Memory in Fire

Memory: Alexander

“I beg! Let me go!” Erika looked at the young man in front of her with a clear face. Erika persuaded and convinced him many times. But stubborn base, he did not also grant Erika's request.

“Can't! I can't let you go alone. It's too dangerous. You're 13 years old, still immature, you can't travel far alone. Moreover, you said you wanted to go to a regular school? No, Erika! I'm not gonna let him. What if they're bad to you? Or you're bullied? Or –“ Alexander was surprised and stopped his speech when Erika hugged him with a sudden\-sudden. Alexander was silent, unable to continue his words.

This was Erika's way of silencing her brother's mouth. If her overprotective sister was raving incessantly\-stop, Erika would hug her sister tightly, so that her brother would automatically fall silent.

“Erika, you know I love you very much. After the departure of my father and mother, I couldn't bear to part with you. I don't want to lose someone I love anymore. You're the only\ I have right now.” Alexander returned Erika's embrace tightly. He lowered his head, inhaled the fragrant scent of Erika's black hair, and gently kissed Erika's head.

Erika also did not want to part with Alexander. He was afraid to go alone to a foreign land he had never visited. But his frustration at not remembering anything since the accident 3 years ago, made it a difficult decision to leave. He could not even remember the faces of his parents after the car accident that hit them, except through the photos that Alexander showed him.

“Our memories are all here. Erika! In our house! We have never been to Indonesia once. My mother's house is no longer there. She also has no parents or brothers. You won't find anything\-nothing!”

Erika knows that very well. He also knew about the fact that he and Alexander were only half brothers. Alfred who was a Marquess married Victoria, Alexander's real mother who was a pure Englishman. Victoria died giving birth to Alexander. Alfred then married Wanda when Alexander was 10 years old to replace Victoria as mother to Alexander. One year later they gave Alexander a cute little sister, whom they named Erika.

“I beg you, change your decision! I'll do anything for you as long as you don't go.” Persuade Alexander.

But unfortunately, Erika was as stubborn as her sister. Erika let go of her embrace and looked at Alexander in earnest. For a moment he bit his lower lip to hold back his tears from spilling. It was also a difficult decision for him. Leaving the land where he was born and all his loved ones.

“I have to go. And you don't have to worry. I'm not alone. I'll go with Nanny.” Erika smiled, trying to once again convince Alexander.

“Same! You two are girls. Moreover, Nanny who is old, she cannot take care of you alone. I'm afraid if –“ Alexander's words are again interrupted by Erika's grip on her hand. He could feel his brother's trembling hands. Alexander realized that this decision was also very difficult for Erika.

 “Trust! I'll be fine\-all. I promise I'll take good care of myself\-well. I'll also be friends with so many people that I don't get bullied. I'm going straight home so no criminals can hurt me. I also promised I'd call you every night and tell you that I'm okay\-all. So please, let me go! I just want to see the land where my mother was born. I also want to go to school where mom goes first.” Erika clasped Alexander's hand strong\-strong, the tears she had been holding back had finally spilled. The longing for his mother that he could not even remember his face was back.

“I promise I'll be home every holiday, and you can also visit me when you're not busy. With Ray and Theo too.” Erika looked up, looking at her brother's face which looked hardened and stiff.

“Al, you're not mad at me, are you?” Erika asked scared.

Alexander finally sighed, a sign that he had given up. He knew he would not be able to hold Erika back, their stubbornness was exactly the same. And he also understood the reason Erika wanted to leave.

“Of course not. You know I can never be mad at you, sweetheart!” Alexander smiled and stroked Erika's head gently.

“So when are you going?” Ask later.

“WHAT?!! Tomorrow day after tomorrow? Did you even get a place to stay?” Alexander did not expect that his sister would leave so soon.

Erika just shook her head. “I just bought the ticket. I plan to cancel it if you still don't allow it. Take it easy, during the search for a place to stay, me and Nanny can stay in the hotel for a while.”

Alexander was stunned to hear Erika's reply. “So you won't leave if I don't agree?” Ask enthusiastically. But then he grimaced holding his stomach that hurt because of being stabbed by Erika.

“I pulled my word about the criminal earlier. I'm sure they'll run away if they get your punch. Really\-totally sick.” Candanya. Erika just glared while holding back a laugh. Alexander then chuckled amusedly at the expression of his sister. But a moment later his face returned to seriousness.

“Can't! Cancel the ticket. You'll be leaving in a week.” Now replace the stunned Erika. He frowned, and looked at Alexander in wonder.

“I can't let you stay anywhere. I will prepare a house for you. You said you were going to school where mom used to be, right? Even if you say that, I'm sure you don't know where the school is yet. Wait a week, then you can leave. I'll prepare everything for you. You don't have to buy any more tickets. We can use private plane.” Alexander was long.

Erika just nodded in agreement. At least he can go to the country his mother came from although accompanied by his brother's excessive attitude. Alexander was always pampering her and being overprotective with Erika, but Erika understood that her brother loved her, and that was how Alexander showed it, even though Erika was uncomfortable sometimes, because he also wants to do everything himself.

Erika smiled with a look that could not be separated from the figure of Alexander. His brother seriously spoke by phone, giving orders to his men for his own purposes.

“Thank you, Al! I love you so much.” Erika's whisper in her heart.

“M’Lord!”

“M’Lord!”

“M’LORD!!” Valeray raised his voice which made Alexander jump in shock.

“Y, yes. What?”

“We've arrived, M’Lord!” Valeray slightly bowed to look at Alexander who was still glued in the car, his hand holding the door handle, holding it open.

Alexander suddenly woke up. He immediately tidied up his tux and poked his feet out.He then walked with steady steps, accompanied by Valeray and Theobold who stood behind his right and left.