Scream Me a Dream

Monday, October 18, 2010
9:15 am

Soya sat on the bed watching Ville as he buttoned up his black shirt, smoothing it down before turning to her.

“You should go put on your dress.” He suggested softly, leaning against his dresser looking at his underwear clad girlfriend.

“I know.” She sighed as she stood up with a wince.

“You winced.”

“Perceptive.” Soya muttered.

Ville frowned at her as she walked to his closet to get her dress, only for his frown to deepen when he saw a bruise on her lower back. “Where the hell did this come from?”

“What?” Soya asked, turning her head, only for Ville to move her so she could see her back in his mirror that sat on his dresser. “Oh.”

“Where’d you get that?”

“Uh…Thursday night?”

Ville frowned. “Thursday night… Fuck Soya, was that when I fell into the mirror?”

“Sink tap.” Soya said, moving away from the dresser to go back towards the closet.

“The fucking sink tap did that?” Ville asked, running his fingers over the purple spot on her back.

“Ville, you slammed into the mirror and I fell onto the counter, I was fine in the moment, sore later on; it’s fine.” Soya looked over at him. “What?”

“Nothing.” Ville sighed “Change, I’ll go check on Aida.” Ville said leaving the room, heading towards the bathroom where Aida was changing. He knocked on the door lightly, hearing a quiet come in before opening the door. “How’s it going in here?”

“You have a guitar in your toilet.” Aida said frowning up at him.

“Yeah, I’m weird like that.” Ville said crouching down, seeing the back of her dress unzipped. ‘Turn around sweetheart.”

Aida did as she was told, allowing Ville to zip up her dress. “Can you help me with my shoes? I hate buckles.”

“Sure, come on; let’s go downstairs, your sister’s almost ready.”

“All right.” Aida said taking his hand and going downstairs with him. He sat her on the couch, taking a seat on the coffee table across from her, lifting up her foot and setting it on his knee. He put her shoe on and started on the buckle on the black one inch heel shoe.

“Ville?”

“Hmmm?” Ville asked, setting her foot down and taking the other one.

“You’re coming with us right?”

Ville nodded slowly, as he picked up the other foot and checked how many holes he’d skipped before buckling the other shoe. “I am.”

“Are we coming back here after?” Aida asked as Ville put both her feet down.

“We’re actually going to my parents’ house afterwards.” Ville said. “My friends want to meet you, and they haven’t seen Soya in a while.”

Aida chewed the inside of her cheek. “Are they sad?”

Ville nodded slowly. “Yeah, they’re sad that Soya’s sad.”

“Oh.” Aida said quietly. “What about after that?”

Ville shrugged. “I’m not sure sweetheart, why?”

“I was wondering if we could come back here and stay with you.”

Ville gave a small smile. “I’d like that, but I think, if anything, we’ll go to Soya’s, that way you have a bed to sleep on.”

“I don’t mind sleeping on the floor like we did last night.”

Ville chuckled. “My back minded, and I’d rather get you something to sleep on rather than having you sleeping on the couch or on the floor. We’ll see, all right?” He said noting the pout that was forming on Aida’s lips. “We’ll see how the night goes and then Soya and I will talk about where to go.”

“She already has you wrapped around her finger.” Soya said coming down the steps, her black ballet heels dangling from her fingers as she set her clutch on the couch.

“Can Ville sit next to me in the church?” Aida asked.

Soya nodded as she bent down to put her heels on. “That’s fine with me Aida, why don’t you check with Ville?”

“Will you?”

Ville nodded, eyeing Soya who shrugged. “Sure.”

“Ready, Aida?” Soya asked.

“Yeah,” Aida nodded. “I don’t have my purse, though.”

“I have it.” Soya said, holding up the small black purse with its black pearl chain and handing it to Aida. “All right, let’s go.”

“Hey,” Ville said stopping her as she watched Aida head to the car. “You okay?”

Soya shrugged. “Fine, I think, I just need to stop by the house real quick.”

