repeat yourself. I'd love to be part of her healing journey. This superstar in-making plan has a new meaning now, so let's do this."
We clinked our chopsticks together. "For Lumi."
Then we shared a laugh. My heart blossomed. The reality of the situation hit me then as I watched Daniella begin eating. I could not believe this opportunity where Lumi and I could meet her. A music student with a sweet tooth, who could emphasize with her. Who got along well with Lumi and even had the credentials to teach her. It was as if a pie fell from the sky.
Daniella stuffed a piece of lobster into her mouth. "What's first? What do you have in mind?"
"Debut, of course. Sign with record label. You said she's good enough," I said.
Daniella stopped chewing. "The waters are deep in this industry, remember. I don't recommend that if you want to protect her."
"No, not on their terms. Debut with a proper fanbase. Show off her talent, and sign with our terms."
"There aren't many labels in the industry willing to accept that."
I took a long slurp of the noodles. "That's where your knowledge will come in handy."
"E-eh?"
"You're an insider, no? I don't expect capitalism to rear its ugly head in every label. There must be at least one's that somewhat humane."
"Hmm... okay. Then when? When do you expect her to debut?"
"One month," I said, nonchalant.
Daniella coughed. She lowered her chopsticks and shot me a look as if I was crazy. "O-one month?"
I thought nothing of it. I lowered the requirements, too. I had a deadline of one-million-dollars to return with the black card, after all. Signing a contract paled nothing in comparison.
"It's not a stretch. I believe in Lumi's singing abilities, her learning capacity, and your teaching capability. Give the world your shock. Let them feel it. Ler them hear her voice!"
"That's a lot of responsibility for me," Daniella said. She looked down at her half-eaten bowl of noodles before she raised her head. "Then what will you be doing?"
I shrugged. "Someone has to compromise. I'll be... moral support...? I can cook, too."