(Arata)
Seeing them, I sprung from the lounger and rushed towards them with open arms.
"Baba...Mom."
They were carrying gift baskets; Stella took them so we could easily et.
They hugged collectively to their chests and the love that seeped into was beyond words. The peace that followed was even priceless.
"My little bird," Baba murmured, stroking my hair. "We missed you."
"How are you? Our beautiful girl," Mom lovingly asked as I separated from them. The tears pricked the back of my eyes and I just pushed them away.
"I missed you." I dragged them with their hands so we could settle on the lounger.
"We missed you too, Arata Chan. That’s why we decided to surprise you," Baba warmly said. His blue eyes, the colour I had inherited from him, shimred with so much love. The grey on his temples was no more subtly hidden with black.
On the other hand, Mom was the picture of innocence and perfection like always. She appeared like a celebrity in her satin blue blouse and black skirt.
Baba wrapped his warm arms around as we sat while Stella flopped near Mama.
"So, how is Grandma and Angel City?" I asked, enjoying his affection.
"She misses you and sent you so homade cookies. Angel City is the sa, thriving but it’s not the sa without my moonlight." Baba affectionately rubbed my head and I swelled like a balloon under his loving words.
I had just put it together that Karsten’s grandma called him Moonbeam while Baba called Moonlight.
"Of course, it misses as well," Stella chid in, making us laugh together.
"Both of you are the souls of Angel City, we all miss you. Will you be returning with us, Stella?" Mom asked, turning to her and my heart took a dive. I knew her leave was ending and she had to return to her job.
"I can stay a bit longer." Stella’s eyes found but I didn’t wish to hold her back. She missed her boyfriend, her family and her job.
"You have already sacrificed so much Stel. You can return with Baba and Mom. From here on, I need to do this on my own." Baba’s grip tightened against my arm as he patted .
"My girl is all grown up and I never realised. I still rember holding you like a baby." Nostalgia washed all over us and I sighed.
"I know, Baba." How I wished to return to those tis, they were so simple. The only heartbreaks were when a toy would get broken and Baba would always get tons of new ones. He fixed everything.
But this adult life was dangerous; every decision ca with consequences, and so of my decisions were going to have repercussions akin to tsunami waves.
"How is your job going?" Mom tried to change the subject seeing us get all gloomy. Her vermilion hair was neatly braided.
"It’s good, I am enjoying myself."
"And your boss? He is not giving you trouble, is he?" Baba had a small crease between his brows as he asked and I had to bite my lower lips. If only he knew what a big snob Karsten was.
I quickly shook my head.
"No, no, he is cool and I quite enjoy working under him." Technically, it wasn’t a lie; life had beco colourful as I had started my work as his secretary.
I only had to bear his impossible moods, learn to make coffee as black as a black hole and pretend to be his girlfriend. Kiss him when his family spied on us and had fake sex with him.
See, not difficult at all. Breezy as a sumr day.
Stella pursed her lips as our eyes t and had to look away before both of us burst out laughing.
She got up to bring them so refreshnts.
"That’s good; you will tell if he or anyone else gives you trouble," Baba protectively said, and I could only nod.
"Zy! Let her do her thing. We promised to not interfere in her work," Mom reminded Baba.
"I know, but if soone sses with my girl, I won’t take it lightly, no matter who that is." Determination flashed in his eyes and I had to take a deep breath. I knew he must have cancelled all his contracts with Andy’s company and was silently trying his best to bring them on the street.
He was the calst man I knew but was a planner and planned rather ticulously, bringing others to their knees. His step-brother had tried to give him trouble after he had his father imprisoned and he put them right in their place.
"Baba, I will be fine, stop worrying about . I already see there is more grey hair on your head than last ti. Are you taking care of your health?"
Mom spoke instead of him while he sheepishly smiled at .
"He doesn’t, I have to drag him away from work. I can’t wait for Zaylen to finish his degree and take over from your father."
I frowned at him.
"Yes, both of you should take a long vacation." I knew his workload must have increased since I left and now he had extra duties. It saddened . Baba instantly sensed that.
"Everything will work out, why don’t we all go out for dinner today? My treat," Baba offered, brightening up my mood.
"Sounds like a plan. You guys will stay, right?" I asked, my expectant eyes sweeping between them.
"Sweetie, we need to return tomorrow morning. You know we can’t leave grandma alone. Your aunt Mawar is staying with her for tonight." Mom gave an understanding smile.
I wished they would stay longer but it was not possible.
"Visit us, Arata, whenever you can. Everyone misses you back ho," Baba gently asked.
"Will do; we have so new projects coming in at the office, but as soon as I get so ti, I will apply for leave and co stay with you guys," I reassured him, making him place a gentle kiss on my head.
Soon we all freshened up, changed and headed out for dinner. My car had arrived so I decided to drive them. It had been a while since I had dinner with my parents. My heart had found so long-sought peace as we all settled in the car and headed for the restaurant.
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