Black Swan's

The Reunion (Eighty Two)

        “You angry?” ask Olivia quietly in the car after they drive the Aciel family and Mr. Kim to the airport to go to Australia. Since then Sian was only silent and like inhabiting Olivia who had tried to invite Sian to talk even though he was always ignored.

            “No.”

            “But you behave like this.”

            “Then you want me to behave like what?”

            “Hhaah..” Olivia exhaled slowly and leaned her heavy head against the windshield next to her. Today was a hard day for her and everyone who had lost Mr. Kim, not least her husband. But besides, today was also the day that he had to reveal a truth that he should not be saying right now.

            “You should have told me from the beginning.”

            “I just want to surprise you on your birthday.” replied Olivia weakly. If Sian wanted to get him to argue now, then he would immediately raise both his hands in surrender because he was not in the right circumstances to serve Sian to argue.

            “Since when?”

            “What?” ask Olivia not to understand. He only glanced at Sian at a glance, then back at the street in front of him that looked so beautiful with city lights twinkling. One of the things that used to be just a wishful thinking for him, now he can see their flickering clearly.

            “Your pregnancy.” said Sian trying to explain the meaning of his words.

            “One and a half months ago. Well roughly so, I also forgot when exactly.” Olivia almost forgot she was pregnant. What she is feeling now is not entirely what pregnant women out there are going through. But she had tested once, and the result was positive if she was pregnant. Then some time ago he also went to the obstetrician with Eden, and the result is the content is developing well.

            “It's been quite a while.” comments Sian still with a cold tone. Olivia knew that Sian was tired of everything that happened today. Coupled with his attitude that had covered up the happy news, making Sian's mood even more shattered like this.

            “Please don't be angry, I just want to give you a surprise on your birthday tomorrow.”

            “I know. I'm not angry.”

            “Yah.. thanks for not being angry.”

            Finally Olivia chose to remain silent and rested her head on the glass of Sian's car next to her. Her hand instinctively moved to stroke her flat stomach, but now a fetus had grown there. To be honest he felt a little guilty towards Sian because that man was actually

aciel and her family wanted to bury Mr. Kim in Australia. But just as they were about to get into the plane, Eden suddenly prevented it. Eden told Sian all the truth when Olivia had tried to code Eden if she had not known anything about her pregnancy. And after that everything became like this. Sian kept silent since at the airport and kept saying that he was not angry. In fact, the man was angry.

            “Kim... she left so fast.”

            Olivia reflexively raised her head and tried to listen to her husband who was talking to her.

            “He must be a good person.”

             “Very good because only Kim is the one that Aciel has had all this time. Kim also often prepared a good meal for us.”

            “How long have you guys known each other?”

            “Very long.” replied Sian while reminiscing about his days with Mr. Kim first. The first time he met Mr. Kim was when Aciel time invited him to come to the house. He who only knew Aciel for no more than two weeks was initially a little strange with the invitation of Aciel who invited him to lunch at his home. He who could not enjoy the luxury of lunch every day, felt really lucky because Aciel invited him to lunch together. And after the school hours were over, he and Aciel went to the magnificent mansion of Aciel's grandfather which at that time managed to make Sian gape in amazement.

            “When he first met Kim, he gave me a peeking look.” recalls Sian amused. He realized that Mr. Kim would hardly allow him to enter Aciel's mansion because of his appearance, even though he was wearing the same school uniform as Aciel.

            “Why?”

            “Because he can't believe that Aciel has a friend like me. You know for yourself how the appearance of Aciel who always looks very neat, even though he is wearing home clothes though, surely he will still look classy. Very inversely proportional to me who always looks disheveled, a dirty face, and yahh. my attitude is never seen as a man who comes from a distinguished family like Aciel.” story Sian spirit. The past is always something that Sian wants to remember until anytime because he feels he has a blessed past.

            “But you have changed now.”

            “Hmm.. of course, Aciel forced me.” Sian chuckles. It used to be that Aciel was so fierce when teaching him to become a top-class man like him. In retrospect, Aciel was actually no less violent than his grandfather.

            “Then what about Mr Kim?”