“The flat, Soya-”

“No, the house in Sipoo.” Soya sighed. “I just need to get something.”

“All right, that’s fine.” Ville nodded closing his door and making sure it was locked before walking to the car with Soya, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and softly rubbing her arm. “Today’s hard, I get that Soya, just remember I’m right here.”

“I know.” Soya said, unlocking the door and motioning for Aida to get in, turning to Ville once the back door closed. “Is it wrong to want to act strong for Aida?”

Ville frowned at her, before bringing her into a hug. “Of course it’s not Soya. I just don’t want a repeat of Thursday night where you hold everything in and let it burst, specifically on me.”

Soya let out a laugh as she tightened her grip on Ville. “I promise no bursting.”

Ville kissed the top of her head before letting her go. “I’m sorry I slammed you into the sink.”

Soya laughed, leaning up to kiss him. “Totally worth it.” Ville winked at her before getting into the car causing her to shake her head with a laugh, falling for him just a bit more at the idea of Ville wanting to make her laugh during a very difficult day.

Ville watched her carefully as they drove to Sipoo, Soya having turned on the radio to fill the silence in the car. He knew that Soya was keeping herself strong for her sister, she’d said as much, as well as strong for the upcoming hours in such close proximity to her mother. He had also been sincere when he’d told her that he didn’t want her to keep everything in, only for him to take the abuse, when it came.

Listening, analyzing, and advising; he didn’t mind doing that, he thrived on listening to Soya and helping her through her problems, but there had to be a line and if Thursday was any indication on how Soya was when her anger and emotions bubbled over, there were only so many fights they could have before they both said something there was no taking back or forgiving.

“You okay?”

Ville blinked, looking over at Soya. “What?”

“You looked deep in thought.” Soya pointed out as she took the exit that would head to her family home.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just thinking.”

Soya nodded as she drove down the streets, pulling up towards her family home, surprised when she saw the gate open.

“Niina and Nathan never leave the gate open.” Aida said with a frown, turning towards the gate. Soya shrugged, only to sigh when she saw the white vans parked outside.

“Soya what’s going on?” Aida asked.

“Don’t worry about it Aida.” Soya said parking the car. “I’ll be right back.”

Ville watched as Soya walked into the house, before turning to Aida with a small smile. “How are you holding up, lapsi?”(kid)

“I’m okay…I think.” Aida said with a shrug. “I like being with Soya.”

“I’m sure.” Ville nodded.

“It’s better than being with my mamma.”

Ville chuckled softly. “I’m not saying a word to that.”

Aida frowned. “You just did.”

Ville laughed softly turning in his seat in time to see Soya coming out of the house, looking irritated, “Nevermind.” He muttered as Soya got in the car, turning the car back on. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Soya said, before sighing a shaking her head. “I’ll tell you later.”

“All right.” Ville nodded as Soya turned the car around and started towards the church is Sipoo.

“I was thinking.” Ville said, turning towards Aida again. “I think Burton is coming to my parents’ house, I’ll talk to him today and see how he feels about giving you piano lessons.”

“Really?” Aida asked.

Ville nodded. “Sure; I’m certain he’ll give in if you give him the pout.”

“What’s a ‘pout’?”

Soya laughed lightly, looking at her sister through the rearview mirror. “It’s that look you gave me that had me give in to you not doing dance.”

“Oh!” Aida giggled. “That face.”

Soya shook her head as she found a parking space near the church, Soya blew out a breath as she placed her keys in her clutch.

“We can wait.” Ville said softly.

“I’d rather not.” Soya said shaking her head, starting out of the car. Closing the door, she smiled softly as she saw Ville helping Aida out and holding on to her hand as he closed the car door for her. Soya winced once she caught sight of the photographer capturing pictures of the guests going into the church.

“The one aspect of tradition I despise.” Soya said walking around the car and leaning against the door.

“The pictures?” Ville asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’d rather not have my sadness recorded for me to remember later in my life.” Soya muttered.

