Marie.
~
I personally were more nervous stepping through that door than when I thought we were going to sleep together than night..
Felt actual fear..
For Asin.. His second family was on par if not more important than his biological family were.
and Maya.. She had a very special place in his heart.
So the ominous silence greeting us sank my last hope of peaceful and happy reunion ..
I saw Asin face darkening as the sounds of crying reached us..
".. Pisek! Mapyou sen!? MAPYOU SEN JUNIM!!?"
Uncle Ivan voice echoing through the house made me jump a little. Then, a second, smaller, almost scared voice came out.
" B-baban.."
Asin stopped for a second hearing the now familiar voice.. Then he ran ahead.
I looked back at Oliver.. Saw his eyes widened.. His lips were shaking. Whatever Uncle Ivan had shouted must've been bad.
I slowly made my way towards the room and entered to see Asin embracing.. A very pregnant girl from the looks of it.
I even closed my eyes for a second.. Cursing my premonitions..
Uncle Ivan was in the middle of the room clutching his temples..
Aunt Krista was crying sitting on a sofa.. Rocking back and forth..
Maya was clutching her brother.. She looked frightened.
".. Brother.. I.. I..
" Hush.. I'm here now. " he stopped her, caressing her back.
Aunt Krista looked up, hearing his voice.. Her relief seeing Asin managed to replace the angry expression she had on.
" Olum?.. You okay.. " she stood up a little wobbly.
I quickly stepped closer, catching her, guiding her back down the couch.
Oliver and the others were standing at the door of the living room.. Unsure whether to come in.
Asin kept calming a clearly upset Maya while uncle Ivan face had a strange mix of relief and.. Fury looking at the pair.
I gave Maya an encouraging little smile when she looked at me, but it didn't help her..
" Asin step away from her.. That.. That.. Unclean.. Scandalous.. PISEK!!..
" Baban!! " Asin roared." Enough.. Enough already.. "
The twin guards came rushing in.. It was bad timing..
" What!? " Uncle Ivan asked.
".. The people.. Father the people..
Before they could finish.. I heard them.
It was like a large beehive.. Getting louder and louder.. Their voice full of anger as they kept shouting, louder, and louder.
I felt Aunt Krista nails getting lodged in my skin as she squeezed my arm, looking at the people through the wall as if she could see them..
I was confused as for what they wanted, but the others clearly weren't..
Asin looked furious.. He wanted to go immediately, but Maya stopped him.
" Brother, please.. I.. I can go.. I think it's..
" Stop.. " he grabbed her shoulder, looking at her tummy. ".. Lord god.. Alright.. Alright!.. You stay here.. Oliver! "
Oliver immediately walked closer and held her back as my Asin took off his jacket and walked outside alone..
I wanted more than anything to go after him .. But neither Aunt Kristas gripp or Olivers expression let me go.
" W-what is is happening..? " I asked.
Uncle Ivan sat down on the couch as one of the twin guards brought some water..
".. How.. How do they know about our shame?" he asked him.
The man looked aside a little, unsure what to say. ".. Father Ivan .. Your voice was heard.. And the crow started to gather and..
He couldn't finish because the sounds of screaming coming from outside filled the house..
The girls quickly got over the shock and walked in.. Kol took out a gun and kept it low, ready to help if needed.
" Asin! "
Maya tried to get up, but Oliver gently pushed her down.
" You know that wasn't his voice..
" Of course I know, Oli! " she shouted.".. But he just got out of the hospital! "
I had the same thoughts running in my head.. Then another round of screaming was heard, followed by my husband's voice..
" ALL OF YOU!!! LEAVEEEE!!! "
The house inside and outside of it became silent.. Nothing, but the sounds of running were heard mixed with some 9th creole.
" I go check.." one of the twins offered.
" I wouldn't Imash.." Oliver stopped him. " Wait a bit.. "
The man reluctantly nodded, and we all stayed silent.
After a little while, we heard the crying of two distinct men..
".. B-boss! L-iftan.. ( Please).. We.. I..
The sounds of crushing bones were heard even through the walls and the blood curling sounds of painful screams.. As soon as it died down, Asin voice was heard.
" Yes, yes, yes, yes.. I forgive you! "
" AHHH!! "
More sound of bones being broken.
".. See? Let us all let him.. Just stay out of his way. " Oliver got up, closing the door drowning out the sounds of torture.".. Maya.. Uncle.. I..
" Yateri ( Silence) Oliver! "
To my surpris, Auntt Krista was the one shouting. She got up and walked towards her daughter. This time, her steps were rock solid.
Oliver nodded but stood in front of Maya.
" No one, my aunt.. Can touch her until Asin decides otherwise." he warned her as respectfully as he could given the situation.
I saw Aunt Krista opening her mouth, but Oliver cut her off.
