After answering Mark, I quickly got a message back, seems he has been waiting for my response, which only made me feel worse... Ugh, I am really ghosting him sometimes without realizing.

[Mark]: [Got it. I have a lot of souvenirs for your parents, I'll bring them as well. I've got a car myself too so I'll come with it and tail your daughter's friend car.]

[Elayne]: [Okay Mark! Thank you for being so patient with me...]

[Mark]: [Don't worry about it.]

He's so considerate...

Ah, wait, why am I getting all red by thinking about him?

Ugh... Now that I recall, I think I did said some pretty bold things in the heat of battle last night.

Such as that... I-I love... loved him.

He didn't heard that, right? I think I said that before I helped him recover.

I... still have to sort that out too.

I kind of... yeah, I do have feelings for him. Let's admit that.

I've always felt so guilty about my husband's passing that I never thought about love for years.

Now that I feel like I am finally getting better... Is this really okay?

Ugh, maybe I need to chat this with Rita and maybe Lily, they're my two female friends.

And does Mark likes me back?

I wonder... Would he be okay with an older woman?

Maybe I need to get prettier for him!

Ah, wait, what am I thinking, trying to seduce a young man!

Ugh... But... might... might as well, right?

Ahhh...

"M-Mom?"

Elena noticed how I was getting all red and embarrassed while checking on my phone.

"E-Eh? Ah, what is it, dear?"

"You're all red..."

"A-Ah! It's... nothing."

"Huh..."

I do wonder what my daughter thinks of him... I do remember she disliked him.

"S-So... What do you think of Mark, Elena?" I asked her, as she felt slightly surprised.

She looked at me angrily, but then calmed down.

"I guess... he's okay." She said, looking elsewhere.

"Eh? But... I thought you disliked him?" I asked.

"Hmmm... I didn't really disliked him, I was just being... kinda dumb." She sighed. "But he's... a pretty alright guy. He seems down to earth. As long... as you're happy mom."

"D-Dear..."

"I... I've been thinking for a while, you don't need to feel alone anymore, and you don't have to... keep faulting yourself for what happened. I want... you to be happier. So if that guy... can make you happy..." Elena muttered. "I think that's alright."

"Uwaah! Elenaaaa!" I jumped over her and hugged her tightly. "You don't have to worry so much about your mom! Hehehe. I was just asking something!"

"Y-You're awfully touchy today mom..." She complained but didn't fought back my hugs.

I never thought having my daughter's approval would make me feel so happy.

But maybe I am jumping into conclusions too fast, I better... take this slowly.

And anyways, the other messages...

<Rita>

[Rita]: [Hey girl! How's it going?! I'm going to make a group chat for us guys that know the truth! I wonder if it's possible to use magic in this world too?! Can I become a witch now? I've been trying for a while but nothing works! Maybe we need to research dark spells! Anyways hop on the group chat. I invited your boyfriend and Lily.]

[Elayne]: [Mark's not my boyfriend! ...And also, are you coming to my parent's house?]

[Rita]: [Hell yeah I am! I am waiting here in my house. Already told my kids and my husband and they're alright with me being out a few days. They even said it would "bring them much needed peace"! Those damn brats... So anyways, come pick me up! We can talk about the other world stuff later.]

[Elayne]: [Okay, I'll go once I regroup with everyone.]

She's... still the same as always. I guess even learning about paranormal things being real won't change how she is.

<Lily>

[Lily]: [Hello Elayne, I hope you're alright... A lot happened... I hope we can get the time to discuss everything with everyone else. Ah, your friend invited me to a group to talk about this stuff. For now I am feeling like resting for a couple of days though. Have a good time in the countryside though! ]

[Elayne]: [Thank you Lily! Please take care too! Let's meet up once I'm back.]

[Lily]: [Sure thing, take care. ]

Lily's so polite in comparison to Rita... She's really a cinnamon roll.

And then... the group chat.

<Rita's Gang>

[Rita]: [Hello everybody! We're now a paranormal gang! We know magic exists and stuff! This is awesome! I've been trying to cast a spell for hours but nothing happens. Does someone knows how to bring magic from the other world? Anyways seems like some demon king mana leaked into the world, looks dangerous. Isn't it the best time for us to become the heroes? Who's with me?!]

[Mark]: [Rita you should take this more seriously. I don't think it's a good idea to interfere with public affairs. We should lay low and slowly figure things out.]

[Lily]: [I agree with Mark here...]

[Rita]: [Geez! You guys are so boring! I bet Elayne's with me though!]

[Elayne]: [Actually, no. Don't you dare go out telling people what we know, Rita! We'll be in deep trouble if anybody figures out! So keep your mouth SHUT!]

[Rita]: [ Ok...]

[Elayne]: [Actually, I do have magic... The great spirit came with me. Maybe I can figure out something... to help you guys get some. But for now, just calm down and pretend everything's normal, alright?]

[Rita]: [OH. MY. GOSH. FUCK YEAH!!! WITCH GALS FOREVER! I AM GONNA BUY A WITCH GETUP SO HARD!]

[Elayne]: [-_-]

Knock, knock.

Just as I typed that, the door knocked and Elisa and Anna greeted us, accompanied by Mark who was right behind them.

"Miss Elayne! We're here for the trip!" Elisa said excitedly, she was wearing a cute, white-colored summer dress and a straw hat. She was really getting into the country girl vibes.

"Hey what's up~!" Anna greeted us too. She was more modest, jeans and a red jacket. Quite tomboyish, I liked her style.

"Good morning." Mark greeted us from behind the girls with a sleepy face.

I guess it's time to go to the countryside now... Let's sit back and relax.

...I hope.

"Meow!" Suddenly, I heard a telepathic meow.

"Looks like the little one wants to come with you!" The great spirit said.

Oh, Blackie's inside my shadow.

Yeah, this trip is definitely not going to be normal.