“You know that’s not why they’re taken Soya.” Ville said softly. “They’re taken to remember the small details of the day, the idea that you’re not alone in your sadness.”

“I know.”

“It’s still bothers you, doesn’t it?”

Soya shrugged. “A bit; I understand it, it should be something I’m used to, but it’s not.”

Ville wrinkled his nose at her, leaning down and kissing hers. “Maybe it’s the 13 years you’ve been gone.”

Soya laughed softly. “Maybe.”

“Miss Soya.”

Soya blinked, moving away from Ville to look at Nathan. “Nathan.”

“Hello, your mother has requested you to join her; she’s about to enter the church.”

Soya shook her head. “I’d rather not walk in with her.”

Nathan blinked at her before nodding slowly. “Oh…all right.”

“I uh…I’d just rather not.”

“That’s fine, if you don’t mind I’ll take Aida.”

Soya looked down at her little sister who was still gripping Ville’s hand. “Aida, do you want to walk in with Mamma?”

Aida looked at her older sister. “Are we sitting together?”

Soya nodded. “We are.”

“Okay.” Aida whispered, slowly letting go of Ville’s hand and taking Nathan’s. Soya watched Nathan kindly walk her over to the black town car where her mother was presumably waiting, as Ville turned to her.

“Why didn’t you want to walk in with her?”

“Why should I pretend we’re one big happy family, Ville? We’re not; my father was the one thing that was keeping me talking to my mother.”

“What of Aida?” Ville asked, intertwining their fingers as he led her slowly to the church.

“My mother just drops Aida off with me when she doesn’t want her.” Soya said softly. “I don’t have to talk my mother into seeing Aida when Aida’s already staying with me.”

“You don’t think she’s going to take Aida after today?” Ville asked, subtly bringing Soya under his shoulder as the photographer stared taking pictures of her as they entered the church.

“Why would she?” Soya asked. “Why take back a daughter she doesn’t want?”

“Soya.” Ville sighed.

“It’s true.” Soya said gripping his hand as they took a seat in the front pew. “Why would she bother taking Aida when it’s obvious I’m willing to take care of her?”

“Permanently?”

“What?”

“Would you want to take care of Aida permanently?”

Soya blinked, “I…I never really thought about it….oh God, does that make me a horrible sister?”

“No! Of course not, it was just a question Soya.” Ville said rubbing her arm, trying to calm her. “Hey, it was just a question; I didn’t mean anything by it.”

“I know.” Soya said nodding. “I know.”

“Just stop for a second and breathe,” Ville said, calmly rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. “You’ll have time to think about it later; just focus on this for now.” He watched her as she gave a slow nod, taking a deep breath before looking up at him.

“Thank you.”

“Tahansa.”(anytime) he whispered, kissing her temple lightly. She rested her head on his shoulder only to squeak quietly and hide her face when she saw her father’s open casket sitting front and center of the church..

“How did I not notice it?” she whispered.

“Right here.” Ville whispered, feeling her fingers tighten around his, just as the church started to get quiet, causing Soya to pull away and see her mother walking down the aisle, with Aida’s hand in hers.

“She’s crying.” Soya whispered.

“Your mother?” Ville asked.

“No, Aida.” Soya said, standing as her mother came closer.

“I can’t believe you walked in with that boy.” Elizabeth hissed, holding out Aida’s hand to Soya.

“And I can’t believe you made Aida cry.”

“Her father’s dead Soya, I believe she has every right to cry.”

“She was fine when I gave her to Nathan.” Soya said, sitting and bringing her sniffling sister closer, opening her clutch and taking out a tissue, carefully wiping Aida’s face.

Elizabeth shook her head as she took a careful seat next to Soya. “You baby her.”

“Someone has to.” Soya muttered, leaning in to kiss her sisters forehead, letting her go and allowing her to squeeze in between her and Ville. She watched as Ville wrapped his arm around Aida, leaning down to kiss the top of her head and letting her rest against him. Soya felt her heart heal just a bit as she witnessed just how close Ville was to her little sister.

