The Way Back Home's

Angsty

Farrell returns to the Bliss and Tea Room.

“Don't you owe us a lot of explanations?” That sentence was the opening sentence that Farrell received when he met Milo and Libby on the second floor of the Bliss and Tea Room. The moon was high but his two sisters did not look sleepy at all. Milo was folding his hands while looking at him walking closer. Libby put on a pouting face. He put his face on the table near his teacup.

“Yes. I owe you guys a long story,” Farrell agrees.

Madame Bliss who was sitting at the table with Milo and Libby smiled. “I'll get you a few more cups. What about snacks? You guys want cake?”

Libby shaking. Milo just opened his mouth. Farrell already replied, “Don't bother, madam.”

“Oh, but I force. I'll get you something to warm up this cold night. Also. Or have dinner. Have you had dinner?” Mrs Bliss got out of her chair. He passed Farrell straight towards Remy who dared not look at him. “Can I know who this is?” His eyes are watching closely. “I smell a sweet aroma from you.”

“One of Eden’s Lodge employees. He's a chef,” Farrell said.

“Former,” whispered Remy slowly correcting Farrell's remarks.

“Oh! A chef? How about helping me prepare tea and snacks?” Madame Bliss smiled again. His hand waved at Remy, a gesture for him to come along. Remy nodded too. The two went down the stairs, leaving the third Eden on the second floor.

After the two disappeared from sight, Milo asked again. “So?”

Farrell took a deep breath. He's not really sure where to start. The most important thing for his two younger siblings to know now is that uncle is not as good as their minds. He started it from there. It starts with an uncle and aunt with Denise. The mannequin potion and his escape with Christo. How Bliss helped him, the trip to Blub, the meeting with his father, to how he could wake them both up. Hearing the name of the father called, Milo's reaction changed let alone Libby. Without saying why, Libby started sobbing.

Milo looks distracted. “Why are you crying? Wouldn't it be nice if we knew Dad was here? Dad's alive. You don't want to meet dad? You've never met him, have you? Now you can talk to him not just talk to the doll.”

“I got Toto from dad. I'm not crying.” Libby defended herself as a tear descended her cheek.

“Stop crying!” milo's voice is rising.

“Milo!” Farrell glared at his sister.

Milo rolled his eyeballs. “Why? Are you also going to hide your father's location from us? You should have told me everything earlier. I don't understand the situation and don't know anyone here. When we woke up, you disappeared! I even thought you wouldn't come back here. You don't want to tell all because you think we're kids, ‘ right? Or worse. You don't believe in us?”

Farrell shook his head. Milo can sometimes be so annoying and arrogant. “I believe in you guys. But you won't believe my story. Uncle and aunt are very kind to us, you trust him. Especially when you were under Denise's influence, you didn't listen to me. Absolutely.” For a moment, Farrell felt he was in the position of Christo who wanted to tell the truth but was afraid of not being trusted.

Milo put on a pouting face. “OK. I kind of agree with that. I can't believe uncle is evil. Denise must have influenced him.”

“Good. I admit to being wrong. I shouldn't have left you guys earlier.”

“I want to meet dad!” Milo glared at his brother.

“Maybe later. Not now.”

“Let me guess, you just went to see dad?”

“You won't tell us about any emergency problem too?”

Farrell clenched his mouth. He sees Libby and Milo alternating. Some of his little heart forbade him from telling stories, but others demanded that the truth be revealed. Especially with the pressure from Milo, Farrell decided to tell him why he left. “Mother is here.”

“Mother?” Libby looked at her brother fixedly. “Mother is here? Where?”

“Dia—” Farrell took a deep breath while looking for the right word. “Together uncle.”

“Uncle scooping mom?” sahut Milo's.

Milo's guess was telling but it had a bad impact. Hearing that, Libby cried instead. Her tears rolled down her face and wet her clothes. Farrell shook his head while sighing again. He felt guilty saying it in front of Libby. Farrell approached and hugged his sister. “We'll be reunited with mom. Also dad. Everything's gonna be fine. I promise”

“You lied!” milo hatch. “You don't know how!”

Farrell glared at Milo again.

Mrs Bliss and Milo had apparently been on the stairs to the second floor. Madame Bliss appeared slowly with the tray containing a plate full of cupcakes. Behind him, Remy carries a tray filled with a teapot and two cups, complete with jars of milk and sugar.

“Libby baby, why are you crying? You tired?” mrs Bliss said quietly while putting the tray on the table. “How about rose bowl cake? Take a look at this, very beautiful.” The cupcake had cream on it in the form of a rose of various colors. At the bottom of each rose, there is also a cream-shaped leaf.

Libby glanced at him for a while but remained unmoved in Farrell's arms.

Farrell took off a hug. He rubbed his sister's red cheeks. “How about warm chocolate? Do you remember that Madame Bliss had that drink too? You want?” Farrell glanced at Madame Bliss.

As if able to understand Farrell's wishes, Madame Bliss threw a gentle smile at Libby. “Let's come with me down, Libby. I'll make you the tastiest hot chocolate you've ever had. We can add cream and marshmallows. You can also choose your own snacks. I'm baking cookies. Hows it? I made it with magic, you know.”

Finally, Libby stood up from the chair and approached Madame Bliss. The two women hugged each other, climbed the stairs slowly, and disappeared from view. Remy felt awkward. Not long after, he came down.

Milo still seems upset. “What now?” She knew clearly that her brother had deliberately chased everyone away.

Farrell pulled out a chair and sat across from his sister. “Your guess is right. You happy?” Farrell could see another change in look on Milo's face. Even for a moment, Milo had time to throw his gaze down. Milo no longer folded his arms. Farrell said again, “You are still a child, but I trust you. So, I'll tell you everything. We'll discuss this.”

Milo is pouting. “I've been fifteen years.”

“Tap.” Farrell looked into Milo's eyes.

Milo avoided his sister's gaze. “So you want a discussion about certificates?”

“All,” errat Farrell.

“Oke, just start.”