“Where are we really going?” Rhezi asked. The woman was sitting on the bed while watching Jericho take care of the children.
“To eat, probably?” he said sarcastically.
Rhezi just rolled her eyes. This man never answered seriously, though ironically, he’s sometimes too serious that she can’t understand him, too. Nonetheless, the woman just shrugged the thoughts off instead of being irritated. Jericho was good to her and to her kids, it was all that mattered.
“Seriously, where?!” she insisted in a frustrated voice.
“Are you angry, Momma?” Dos asked, stealing Rhezi’s attention. Among the three, he’s the first one to finish changing his clothes. He’s wearing his usual khaki shorts and printed polo shirt while his hair was tied up into a bun, making him look like a child star idol in hollywood.
Rhezi sighed and bowed a little. She smiled lightly at the child and touched his little face. “No. I’m not angry, handsome,” she replied.
The little boy only nodded and sat beside her on the bed. They watched and waited for the other two to finish. Roscoe finished next, wearing the same clothes as Dos, while Tres finished last as he wanted to change his shoes and wear a dog tag necklace. Meanwhile, like Rhezi, Jericho was all ready to go.
Rhezi sighed as she watched the four happily walking on the aisle of the huge mansion. They’re having fun while joking around. Jericho often look at her to talk and check on her but Rhezi only stayed silent.
The truth was, she didn’t agree to the plan. It was out of her will. Jericho just insisted that they should eat out and the children’s doe eyes are her weakness. She ended up nodding with a heart full of doubt and restlessness.
Rhezi couldn’t deny the fact that she was afraid; afraid of what might happen next. She’s scared of what Kraius can do and what those words could mean. Her confidence was gone and her vulnerability was visible.
Until now, Rhezi could still vividly remember each word written on that paper. It could still send shiver to her spine whenever she remembered it. No matter how much anger she felt for the man, she can’t deny the fact that she’s also frail and weak for him, so hiding was the best solution she could ever think. That’s why she’s not fond of Jericho’s idea, but she couldn’t do anything as her children insisted it, too.
Rhezi sighed and found herself walking faster. The skinny jeans and formal blouse she’s wearing didn’t become a hindrance with her fast strides. She was very much behind from the four men and she was aiming to be nearer to them. Nevertheless, they still entered the car first while Jericho waited for Rhezi by the car door.
“We’re sorry, Momma!” the man said while opening the door.
“I appreciate all the things that you’ve done to us, Daddy. But, spoiling my kids like this. . .” The woman took a deep breath. “I don’t like it!” she spat.
The man only nodded and just stayed silent. Rhezi nodded too and went inside the car. She watched Jericho as he walked in front of the car and sat beside her. He remained silent as he started the engine of the car, occasionally glancing at her and the three. Rhezi also glanced at her children before sitting properly.
They travelled quietly. The three boys were also quiet at the back seat of the car; Rhezi was, too, looking outside of the car and watching the scene move in fast motion. Her eyes seemed occupied by the neon lights and the darkness of the night, the peaceful city and the people walking around the street in the Metro.
She was surely one of them in her younger years. She was once fascinated about walking on the street with someone. She was once a bitchy girl who showed her middle finger everytime they were in the middle of the traffic, then laughed so hard after. She was also once a girl who experienced being kissed in the middle of the crowd. But, that was before-before her heart was broken by someone she thought that loved her truly.
“Momma, where here!”
Rhezi blinked. Her thoughts got interrupted by the small hand that touched her cheek. Her eyes instantly shifted to Dos who was looking at her intently beside the opened car door. She was obviously out of her senses. She didn’t even realize that the car stopped in front of the restaurant.
“I’m sorry. Where are we, Love?” she asked and looked around the area. She instantly cursed in her head as the familiar place from ten years greeted her sight. She looked at Jericho who was already outside and was beside her son. He was smiling widely while beaming at the woman.
“Surprise!” Jericho gleefully exclaimed.
“Why here? You have your own restaurant,” Rhezi asked. She quickly got out of the car and walked towards the man.
“Why not?” He rolled his eyes at Rhezi. “Me having my own restaurant doesn’t mean that we have to eat there everytime. Besides, last time you said that you missed eating Turkish food,” he explained.
Rhezi badly wanted to hit him after hearing what he said. If not for the three boys they’re with, she could guarantee that she would have done it. Her eyes were deadly while staring at Jericho’s face with a smirk. Meanwhile, the man just walked closer towards Rhezi and placed his arms around her shoulders.
“You’re always in a bad mood, Momma. Stress can make you gain weight,” he whispered mischievously. Rhezi elbowed the side of his stomach, but the man only laughed it off before taking her with him.
Honestly, it’s not that Rhezi doesn’t like the place, it was because of the memories that lies inside it. Among all the Turkish restaurants in the Metro, Jericho just had to end up choosing this particular one. Maybe it was fated or perhaps a coincidence. She just didn’t know.