My wounds are healing with the salt
All my senses intensified
Whenever you and I, we dive
I crossed the ocean of my mind
-Kina
A T H A L I A
"Athalia, are you joining us?" Lewis inquired, taking a sip of water. "Yes, of course," I responded, earning a disapproving glance from Cade. "Now you can enjoy your own company, bro," teased Kabir.
It's been five days since I shifted with Cade, and he's actually taking good care of me. Just the green vegetables I get for meals are a problem. Every night, we decide to sleep separately in our beds but end up cuddling with each other (mostly me initiating the cuddling, hehe), and he doesn't mind holding me and whispering sweet words in the morning. He doesn't let me cook or walk when the wound on my foot was fresh; he just kind of carried me around for the first two days. *Blushes* And no need to mention, but he's a good cook.
About an hour ago, Lewis and Kabir rushed inside the home. They were supposed to be on a business trip, so it was a surprise seeing them here. Only to let us know Kabir needs to marry in a month for their family property stuff. And the marriage is going to be held in India because most of their family is Indian. I mean, it's only Lewis from his family who took his mother's surname and moved to France. Strange, huh. And who would not like to visit their motherland after almost 6 years? I get a chance to visit my own country. I was born and grew up there. I never wanted to leave India, but because of my parents, I had to.
We shifted to Nevada when I was 16. I never had a big friend zone in my life-just two or three important people. But when I lost contact with my best friend, it broke me. After him, there was no one on whom I could rely my hopes. He promised me he'd come for me, and one day I would no longer have to live between my toxic family. I don't know if he tried to find me or not, but now he can't because Alina doesn't exist anymore. It's just Athalia now.
"No matter what, I will find my way back to my soul." These were the last words he spoke to me. Then, he disappeared, leaving me alone in this crooked world. I wonder if he still thinks about me.
"Athalia is still hurt," Cade tried to defend himself using me as an excuse. "I'm not, and he is coming, don't you worry, sir," I said to Lewis. He opened his mouth to protest, but I shut him up by placing my finger on it. "You are coming," I silently mocked, and he became helpless to argue again.
"Done, then we will leave tomorrow around 9 a.m. Any objections?" He turned the question to me, and I shook my head.
"I'll make you regret it tonight," Cade whispered in my ears. "I'd love the punishment, baby boy," I whispered back with a smirk. I would, really.
"So, who is your bride?" I teased Kabir, wiggling my eyebrows. He stretched his arms lazily. "Haven't decided; it's going to be an arranged and rushed marriage. There are five or six girls in line, but I think Da' will marry me to the one most profitable."
"Don't you love someone?" I asked, and he shook his head in response. Before I could dig out more information, my phone started ringing. Why is Thea calling me so early in the morning? I picked it up and her she sounded like she's in hurry.
"Athalia?" She said with trembling voice.
"Yes, What happened?"
"Can I come to your place, It's urgent." she said and I agree.
"But what happened?" I asked.
"I'll tell once I reach, I have to hung up now." She said and the call disconnected.
Thea's voice never sounded this scared before. We've known each other for years, and she's like an older sister to me. We hang out often, going to restaurants, shopping, and most of the time, I'm the one who babysits her 6-month-old baby girl. She is a strong woman, managing work and a newborn all alone. Believe me, being a single mother is not easy.
Thea entered with her small baby-doll carefully wrapped between her arms and a bag. Sweat on her forehead; her eyes said she is about to tear up. Our attention shifted to her as she knelt down in front of me. My heartbeat rose from panic. What's happening here?
"This is a mother begging, please help her Alia." and the tears she was holding back flow. "Please, can you- can you keep Theiona in your charity orphanage for a month out of California." She said and my eyes widened, everyone's eyes widened. I help her sit on the couch and asked her to relax first.
"What had happened?" Lewis asked her.
"He is coming here, of he finds out he have a daughter, We can never divorce then." she explained and when she meant by he, he is her ashole husband, who left her a year ago, who almost killed her in anger, who had done martial rape on her not just once.
"Please, Alia," she pleaded. "But why do you want her away if you're getting a divorce?" I asked, and she held the sleeping little creature more tightly. "I don't want him to know he has a daughter. He can easily get custody of Theiona, so I have decided with my lawyer that we will hide Theiona until the matter is sorted out.
If he finds out he has a daughter, he will ruin my business, then take control of the financial support and force me to stay as his wife. I have no evidence against him; that's why I can't go to the police," she explained.
"I understand, Thea, but can you stay away from her for a month?" This can be the hardest thing for a mother like her. She kissed Theiona's forehead and smiled.
"If one month can make us stay together for the rest of our lives, then I can." Her words hit me like a sharp blade.
"But he can still find out about her, and the orphanage is not the best place for her though," Kabir said, handing her a glass of orange juice. "But I have no family, to leave her there. I can't leave her with my father; he is quite old and sick to handle a newborn."
