Chapter Text
It was the year 836. June of the year 836
Warm days, not a cloud could be seen in the sky.
Perfect for running in the big fields full of flowers and grass. To feel the smell of summer, the breeze on her face and in her hair, to smell the grass and the flowers. To roll her little body over it laughing and smiling. While dreaming of one day being able to do so outside the walls.
Elena was the name of the curious little girl. Well... She didn't like that name, so everyone called her Lena. Who, like any child, dreamed of one day knowing the world outside the walls. They knew well the men and women who protected them from the monsters that wanted to eat them, and they couldn't help but feel an admiration and curiosity of what it would be like to be one of them. Even if all the adults told them otherwise.
After all, children are the only ones who can see beyond what eyes can see.
Divagations aside, it was a perfect summer day. And how Lena loved summer. There was no school (only she knew the torment she went through having to spend a day stuck in a room) and she would go play with her friends from Shingashina.
Or she could, because not only she couldn't take advantage of such a beautiful day to do whatever she wanted, but she still had to dress up all tight and stuck in a white cotton dress, only used for special occasions, and wear shined leather shoes. Lena was always barefoot, and having to wear shoes was another torture for the little girl.
"Elena, hold still so I can tie your hair. You're not going to the procession with those loose wild curls" her mother said, as she tried to tame that fire-colored lion's mane.
The little redheaded girl, trying not to feel the pain of having her curly hair pulled as hard as she could, looked out her bedroom window at the beautiful day outside. No school, sunny days, she could climb as many trees as he wanted and skin her knees right afterwards whenever she wanted. And she had to be there being tortured by her own family.
Not wanting to arouse even more anger from her mother, which had already shown when she spanked her butt for not wanting to put on her shoes, she decided to ask one more time to see if she would change her mind.
"Mom, why do I have to go to the procession?" the little gingerhead complained, already with tears in her eyes because her mother was pulling her hair.
"Don't start with your tantrums. You have to go, and that's it" the middle-aged woman replied, in her usual harsh and strict tone.
"But I wanted to play with my friends from Shingashina, their parents don't make them go" Lena challenged her mother's authority once again, because nothing would hurt more than having her hair pulled like that.
"I don't want to hear anything else. What others do is not our business" the woman replied, as she put more pins in that untamed hair.
The middle-aged woman had short brown hair, already with a few white highlights, which was covered by a long kerchief, and two eyes as green as the fields of Wall Maria. She had once been a beautiful young woman, very popular with the men of Shingashina. And she still was, even with a few wrinkles and with her hair already grey. When she got angry, her eyes would get squinty and her mouth would expand. She looked like a lizard, and Lena never knew whether to laugh or cry.
"And it's done, thank goodness. I don't know where that hair came from" Liesle said, and like the ringing of a bell, the little gingerhead jumped out of her chair "Now I don't want to see any of that messed up. No moving around too much until the end of the procession"
The little redhead sighed in supplication. She couldn't understand why they were putting her through that torture, just to look good for everyone to see. After all, if God loved them, he would love them just as much dressed in old clothes stained by grass and food as dressed in dresses that were only worn once in a while.
Lena's family was very religious, and they had passed on a lot of these values to her. The girl prayed every night, and she had started early on to sing in the choir together with her father, who played the guitar. Her parents had a dream of having one of their children follow the path of God, to become a nun or a priest. But none of the three seemed to be interested in that.
The mother and daughter went towards the living room, where the rest of the family was having breakfast, already ready to go to mass and, soon after, to the procession.
It was a humble house, made by the hard work of the man and the woman. Small, made entirely of stone, with only three rooms, but a cozy living room and kitchen, always with a smell of rosemary and a bottle of wine on the table. A house of the people.
"Take a look at these girls, huh? All pretty to go to the procession. Let me even get up to get a better look at you" Lena's father, Hugo who was already ready, stood up and looked at his wife and daughter.
Hugo was Lena's father. A very respected man in Shingashina. Well, at least by the good people. He was very religious and dynamic, taking the initiative for many solidarity campaigns for the poor. Even though they were not a wealthy family either, he always said that sacrifices had to be made in order to help others.
He was a good man, very patient, friendly and outgoing. The total opposite of his wife, who was much colder and complained a lot, although she was also very kind-hearted.
