
"We'll miss Aileen!"
Axon and Axia hugged Aileen together, and even called out the four words in a coinciding tone. The two eleven-year-old children completely flanked Aileen until she could barely move. But not only was she not upset or uncomfortable, Aileen was happy. But she felt sad to have to part with her relatives again.
"Aileen will also miss little uncles and aunts. Isha, and all." Say it with a slightly sour nose.
Aileen had been on leave at school for a few days. There's no way he can't go in again. Besides he could be left behind a lot of lessons, it could be a problem if his cut was really not something urgent. Emily's birthday is very important, but at least it can be celebrated for two days and after that it is no longer so festive. Dareen had long piled his work on his room table. Dareen silently wept inwardly, imagining how many stacks of documents and files he needed to sign and approve.
"Azra, please be careful on the way. Although it is not long, but still have to be careful on the road." Emily's Advice.
Azrell had already said he would pick up Dareen and Aileen when they came home. And lucky today her lover, Eri, is doing a photo shoot and does not need her to accompany or deliver. So, early in the morning Azrael had arrived in Queens.
The handsome man nodded his head and said in his mainstay flat tone. But have a polite tone. "Good grandma. I'll be careful and make sure Dareen and Aileen are safe all the way to Manhattan."
After hugging each other and greeting his relatives, Dareen and Aileen follow Azrael into the car and leave the comfortable house. On the way, Aileen unceasingly told Azraell about the fun she had experienced for several days. Azraell listened to him with attention. Almost half the way, Aileen suddenly yawned and dropped her head on Dareen's thigh to instantly fall asleep.
"Oh, is he asleep?" azrell asked when he no longer heard Aileen's words.
Dareen muttered affirming while wiping Aileen's mane affectionately. From the windshield, Azrael could see how Dareen so carefully and gently stroked Aileen's jet mane. That's really sincere. Something quickly flashed through his head, and it made him subconsciously ask.
"I've only met your parents for the first time. Why aren't they attending the wedding ceremony?" ask Azrael.
Dareen's hand movements stopped for two seconds, before she moved her hand again in a more sluggish motion. "They're busy."
Azraell frowned. Felt Dareen's answer was a little unreasonable and a little strange. If they were really that busy, would they not even be able to accompany their own daughter in the marriage that other people were looking at for real? Logically, it felt so strange. Not only was it against the thought of all parents wanting to look at their angel-looking daughter in a wedding dress, but it was even strange when Dareen appeared with someone else, while her father was still alive.
"Busy that? At least, it's your wedding." Ask Azraelle.
He glanced at Dareen from the rearview mirror inside the car and only heard the beautiful woman muttering. "Mrs."
Azraell wasn't too sure, but he felt Dareen's murmur was full of alienation and unwillingness to answer. Well, Dareen was indeed very mysterious in his eyes. When he first met her, he thought the woman in front of him was the royal family because of her calm and graceful attitude. Even the words he had spoken at the beginning of their meeting could barely make him understand who Dareen really was.
It's like closing himself.
In the rest of the journey, there was only silence enveloping the red sedan. Dareen with her nostalgia, and Azraell with her curiosity.
He himself is confused. He, never felt this far.
...***...
"For mama! Papa Azra!" greet Aileen as she entered the dining room and sat across Azraell who was busy scrolling through her macbook screen.
Despite that, Azraell turned his gaze to Aileen and replied. "Morning. How's Aileen sleeping?"
Aileen smiled broadly, "Aileen had a beautiful dream of papa Azra! Aileen dreams of Aileen meeting a beautiful fairy who takes Aileen to play in a flower field!"
"Oh yeah? Does Aileen know him?" ask Azrell again.
Aileen shook her head. "Aileen didn't see his face."
Dareen chuckled behind him. "If you don't see her face, how can Aileen say that fairies are beautiful?"
"Do not know! But, that fairy sister must be beautiful! Just like the other fairies." Aileen.
Azrael took a sip of his coffee and shook his amused head. "What age children still believe in fairies. Papa thought it must be a very sweet and cute boy."
Aileen pursed her lips pouting and snorted bitterly. "Aileen isn't cute papa Azra. Aileen is handsome, humph!"
Aileen further pursed her lips and looked at Dareen with a pair of teary beads. Dareen himself stared at him for a moment as he stepped towards the dining table with a bowl of soup in his hand.
"Yeah, mama's boy is so handsome! Let's eat your breakfast and mom will take Aileen to school."
Dareen spoke softly as she took Azraell and Aileen's dishes. Not to go to his own plate. Although this was not a real marriage, Dareen and Azraell did not forget their respective obligations. Although Dareen worked alone and made money as well, Azraell fulfilled his obligations as head of household by giving Dareen monthly money. Dareen, meanwhile, fulfilled her obligation to take care of the family. Included in small matters such as preparing hot water or Azraell dressing.
Well, everything goes naturally and there's no awkwardness.
"Papa, do you remember what day tomorrow is?" ask Aileen back.
Azraell was actually aware of the meaning of Aileen's question. Tomorrow was a weekend, and according to the promise he had made, he had emptied his schedule for half a day to invite Aileen to the zoo. He looked calm and answered.
"Mn, did Aileen already suffer from early dementia until she forgot that tomorrow was Sunday? Well, how's this?" Azrell.
Aileen frowned slightly for a moment before looking at Azraell and saying impatiently. "Aileen knows tomorrow's Sunday, papa. But what Aileen means is, do you remember what you're gonna do tomorrow?"
Azraell seemed to think in the midst of Aileen's insistence. "Come on papa Azra. No way you forgot, right? That's loh~"
Azrael had no intention of stopping Aileen's prank earlier and asked, "Try me a hint."
"Uhh~ It loh, papa~ promise" said Aileen.
"Promise?" azrael's Beo.
Aileen nodded. "Yes! There's a long neck! There are also those who like to be treated!"
"Oh?"
Aileen shriveled to see Azraell's confused face that was in fact made up. Looking at the clock on the table, Dareen who was watching the joke was forced to stop it. Oh, or they could be late at the same time.
"Already, already. Aileen, papa Azra did not forget the promise to invite Aileen to the zoo. And Azra, don't tease Aileen anyway." Dareen said.
He helped Aileen carry her bag, "Let's go."
"Good ma~" said Aileen in her happy fashion when she learned that tomorrow she would go enjoy a weekend to the zoo.
After being completely finished with their breakfast and short jokes, the three of them both came out of the apartment building to head to the basement. There were several neighbors who were both couples and were blessed with sons and daughters who were almost the same age as Aileen. But there are also some couples who have not been blessed with baby.
"Well, Ara. Papi left first huh?"
"Darling, I'm leaving ya." Aileen saw a man peek at his daughter's cheek, which was held by his wife, before turning to kiss his wife's forehead.
"I'll take your lunch to the office later." Said the wife.
The man smiled and nodded before entering his car. Waving at his little daughter who was waving cheerfully.
"Be careful on the way, papi!"
Aileen looked at them for another two seconds, before pulling her gaze and turning to look at Azraell and Dareen. The two were seen chatting for a moment before separating into their respective cars.
"Aileen, come on, baby." Dareen made Aileen look up.
He smiled and nodded his head. "Yes, ma!"