" Kol!.. Open the door.."
Kol was a little confused, but his brain connected, and after putting his gun away, he did as he was told.
The silence was broken by Asin's voice, and the sounds of his screaming permeated the house and probably most of the neighbouring properties as well.
" WHO ARE YOU TO TALK ABOUT MY SISTER!!? NO ONE!! NONE OF YOU WILL LIVE!! OVUZ!?? OVUZ!! BRING THEM TO ME!!.. ALL OF THEM!!!"
Even I was frightened.
The ferocity in his voice was sipping inside the house as if he were a demon.
" Kol, close it!" Oliver ordered.
After the sounds of my husband.. Killing someone.. Or someone was drowned out. Oliver turned to Aunt Krista.
" No one.. Not even you, Hallem ( Auntie), can touch her.. Please sit down and wait."
He asked, politely pointing at the space beside her husband.
She didn't even look at him but outside.. I could've swore I saw a slight smile on her face before she sat down next to her husband.
Maya was left alone.. And on instinct, I sat beside her and hugged her tightly. She didn't resist, and I could feel her shaking in my arms.
I don't know what happened while we were driving here, but.. Whatever her family has been throwing at her must've been an awful lot. The strong girl I heard so much about was nowhere to be seen.
Only the family can do such mental damage on a person.
Uncle Ivan didn't even look at her and kept massaging his heart.. His wife was more or less the same.. her eyes filled with hostility and ..shame.
They were ashamed.. Broken.
The others stood almost motionless by the wall until Oliver took Ayshe's hand and asked the others to wait in the kitchen.
We stood or sat silently for the next 20 minutes.. Then the door opened, and Asin walked in.
His black suit didn't show much.. But the white t-shirt he wore was no longer white but almost fully red, soaked in blood. Someone else's blood.
His face had strikes of the same blood, completing the picture of an angel faced executioner.
Despite that, Maya went and found shelter in his arm immediately.
" Stupid.. Stupid.." she cried on his chest.
" No one can hurt you now.." he looked directly at his second parents. ".. I'm here now, sister..Babem.. Calmly.. Tell me."
Uncle Ivan stayed silent for a few seconds.. Maybe he is contemplating staying silent.. Or just calming himself.
Asin guided Maya towards the couch and sat her down. She refused to let his shirt go, clutching it as if it was literal safety for her.
".. 5 months.. Pregnant without a husband..
Hearing this, Maya started tearing up.
".. I see. The father? " Asin asked calmly.
Maya looked at him.. I saw fear in her eyes, but this time for a different reason..
Uncle Ivan still didn't look at her daughter just shook his head.
She didn't say?..
I exchanged a look with Ayshe.. She was a bit shaken as well, but her eyes shone with understanding when looking at my sister in law.
" I see.." Asin repeated.
He slowly went on his knee in front of Maya, taking her hand.
" Tell me.." he asked.
Maya looked aside.. She was clearly uncomfortable with the question.. I just didn't know why..
Asin waited a full 10 seconds before gently turning her face towards his.
" Mayajim.. You don't actually believe I won't find him.. Right? " he smiled.
It wasn't a happy smile.. But a confident one.
His sister sighed.. Furrowing her eyebrows..
".. He wants nothing to do with.. Me.." she talked to the floor. ".. I was stupid.. Made mistake.. But..
She took Asin's hand and placed it on her stomach.
".. It's a miracle, brother.. I'm happy. " she cried.
Asin opened his mouth.. He even teared up, feeling his future niece or nephew in there.
He quickly wiped his eyes. ".. Then it is miracle.. Congratulations Sissy."
He got up and kissed her forehead.
For the first time.. I saw a genuine happy smile on Maya's face. Even with red eyes and puffy cheeks, it was radiant.
As they embraced, I peaked at her parents.
They were both crying as well.. I couldn't quite tell the reason.. Maybe they couldn't either.
Asin pulled back from the hug and pinched her cheeks.
".. But.. I still find him..
" Asinjim..
" Hush.. Little mother.." he smiled, getting up and turning to parents. " Come.. Come on."
He opened his arm and waited.
They didn't move.. just exchanged some looks among themselves.
" Your son survived eating a bullet.. You're just going to break my heart? " he asked, looking at the pair without emotion.
It was an unfair tactic.. But it worked almost immediately.
They both got up and embraced their spiritual son. He reached out to Maya.. Who reluctantly joined them.. Her parents didn't protest.. Hugged their children, and for a while, nothing but their quiet sobbing were heard.
After a few minutes, he stepped back and looked at them both.
".. My sister.. Your daughter decided to be a mother.. It's a blessing, not a curse..
" What about the.. " Aunt Krista motioned outside.
She was worried about their reaction.