It could be considered that Lena had a little of both within her, even in terms of appearance. Hugo was blond and had the same blue eyes as Lena, as well as the smile. Liesle, on the other hand, had the chubby cheeks, the broader body, and the freckles on her face.
"I'm glad you say that. To make this girl putting on her shoes was hell" Liesle rolled her eyes, getting ready to sit down at the table.
"Oh she does have your temper" Lena's older sister Louise said as she giggled. Also already dressed up and sitting at the table.
"It's your father's fault, he should be more strict. Go, Lena. Go eat before you go to the procession."
What Lena felt like doing was rolling her eyes and refusing to sit down. But she knew that the only response to that act would be another spanking from her mother, who was no longer willing to put up with any more disrespect. And Lena knew well that Liesle was already out of patience just by being the stress of Shingashina's parties.
"Oh Louise!!!" a male voice sounded through the kitchen outside. It was Peter, Louise and Lena's older brother, already dressed in his shirt but holding his jacket in his hand "Look how you ironed this shirt for me. Only in front and on the fists, the rest didn't see the iron"
Peter and Louise were Lena's older siblings. Much older, as they were already 17 and 18 years old. They used to say that Lena had been a surprise. They were tall like their father, Louise had hazel eyes and brown hair like Liesle. Peter had the same blue eyes as Lena and Hugo, and brown hair as Liesle and Louise. The only thing they had in common was their tiny noses and big smiles. Although, when in light, the brown hair of the siblings would become closer to the youngest's ginger hair.
In personality they couldn't be more different either. Louise was a quiet person, rather reserved but very sweet, responsible, studious and down to earth. Peter also had their mother's temper, as well as her frivolity. However, he was also responsible and a hard worker, since children. Meanwhile Lena hated school and only was seen outside playing. In the beginning, she even needed to be dragged by her hair. She hated being locked up, because she thought the Walls were enough for that. Besides, for being always restless and misbehaving, she was always getting slapped by the teacher, who was a real boring men. However, she loved learning and was even considering becoming a doctor one day.
"I ironed that well. Next time don't fold it any way" Louise simply replied as she took a bite of her bread.
"Are you saying I don't know how to fold shirts?"
"Well Peter, I never do see you folding, ironing, or embroidering. I only see you in the vegetable garden" Liesle replied with a few laughs in a wry tone.
"Someone has to make sure we don't starve to death" Peter rolled his eyes and sat down at the table along with the rest of the family.
Things were bad in Shingashina. Bad weather had ruined the harvest season, causing famine to spread. And now, a severe drought had dried up the rivers greatly, decreasing their flow. Lena's family ruled themselves by selling fish at the market, and without rivers, there were neither fish to sell, nor fish to eat.
But even so, the people didn't stop their processions and parties.
"By the way, Lena. I heard you don't want to go to the procession?" Peter asked with a small smile. He was asking to tease his mother.
"Peter, you don't pull that subject I don't have the patience to discuss this anymore. Every year it's the same thing, she never want to go" Liesle spoke up, putting her hand on her head and looking at her oldest son.
"Liesle, let the girl talk" Hugo said with a gentle smile. The gentle smile that was always painted on his face "Why don't you want to go, Lena? Is it because you have to put on your shoes and that dress?"
The little gingerhead looked at her father, still not smiling. However, after her father winked at her, she finally opened her mouth to speak.
"It's not just for that! It's the first day of summer. I wanted to enjoy it and go to the fields today with my friends" Lena finally opened her mouth. She knew that if her mother didn't understand, her father did "Besides the shoes make my feet hurt and I can't even move in this dress"
"See what I say? It's always the same conversation every year. Only this year you're even more stubborn" Liesle only complained about that situation. She really clashed with her youngest daughter's free spirit.
"Lena you'll still be able to spend all day with them. You'll only lose one morning in the procession" Hugo replied, trying to get around the little redhead.
"But then we'll have Sunday lunch with Patricia's family. Then in the afternoon and evening it's Shingashina's party and I won't be enjoying anything" Lena replied, quite sure of what she was saying.
"Then we'll do it this way. Isn't Patricia going with you to the fields too?"
"She is"
"Then we'll arrange lunch an hour earlier, so before the party, you can go with Patricia and the other rattlers to the fields" Hugo started to say, trying to resolve that situation. As he used to solve it every year whenever the little redhead didn't want to go "Then you'll meet us at home and we'll go together, alright?"
