Not Just Love
Chapter 48. Papa's?

Late night, with no human voice other than the sound of nature. Everyone was asleep under the blanket. After, a pretty exhausting birthday event. Except, Maya is still awake in the room. His two children, sleeping with each hugging bolsters.

A raging thought, made both his eyes reluctant to close. Zamar, the ex-lover, whose name he never mentioned. Suddenly, appearing before him, giving gifts to his two children. Most of all, Maya did not understand. Why did he come and acknowledge his two children, after three years had passed?

Did he have to go again, to avoid it? If so, what about the two children who already consider Ansel family is their family. Grandfather, grandmother, aunt and father, how will he explain their relationship, which is not yet understood by children the age of Khaira and Khaysan.

Maya was about to leave the room and it turned out, Ansel was standing in front of her room. Perhaps, he wanted to knock on the door, but hesitated.

"We're talking outside" Ansel asked, half whispering.

They sat next to the sofa. Side terrace, accompanied by flower pots that bloom. It's a little cold tonight.

"What are you talking about?" ask Maya, without looking at Ansel. Both of his manics, choosing to pay attention to the sky.

"He's sorry. But, don't say what the cause is. He just said, wanna take you back and his two kids."

"After, three years?"

"I said the same thing. However, it seemed like he had his own reasons, until he realized his mistake."

"I don't want to expect it anymore, El. For me, three years is enough." l

"But, I think, you should meet, May. You guys need to finish it. It's not between you two, it's your two kids. Your two sons need status. They're going to school any minute and you need their birth documents."

"But, what should I say, El? I'm happy enough with our situation. He's married, why look for us again."

"Find him, once. Listen, what he said. After that, make a decision. I won't force you, anymore."

Maya is silent, thinking of Ansel's words that sound wise and impartial to anyone. At a glance, he recalled the face of Zamar, who begged to speak to him.

"I'll accompany you, if you want to meet her," Ansel continued.

"Aren't you scared, I changed my mind?" god Mayan.

"I never force women to like me. But, maybe I'll keep you, if you give me certainty."

Maya is stunned, staring at old Ansel. Such a sincere man, reached out to help him. But, is this love or just to return the favor? Maya is unable to tell the difference.

"Sorry, I don't know about my feelings yet. I was confused how to interpret it. All I know is, I'm so dependent on you and I feel so comfortable."

Cup. One kiss landed on Maya's forehead and she just stared silently at Ansel. And the next kiss, landed on his lips. Whether possessed by what, Maya replies, until they dissolve.

"I assume that's your answer." Ansel pulls Maya's body into his arms. "Come, marry. I'll look after you all my life." And Maya just nodded. Nor does he know why he nodded his head.

Ansel embraces Maya's waist and the woman drops her head on her shoulders. They sat for a while, to enjoy the view of the sky at night.

***

Tomorrow morning, Maya wakes up early. Prepare the things they will bring home. It had been four days of their stay, it was time to return home by themselves.

Maya notices the piled gift parcels. He remembered the gift parcel of Zamar and immediately looked for it.

To my little girl, happy birthday.

To my hero, happy birthday.

Maya is stunned, with the writing on the parcel. He looked at his two children, who were asleep. He stopped his intention, to open the parcel. Choose to pack it, to take home.

"You're going home, May?"

"Yes, Ma. I have to go to the store and the restaurant." Maya feeds Khaira, while Khaysan prefers to eat alone.

"Son, about Zamar. What if he finds you in that house? According to Mama, you better be here."

"I understand, Mama's worry. But, don't be afraid. Sooner or later, we will meet. I can't possibly run away and avoid it."

"Papa, like your mindset. You guys need to finish it. She's married, Papa reckon, she just wants her two kids."

"Just kid!" fira Protest. "Maya's already raised them and suddenly wants to come snatch it."

"Zamal?" Aira frowning. "What is a good-looking om?" No one answered, all the adults in front of him just threw eyes at each other. "Om handsome says, papa lindu Aila."

Maya turns her face away, confused as to what to say. Mom and Dad, just as confused. Only Ansel, who was still smiling stared at the two.

"Yes, he, o'm handsome. He misses Aira, because long time no see. You guys, you guys, you've been swimming on the beach."

"Oohh!"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and resumed breakfast. But at that time, Khaysan was still silent, as if thinking.

"Khay, breakfast, baby," Maya said.

"Papa?" chirps, "is that like, dad?"

Maya dropped a spoon on the table. Immediately, he approached his son. Take a tissue, to clean the leftovers he lipped.

"Honey. Mommy's almost too late. I want to make bread with a new recipe. Khay, try it, right?" Maya diverts the conversation.

"Yeee.. loti balu, Aila ate a lot."

"Yes, already. Spend it, the milk, baby."

Khaysan grabbed his glass, without asking any more. However, Maya knew, the son was harboring it himself. He will ask that again. And Maya, you have to prepare an answer.

In a house that was small in size, matching the three of them, Maya dropped off the items. Her two children, together, held up a bag containing milk and clothes.

"Mommy, Aila wants to open a gift."

"Go home, yeah. Mommy wants to make bread and cake."

"But, Aila wants to open a gift, Mami."

"Yes, already. Open one, just."

"okay."

While waiting, Maya cleans the house that has been abandoned for days. He checked the contents of the refrigerator and kitchen, so he could shop home later. He also put dirty laundry in the washing machine, to be washed home later.

"Have you?" Maya notices her son, busy tearing the wrapping paper.

"Elum, Mommy. The prize, in the unci uat."

"Hahaha.., Mami help, yeah."

Two panda dolls, now hugged Aira with excitement. Meanwhile, Khay, holding a water gun toy.

"Mommy, Aila wants to hug this."

"Yes. Now, we're leaving, dad."

At the restaurant, Maya checks the kitchen utensils and ingredients. He listened to the advice of the chef, to add a new menu and take notes. He also checks the financial statements, which he routinely does at the end of each month.

"Ce, where are the kids?"

"In front of Mom, play again."

"Thank you, yeah."

Maya followed to the front, precisely at the place of visitors.

"Om handsome," call Aira, and Maya immediately stops the move.

Zamar was holding her two children, on her lap. On the table, food and birthday cake.

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