"Atasha, where's your cousin?" Vier asked when he saw the woman playing with her phone in the living room. Atasha didn't bother looking up and just answered the man half-heartedly.
"Don't know. Still sleeping, maybe."
Atasha continued to play with her phone. She wasn't in a good mood either so she refused responding to Vier seriously.
Vier turned away. Sleeping? She locked herself in her room the whole day yesterday, and skipped all three meals. And now, is she planning to do the same? What a troublesome woman! Must she punish herself just to avoid him?
Atasha sneered when she saw Vier's bothered expression. In truth, Ellaine didn't lock herself yesterday. She went out to play outside and came back pretty late in secret. And just like yesterday, Ellaine went out early this morning again. She took along a big carry case with her and told her she'll be coming home late as well. She brought a lot of food with her too. But Atasha planned on keeping all this from Vier. Let him worry for a bit.
***
"I think I bought too many." Erica said as she put several bags at the back of Arianna's car.
"It's alright. Where do you stay? I'll take you home." Arianna offered.
Erica thought for a while, before hugging Arianna's arm. "Sister in law, brother is so busy and his home is as boring as him. Say... can I stay with you for a night?" Erica asked with cute, pleading eyes. "Just for tonight. I promise I won't cause you any trouble!"
Arianna chuckled. "What kind of trouble could you possibly bring me? Come on, I'll show you where I stay right now." Arianna said as she lead the girl inside the red car. She found it weird that Erica wants to stay with her. They weren't really close at all. If memory serves right, this is just their second time meeting. If she's up to something, then she'll be eager to find out.
Arianna drove her car to the South mansion where she's currently staying. It's much closer to her office than the Reid's. Aside from that, there were only few memories of Yago in this house. They didn't frequent this house that much, and when they visit, she just lock herself up in the basement and didn't interact much with him, unlike the old house, where each corner reminds her of the man.
"What a huge house. You live here alone?" Erica asked as they entered.
Arianna smiled a bit. "What? You think it's boring too?" she teased.
Erica shook her head. The house was big and luxurious. It's just that... it's a bit lonely. With Arianna alone in such a huge house with only the servants to accompany her, doesn't she feel gloomy? Specially now that her brother isn't with her anymore. And she was so used to his company very much in the past too.
Arianna noticed Erica's sad expression. Wasn't she very lively just a moment ago? What's with the sudden shift of emotion?
"Come! I'll take you to your room." she said as she lead the way.
Erica ran to catch up and held her arm. "My room? But I want to stay in your room! I want to watch movies, eat snacks, and chat with you all night!"
Arianna turned silent. She held the back of her head and smiled awkwardly. "Well, I'm not used to sharing my bed with anyone. I won't be able to sleep if you...." Arianna cut her words when she remembered something. She remembered she sometimes sleep with her mom before, and she just slept just fine. And with Yago... and Vier?
"Forget it. Let's just sleep in the guest room. There are two large beds in there. And the view is great from the glass wall separating the room from the balcony. You'll love it there." she stated as she leaned closer to the girl and put an arm around her shoulders. "Come! I'll ask the maids to serve dinner upstairs."
Erica was once again lively after witnessing Arianna's hospitality. As soon as they entered the room, she helped herself with the television and searched for her favorite show. Arianna on the other hand, watched on the side. She didn't come here just to watch that tv show, right? She must have come here for something...
Arianna waited, but even after dinner, Erica remained tight-lipped. She just asked her to watch a movie with her. Was she really just here to sleep-over?
"Erica, don't you have something to talk to me about?" Arianna asked when she reached her limit. She was really curious about the girl's intentions. Lying on her stomach over the bed, she propped her chin as she stared at Erica's direction.
From the couch, Erica turned to her with solemn expression. She seemed to be a bit hesitant but soon turned of the movie with the remote control before walking closer and sitting on her bed crossed-legged.
"I'm not here specifically to pry into your matters. I just want to accompany you for a while." she replied in a serious manner.
Arianna looked at her. She was a little stunned by her answer. Why would I need a company?
"I just want to know how you're doing. If you're feeling lonely, then I can entertain you in place of my brother." As if sensing Arianna's questions, Erica continued to explain. "Vier was trying his best to provide you with a distraction, and I want to help too. After all, you're my brother's most beloved woman."
Arianna shook her head. "There's no need for that." she replied. "Yago is the only one that connects me to you. Now that he's gone, we actually have nothing to do with each other anymore." Arianna explained as she roll over to her side. She then climb down the bed to face the girl. "... and I'm good. You don't have to worry at all." she added with a smile.
"No... you're my sister in law. My brother wouldn't want to marry anyone else so you'll always be my sister in law." She stated stubbornly. "I was sad that I wasn't able to grow up with him. You must have felt awful when he disappeared too.... Was he a good brother? Was he kind?"
Arianna nodded. Yago was the best.
"Vier was a big ice block! He rarely talks to me. When he does, he just do to prank me and entertain himself. He's so crude and moody and childish, too! I really..." Erica suddenly realized something and covered her mouth. What was she doing complaining about Vier, when the Vier Arianna knew was actually Yago? Isn't it the same as slandering Yago? She came to build them up, not ruin his brother's image!
"Vier was like that? But I find him gentle and mature..." she commented.
Erica's smile brightened. "Yes! yes! He was only like that in the past. He has matured now. Please don't hate him!"
"I don't hate him." Well, she used to... but not that much anymore. Maybe she's being lenient for Yago's sake, but she doesn't dislike him so much anymore... In fact....
"Sister in law... You're not getting married to that man in the shop, right?" Erica's question roused Arianna from her reverie. She raised her eyebrows and then sneered.
"Why do I feel like that's the very reason that you followed me here?" she teased. She can't explain those things to Erica at the moment so she might as well just distract her from the thought.
"It's not! I'm just casually asking!" the girl denied, waving her hands.
"Have you called your brother? He'll be worried about you, you know." she said, smoothly changing the topic.
"I already sent him a message." she replied. "Uhm... sister in law, can I ask you a favor?"
Arianna nodded. "Go ahead."
"Can you get along with my brother, 'Vier'? He's a good person! I can assure you that! Please don't avoid him anymore. Can't you be friends?"
Erica blinked like a little puppy. She's really cute. How can she refuse her? How can she say that it wasn't because she hates 'Vier' that she's avoiding him, but because she's afraid of her own self? That everytime he sees 'Vier', it was like she was with Yago? What if she falls in love with him too? So many what ifs were clouding her mind.
"OK. I'll try to be friends with him..." she answered after a while. She only wished she wouldn't regret it.