"Hugo, for God's sake. The girl has to learn that when she's supposed to go, she's supposed to go and that's it. End of discussion" her mother warned, hard and stern as an oak tree.
"Oh come on, mom. You're always so stern too. Relax, woman, or you'll get even more gray hair!" Peter laughed, as he started to get up from the table along with Louise.
"Someone has to teach you discipline, since your father doesn't know what that is." Liesle rolled her eyes, making the blonde haired man laugh "But if it's meant to end this discussion, let it be like this. But she'll have to meet us at home! I already know, she's going to come home all dirty from playing!"
If for Liesle Hugo was not disciplined, he who was one of the most obedient and exemplary men in Shingashina, you can imagine how strict that woman could be. However, that was the proof how she sometimes gave up.
Liesle and Peter, already up, were getting ready to go. The 17-year-old was wearing a long dark green skirt with traditional patterns and a beige blouse with lace and ruffles at the bottom and on the sleeves. The 18-year-old, on the other hand, was wearing his ill-fitting shirt, a tie, a plaid blazer, and pants of the same color.
"Mom, I'll take a bunch of rosemary and lavender to spread on the streets right away. There's more in the living room if you want to take it" Louise warned, turning to her family.
"Lou and I are going to go. We're going with our classmates from trade school. See you in a bit" the blond boy warned, eliciting a 'see you in a bit' response coming from the rest of the family.
Lena sighed. Sometimes she wished she was Peter and Louise's age. Since she was the youngest and they were many years apart, they didn't have a relationship with her like they did with each other. Not to mention she was envious at the freedom they were given, I don't understand that it was because she was just a child, and her older siblings were almost adults.
"So Lena, are you going to the procession or not?" her father asked again, snapping her out of her thoughts with the same smile.
"Even if I didn't want to I still had to go" Lena rolled her blue eyes. However, she also thought about how every year she went along with the choir, who sang those songs so beautiful and melodious, and it seemed to pain her a little less "But dad.... I can still go with the choir can't I?"
"Of course you can, you're a member of the choir. You sing and I play with the band" Hugo smiled at his daughter, who reciprocated him with her blue eyes sparkling.
To Hugo's chagrin and Liesle's relief, the older children didn't pay much attention to music. But their father did, and he passed on this love of music to Lena as well. The little redhead loved to sing and play. And for her age, she had a very beautiful voice.
Sometimes she would even sing in the street and people would pass by and offer her money, sometimes even candy.
"Even in the music craze you both are the same. But when I ask you to sing for the neighbors you always say no."
"Mom, I like to sing when I feel like it. Not when I'm forced to"
"And that's the way it has to be" Hugo smiled at his daughter, realizing better than anyone what the redhead was talking about.
Maybe the procession wasn't so boring after all. It was every year that torment to get to go, and every year she gave in because of her love of music and singing. All because of her father's influence.
...
After the mass only for the Shingashina cathedrals, there was the procession. A beautiful but protracted ceremony, as they traveled through the entire Shingashina district, with some holding figures. While singing chants and spreading flowers through the streets. Then, the families would have lunch, and in the afternoon and evening was the district's annual party. They would all gather in the main square, do traditional dances and drink lots of wine.
As soon as they finished lunch, she quickly changed into her old dress full of grass and food stains, let down her curly hair, and took off her shoes that were choking her feet. Ready to go with Patricia to the fields to join her friends from the neighborhood.
Patricia was two years older than Lena, and they had known each other forever. Neither Hugo nor Liesle had any other family besides them so Patricia's family was like their own. At every annual party, Christmas and Easter, the two families would get together and have lunch.
The sun was already flying over the light blue tones of the sky, together with the imposing figure of the monstrous saw, with bits of cotton on its top. Two mountains, in fact. One high up, and one on the ground, among the waters of the river. They seemed to sing the cool breeze of summer, reminiscent of the comforting joy of childhood. Meanwhile, in the valleys below the mountains, large green fields stretched out over the horizon.
At times, Lena could be a scandal to some of the inhabitants of Shingashina. How her parents would let her be an crazy and misfit "tom-boy".
Lena never understood why they called her that.