The service wasn’t as long as Soya thought it would be; the priest said his piece and read the regular quotations from the bible that Soya usually heard. Though, she noted, it had been nice hearing from her father’s friends and coworkers, allowing her to see more of the side of her father that she’d been witnessing, instead of the one she’d grown up with.

She’d declined to speak when the priest had called her the night before asking if she’d wanted to say a few words. She hadn’t. She figured that as much as she’s witnessed the change, she still didn’t have enough nice things to say about him to give her the right to talk. She had been surprised to hear, and then witness, that her mother had declined to talk as well.

She lightly ran her hand through Aida’s hair as people started lining up to the casket to pay their final respects.

“Come Aida.” Elizabeth ordered, looking at her youngest daughter.

“She’s not a dog.” Soya said, her hand still running through Aida’s hair. “And come to what?”

“To see her father.” Elizabeth said standing and straightening her jacket.

“I don’t want to see him.” Aida whispered.

“Aida,” Elizabeth said tersely. “Let’s go.”

“No!” Aida said, climbing onto Ville’s lap, hiding her face in his neck as she wound her arms tightly around his neck. “Don’t make me see him, please, don’t make me see him.” She whispered.

Ville rubbed her back soothingly, as he looked at Soya, only to watch as Soya glared at her mother.

“Enough.” Soya hissed. “It’s enough. She’s eight, she doesn’t need that image in her mind.” She turned back to Ville. “Mind taking her outside?”

Ville shook his head, standing up carefully and walking down the aisle before Elizabeth could say a word otherwise.

“Soya, Aida should have-”

“She’s eight, mother, eight.” Soya repeated lowly, as she noticed some of the stares coming from the guests. “She shouldn’t have to see him if she’s doesn’t want to.”

“And come to regret it later in her life.”

“I’m sure the pictures taken today will fill that void.” Soya said dryly. “If Aida’s under my care, then my word goes, unless you want her back.” Soya put out, staring directly at her mother.

Elizabeth stared at her before shaking her head and leaving down the aisle, her heels echoing as they clicked on the stone floors. Letting out a slow breath, Soya ran a hand through her hair before turning towards her father’s casket.

Chewing on her lip, she picked up her clutch from the seat and opened it, pulling out a small ring. Walking up the steps, cutting in front of one of her father’s assistants, she tucked the ring into her father’s jacket pocket, with a small smile.

“I figured I should give you a ring too.” She whispered, wiping the stray tear from her cheek, before turning and walking down the aisle. She walked out of the church, looking for Ville, only to find him leaning against her car with Aida still in his arms.

“There’s going to be a memorial service at the house.”

Soya turned and saw her mother standing near the door. “Yes, I saw the orchestra staring to set up when I stopped by the house earlier.” Soya said crossing her arms over her chest. “It’s not a memorial service, it’s a party.”

“It would be nice if you went.”

“Proper, you mean?” Soya asked, looking back at her mother.

“Yes, proper.” Elizabeth said tersely.

“Well, excuse me if I’d rather go mourn in peace.”

“With that boy of yours you, you mean.”

“He’s not a boy anymore mother.” Soya said shaking her head. “And yes, I’m going with Ville, his mother was kind enough to invite me to her house for the day.”

“Anita?”

Soya nodded. “I would much rather spend the day with her than with you. Excuse me.” With that said, she turned and walked towards the car where Ville was leaning.

“How’s she doing?” Soya asked, rubbing her hand over her sister’s back.

“She’s asleep.” Ville said softly.

Soya nodded, unlocking the car and opening the back door, allowing Ville to set Aida down and buckle her in carefully.

“You okay?” He asked once the door was closed.

“Fine.” Soya shrugged. “Angry, but fine.”

Ville nodded, rubbing her arm in comfort. “Come on, I’m sure mama will stuff you up with food until you feel better.”

Soya gave a soft laugh. “That sounds amazing.”

