The next day, something similar happened during the basic arithmetic class.
This time, Hana answered everything about fractions correctly, which left Mr. Antony even more astonished. Fayna, however, simply congratulated me. It seems she's already getting used to my quick progress.
Due to Hana's fast learning pace and on the teacher's recommendation, Fayna decided that from now on, I'll be taking the arithmetic class alongside Hana's sisters. Unfortunately, this led to another subject being added: Linguadei. Although the name sounds odd, it's just the class for learning the language of this world. I have to admit, its high level of difficulty has surprised me.
In my past life, I learned four languages: Spanish, English, French, and Mandarin Chinese, the latter being the hardest and taking me the longest to master. So, I have a good amount of experience with language learning. Even so, no matter how much I try, I just can't seem to memorize the writing properly—it reminds me a lot of Latin.
{I hate this class!}
[I don't like it either, but we need to learn it.]
To make things even harder, I have to endure Hana's tantrums. Although I understand that her mentality is that of a child, it's impossible to put up with her for too long.
{I want to leave already!}
[Could you please be quiet?! I'm trying to concentrate!]
It's not the first time I've argued with her; in fact, these situations are pretty common, considering we share the same body and part of the mind. The main issue lies in her limited ability to control her emotions: when she's upset or frustrated, she's incredibly stubborn.
If I didn't wrest control of the body from her, her parents would think she's a spoiled child.
I can say with absolute certainty that if I don't control and educate Hana, she'll end up sabotaging all my present and future plans. For this reason, I'll have to be even stricter with her.
Fortunately, thanks to the concentration and focus I put into class, time flies by.
{I don't want to study anymore!}
[Stop complaining! You've been at it the whole hour! Behave like a good girl and just shut up already!]
{I'm going to tell Mom on you!}
[Don't you dare…!]
The moment Fayna walks through the door, Hana runs over to her with tears in her eyes.
"Mom!" She tugs hard on Fayna's dress. "HanaJ is being mean to me!"
"What happened, my dear?" Fayna picks me up in her arms. "And who's HanaJ?"
"She's…"
I don't let her finish. If anyone in her family finds out she hears a voice in her head, they might send her to a psychiatrist—assuming they have those in this world. They could even think she's crazy and start watching her obsessively. Both scenarios would be bad for me.
[You know you're forbidden from talking about me!]
{Let me talk to Mom!}
"Hana?" Fayna looks me over from head to toe. "What's wrong?"
I hug Fayna, resting my head on her right shoulder, and keep crying.
"I remembered I had a nightmare. Someone who looked like me was trying to hurt me."
"So that was it." Fayna gently strokes my hair, trying to calm me down. "It was just a dream. I'd never let anyone hurt you."
She's so kind. Instead of wondering, Why did this nightmare only affect you now? or Why didn't I hear you crying last night?, she just comforts me. I feel a bit guilty for lying to her.
{Please, let me talk…}
[No! You're grounded for what you just did!]
I hear loud crying in my mind, and my body starts sobbing even harder.
"Don't cry, my sweet girl." Fayna pulls me close to her chest and gently rocks me. "Mommy's here to take care of you. You're safe."
Her soft voice soothes me, and her embrace gives me a sense of protection only a mother can provide.
I close my eyes as my crying gradually fades until it stops completely.
All of this confuses me. Even though I still don't see her as my family, I can't deny that she stirs something in me. I want to believe it's just gratitude…
[If you promise to listen to me, I'll let you talk to your mom…]
{Okay, I'm sorry. I won't do it again.}
"Are you feeling better, my love?" Her smile, as bright as the sun, fills my chest with a strange warmth.
"I love you, Mom!" Hana hugs her tightly, and I feel a smile form on my face.
These feelings are Hana's, not mine—I'm sure of it. I have to be firmer; I can't let this child's emotions get to me.
Now that I think about it, what really worries me is her teenage years, or worse, adulthood—I can't imagine myself engaged or with kids! Did I just think of…? I refuse to accept a future like that!