She liked being a girl, she liked pretty dresses, she liked flowers, she liked feeling pretty. She just couldn't subject herself to what the "well behaved girls of school" went through. They couldn't even get dirty, or run on the grass because it wasn't "lady like".
Now, having her parents, even if in their severity, always given her the freedom to do whatever she wanted wherever she wanted, it was all very strange to the little redhead. Maybe that's why they always told her "a bad behaved boy is one thing, a bad behaved girl is just wrong".
But now, that didn't matter. Finally Lena found herself in the place where she belonged. In the middle of nature, feeling great joy at finally being free. And with her were also the children from her neighborhood. Schoolmates and life companions, who always joined in their games. Lena was the youngest, they all found her very funny.
At that moment they had made a race to the big tree in the middle of Maria's fields. Lena had already given up halfway through, and decided to just roll over and lie in the grass and flowers looking up at the sky.
"Lena!!! You gave up?" the oldest one said, who was also Lena's best friend. His name was Adam, he had curly brown hair, sweet brown eyes and also had a face full of freckles. He was always barefoot, just like Lena.
Lena giggled non-stop as she felt the breeze on her already sweaty face from the run. She just wanted to feel the grass on her body, and enjoy the freedom after that torture that had been walking in those shoes and tight dress in the morning.
"I didn't give up! I'm just resting!" the little gingerhead giggled.
Lena looked up at the sky and let out a grin from ear to ear. How she loved summer...No school, sunny days, she could climb as many trees as she wanted and skin her knees right after, whenever she wanted. And whenever there was no school, the neighborhood group all played together. Sometimes in the streets, but most of the time they would go to those green fields, which gave them enough space to do all their playing.
It consisted of seven boys and only three girls. The oldest were Marianne, Adam and Patricia, all three of them were 12 years old. Marianne had very long black hair, an olive skin and green eyes. Patricia, on the other hand, had light brown hair until her chin and two sweet hazel eyes. Next was Stefan, who was 11 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes. Stefan, the tallest of the group after Adam, with red hair and brown eyes who had a sweet crush on Marianne. Cynthia, who was 11, with short strawberry blonde hair, almost looked like a boy, with brown eyes. Claus, a 10-year-old blond boy, very pale with big blue eyes and the smallest of the group after Lena. Friedrich, who 11, with light brown hair and black eyes. Hans, age 10, with blond hair and brown eyes. And last was Aurick, who was missing because he was grounded. Aurick was 10 years old and also quite tall for his age, with blue eyes and black hair.
There could be many more, but many children in Shingashina were not allowed to play, having many obligations that they had to fulfill. Some had to guard the cattle, some were required to work in the fields, which all the children eventually had to help, some were even working. Most of the girls were also forced to stay at home, to do chores like cooking, embroidery, or cleaning. Their parents simply wouldn't let them live out their childhood.
"Guys!!! The other day I found this book and read it! We can play something related to this!" Marianne said, as she picked up a book she had kept in her bag.
Meanwhile, the children had all gathered under the tree in the field right in front of the wall to plan their next game.
"What's it about, Mari?" little Cynthia asked, standing beside her with curiousity. It was a very old, dusty book with a brown cover.
"It's about a man who steals the money of the rich to give to the poor. Then he has battles with justice and the king. We can do it like a play!" the brunette girl said, excitedly.
Lena was also excited. It was the perfect story for them to play. She was already imagining pretending to be in a fight and ending up flat on the floor.
"Marianne, since when does a girl read things like this?" Claus asked jokingly, but the girl didn't seem to find it funny.
"Did someone ask your opinion, Claus? Then shut up" Marianne complained, being immediately supported by Lena, Cynthia and Patricia. They loved their boy friends, but there were some really dumb ones who didn't understand why they liked to play with them.
"Yes, Claus! Just for that, I'm going to be Robin Hood! To show you that girls can be better heroes!" Lena laughed, having found the perfect opportunity, not only to annoy the boys, but also to be the main character in the story.
The other boys immediately started complaining, naming the different reasons why each of them should be Robin Hood. Patricia had already decided that she would be the king, and Marianne had already decided to be Little John. But they all wanted to be the protagonist.
