41

“ A little help here.” Mikey said as he tried to pull out his bag from the car boot but Michael ignored him as he climbed upstairs to the mansion where the guards opened the door for him to enter as he stopped and said,

“No, you called ma a nagging mother. I have decided to not take care of you since you are obviously grown up.” He said sticking out his tongue as Mikey rolled his eyes and said,

“Now you are just acting like a child. Get a hold of yourself man, why are you angry.” He said as he left the bag for the guards to bring out as he climbed onto the foyer and wrapped his hand around his shoulders and continued.

“Okay, I am sorry for calling you a nagging mother. Clearly you are worse. You are a big baby.’ He said laughing as he took off running inside the house as Michael chased after him, mildly angry.

“Come on man, you know I am kidding.” He said as he ran into the main parlor where he saw the nanny and the little girl Tiki playing, with some toys that she had as they stopped. Tiki and the nanny noticing their presence turned to look at them as the nanny quickly stood up and bowed her head in greeting,

“Welcome back Masters. It is finally nice to have you both back home.”

“It is a pleasure to be back, Nancy. How is she doing?” Mikey said taking some steps slowly towards Tiki who was still looking at him oddly as she replied,

“Tiki is getting a bit better. She is still reclusive and doesn’t talk much but she has managed to adopt to the life here.” Nancy reported asd Mikey nodded his head and said to her,

“Hey Tiki, how are you doing? Do you remember where we met?” He said as Tiki slowly nodded her head before dropping her toys and running into his arms as he scopped her up and hugged her tightly.

“I do remember. You were the one that rescued me. Where were you?” She said as little sobs began to come out from her mouth as Mikey patted her gently and said,

“I am so sorry that I left without saying anything, but I am here now, okay and that won’t happen again. You do remember uncle Michael don’t you?” He said turning to face Michael who had walked towards them too and waved at her as she nodded and said,

“Yes I do. But I saw on the news that you both got shot. I thought you people were not coming back ever again. Just like my parents” She said as Mikey glanced at Nancy who quickly apologized,

“I am so sorry sir. I didn’t mean to show her the news. It was viral and…..

“It is okay, you did nothing wrong. Could you give us some time alone.” He said as Nancy nodded her head and left as Mikey sat down and said,

“Yes sweetie. I was shot but as you can see, I am okay now. And I promise you that, me and Michael are going to stay here with you forever.We are not your parents and we won’t die that easily. Okay? We are not going anywhere without you again. Okay. You will have the best life that I can give you.” He said as Tiki nodded her head before hugging the both of them as they hugged her back tightly.

*****
Riona sat on the porch as she watched the cars ride in and stopped at the garage. The maids who were lying in wait quickly stepped forward and opened the cars doors as Casita, Nycole and her mum stepped into the balcony as Riona stood up with smiles beaming all over her face as she said,

“Welcome home Mother, Casita. It is quite nice to see you both on your feet.” She said kissing them at both sides of their cheeks as Casita gave her a knowing look and smiled as Mrs Selena was beaming with joy.

“Thank you Farah…but where is Black? We expected him at the hospital. Don’t tell me he had gone to work already. That damned boy.” She muttered as the door slid open and Black came out wearing an apron as he said,

“Mother come on, how could you think so low of me.” He walked towards Mrs Selena and kissed her on her cheeks as Casita commented,

“My oh my, heavens help me. I think I just lost my eyesight. Is my big brother really putting on apron? And our kitchen isn’t yet on fire.” She said as Black scowled at her and replied,

“I burnt down the kitchen just one time and yet you will never allow me to rest.” He said as the maids bowed as they walked passed them carrying the bags from the boot and into the foyer as Casita replied,

“I will never let you burn it down. So come on, tell us. This is an act right.” She said poking at Black as Mrs Selena sighed and said,

“Casita, why don’t you leave your brother alone. You just came back and you are already bickering like kids. You both are grownups.” She said as Black replied,

“Actually Casita, I am not cooking alone. I and Farah were busy dishing out something when you guys came in, so I told her to come see you that I was right behind her. We cooked a Welcome home Meal for the both of you. Oh Nycole welcome. I almost didn’t see you there. Why are you hiding behind the shrubs?” Black pointed out as Nycole punishingly dragged his feet out of there and said,

“I didn’t know if I was welcome to stay here. And I couldn’t go back home because the house is on lockdown and my brother Klaus might….” He was interrupted by a shrug of Black’s hand who said.

“What nonsense. You are welcome to stay as long as you want. I will tell the maids to prepare a guest room for you. You are now family okay. Come in everyone. The food is all prepared and ready.” He said as they all walked in and Casita went to where Riona was and held her hand and said,

“Breathe….I told you I will give you two weeks, relax I won’t tell him. You have been stealing glances at me. My brother is a Mafia. He will notice something is up.” She said as Riona exhaled and nodded her head, before muttering sorry.

“It is cool. I get your point. Come on, let us see what you guys prepared for us. I am starving and the hospital food is just not to my taste.” She said as Black glanced at them and said,

“What are you two ladies gossiping about already?”

“None of your business bro.” Casita said sticking out her tongue as they entered the main dining hall and saw that the entire table was filled up with different feasts as decoration were made, even a big banner that wrote,

“WELCOME BACK CASITA”

“Wow! You guys pulled this off.” Casita said looking around as Black nodded his head and said,

“Believe it or not, Farah cooked almost everything here. I just helped and the maids brought it out but you need to be thanking Farah.” He said as Mrs Selena glanced at her with pride and said,

‘Wow, such a perfect cook. You really do have it all, beauty, brains, chef. But I thought you didn’t know how to cook dear.’ She said puzzled as Riona and Casita glanced at each other in shock as Riona replied,

“Uhmm yes, but I took cooking lessons before I got married. I thought I should learn. I didn’t just want to be a pretty face, I wanted to do something that would make my presence more significant.” She said as Casita quickly came to her rescue and said,

“Guys, less talking. Let us sit down and eat. Mum, let me help you.” She said as she pulled her chair backwards and Mrs Selena sat down as the rest all sat down.

“So many dishes to select from. All these smells wonderful, Mrs Black.” Nycole commented as Riona smiled and said,

“Thank you Nycole. You are such a good and kind person. I am really happy that you will be staying here with us for a while.” She said as Black raised a glass cup and said,

“To us….for overcoming every hurdles we have faced this past days.” The rest took their glass of wine and did the same thing before clinking and drinking as they commenced eating.

“My Gosh. Farah. This chicken sauce tastes so wonderful. You have got to teach me something.” Mrs Selena said after taking a bite as Riona nodded her head and beamed at her.

“Sure thing, Mrs Selena. I will be delighted to show you how I did it.” She replied as Black took a bite too and said,

“Mother isn’t kidding at all. Farah, I love this. There seems to be another attribute than my reason for marrying you.” He said holding her hand as he smiled at her in which Riona forced a smile as Casita coughed and said,

“Come on guys, we don’t have time for your lovey dovey here. Do not oppress the single and you are making Nycole feel weird a bit. This is just his first day, can we allow him to adjust first?” She asked as Black let go of Riona’s hand and said,

“You already knew how to ruin a perfectly good mood, don’t you Casita.” He said with a grumble as his phone started ringing.