(Arata)
We were to leave for Angel City the next day. So, once Karsten had gone to sleep in my room after eating up like a starved possessed being, I put on my nightgown and smiled at his hulking presence—it made my bed appear small.
Covering him with my blanket, I affectionately kissed his hair. He leaned into my touch, even in his sleep.
Wholeheartedly I smiled at this muscle of a man with all his flaws who had stolen my heart and refused to return it.
Quietly closing the door behind , I sneaked downstairs to find Baba.
He was sitting near the fireplace with a book in his hand and a whole plate of chocolate chip cookies on the table in front of him.
He and his sweet tooth which I had inherited as well. Engrossed in reading he didn’t realise sneaking up to him from the back and putting my arms around him.
"Arata Chan!" He softly said, gently placing his hand on my arm.
"You are still awake?" I asked, rounding his shoulder to face him.
Carefully he removed his reading glasses and pulled forward. I settled down on the thick armrest of his sofa and leaned on him.
"I couldn’t sleep." Sadness was portrayed by heaviness in his voice.
"Are you worried about ?" I asked, keeping my eyes low. I knew his heart was burdened because I was leaving the next day.
"I always worry about you Moonshine. How can I not?" He sniffled, making my heart even heavier.
"I understand Baba. But I promise I will keep in touch and visit occasionally. We will et at Cherry’s wedding too," I assured him, trying to lessen the burdens of his heart.
"I know dear, I know." Wrapping his arm around , he just held there, close to his heart. I let myself soak up all his fatherly love with my eyes closed.
Mom joined our little party and held both of us in her warmth-laden arms. "We love you, Arata, and always want the best for you. Follow your heart, but if ever anything happens, our door will always be open."
Her words touched deeply. How parental love surpassed every other love in the world. Unselfish and unbiased. Parents cared deeply and accepted us back even when we made the worst mistakes.
"Thanks for being the best parents in the world." I squeezed my eyes closed, feeling their endless love just seep into as we held each other for a long ti before I returned to my room with tear-filled eyes.
Taking off my bunny slippers, I slowly slipped into bed so I wouldn’t wake up Karsten. I wanted him to rest as much as he could before he had to dive into his new routine.
He groaned, and his heavy arm landed on , pulling into him. My back hit his barrel chest and I eased into him.
Nestling into my hair or what was left of them he took a deep whiff and sleepily murmured, "You alright?"
My throat had cloaked from unbridled emotions so I just whispered, "Hmm, I will be."
He kissed my scalp before saying. "I won’t be the reason for your tears again. You will never have to complain to anyone because of ." His arms squeezed my chest, while his body enveloped mine, hiding in himself.
"I don’t have a doubt," I murmured back to him, before both of us slipped into the valley of slumber.
***
The next day, Stella ca to et before I left. "Don’t be a stranger." She hugged tightly.
"I won’t. And everyone is welco to visit once I am settled." I then winked at her and mischievously whispered. "Co with Zaylen."
She bit her lip and tried not to turn into a beetroot.
"I still don’t know how to face Uncle Zyair and Aunt Skyla," she confided in .
I squeezed her hand. "They know, and I assure you, they are absolutely thrilled at the idea. Don’t worry."
She smiled at my assurance. I wished Zaylen was here, but he had University.
It was ti to leave. Donning an easy long skirt with a white collared shirt and a maroon blazer, I paired them with a matching scarf.
Karsten was playing with Bitu when I exited the room with Stella.
Bitu flew over from his hands and landed on my shoulder, nipping at my ear.
"He is a smart bird." Karsten took my handbag from and guided forward with his hand on the small of my back.
"He is."
Mom, Baba and Grandma were ready to see off. They were smiling but I knew they were forcing it.
"Take care of yourself, especially your diet and be happy. It’s important to be happy," Grandma instructed while placing a kiss on my forehead, holding my face in her wrinkled hands.
Bitu flew away and perched on Baba’s head.
I hugged her. "Will do."
Mom hugged next. "I know he will take care of you but if there is anything you need. Just call, we will co."
"I know, Mom."
Baba held for the longest ti and I could sense the burdens of his heart. "Call daily, and if anyone hurts you, just tell ."
"Just take care of your health and don’t worry so much about . I am going to be fine," I told him with a reassuring smile.
"She is in good hands. Don’t worry," Camilla assured him from my side, too, while Karsten gave a courteous nod.
Before I could break down and be weighed down by the burdens of leaving my parents again. Karsten led away. I looked back from the car and Baba was holding Mom, both smiled and waved at as our car left the ena Mansion behind and headed towards the airport.
A new Chapter in my life was about to open. It was scary because I had no clue about being a mother and yet I was positively assured that this was going to work.
"Relax, we are going to be fine, Arata." Karsten’s loving voice and huge hand on mine had easing down and I finally smiled.
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