"Guys, wait!" Adam said who, being the oldest, captured everyone's attention "I think Lena should be the Robin Hood. She always wants to be the hero but never is because she's the youngest. I think we should give her a chance"
Lena smiled from ear to ear and thanked Adam with her eyes, her freckled cheeks already red. She thought Adam was amazing. He was a leader by nature and always stood up for her when she needed him. He was her best friend there. He always went along with her on pranks and was a lot of fun. Her more romantic side even said he was a prince, what a child's crush...
...
After the game, the clothes of the group of friends were already full of green marks from the grass and full of dirt from the falls. The hill gave a huge view of Shingashina and Wall Maria. At that moment, everyone had already gone to the party, it had been two hours since lunchtime. The annual Shingashina party brought all the people together. However, Lena and Adam stayed a few minutes longer, admiring the boats floating on the river, full of goods for the richest people on the walls. The bells of Shingashina rang and echoed, creating a magical effect. The two children were lying on the grass, just feeling the wind on their childish, innocent faces.
"You know, Lena..." the curly-haired boy began, looking down at the verdant grass. The little gingerhead looked at him curiously "I'm thinking of going into the military, now that I'm old enough"
"What? To the military?!" Lena asked in surprise and shock. She had not expected Adam to become a soldier. Her heart broke a little as soon as he said it. If Adam went into the military, he would leave Shingashina forever....
"Yes, to join the Military Police and help the people on our walls" Adam replied, determined and confident "I want to do some justice within the walls. Stop the bad men who do bad things"
"So you want to be an MP? Are you sure?" Lena asked, whose voice was already starting to break. She didn't want Adam to leave. She had heard from her parents that it was too dangerous. Or was it the Scout Regiment that was too dangerous? The little ginger girl wasn't sure...But still, the brown haired boy nodded, now looking at the river that lay in front of the two "Why don't you go to the Scout Regiment? I hear they are very brave"
Adam looked at her in complete shock and Lena made a confused expression. Had she said something wrong?
"Brave? The Scout Regiment is useless! I don't understand why we need them. We have the walls to protect us! Why do we need some 'half-assed heroes' to pretend they're bringing us freedom?" Adam sounded angry at the Scout Regiment soldiers, but Lena couldn't understand why. Weren't they helping them kill the monsters and bring freedom to their people?
"So you want to go to the military to be a PM?" Lena asked again, just to make sure that it was what Adam really wanted.
"Yes. I'm going to be the best PM here. Then I'm going to protect the people, stop the bad men, make the walls a better place, live in the interior and be rich!" he replied, always with his confident demeanor that made Lena almost smile.
"And then what are you going to do?"
Adam looked at Lena, his cheeks already turning red. Lena smiled curiously as he looked, once again, ahead. Butterflies were flying in the air and more and more people were entering Shingashina. It really was quite a busy but beautiful day....
"Then I'm getting married" Adam gave her a smile and got up from the grass, from where he was lying. Lena stared at him once more, frowning, already feeling a hint of jealousy. What did he mean by getting married?
"Marry? But who are you marrying?" Lena asked, and Adam's cheeks were getting redder and redder.
"Uh...I don't know yet but..." Adam looked down at the floor, making Lena more and more curious "I was thinking about someone..."
"Really? Who is she...? Do I know her...? Is she one of the girls in our group?" the little gingerhead asked sadly...He really wanted to marry someone...He was going to leave her alone....
"She...She is you, Lena!" replied Adam, as he grabbed Lena's small hands. The little one's freckled cheeks began to turn red and red as well "Lena, I know this is very sudden but will you marry me? Before I go to the military?"
Lena's heart began to beat faster and faster. For the first time, that little redhead who never shut up had been speechless.
"W-WHAT? W-What are you saying?"
"You don't want to, do you? I-I know I don't have much money and I can't even read or write but-"
"NO! OF COURSE I WANT TO!" Lena hugged Adam tightly. At that age, she didn't really understand what it meant to marry or love someone. But if there was one thing little Lena was sure of it was that she wanted to marry Adam, that boy she admired so much "Yes, Adam I want to marry you! Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow! Right here, by this tree!" Adam replied, with a big smile on his freckled, haggard face.
And so, a childhood love story was formed. Maybe Lena wouldn't consider it love some years later. But, it was love. It was love, to what they knew knew about love at that time.
...
After the proposal, Adam and Lena walked back to Shingashina hand in hand. Everything was already in celebration. Basil decorated everywhere, the little stalls where drinks, food and handicrafts were sold. In the background, on the poor little stage, the first musical groups were performing, which would last for the rest of the afternoon and into the night. How people like to party.
