When Mike told him about the conversation that happened the other day with Jennifer, Aiden felt like she might not be completely wrong. A middle-class family with no other relations around and not even friends to mention. When their classmates brought toys to school which was brought by the grandparents, Jayden fought with their parents for grandparents.
"Mom, why do we not have grandparents? Do you know today at class one of my desk mates brought the latest model car and he said it was gifted by his grandparents on his birthday! If I also have at least one of the grandparents then won't they buy me gifts just like others? Every time it is only us celebrating our birthday, I want to invite many people. They will bring more gifts and also grandparents. Dad, get us, one grandparent, please…"
"Stop it, Jayden. Can't you see your mom is tired? Stop talking nonsense. You do not have a grandparent. I and your mother are orphans, so from where can I get a grandparent for you? We cannot buy them anywhere. Anyways, forget about that, I want to tell you guys one good news… Do you know there will be one more person added to our family?"
"Is it a grandpa or a grandma?" Jayden still did not want to let his hope drain away. If everyone had a grandparent why cannot he have one, he thought.
"No! Jayden… Come here my cutie pie…" His mom called him and made Jayden sit on her lap.
"Listen, I will buy you that latest model car when I come back from the office tomorrow. I promise! Ok! Now listen to what dad has to say. Aren't you, my sweetie pie?"
"Why don't you both open this box and see for yourself? I am sure you would love this gift rather than some shitty car…"
"Dear Language..." His mom warned and glared at their dad.
"I am sorry, darling! My fault! Don't get angry!" Dad hugged his mom lovingly and kissed her on the lips.
"Gosh... Dad!! Come on! We are still here." Aiden complained.
Jayden was more interested in knowing what was in that box which will make him happy than the car model. When he opened the box, all he saw was a blank and white blurred photo.
"Dad!!! What is this?" Jayden held a sonogram in his hand and waved in front of his dad's face.
"Careful! It is your sister." His dad pulled it away from his hand.
"What?" Aiden jumped up in shock.
"Dad, have you lost your mind? How can this photo be my sister?" Jayden asked foolishly.
"This picture has your tiny sister in it. She is right now in your mom's tummy. She will be born in forty weeks. And she will be the princess of this family…"
"Now stop misleading them, it might be a baby boy. We are still not sure about gender yet." His mom complained.
"I know for sure that it is a princess this time. So my dear boys you should always protect her. And whatever she asks, you should give it to her. Never let anyone bully her and don't let any boys come near her at school."
"Hold your horses, daddy! The baby is just six weeks old. So school is really too far from now on and especially boys roaming around her. What if she is born ugly?"
"My daughter will always be beautiful in my eyes. And how can she be born ugly when she has such a beautiful mother and a handsome father?"
"And also cute big brothers," Jayden said.
"I am not cute! I am a brave big brother!" Aiden lifted his hand and touched the invisible biceps.
"Yes, I am also very brave… Also do not worry, dad! I will protect my sister with all my life." Jayden declared.
Even though their parents never acted secretive in front of them, he felt like kids may miss out on a few details. Like when his dad suddenly woke up one night and left the house and never returned for more than a month. He asked his mom where dad is, and she replied,
"Your dad went overseas for a business deal and he will be back soon. Do not worry, he will come back before your soccer game."
But even after waiting for a whole month, he did not show up. And suddenly one day their mom went out and brought back an injured dad.
"He rushed to attend your soccer game and now see what happened? As he was in a foreign country, we couldn't even visit him. I told you to be careful, honey. We are now going to be a family five soon and how can you be so irresponsible?" His mom held her big tummy and hugged his dad while crying.
"There, there my dear! What can I do? When the duty calls we all need to go! Now I have to do double the work as you have to…"
"Shhh… It's ok!" Mom stopped his dad from speaking anymore.
Mom's anger at that time made him feel guilty as he thought it was because of him that his dad was injured. But now when he thought about what his dad was about to say that time, he felt his breath stop for a minute. They always thought their parents worked at different organizations.
But didn't his dad mean he had to do double the work, does that mean he was taking on jobs which were supposed to be completed by his mom? But what? Missions? Like he was doing now or something else? And for whom?
He realized that he cannot wait until Sam's reports come back after his investigation. He was not sure what the result would bring. He stood up and left the room with long steps. Mike saw him leave in a hurry and shouted from behind,
"Didn't you say you will accompany me for a few days? Where are you going now?"
"I will be back in a few days. I have something important to do now!" Aiden replied without looking back.
"What could that be? Other than Elina?" Mike muttered silently with a sad face.