".. They accept it with a smile and a present.. Or I will kill them all..
" Olum! " Uncle Ivan spoke up.
".. Heralketma Baban.. ( Don't worry, father.).. People can live full lives without limbs.. You taught me that. " he smiled.
I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not.. Seeing his eyes.. I just couldn't tell.. But it made the trio smile, and another round of hugging began.
It was the first time since we walked in that everyone could relax.
I saw Lilly and Henny watching the scene from the kitchen.. Kol in the background with teary eyes looking at Asin.
I walked over to my sister and hugged her tightly.. Thanked god she was there for me.
The value of sibling was underestimated most of the time.. But not today.
———
Oliver.
~
Maya was 5 months pregnant.
The girls predicted it.. and it could've easily been a disaster if we were late another few minutes.
But Asin solved it.. Managed to prevent his family from getting broken over this. Although Aunt Krista and Old Ivan still acted a little cold towards their daughter.. Over time, they will soften and become a dotting grandparents.
I was sure.
My curiosity needed to be satisfied.. So since Asin was busy patting Maya's hair calming her nerves.. I walked outside.
26, man.. Kneeling.. One of our own stood directly behind them.
2 more dragged away and were placed near the front door of the house next to this.
Ovuz delegated dozens of more guards who seemed to just arrive. Soon, the entire square was blanketed with black suits holding guns.
Not one 9th ward resident dared to come outside. In fact, not even the lights were on.. And I was certain some of these unfortunate fools kneeling silently had family nearby.
".. Brother.." I took a deep breath. " Ovuz?.. What about those two?"
I pointed at the ragdolls lying motionless and waited for a confirmation.
".. Dead.. The young master was.. Brutal."
I heard that.. Probably the ring leaders of that little mob that gathered trying to hurt Maya.
Because I knew for a fact what their preferred method of shaming was for young women having children without a husband..
Let's just say they preferred brutal methods as well.
".. Their family?" I asked.
" We don't know.. But I doubt they have one, considering there are no mothers howling at their bodies.. No fathers or brothers swearing blood fueds.."
Even if there were.. It wouldn't mean anything. It's just more unfortunate, man, to the slaughter..
I knew in normal cases Asin would never hurt the people he considered his own.. But like every man. He had a monster inside him..
Exept his monster was the monster, monsters were afraid of..
" Bury them in the sands.." I spoke in a low tone.
" But.. I thought by tradition..
I lifted my hand, cutting Ovuz off.
" No.. He won't allow them to be burned.. Bury them in unmarked graves.. "
I knew my brother better than anyone.. If he has to, he will personally digg the graves of all of them as well.. I looked at the sniffling man shaking on their knees.
Ovuz nodded silently, and a couple of men soon carried the corpses away towards the distance.
As I walked past the man, some of them started begging.. They knew I was close to the one who could offer them salvation.
But they were late.. Asin won't show mercy. Unless.. if Maya asked clemency for them. We will see.
Inside the house, the emotions have calmed down..
Asin was missing with Aunt Krista, with Old Ivan.
I spotted the kitchen door closed and understood what he must be doing.
He is trying to reconnect his family.. Truly.
Ayshe and the girls surrounded Maya bombarding her with questions.
Kol stood by the wall, exchanging a few smiles with Lilly until I tapped his back.
" Pampam.. How's everything?" he asked, looking outside.
".. Go grab a few of ours and bring the cars closer.."
".. Are we in danger?" he asked seriously.
".. Not we. But there's no telling what Asin will do when we leave this house.. Go hurry, then come back. "
With a determined nod, he left without looking back.
I walked closer to the ladies and listened in.
".. Have you thought about names?" asked Lilly.
" UhUh.. Boy or girl? " asked Ayshe.
" I.. I'm..
" Girls enough." Marie waived them away.
".. You are making her uncomfortable.. I'm sorry, sister. "
Maya looked at her gratefully." It's okay.. It just.. It's been a long day."
She caught my eye and reached out.. I helped her on her feet.. Boy, she was round.
" You're not hugging your big sister after all this time? " she asked, tilting her head.
I shook my head, thinking.. For not being blood siblings, Asin and her sure shared a lot of characteristics.
As I did my best to hug her without pushing her belly, I noticed something..
".. You smell the same. " I leaned in smelling her hair. ".. They sell coconut mango shampoo in the US as well, huh?"
" Old habits die hard.." she shrugged. Then, I leaned closer. " You managed to bag the sister of my sister in law? Nice one, Oli."
I couldn't help but smile proudly, hugging her again.. I missed her. Such a big part of our life.. Our destiny changed because of her.
" So.. Is it a boy or a girl?" I whispered.
She leaned back and winked instead of an answer. Took my hand, and we sat down between the girls.