The little gingerhead already liked the annual Shingashina party, so being there holding hands with her first boyfriend made it all the more magical. She looked at the freckled-cheeked boy with a smile and rosy cheeks. He even asked her to dance with them later.
Meanwhile, many people were already at the party. A young and beautiful Carla Yeager, dressed up, prettier than ever, was walking among the stalls while holding hands with a tiny Eren, just a year and a half old.
"Ah, Carla is that you?" a familiar voice sounded.
The chestnut-haired woman turned and bumped into a young Hannes who, by the redness of his cheeks, was already half clouded from the drink.
"Good to see you, Hannes. How are you?" Carla greeted, smiling.
"I'm very well, better than ever. I don't miss a Shingashina party" Hannes laughed, and immediately got on his knees to mess with the little brown haired boy "And look who's here. Little Eren. How are you?"
"Say hello to Hannes, Eren" Carla said sweetly to her one and a half year old son, but who quickly hid behind his mother's legs "Come on, Eren. Don't be shy"
"It's okay! So, tell me about it. What have you been doing? How is Dr. Yeager?"
The gingerhead and the brown-haired boy then stopped in front of the little stall Carla and Hannes were talking at, right by the chapel.
"I'm going to have to go home. I still have to go finish going to help my dad build something" Adam said to Lena, separating their hands "But I'll be back tonight, I promise"
"Okay. I'll go look to my house. They are probably waiting for me by now" the gingerhead replied, sadly that the brown haired boy had to leave already.
However, as Adam started to leave, Lena gave him a kiss on the cheek. Leaving him completely flushed, the boy smiled embarrassed and waved goodbye.
Now, not having been discreet with their puppy love, that scene had attracted some attention, namely from the blond man and the young woman, who knew Lena's family. Hannes, in particular, got along very well with Hugo.
"Look, Carla. Am I seeing wrong because of the wine or is that Hugo's daughter with a boy?" Hannes asked Carla, while laughing, who had also spotted the two children.
"Well, it sure looks like it. Those blue eyes really are her Dad's" Carla smiled.
"She is fresh, she is. In terms of boys she takes after her mother, no doubt about it" Hannes laughed at that funny scene, remembering how once a young Liesle was known at the town of dating lot of boys. He wasn't expecting to see the daughter of the saintly Hugo Häustler with a boyfriend so young.
"Oh, Hannes. These are romances of children. You had them too, I had them too" Carla replied, shaking her head. That man wouldn't miss an opportunity to make fun of Hugo "Look, I'll be going. Mrs. Muller won't settle down until she sees Eren. See you later."
As she walked through the atrium looking for her house, still with her mind on her marriage to Adam, the little gingerhead failed to notice a wooden box in front of her, full of basil to decorate the streets. It only took a second for the head in the clouds to trip, fall into the box full of those plants, and fall back to the ground, flipping everything over and skinning her knees, already on top of another skinning.
The redhead was shedding tears of pain. Her knees were already skinned from one last fez that had fallen on stone, it hurt even more.
"Oh my god! Are you okay honey?" a voice asked Lena. The little girl looked up and saw a beautiful woman who was holding hands with a little boy...Maybe only a 1 year old. He couldn't even walk properly yet.
"Thank you, ma'am" said Lena, smiling from ear to ear. Which made the woman give her a smile as well.
"You're welcome. Are you looking for your parents? You looked a little lost" Carla giggled as she looked at the little girl's figure. She was a cute little girl with those freckled chubby cheeks.
Lena looked at the little boy, only 1 year old, who was hiding behind his mother. Or at least, supposed to be his mother. She smiled again.
"No, I'm going to my house so we can come to the party later" Lena replied.
"You should be more careful. Look at the state of your knees" Lena laughed at the nice woman, while the brunette shook her head "Our house is not far from here and my husband is a doctor. Maybe he could see your little damage before your parents find out"
Lena just smiled at that woman who was sweeter than honey. She didn't think she needed to be seen by a doctor, but her parents would kill her if she came home with blood all over her face and knees.
"Thank you so much! I apologize, but what is your name, ma'am?"
