Chapter 43: Aftermath (3)
Skyler was already asleep when the doctors finally cleared him up. He was allowed to go home now but was recommended to stay at home for three more days for his recovery. Jiro was left in the hospital since he was exposed to the drugs longer than Skyler was. He is still under observation and he has to go through several tests to know how badly did the drug affected his young body.
It was already midnight and the coldness around the New Global City keeps on getting lower. Ririna covered her son's body with a thick blue winter coat before leaving the hospital following her lover in the parking area. Eli quickly opened the door for the backseat and let the mother and child inside.
Once he was satisfied that Ririna and Skyler settled in their seat, he walked around his car to the driver's seat. He started the engine and drove towards their home at Peach Blossom Gardens.
The city never sleeps. Eli could still see people roaming the streets and some business establishments open, most of them are cafes, restaurants, and bars. The city lights made the ambiance lighter and tolerable even in this cold weather. Snow started to fall from the sky, promising another snow-covered city on the following day.
When they arrived at Ririna's manor, Eli took Skyler to his bed while she cleaned herself in her own room. Skyler's room is just opposite to Ririna's room. Eli took time to change Skyler's clothes while the kid slept. His actions are unsure and slower as if he was afraid that he will wake up the child from his slumber.
After making sure that Skyler is fast asleep, Eli checked the security measures within Ririna's manor and made notes to add some more features to it. He walked back to Skyler's room and saw Ririna looking at their son. She lifted her eyes when she heard him coming.
"Can we talk? I have something to discuss with you." Ririna said.
Eli nodded and followed her to the study room. Ririna took something from the drawers of her desks and handed the blue envelopes she received from the previous encounters. Eli read the contents of the envelopes and frowned. How long did she start receiving these threats?
"Why didn't you tell me about these?" His tone laced with irritation and disappointment. He knows Hattori is after Ririna but he had no idea this has been started for a while now.
"I'm sorry. This is supposed to be a personal issue I have to deal with aside from my family issues." Ririna sighed and seated herself on the couch near the desk.
Ririna closed her eyes, her fatigue starting to show in her face. Dark circles starting to form under her eyes. Eli sat beside her, the blue envelopes still in his hands. Hattori Ikeda just signed a war between him and the Park family when they tried to abduct little Skyler.
"Hattori is after you and you want me to keep out of it when Skyler is in danger? Ririna, I expected more than this from you."
His words cut deep into her chest, it was straight-forward she felt ashamed of what she had done. What if something happened and they weren't able to save Sky and Jiro? How would she face Eli knowing she had put their child in danger? Stupid. Plain stupid. They are one now. They are a team and as Skyler's parents she should have told this to Eli earlier.
"I'm sorry. I won't hide something as important as this to you." Ririna covered her face with both of her hands. The realization of what could have happened shook her entirety. If Skyler died, she would also lose Eli too.
"What do you want to do now?" Eli asked. His hand rubbing Ririna's back as she silently cried beside him.
"I just want to keep Skyler safe and away from this. He didn't deserve to be dragged into this problem. I will find Hattori. I will also try to find out how did he know mom and what connection does he have to kill her." She replied, her body leaning closer to his.
Eli slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Ririna might be strong-willed and an independent woman but when it's about Skyler, he knew she is vulnerable. For years she has taken care and protected their child alone, she didn't need his protection at those time. But this is different, they are a family now and it is now his responsibility to do it.
"Aren't you mad that Sky didn't give you some credits for saving him?" Eli teased her after a long silence between them.
Ririna basked into his embrace before shaking her head. It doesn't matter if Skyler painted his father as a hero. Skyler needed someone as a father figure which is obviously she couldn't provide.
"What about Evan's and Ginny's wedding? We surely ruined their special day?" she asked.
"Do not worry about it. They have decided to move their wedding the following week. Skyler and Jiro's lives are more important than any occasion. By the way, Skyler asked me to attend a school activity on next Friday."
"Are you going? Will it compromise Sky's safety if someone found out he is your son?"
"I can disguise myself if you want to." Eli chuckled, his hand brushing her short tresses. He dearly missed her long hair.
Ririna grinned. It's been a long time since she last saw Eli disguised. The memory made her smile. Eli cross-dressing as a woman is one of the funniest things she has seen in her life. He could feel her smiling at the thought and pinched her side.
"I know what you're thinking."
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anjeeriku
anjeeriku chapter editor: moonlitnight
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