            “Oiya, Kim is slowly starting to change her attitude. He no longer looked me one eye because I was a friend of his young master. Since then I have been going to Aciel's house often to accompany the man, I also learned a little business from Aciel's grandfather. But Aciel's grandfather wasn't the kind of friendly guy. Only Kim could finally be warm in that house. Aciel of course can not be said to have a warm attitude, because you know for yourself how cold the man was many years ago.”

            Olivia subconsciously smiled at Sian. Seeing her husband who had forgotten her anger made Olivia feel relieved. He no longer needed to worry about anything after this.

            “What is the most memorable thing from Mr Kim?”

            “When he stroked my hair.” replied Sian with a smile. Many years ago, as he was pensive in the backyard of Aciel's house, Mr. Kim suddenly came to him with a glass of orange juice. It just so happened that it was summer, and he had just gotten into trouble from his father who was heavily in debt due to playing too much gambling. He who is too frustrated to make money can only be pensive on his own in the yard of the house of Aciel because he can no longer ask for help Aciel. He had borrowed too much money just to pay off his father's debts. But his father just fuckin' continues to gamble until he feels fed up with his father. “Kim stroked my hair and told me to drink his homemade juice. Though it wasn't anything special, but I felt like I was getting energy from her soothing smile. That smile was able to make the heavy weight on my shoulders lift. And the days that followed my relationship with Kim became closer and closer. I really like Kim. She is indeed the best waitress that Aciel.” has ever had

            “Then you guys are very lucky. When you are down, you have Mr. Kim who is always able to strengthen you. I think now Mr. Kim has bestowed his duties on me and Eden. You are not alone, you have me and this child.” said Olivia softly as she stroked her stomach. Seeing that Sian felt full and he brought one hand of Olivia to be let out.

            “You're right. Kim's task is done because we already have you guys.”

-00-

            At five o'clock in the morning the plane carrying Mr. Aciel's family and Mr. Kim's body had arrived in Australia. Since yesterday Sian has taken care of all funeral processions Mr. Kim will do at Rookwood Cemetry, the oldest cemetery in Sydney which is also the burial place of the late wife of Mr. Kim. Eden who could not sleep overnight on the plane felt so tired after they got off the plane and was immediately greeted with the cold air of Sydney which had reached three degrees this morning. Hugging Louise tightly, Eden slowly followed Aciel towards the car that had been waiting for them in the hangar.

            “Ace, you want to go directly to Rookwood?”

            “Faster is better.” replied Aciel coldly. The man continued to walk straight towards his car while holding Ciara who was asleep in his arms. During his time on the plane he had been determined to himself if he would not hold Mr. Kim longer by his side. He realized that he had been selfish all along, and now he just wanted to take Mr. Kim to where he should be, next to his wife who had been waiting for Mr. Kim for a long time.

            “Ayo.”

            Eden was slightly jolted as Aciel had suddenly been by her side and grasped her hand that felt warmly frozen. A smile rose on Eden's lips as she felt her husband had returned.

            “Hold for a while, after this we will rest in one of my resting houses in the piper point.” area

            “You sure? You don't want to go home?”

            “I know you're exhausted Ed. And kids, I'm afraid they're sick because it's so cold right now. Better we stay here, and take a vacation.”

            Eden was silent to Aciel's last words about the holiday. I don't know why this is all a coincidence, and he's a little scared right now.

-00-

            Eden rested his dizzy head on Aciel's shoulders as they were still on their way to Aciel's resting house at piper point. A little relieved today as they had completed all the funeral process smoothly. A few minutes ago Eden also had just made a video call with Sian to tell those in Vegas if Mr. Kim had been buried in the same cemetery as his wife's. Even Mr. Kim was very lucky to be able to rest peacefully next to his wife's grave.

            “How do you feel?”

            “Better.”Aciel replied briefly. Ciara who had been awake since was busy chattering on the left of her father while observing the tall buildings that look so crowded.

            “Daddy, are we going on vacation now?”

            “Hmm, of course princess.” Aciel smiled happily at his daughter's behavior who looked enthusiastic with her answer. He never expected to spend Christmas here.

            “Are we still a long time? Louise starts fussing.” Eden who was wracked with intense dizziness due to fatigue felt powerless to calm Louise who looked so fussy because the baby also felt the fatigue currently felt by her mother. Seeing that Aciel immediately took over Louise from Eden's arms and slightly swayed the little baby in her arms to make it quieter.