"Carla Yeager" the woman gave that nice woman a gentle smile "And this is my son, Eren"
The little 9 year old looked at the small child, clearly embarrassed by that situation. He hid behind his mother and Lena smiled at him, which made him even more embarrassed.
"Hi, Eren!" said Lena in her sweet voice. Eren looked at her, but didn't say anything "I'm Elena, but you can call me Lena"
"Eren! Say hello to this pretty girl" Carla warned, pushing the boy closer to Lena, who blushed at the compliment.
"H-hello... " Eren shyly said, which made the little gingerhead girl smile even more at his cuteness. Contrary to what some people could think, Lena's smiles were genuine. It was as if anyone who looked at her smiling wanted to smile too.
And it was like this, that an old and beautiful friendship began. The friendship between little Lena and little Eren, that would last forever.
...
At that moment Grisha Yeager, the doctor, was examining Lena's knee. It was nothing to worry about, but still, it was convenient to have it seen by someone, if only to disinfect it. As luck would have it, it was Shingashina's annual party, so Grisha was home for those three days.
"Hmm..." the doctor muttered to himself, taking his eyes off the gingerhead girl's knees "You did quite a service to your knees, but you'll be fine. You just have a few little pieces of wood stuck in your skin. With alcohol and a pair of tweezers we'll get them out easily."
Lena wasn't too worried. She had fallen out of trees many times before and that time it was just a small wooden box, but it still hurt a little. Grisha knelt down so that she was at the same level as the little redhead.
"You should be more careful. I noticed your knees were already skinned from other times weren't they?" Lena nodded, saying nothing. The tall man went to his emergency kit and took out a small wooden box. Kneeling down again, he took out cotton and dipped the cotton in the liquid of the box "This is going to hurt a little, okay?"
Carla and Eren watched that scene. The doctor started to put some liquid on the girl's knee. Lena moaned in a little pain, but managed to contain herself until the doctor took the cotton from her knee. With tweezers, he removed the rest of the pieces of wood. It had hurt a little, but not much.
"And...it's done. Be more careful next time, you hear me?" Lena nodded and stood up from the wooden chair. The beautiful young woman looked at her with an amused expression.
"She's a brave little girl, isn't she, Eren? She didn't even cry..." Eren's cheeks flushed as soon as Lena looked at him. Once again, he hid behind his mother, who was laughing at her son's shyness and cuteness "Come on, Eren. You're not usually this shy"
"Elena" began Doctor Yeager and the little girl turned her head towards him "Are your parents at the party or are they still at home?"
"Right, I don't know. They weren't at the party, so they are probably still waiting for me at home" Lena replied, shaking her head "But I don't live very far away. I live in one of the first houses in the south, near the Wall"
"Well... If you're still at home, you'd better go now. Your parents must be getting worried..." Grisha said, as Lena walked towards the door with a smile on her face and examined her knees, to confirm that they were already okay.
"Thank you so much, doctor. For making healing my knees" she smiled, causing the doctor to give her a small smile as well. Then, she turned to Carla "And thank you so much, ma'am. For helping me."
Carla could only smile at that little girl of 9 years old, so small, with such red hair full of curls and chubby, freckled cheeks. She wondered if she would ever have a daughter, while Eren only looked at her, shy and embarrassed.
"If you need anything, we are always here"
...
After 20 minutes of walking, Lena finally arrived home.
She walked through the small garden where various vegetables were planted, a little afraid of what her parents might think when she got home, with her old dress completely green and full of dirt and her knees suspiciously red. And on her face, it looked as if a cat had taken its revenge. Then, finally, Lena knocked on the door.
The little ginger girl heard a few footsteps toward the door and was welcomed with her mother's worried expression.
"Elena!" exclaimed the middle-aged woman, pulling the little girl by the wrist into the house "Where have you been?! We were so worried!!!"
Liesle hugged Lena tightly and she just giggled at that sudden gesture. It was rare to have physical contact from her mother. It was more her father who physically showed their affection. Separating from each other, Liesle watched her youngest daughter.
"Dear, God! Your knees are all skinned! Don't tell me you fell out of that stupid tree again!"
"No, no! I fell because of a wood box!!"
"It's always the same thing! Always falling, the other children don't go to their homes in late and on this state!" Liesle said, with her eyebrows frowning.
