By the time classes were over, dinner had been served, which they rejected. Heading to the library, Lana kept her head on a swivel, still trying to identify those threats that could hurt her or her brother; not to mention their new friends.
Upon entering, the building was huge. Lana was already envisioning having such a building if she ever made it one day. The sign up front as they entered stated the second-year material was on the second floor while the first-year material was on the main floor. The third floor was for faculty only. Upon entering the first year's section, there were arrows and signs all over ensuring the students were expeditiously able to find their material. It was not as busy as it was yesterday so Lana was able to take it all in better.
They were looking for the market computers which were off to the right. Lana sat down with Dobin hanging over her shoulder. The others chose to peruse as well on their own with no intent to buy. Lana's desire was simple. A cooking kit, eating kit that included plates, bowls, etc, mixing bowls and knives, cutting board, a little portable oven that folded if she could find it. She wanted some new clothes for her and Dobin as well if she could swing it. She ended up looking in the used section and found everything they needed to eat and cook for 15 credits. With only 5 credits left, she bought Dobin a few outfits, a new bag, and a sleeping outfit. That topped off the credits they got last night but they were now geared to cook and feed all 5 of them. This meant if they were to travel on outings the way travelers did, in groups of 5, she could cook for the whole party and make sure they all had the strength to continue. Everything fit nicely in a bag that, if packed properly, the napkins, towels, and table cloth ensured no sound would be made as all these things were carried. The person carrying the bag could even run quietly. She took the codes to the receiver station. She entered the codes and got all her goodies, giving Dobin his purchases. "I'll give you back the 5 credits of yours I spent on the cooking stuff when we get paid this evening," she said.
"Nonsense. You are cooking for me so you should use some of my money!" Dobin replied.
"Speaking of which," Almin responded, "if you are cooking for us or even providing some food for us, we should pay you as well. Give me your watch." Lana put up her arm with her watch on it and Almin, Alto, and Kattie all gave her 3 credits.
"Thanks guys! Tomorrow, I want to buy some clothes but I'm trying to decide what I want my look to be. If I keep wearing what I am now, I look the part of crazy sister and they may choose to stay away but I have never really enjoyed dressing this way. I have just been playing the part. I need to give it some thought." Lana said, smiling. "How about we go buy some meat tomorrow and just have some fresh veggies or a salad before dinner?"
Everyone agreed. They decided to pick a spot in the park they could all agree on so it took some walking before the perfect spot was found. The first thing Lana did was place her hand on the ground whispered something then sat down a few feet away. She unpacked the bowls and things she would need to prepare a huge salad then went in a big circle and placed her hand on the ground many times. Meanwhile, the entire party found themselves under the shade of a willow tree that seemed to grow from nowhere. By the time she finished touching the ground to form a circle, the first of the plants she created was ready for harvest. Looking at what she just did, there was way too much for 5 people but she decided to harvest what was needed, feed them all then harvest the rest and take it back to their rooms. The others' jaws hit the floor as they marveled at what she had done in mere moments. She was able to create a nice big salad with three kinds of lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, tomatoes, celery, broccoli, and red onion. She put out a few culinary herbs and with some red wine vinegar, was able to make a nice dressing. Everyone was able to eat their fill and was touting praises at her skill. She blushed a bit having never prepared food for anyone but Dobin before.
"I have not cooked meat before, just to warn you guys. We always got that from the orphanage, but I do need to learn if you guys can be patient with me as I learn." Lana said a bit bashfully.
Alto chimed in, "We all came here thinking home-cooking was out the window until summer break. This is a huge bonus none of us expected! Besides, aren't we supposed to learn while we are in school?"
Lana smiled, "I guess you're right." Lana looked up at the tree and could not resist. She walked to the branches and they formed a seat for her. She sat down and started swinging and humming. As she got going, she stood on the swing then she decided to climb up a bit. She then wrapped her leg around the branch that was swinging her so that the branch was behind her knee cap. She let go and just let the tree swing her. She really wanted to keep going but she didn't know these people yet, so she climbed down and got off the branch. The newcomers to the group were naturally surprised.
They sat around talking for a while then realized it was getting late and should head back Visibility was dropping under the tree. Lighting would need to be purchased as well. They quickly gathered what they wanted off the plants then Lana put the rest in the bag on top so they would not get squished. They walked back together with the boys taking their produce to their rooms. The girls went to their room.