            “Fifteen minutes more.”

            “Thank God, my eyes feel very sore.” erang Eden tired when felt both eyes continue to shed tears since earlier because he was unceasingly yawned. He felt like he had not slept for weeks because of the tiredness that afflicted him today.

            “Oya Ace, I don't carry many children's belongings.” Suddenly Eden remembered her very little luggage. Yesterday he did not have time to think clearly to prepare the needs of his children because of the many things he had to do before their departure to Sydney. Plus the attitude of Aciel that was very annoying, making the mind of Eden branching everywhere since yesterday.

            “We can buy it later.”

-00-

            Eden yawned repeatedly while stretching both of her hands into the air. Aciel still closed his eyes with a regular, very soothing roar of breath. Eden then went down the bed and walked towards the bathroom to wash her face which still displayed a sleepy aura. At four o'clock in the afternoon. Eden really could not believe that they had slept for hours, since ten o'clock earlier after he had managed to make Louise and Ciara sleep with little coercion. If Ciara and Louise had not acted, Aciel and Eden could have rested at nine. But his two children were fussy with different desires. Ciara who felt if this was the time of vacation they did not want to sleep at all as her parents wanted. Louise was crying because she was hungry and tired. Aciel and Eden struggled to get their two children to sleep before they could rest in peace.

            “Ed..”

            “Hmm... What's up? Sleep again.” Eden command while drying his face using a towel. Eden breathed a bit of relief as her two children were still peacefully asleep next to Aciel. Otherwise, they would only make Eden dizzy because Eden had to cook after this.

            “I'll go to the nearest supermarket.”

            “Hmm... don't go too long.” the hoarse voice of Aciel as had been explained to Eden if the man was still half sleepy and would obviously return to a deep sleep. Eden then immediately prepared to go to the supermarket he had seen before they arrived at the resting house of Aciel. It might only be about ten minutes if he walked. He just happened to be lazy to go out in the car. If in Vegas, he is never allowed to go anywhere without a guard and a private car. During this time Eden will take advantage of this golden opportunity to take a walk. He was sure that Aciel would not be angry because here no one knew him. All the foreigners here would just think of him as they were without ever realizing that he was Eden Lutherford.

            “Good afternoon mistress.”

            Arriving on the terrace Eden was immediately greeted by Mike, the private driver of Aciel who will take them wherever they want to go. But this time Eden was not wanted to be delivered by Mike to shop.

            “I'll go to the supermarket a minute.”

            “Kuantar madam.” says Mike politely. Eden immediately gave Mike a little slug and smile. “I'll go alone. You are at home, take care of my husband and children.” Eden chuckled. Mike then nodded briefly and tried to help Eden to open the gate towering in front of them.

            “Thank you Mike, I go.” say hello to fine Eden. After the door behind him closed perfectly, Eden was like getting a freedom that had been too impossible to obtain. His footsteps were as light as a feather, and he was so eager to walk anywhere while observing the traffic of road users who seemed busy with their respective affairs. It's delightful! Eden couldn't hide his big smile that looked so strange to others who never understood how Eden felt today.

Bruck

            Good Lord! inner Eden was upset when someone suddenly hit her hard. The pain that hit Eden's elbow now feels increasingly tormenting to make Eden moan restrained on the cold asphalt of the city of Sydney.

            “You okay?”

            Eden who was still swept away in pain and also angry at someone who hit him tried to ignore the outstretched hand in front of him. He swiftly stood up and tried to ignore the impactor as he was still quite annoyed at the person.

            “Sorry, I think I'm too busy talking to my sister.”

            I don't care.Inner Eden was upset while patting her dusty jeans. He then intended to leave regardless of the impactor, but the checks on his arm made Eden stop and stare fiercely at the man.

            “Eden...” the baritone's voice took Eden by surprise for a while. He did not expect that the world was too narrow for him and Andrew.

            “Andrew?” asked Eden in an unconvinced tone. Although Eden hoped if he was wrong, but in fact the man who is currently standing in front of him is Andrew. Andrew Summer's older brother whom he talked to Summer a few days ago. Damnit damnit!