"Just this morning you said what others do is not your business, and now you say this?" Lena crossed her arms and sulked. Her mother was always the same thing, comparing only when it benefited her.
"Ah, Elena. Don't answer me" Liesle stroke back, already irritated. Suddenly, she placed her eyes on Lena's skinned knees "Wait...Did you put alcohol in here?"
Lena realized what her mother meant and nodded.
"I didn't. A doctor who lives further north treated my knees. He was very nice!" Lena smiled and Liesle's eyes widened.
"A doctor? What was his name?"
"Oh, now I can't remember"
"Wasn't he Dr. Yeager?"
"YES!" Grisha Yeager, that was just it. He had really been nice to her. However, her mother didn't look very happy "Why are you making that face, Mom?"
"I can't believe you arrive later at house, skinned your knees and went and bothered poor Dr. Yeager!! I swear Elena, you're just like your father!" Liesle spoke loudly, making the gingerhead feel bad for giving her mother so much trouble. But at the same time, trying to hold back laughs because seeing her mother irritated could be a scary, yet funny exprience "Well, get in there to get dressed for the party. And hurry up!"
And so, Liesle and Lena entered the house and were faced by Louise and Peter's curious gaze. Together they let out a smile. They already knew what had happened and couldn't help but find it funny that their mother was losing her temper with their little sister.
"Did you see, Mama? I told you she was coming!" Peter joked, taking a sip from a glass of water. Louise was just smiling sweetly at Lena.
"She was coming, she was coming. And if something happened, what would it be like?" exclaimed Liesle, angrily to her youngest daughter.
"Liesle...Calm down. She just came a bit later. Nothing to worry about..." Hugo said, entering the room already all ready, with his blond hair well gelled and his beard done.
In that house, it was always Hugo who tried to calm things down when there was an argument. Between Liesle and her children or between the siblings, which happened more between Liesle and Peter who, after all, were only 1 year apart in age.
"And then you continue with your talk! The streets of Shingashina at dawn are no place for a 9 year old girl" Liesle continued insisting on the same thing.
As Hugo could see that Liesle was already getting worked up, he approached the little redhead and gave her a sly smile. Lena answered him with a playful face. He already knew what he intended to do to calm the tempers.
"Oh Lena. Why don't I bring the guitar so we can all sing a little before we go to the party?" Hugo asked , which made Lena's big blue eyes shine even brighter. It had been a long time since they had all gotten together to play.
"For God's sake, Hugo. Not the stupid guitar again. You know I hate music in the middle of an argument! On top of that we're going to be late and Elena hasn't even showered yet!" Liesle explained in an angry and irritated tone of voice. All Hugo could do was to burst out laughing.
"What argument?" Hugo asked with a smile, which made Liesle hold back a smile as well. The next moment he turned to Lena again "Come on! Let's get the guitar!"
...
Hugo and Lena entered the living room with the guitar in Hugo's hands. Louise and Peter joined them, also ready to listen to music. The older children did not pay much attention to music, as did Liesle. But Hugo loved it, and he transmitted this love for music to Lena as well. The little gingerhead always said that her personality came from her father. And of course, with pride.
"Very well..Do I have any suggestions?" Hugo asked, already seated in the living room chair, as he tuned his instrument "A traditional song, a fado, a love song?"
The freckled cheeks was the first to raise her hand, her giant blue eyes shining.
"That ginger-headed lady there!" he replied smiling.
"Can it be...the one that you used to play played for mom when you were younger?"
Liesle rolled her green eyes with her cheeks turning red. If there was any way to make Liesle embarrassed it was to remind her of her relationship with her husband when they were younger. How much in love they were. Hugo just smiled at his wife and replied with a "of course you can". And slowly he started to play...
(click the link and listen to the song :))
https://youtu.be/HS1OLc1WWnY
"Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you" Hugo winked at Lena and gave her his playful smile. The little gingerheaded girl supported her head with her hands, sitting on the living room floor as she sighed, just feeling the melody of the song.
"Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?" Hugo looked at Liesle with a sweet gaze still full of passion. Liesle smiled and rested her head on the wall behind her.
"Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you..."
Hugo stopped playing and Lena's big blue eyes sparkled...She loved music so much...It was an inexplicable love. Especially with her father singing and playing with his old guitar...
Her family all together, with her father playing his guitar and singing... That was the picture Lena missed the most about her childhood...