53
Kira told Aneska that they would go home after lunch, and probably get home in the evening. And when it was time to go home, Aneska realized something was wrong. Not from the children, staff, or the orphanage itself.
"Edwin has gone home first because he has work to finish," said Kira as if he knew what Aneska was looking for.
Aneska just nodded her head, but the girl felt uncomfortable.
"You left after hurting me," Aneska thought, pursing her lips, a little annoyed.
However, Aneska herself was aware that she was avoiding Edwin, but when the man left, why did an uncomfortable feeling dominate her heart?
One sunny afternoon, Aneska said goodbye and promised to come back to visit her because Kira had stated that Aneska was part of their family, and would always be there until the time she wanted. Aneska was happy and felt that she had received protection from Kira, and from the woman's attitude, everyone knew how much Kira loved Aneska like her own child.
They didn't talk about anything in the car apart from Kira who was busy on the phone with some of her colleagues or family, and occasionally explaining about work together, arranging schedules, and so on. Besides, Kira is busy even though she looks so relaxed like a normal housewife.
While Kira was busy calling, Aneska took out her cell phone. There is nothing on the phone because it is still new. The only contacts available are the home numbers of Edwin, Alendra, Kira, and Zeelar, plus a new number from Mianca. However, as soon as Aneska opened her cell phone, she saw an incoming message sent several hours ago.
[I have something to do. Sorry for my actions.]
It was just a short message from Edwin, but for some reason, Aneska felt annoyed by it.
The girl looked out the window, the natural scenery that spread out seemed to melt those feelings. Edwin should have apologized straight away, right? It's not true that via a short message, her regret doesn't seem to be conveyed, that's why Aneska is annoyed instead of understanding.
A message came into Aneska's cellphone, the vibration of the object made Aneska look away.
[When are you coming home, Aneska?]
The message was sent by Mianca.
[I'm on my way now. Mom said he might come home tonight. Why?]
Aneska answered.
[NO. I miss you. I'll come to Aunt Kira's house later, and talk to you directly.]
Aneska's forehead furrowed when she read Mianca's message.
[Whatever?]
[I'll talk about it later. You have to take care of yourself. See you again.]
The message ended. Aneska knew that if Mianca said that, her message would not be continued. Mianca is busy, that's the reason. And for things you want to talk about directly, maybe it's something serious. Mianca didn't want to talk about it over the phone.
"Aneska," Kira called the girl.
"Yes?" Aneska turned to Kira.
"I have an event tonight, do you want to come along or stay at home?" Kira asked.
Aneska was silent for a moment, considering.
“Maybe just stay at home. Mianca said she would come to the house, so I just stayed at home. Maybe next time I can come along?”
“Of course, you can come if you want. In that case, okay. Have fun with Mianca. Sorry, I'm busy," said Kira.
"It's nothing. "But maybe mom will be tired," said Aneska.
"I'm used to it. Besides, if I'm tired, I'll relax at a hotel, spa, or whatever can relieve my tiredness. Alendra will accompany me later."
"Oh, okay, I understand," said Aneska.
But Kira's expression was a little different, as if he still wanted to say something. Aneska looked at the woman.
"Edwin must also be present," said Kira in a lower voice than before.
Aneska's eyes moved when she heard that.
"Oh, it's okay. Besides, Mianca said there was something she wanted to talk about later."
Aneska tried to think positively, but there was a feeling of discomfort in her heart, for some reason she was disappointed this time. Did Edwin distance himself from Aneska?
Kira just nodded, didn't say anything else, and said to have fun with Mianca. It seems Kira realized something.
"Oh yes, Aneska,"
Aneska looked back at Kira.
"If Edwin does or says something that hurts you, don't hesitate to tell me, okay? "I'm your mother now, you can lean on me," Kira said in a soft and loving voice.
Aneska's smile faded as she nodded.
"I will try. "Thank you, ma'am," said Aneska, who now felt better.
Kira smiled too, nodded, and rubbed Aneska's arm.
Meanwhile, Edwin stood in front of Alendra's work desk, looking at his father sharply.
“Then that's true, right? Do you know anything about Aneska?”
Alendra remained busy with the documents on the table, ignoring Edwin who insisted that Alendra tell the truth about what the man knew.
"Father?" Edwin raised his voice as he called out to the man.
After that, Alendra raised his face, directing his gaze at the man.
"What do you want to know?" Alendra looked back at his son.
“Dad took the files from my office desk, didn't he? What can't I know?"
"Do you want to know?"
"Let me know."
"Are you sure?"
"Just say it!" Edwin snapped.
Edwin's patience had limits, especially with his father. Edwin burst out laughing, not believing his father.
“No, if it's for my sake? Come on, you don't know anything about me, Dad.”
“You think you can handle it, huh? You think I don't know how you are, huh? If you're sure you know who that girl is, I'll tell you. However, you have to face it yourself, and make a decision.”
“Then you have made your decision. To get rid of it, right?”
This time Alendra was silent while looking into Edwin's eyes, who couldn't wait for something to happen behind Aneska's life story.
“It's up to you what you think. However, if you think like that, face your mother," said Alendra.
This time, Edwin was the one who was silent when his father put his mother in.
"What do you mean? That means Mother—"
"No!" Alendra interrupted firmly while looking at Edwin sharply. “Your mother doesn't know, don't tell your mother. However, I do not guarantee anything. Because your mother is better than me.”
Edwin confirmed Alendra's words. If her mother didn't know this, there was no way Alendra would say something like that. This means that whether Kira realizes it or not, Edwin still has to face his mother if something happens to Aneska.
Alendra put a special brown envelope for documents.
“Reconsider your decision before opening the contents. You have to accept it yourself. I probably won't be able to help," said Alendra. The man's attention was drawn to the brown envelope of the document.
Edwin's attention was drawn to the brown envelope. If the father said that, was it something that might shake things up? Edwin suddenly hesitated but he had to know the contents.