Once they were back on the road on their way back to Helsinki, Ville turned to her and asked the question he’d been putting off. “What’d you need to get from the house?”

Soya sighed. “Remember how I told you about my ring, my christening ring?”

Ville nodded. “Sure.”

Soya shrugged. “I just…I don’t know, it’s stupid.”

“I’m sure it’s not.” Ville said softly.

“I just wanted to give him something; it was the first ring he ever gave me, it just felt right.”

“And it was.” Ville said, taking her hand that wasn’t on the wheel and kissing it. “It was.”

Soya nodded softly, keeping her hand in his as she drove towards his parents’ house. Twenty minutes later, Ville was adjusting Aida in his arms as Soya opened the door to the house.

“My mother’s probably in the kitchen, I’m going to go lay Aida down in my old room.”

Soya nodded, watching Ville go up the stairs before moving to the kitchen, only to shake her head as she saw Anita working on the stove, a plate of sandwiches already made.

“You didn’t have to do all of this.” Soya said softly, causing Anita to jump.

“Of course I did, come here.”

Soya shook her head, moving closer and giving the older woman a hug. “I brought my sister, Ville’s putting her down.”

“Everyone’s outside.” Anita said. “It’s a bit cloudy out, but the rain has yet to start, so go join them; I’ll be right out with the food.”

Soya nodded, walking out of the kitchen and towards the back, smiling lightly when she saw her friends on the back porch talking.

“Hey!” Rosalind greeted, getting up from her spot at the table next to Jyrki, hugging Soya tightly.

“Hey.” Soya said, hugging her friend back, only to be surprised when Rosalind moved away and the rest of her friends closed in, giving her a large group hug.

“How’re you doing?” Rosalind asked once everyone had moved.

“I’m…tired.” Soya admitted. “It’s been a long morning and afternoon.”

“Come, sit.” Linde said patting the space next to him. “Gas wasn’t able to make it; his little girl got a bit sick so he’s watching her, and Toni’s out of town, but sends her love.”

Soya smiled as she sat next to Linde. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Mige said with a nod. “We’re your friends, of course we’ll be here for you.”

“You sure you’re all right?” Jussi asked looking at her carefully.

“Soya’s tired.” Ville said coming out onto the porch. “She stood up to her mother today.”

“Did you?!” Rosalind asked in surprise. “Monada, that’s amazing.”

Soya shook her head. “No, it was appropriate.” She said with a shake of her head. “She wanted Aida to go see my father in his casket.”

“Poor girl.” Kari said with a shake of his head.

“Where is Aida now?” Linde asked.

“Up in my old room.” Ville said taking a seat between Soya and Rosalind, causing Rosalind to glare at him.

“Olivia is here Soya.” Linde said, causing Soya to smile.

“Oh! I so want to meet her Linde!”

Linde grinned. “She’s up in Kari and Anita’s room watching TV; she’ll be down when she gets bored.”

“Or when she hears everyone else having fun.” Burton teased.

“I was thinking that when Aida wakes up, she and Olivia could play together.” Linde suggested.

“I’m sure Aida will enjoy that.” Soya nodded.

“We wish we could have gone with you Soya.” Jyrki admitted. “We were just talking about that before you walked in.”

Ville chuckled. “Elizabeth wasn’t too happy to see even me there; I doubt she’d have been ecstatic to see all of us there.”

Soya rubbed Ville’s hand. “I would have liked to have all of you there.” She admitted. “It’s just… a funeral is definitely not a wonderful place for a scene.”

“We understand.” Jyrki said quickly. “We just all wish we could have been there for you.”

Soya shrugged. “We’re here now right?”

“Of course you’re here now.”Anita said, carrying a plate of sandwiches out and placing them on the table. “What type of manners did I teach you, not helping your mother?” Anita reprimanded looking at Ville.

“I offered!” Ville said, before rolling his eyes and getting up from the table. “You said, ‘No, no, I have this, go outside to be with Soya.’” Ville muttered.

