
"Richie, I'm with Aiden. Thanks offer. See you tomorrow's...Btw, the results of the meeting I emailed ya." Airin said goodbye, get in Aiden's car.
"Your feet why Ai? Falling down the stairs again?" Aiden guess. He was grateful to come at the right time. The message was nothing Airin replied to. He believes in Airin, but not Richie. Aiden still sees no feelings of like or love in Richie's eyes for Airin. And Richie is not a man to be underestimated. High quality guy's.
"Fall dikit. It doesn't hurt, really." replied Airin, not refuting, not assuring.
"Well, if tomorrow morning still hurts, you know, we go to the doctor. Don't kayak yesterday, until the swelling still won't go to the doctor. Already eaten?" ask Aiden again.
"Not yet Ai, ga sepet. I want to close the office quickly."
"From eating two pieces of sushi this afternoon haven't eaten again?" ask Aiden surprised. Without waiting for Airin's answer, Aiden parked his car near a roadside satay vendor. He ordered chicken satay, without skin, without offal. Aiden did keep his diet, raised by Shinta's mother from childhood. They eat in the car, Aiden does not want to let Airin walk a lot first.
"So do we need to discuss that last afternoon Ai? I don't want this to get too late." Aiden spoke while eating his chicken satay.
"Can." Airin replied as he chewed, he looked hungry.
Aiden told me everything. Starting from Evelyn chose to France when Darren was only 7 months old, or 6 months, Aiden could not remember for sure. His agreement with Evelyn when Darren was one year old that Evelyn had until Darren was three if he still wanted to return. And Evelyn's just back now. Actually, some of them have been told to Airin, but that was before they were as close as now. Of course Aiden feels now he must not keep anything secret to Airin.
"So you got divorced when Darren was three?" Airin listened carefully. Dinner was over, but they had not left.
"officially so. But the media exposed him when Darren was a year old. And I called Mr. Sihombing, our family lawyer. She said Evelyn still has the right to see Darren even though custody is on me. I'm just confused how to tell all this to Darren. He's too small to understand."
"Ever once or twice as I remember. I'm just saying her mom's gone and she's never coming back. And Darren never asked me that question again. You know how quiet he is." explained Aiden.
"Maybe he was quiet because he never knew his mother, while you were also busy. Although there are oma opanya, but it is different Ai. That's why children need mothers more than fathers." Airin's words made Aiden speechless. He turned his face from Airin to the window beside him.
"Sorry, that's not what I meant. Of course your case is different, Ai. Evelyn's gone." Airin tried to take Aiden's hand. Aiden who was unmoved, was surprised by the kiss on his cheek.
"Never say that again Ai, Darren now has you. I know you'll be a good mother to Darren and Vely. I beg your help Ai, please love Darren, I really want him to be as cheerful as a child at his age." Aiden said seriously, sounding softly as he clasped Airin's hand.
"Without asking for it, I will do it. By the time I received you, I had already accepted Darren as my son. I feel that Darren and Vely will be the strength of our relationship, the purpose of our lives, because I can't give you anything anymore either." Airin's son meant. And Aiden realized that. He pulled Airin into his arms.
"I don't want to marry you because I want to be born again. Stop thinking about that. I've really felt more than enough with what God has given me, Darren, you, and Vely."
"Ok.ok. Go home." take Airin. He smiled stroking Aiden's cheek which looked dull tonight. A smile of lightning on the lips of Airin that can make Aiden immediately smile sumringah. At least tonight they can sleep soundly without any hanging problems.
******