Running into my home, I was not expecting to see my uncle here. I closed the door and shot a quick peek toward the window. Theo was kneeing down, hugging Kallie and the boys. Blaire sat down on the couch. Sharol crept behind me, "he was already here when I first woke up. He had just finished the resurfacing of the window. Therefore, I invited him in."
I nudged her, "and the curtain?"
"I didn't see the curtain up."
I smiled, "you have done nothing wrong. Go sit down." I slid the back of my hand on the glass, and it was perfect.
Moving toward Theo, I grabbed his wrist and pulled him to face me. "Uncle, thank you for fixing that for me. And again, I'm sorry that I…"
Kallie swung strong of gold coins in front of me. Sharol pulled her on the couch and threw the coins on the table, along with the strings of coins they each receive.
I pushed Theo out of my way and grabbed this. "Blaire, ladybug, for what reason did you receive this?"
Her golden locks bounced off her shoulders and whispered, "Granduncle said that you didn't have to go. I said that you were going to get me a gift, and he gave us these." She spoke louder, "is it true? You don't really have to go?"
Kallie swiped her hands on all the strings, and spoke, "silly, that's not it at all. Mama is strong and brave." She darted her eyes at Theo, "we have no reason to not trust mama Blaire."
"But if she doesn't have to go than –."
I kissed her forehead, "I know this isn't what you wanted ladybug."
"Uncle, did you hear the most recent news? We're allying with the Union." I took a step forward, "I also heard you personally went to speak with the Queen to prevent me from joining."
He quickly rebuttal and I persistently fought back. I felt our tones get louder. I knew I needed to pause this discussion and move locations. I wasn't thinking enough. I was distraught. I'm accomplish, but he knows none of it.
"It was appropriate for me to speak to Queen Usha and speak of your neglected performances. Honestly, Sapphire, you are not ready yet. Do you really think you are? You were willing to abandon these penniless orphans. That shows me that you are unfit to even begin. It's even more imperative now since we are allying with the Union."
"Uncle, why don't you understand. That is not -." I was about to bring up another great point before Sharol slammed her hands on the table and cut me off.
"We are no longer orphans granduncle." She stood up than proceeded to explained how they can survive without me without divulging the fact that the family had money. All her siblings nodded in confidence with their elder sister. Blaire was consistently nodding while choking up her whimpers. She had each of her hands in each hand of her brothers.
"Is this what you told them to do? To lie and say that they can handle themselves. They are orphans and children." He spoke harsher.
As soon as he finished his words, all their bodies deflated. They all looked down. Who knows what their inner monologue is? I know I can relate. Orphan. Waif. I bit the knuckle of my finger and glanced at them.
I tasted a hint of metal and rolled my eyes. "How dare you speak like that to my family and to yours. We are a family, Theo. You need to apologize before we discuss anything else."
"I did not lie, Sapphire," He hissed through his teeth.
Sharol sat down and patted Kallie's back. She was clearly getting agitated. I could hear the simmering in the air.
It's something I should have done. And I didn't.
Sharol spoke up against my uncle, "Do you really think I am a child? I am nearly an adult lawfully. I own a shop; my name is also on this house. Who are you, old man, to speak to us like this? You might have risen in status because of the last war, but we are not penniless. We are not orphans. We are not weak. Now you need to get out of this house or apologies to my siblings." The middle triplet stood up and opened the front door.
I couldn't help my smirk and laugh on the inside. "You crossed the line Theo. Now, you need to correct it, or get out."
He sighed, "you are right Sapp." He turned towards my children, "you guys are right. None of you deserved any of that. I am sorry." He walked toward Bane, patted his back, praised him for standing up for the family, and helped close the door, "I'm just worried about all of you. This will be the first time that your mother will be gone, and she will be gone for a long period of time. I'm not sure if you guys can handle that." He put him large palm on the shoulders of the two boys, "all of you are like your mother. Strong. Proud. But, that does not mean you can survive without us."
Kallie spoke up next, "we are not the same children from the orphanage. We will be just fine, and we have one another. Like you said, we are like our mom."
Theo walked outside and yelled at me, "come along Sapp. You'll be joining me."
I squinted my eyes and peaked through the door, "we don't leave for another few hours."
"The recruiters, yes. But you will be coming with me. Now say your goodbyes so we are not the ones late." He looked at the position of the sun.
I kissed my children, the four times each, from youngest to oldest and told Kallie that the academy is ready for her. Her shoulders fell and she mumbled. Sharol elbowed her and all of them smiled. I locked the door and headed to the East gate of the city.