“That makes me feel so much better.” Soya teased watching her boyfriend’s retreating back.

“Thought it would.” Anita said with a wink before walking back inside.

The rest of the afternoon followed in a similar fashion, Soya feeling utterly normal and at peace with spending the afternoon of her father’s funeral outside in the Valo backyard with her friends. Friends that at this point were quickly becoming more like her family, even more than her actual family.

“Soya?”

Soya turned away from the conversation that was revolving around her, smiling lightly at her sister. “Hey sweetheart.”

“Aida, are you hungry? I can fix you a plate.” Anita said, looking at the young girl.

Aida nodded slowly, rubbing her eyes before walking over to Ville. Ville smiled, picking her up and setting her on his lap, allowing her to rest her head on his shoulder as his mother got up to get a plate for the young girl.

“Aida, these are our friends.” Ville said. “Linde, Mige, Burton, Jussi, Jyrki and…”

“Rosalind.” Aida said quietly.

“We’ve met.” Rosalind laughed lightly, reaching over to stroke the young girls back.

“Here you go sweetheart.” Anita said setting the plate in front of Ville.

“Thank you mummi.” Aida whispered, picking at the sandwich that sat in front of her, not noticing the lifted eyebrows from the friends.

“Aida,” Burton said, causing the little girl to look up at him. “Ville was telling me that you were learning piano.”

Aida nodded slowly. “I don’t like it though.”

“You don’t? Why not?” Burton asked.

“I don’t like the teacher.” Aida shrugged, moving the bread around with her finger.

“Well, how about this…” Burton started, having already made a plan out with Ville. “I have a few months off before I start touring again, I’d like to change your mind about piano.”

Aida frowned. “How?”

“By taking over your classes.” Burton said. “If you want.”

Aida nodded slowly. “Sure.”

“Wonderful.” Burton said with a smile, looking over at Soya when she patted his hand and mouthed a ‘thank you’, causing Burton to shrug.

“Aida, my daughter’s upstairs if-”

“Isi! Isi! Isi!”

Soya turned to see a small blonde girl running out of the patio and into Linde’s arms, only to turn back to her sister as she struggled out of Ville’s grip, finally getting free, stomping into the house, slamming the door shut behind her.

“Aida!” Soya said with wide eyes standing up. “I’m so sorry.” Soya said quietly rushing after her sister, finding her sitting at the foot of the stairs, her arms crossed over her chest and glaring at the ground.

“What has gotten into you?” Soya asked, softly crouching in front of her sister.

“I want to go home.” Aida muttered.

“Sweetie, I’m not driving you to Sipoo just so you can lock yourself in your room by yourself with all of mother’s friends downstairs.”

“No! I want to go home with you!” Aida said, still glaring at the ground.

Soya sighed. “Sweetie.”

“I don’t want to stay here.” Aida muttered.

Soya nodded slowly, her sister’s behavior not sitting well with her. “All right, we’ll go home.”

“I’ll wait outside.” Aida said getting up off the steps and starting out the door. Soya rubbed her face before getting up and going back outside.

“Is she all right?” Jussi asked.

“I’m not sure.” Soya sighed. “I think we’re going to head back to my flat though.”

“I’ll go with you.” Ville said starting to get up.

“No, Ville.” Soya sighed. “I think…I think it would be best if tonight was just me and Aida.”

“Soya.” Ville started, getting up and pushing her lightly inside and closing the door behind him. “Soya.”

“I’m not pushing you away.” Soya said quickly. “I’m not, I promise, I just think right now it should just be me and Aida. Once Aida is asleep for the night I’ll call you, all right?”

Ville nodded slowly. “All right.”

“Thank you.” Soya said, leaning up to kiss him lightly.

“Later, Soya.”

“Promise.” Soya nodded, running her hand down his cheek. “Thank your parents for me.”

“I will.” Ville nodded, noting her small smile before she walked through the living room and out the door. Going back out to the porch, he smiled lightly at his parents. “Soya says thank you.”