            “Hai, I can't believe you still remember me.” Andrew replied with a smile. Eden knew long ago that Andrew had a deadly smile. That's one of the reasons why he once accepted Andrew to be his lover, he liked Andrew's charming smile.

            “That's how.” replied Eden briefly. He felt he didn't have a lot of words to talk to Andrew about. He actually wanted to disappear right now.

            “I didn't expect you to be in Sydney, when yesterday Summer told me that you couldn't come to her wedding.” Fucking summer! maki Eden inwardly with annoyance. I don't know

how much meaning Eden put out this afternoon, but Eden felt he was really cornered because of this misfortune.

            “Umm yes, there is something that makes me be in Sydney right now. You alone, what are you doing here?” Like a stupid question. Eden now regretted his own words because it was tantamount to keeping him trapped for longer with Andrew.

            “I jog. Yeah, just a little habit of exercise so that my body is not constantly spoiled with luxury.”

            Eden only realized that Andrew was currently standing in front of him using a sweat-filled sports shirt here and there. It reminded him of Aciel when the man was done with his sport.

            “Oh.. Then you can continue your jogging again, I happen to be shopping to the supermarket.” point Eden on the supermarket building that has been seen in front of him. In Eden's heart he hoped that Andrew would put an end to all this so that he would not sin more and more against Aciel.

            “Then I will accompany you, I happen to be done with my jogging.”

            What other misadventures is this? inner Eden was upset. This is not what he wanted from Andrew. He then smiled clumsily at Andrew and just nodded stiffly at the man. “You're so good.”

            “This is not a big thing. How are you doing Ed after the accident?”

            “I'm good.” replied Eden briefly, not knowing anymore what he had to say to Andrew. Now he can only walk straight while occasionally looking briefly at Andrew who still invites him to speak.

            “I hope you're always okay. I'm glad to see you here. Where's Aciel and.... Your children? Ehem.” Andrew cleared a moment. “Summer told me a little bit about you.” Andrew said again. He did not want to be considered a disrespectful man by Eden, so it was only Summer's name that he could use as a shield.

            “Ah yes, we do sometimes contact each other to exchange stories. Currently Aciel and my children are resting at home.”

            “Piper Point Housing?”

            “Ya..” replied Eden hesitated. He felt a little wrong to give the answer to Andrew because after the response given by the man really made him regret the answer even more.

            “I also live in the complex, house no. B2.”

            Die you Eden, you stay in house no. A1. “So we're neighbors now? Wow.”  Eden seemed to have run out of words to comment on all the coincidences that felt strangling him.

            “So how long will you stay here?”

            “Entaih, it depends Aciel.”

            “Did you tell Summer if you were here?”

            “I have not had time to contact him because we just arrived this morning.” replied Eden while picking up a trolley provided in front of the entrance. The two of them then walked together to enter the supermarket area which is quite loose this afternoon. If Eden hadn't met Andrew, he probably wouldn't have

this is when entering the hallway containing Ciara's favorite snacks.

            “You want to buy something for your son?”

            “That's how, Ciara loves chocolate biscuits.” Eden began to choose foods that if Ciara likes. Some of the brands that Eden encountered here were a little different from the ones he used to find in Vegas. As he was picking, Andrew suddenly offered him a box of chocolate biscuits that were never sold in a Vegas supermarket.

            “You should try it, it's good.”

            Eden actually wanted to refuse, but he could not be as rude as before to Andrew. The complicated path of his life has made Eden slowly change into her former self, before being surrounded by anger because Aciel once played tricks on her.

            “Thank you, maybe Ciara will like it.”

            After finishing with Ciara's food, Eden rushed towards the baby-supply block. Yesterday he didn't bring much diapers for Louise. And now he has to buy them for supplies as long as they're in Sydney.

            “What age is your baby?”

            “Four months.” replied Eden while entering a large pack diapers into a trolley. Andrew who was beside him seemed silent, like he was thinking about something, yet he hesitated to say it.

            “You and Aciel.... are you okay?”

            “Sure, why?” asked Eden.

            “No, nothing.” replied Andrew while rubbing his clumsy nape. But that doesn't mean Eden doesn't know what Andrew is at the moment. He just pretended not to know and thought everything was fine

just so he doesn't make mistakes like before.