Then she looked at me; her eyes had a kind of shine in them, hope. I know what she wants me to say, so I spoke up. "I'll take care of her, she stays calm with me and besides we are going abroad for a month. Right?" I looked at Lewis for permission and he gladly nod. Thea huged me and cried in relif
"I'm greatful to have a friend like you" she sobed and I hold her.She knows too that her baby girl would be safer with us than her right now.
"We will live under the same roof for a month; I removed all her photos and things from my home. We can't stay in contact for this month. Please, Athalia, take good care of my girl." She said wiping her tears and handed me the bag filled with Theiona's little dresses and her essentials. She doesn't need to give me any instructions because I'm aware of Theiona's behavior, and Theiona is well aware of me.
"Don't you want to say bye to her, Thea? She will get terrified not feeling you around when she wakes up." I suggested, but she shook her head. "If you wake her up, then it would become harder to leave, and you are like a second mother to her; she will be calm seeing you around." Thea kissed her forehead before saying goodbye and thanking Lewis for letting Theiona stay with us.
Cade was just leaning on the wall, hands in his pockets, listening the whole time. After five minutes of Thea leaving, the small girl opened her doe eyes and smiled, watching me. Her eyes shifted to Cade, and she started giggling, throwing her arms at him. "I think she wants you to hold her," I told him, and he slowly moved towards us with steady steps.
Her giggles got louder when he held her in his arms, sitting next to me. A small smile appeared on his usually arrogant face. Theiona is so picky; she never goes to any stranger this easily. A sound of a flash broke my thoughts. "What lovely parents you both are," Ronan teased Cade, showing him the picture. Cade rolled his eyes in response.
I got up, and Theiona held the hem of my t-shirt. I don't know how I got this instinct, but she was hungry; it was written all over her face. I took her back in my arms and took out her feeding bottle from the bag. "Ronan, can you put this bag in my room?" I asked him to help, making my way to the kitchen.
"Or should you say Cade's Room," Ronan grinned, picking up the bag, and a blush automatically came to my cheeks.
"Melina will come back at night, so we can all leave tomorrow. You should pack your bags; we are going to stay there for a month," Lewis informed, and Ronan looked excited to meet his parents after a long time.
"Let's get you fed, sweetie," I booped her nose, and Theiona's chuckles filled the hall.
✽✽✽✽✽✽✽✽
I dressed my little Thea in a soft purple frock with a floral headband and was placing kisses all over her face.
"Where's my t-shirt, Lia?" Cade asked, freshly bathed in denim jeans, being bare-chested, water dripping from his wet, messy hair to his abs. I just wanted to... not get turned on in the morning.
"On the bed, Mr. Careless," I replied, focusing on my little baby again.
"Where is my watch?"
"On the nightstand."
"Where is my wallet, chéire?"
"In the drawer, stupid." Is this the reason he wanted me to shift with him? So that he can find his things easily.
I get a kiss on check from him while he was drying his hairs with a towel. "Thank you bebe." he said grinning like an idiot. Idiot Boy.
"By the way Did you pack my laptop along with my clothes?" He asked opening our bag I packed at night. "Don't you dare to open it, I've packed all the things." I scolded him and he back off like a 5-year-old.
I can't believe he was out almost the whole day and half the night and texted me to pack his suitcase. "Where were you last night?" I don't even know why I asked. Am I feeling jealous?
"Oh, just finishing paperwork for the company. Did you have trouble with sleep last night again?" he asked. I shouldn't doubt him. Even if he was out with some girl, it shouldn't affect me. I'm not someone he loves.
"No, I was just curious." He kissed my cheek again. "I was not out with a girl, cool down, chéire," he said, picking up the suitcase. Did he just read my mind? I covered Theiona in her soft blanket and picked her up.
Everyone was present in the hall with their luggage, and surprisingly, Nathan too...
"Who's the baby?" he asked, pointing at my little Theiona.
"You're coming with us?" I asked. He rubbed his neck. "My aunt and sister went to Greece, and I'm really not into the things they will do."
"You mean manicure and facial," Ronan laughed from behind.
We reached the airport earlier than nine. "Is everyone done? The flight is about to take off," Lewis informed. And we flew between white clouds.
Theiona shifted herself to Cade's lap and started playing with his sunglasses. He held her with one hand, using his phone with the other.
"She is comfortable with you," I rested my head on his shoulder. He turned off his phone, giving me all his attention.
"I think she likes me." Cade looked at the little girl, and she gave us a heartwarming smile. Cute enough to make us smile too.
Theiona clutched his t-shirt with her mini hands and blinked a few times before letting out a small yawn, then she laid her head against his body. I passed Cade her soft blanket to wrap around her because of the air conditioner's temperature and told Nathan to dim the lights.
"Do you also want to sleep?" Cade asked. I responded with a nod, and he raised the aisle armrest. Who can refuse such an offer?
I laid my head against his chest, softly patting my baby girl so she could sleep. Before drifting to sleep, I heard someone teasing, "You guys are such a lovely family," but didn't mind opening my eyes again.
I am broken, but I feel beautiful here. It's such a great place to die, to die in this warmth. I am Broken Beautifully here.