“Who was that little girl isi?” Olivia asked, looking up at Linde.

“That was my friend Soya’s little sister.” Linde said carefully, before looking up at Ville. “I think Anita has some ice cream in the freezer.”

“I do.” Anita said taking Olivia’s hand. “Come on Liv.”

Olivia nodded, following Anita back into the house as Kari patted his son’s shoulder and left behind them, closing the door.

“Do you think it was when Liv came out?” Linde asked as Ville took his seat again.

Ville sighed. “Aida’s been a bit more sensitive about this than Soya has, Linde; it could have been a lot of things.

“I think hearing Olivia call Linde ‘isi’ got to her though..” Jyrki said looking at Ville. “‘Daddy’ is a powerful word to a child.”

Ville nodded. “I think right now, what Aida needs is some time with Soya.”

“You’re really attached to this girl aren’t you?” Burton asked.

Ville shrugged. “She’s a cute kid.”

“It’s more than that.” Jussi said, having noted how Aida had gone straight to Ville when she’d come out onto the porch. “She’s just as attached to you as you are to her.”

“You’re good with her.” Rosalind pointed out.

Mige chuckled. “I think Ville’s daddy genes are coming out.”

Ville scoffed. “Please, I just…I’m protective of her.”

“Ville, she calls your mother ‘grandma’” Jyrki pointed out with a smirk.

“It makes my mama happy.” Ville defended.

“And you like hearing it too.” Rosalind teased pinching his reddening cheek. “It’s your daddy genes Ville.”

Ville smacked Rosalind’s hand away and glared at her. “Don’t you dare say anything like that around my mother.” Ville warned, glaring at all his friends, causing them all to laugh.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like the idea of his so called ‘daddy genes’ coming out; actually, when it came to Aida, he didn’t mind it. It was the fact that if his mother heard the word ‘daddy’ in context to him, the nagging of having grandchildren would really be never-ending. While he could handle the teasing coming from his parents, it was the fact that he and Soya hadn’t even discussed marriage, let alone having children and if they hadn’t discussed it, he sure as hell didn’t want to discuss it with his parents.

XxxxxxX

“Aida.” Soya sighed as she watched her sister go straight towards the guest room and shut the door.

Toeing off her heels and leaving them by the door, she went to her bedroom and changed out of her dress, putting on one of Ville’s black shirts he had laying around and a pair of yoga pants. Leaving her room, she walked across the hall and knocked lightly on the guest room door, which was slowly becoming Aida’s room. When she didn’t hear anything, she turned the knob and slowly walked inside, seeing Aida laying on the bed, still in her dress.

“Come on Aida, let’s get you changed.” Soya said softly, causing Aida to nod slowly and stand on the bed. Soya scrounged through Aida’s bag and got out her pajamas, gesturing her sister to turn around so she could unzip her dress.

“Mamma said it was your fault.” Aida whispered shrugging out of her dress.

Soya frowned. “What was my fault?”

Aida turned around and looked at Soya. “That isi died.”

Soya froze as she stared at her sister, before pulling the pink night shirt over her sister’s head. “Oh.”

“I don’t believe it though.” Aida said with a shrug, moving to sit down as Soya started taking off her shoes.

“You don’t?” Soya asked, tossing the shoes on the ground, watching as Aida lay back on the bed, turning her back on Soya.

“No,” Aida said shaking her head. “I think it was mamma’s fault.”

Soya sighed, crawling into bed with her sister and hugging her tightly. “It was no one’s fault Aida; isi was sick.”

“Mamma made him sick.”

Soya knew she shouldn’t have, but she couldn’t help but give a quiet laugh as she hid her face in her sister’s hair. “Probably.” She muttered. “It really wasn’t anyone’s fault Aida, the doctors at the hospital said it was his time; we just have to trust that, all right?”

“I miss him.”

Soya nodded. “I do too.” Soya whispered, closing her eyes. It was in that moment that she knew without a doubt that if she had the chance, she would keep her little sister permanently.