".. Tell me.. Young one. Was it your genius idea to let our brother drive around without a bulletproof car?"
I felt my head steaming as I tried to evade her prickly look. Then turned defensive..
".. Like you can tell him anything.. Spoiled."
I felt my ear being pulled.. And it wasn't gentle.
" Olijim.. "
" Ouch.. Okay, I'm sorry.. Trust me.. " I turned to face her after she let go. ".. Nothing like that will ever happen.."
She nodded, then turned serious.
" Those who shoot him? "
" With the Lord.. Not all but soon." I promised.
" Good.." she leaned back, holding her stomach.".. I'm always uncomfortable lately."
Marie put a pillow behind her head, receiving a grateful smile from her.
".. Jesus Christ.. You're huge. " I nodded after examining her.
In anticipation of her retaliation, I quickly got out of arms length.. So she grabbed nothing but air.
As we spent the time probing her, Kol came back nodding towards the outside.
" The cars are here.. "
Hearing him, the girls looked up to me.
" Oli, I'm not leaving..
I stopped big sis before she continued.
" Be so kind and tell Asin that.. " I waited for an answer, but it didn't come." Yeah.. That's what I thought. "
" I'm still older.." she pouted.
Couldn't help but smile.. She was much bigger than I remembered, and it made her very childlike..
The kitchen door opened, and Asin walked out using a wet towel to clean his face.. Although the shirt was still dyed red from the blood.. But that didn't seem to bother him one bit.
".. Alright, everyone . Get your things you are going." he stepped closer, helping Maya up.
She wanted to protest.
" Asinjim..
" Don't you Asinjim me.. Everyone I said. " he cupped her face." You be living in the Royal for a while .. They have aromatherapy, massage, 4 Michelin star chef at your back, and call."
Maya looked hesitant, but she knew there wasn't a world she could say no..
".. You grown up. " she kissed his forehead.
Asin showed her a rare smile.
".. Hade ( Go.) "
" What about.. Mom and Da
" What about them? " He smiled.
Aunt Krista walked out of the kitchen, giving a few prickly looks toward Asin.
" Don't worry.. Your brother forces us to leave our home and friends..
Asin rolled his eyes and walked closer.
" Anme.. We talked about this.. It's just until I clean it up from all the persona non gratas .. You'll enjoy some relaxation."
He kissed her hand and waited until she nodded defeated.
Uncle Ivan watched them from the door.. Even in such times, his proud smile couldn't be hidden.
".. My love? Did you say.. You all go? Excluding yourself? " asked Marie, stepping forward.
He nodded and said.
" Correct.. I can't have these people think.. What they thinking now." he looked out the window. " If I go without fixing this, Baban will lose face.. That won't happen even if I have to burn this place..
" Olum! " the old man injected.
".. And!.. " Asin continued. " Build an even better place. You didn't let me finish, Baban.."
He turned to the old man. Who just smiled, rolling his eyes.
With all parties aboard, we headed outside into the night.
The others saw the still kneeling man in the mud.
Maya, who was helped by Asin, stopped, and her face showed the trauma she experienced not long ago..
" Ovuz.. If they don't look away, I want you to gouge their fcking eyes out of their ignorant skulls.. Do it." he said after seeing Maya.
Ovuz nodded at the man who put the guns directly behind their eyes and waited.
The man immediately whimpered, feeling the cold steel pressed against their heads and looked straight down towards the ground.
We walked past them, and some of our men opened the doors. After helping them inside, we stepped back.
".. My love?.. Be merciful.." Marie asked, looking at the man.
".. Don't worry. These are my people.. I re educate them. Stay with my sister and make sure she wants for nothing.. I'll be there tomorrow morning, afternoon at the latest .. Don't worry. "
He added again, seeing Marie's doubts. She ended up agreeing and give him a few goodbye kisses..
" Oh my god.. Shameless. " Maya was pretending to be offended.
Asin and I exchanged an amused look before he answered.
" Stop winding me up and rest?.. In a day or two, we go to the doctor for a checkup and buy everything you need. No more words. "
He didn't allow her to object. She sighed and leaned back on her seat, murmuring to herself.
" As if I'm not his big sister.. The nerve just because he's grown a bit..
" What was that? Listen to your brother.." Aunt Krista reprimanded her. " Olum. Don't forget what you said.. Disgusting as they are.. They are your people. My son won't have nicknames like The Cruel.. Anedmi? ( Understand?) "
He sighed and said. " Anedmi Amne.. Hadi."
She was satisfied with his promise and the door closed.
Only Kol and I stayed behind.
After their cars and their security pulled out and away towards the city we followed Asin and stopped in front of the man still looking at the ground.
He knelt down and grabbed a random man's face.
" Now.. What I'm supposed to do with you all? "
I had a feeling it was going to be a bloody night..