He was stepping away from me, cackling. He entered the automobile. I attempted to run after him, but I slipped. I cried and cursed at him with as much force as I could, but there was nothing I could do. On grandma's farm, a laborer came running to assist me. I thanked him before abruptly pulling out my phone. I was too shocked to respond to Hiro. I was typing on my phone with shaky hands, and as my eyes went fuzzy, I got irritated.
I groaned and brushed away my tears, saying, "fuck!" My body seemed unwilling to accept everything, as evidenced by the trembling in my palm. I started crying one tear at a time. I couldn't see anyone the reason why I couldn't figure out how I was able to call the man.
One by one, the man who assisted me inquired, "Are you okay, ma'am? Do you need some water?" I don't need any of it, I need to call my friend but he is not answering. Dimwit!
While looking at him and looking around waiting for Hiro to respond, an idea came up. "I need a car." I put my cell phone in my pocket now that the man was not picking up my calls. I was going insane, but I still needed to be brave for my kids.
"Car?" I nodded. "Ma'am Cbiara needs a car; who wants to lend it to her?" He called his colleagues, then suddenly a man approached us and gave us a big bike.
"Can you drive? I'm not good at it, and please make it faster." I pleaded, and they wasted no time and followed my wishes. I hopped onto his big bike, and the guy who lent me the big bike sped away.
We hardly saw my automobile at all, what Mr. Smith's using. I wish I had been courageous enough to have dodged obstacles, but I shouldn't have caved at his kind words. Then everything's not going to be like this. I blamed myself but it's too late now.
There was a vibration on my phone. When I picked it up, I identified Raven. Since I don't need him right now, I disregarded it. I was too busy to be anticipating an incident of this nature. I hurriedly notified the guards till we arrived at the estate, but I was running very late. It appears that someone gave them something to pass out because they are all asleep. When I tried to rouse them, nobody answered.
"Can you help me find my kids? They're the only kids here today, so you won't get confused; I'm begging you." Nothing was said, and he immediately nodded and started searching. Meanwhile, I went to Hiro's room. When I went inside, even the maids were already on their knees and seemed to be unconscious. What could they have done?
There were broken vases and old frames falling from above. As I step closer to Hiro's room and see the door slightly hung, I suddenly feel nervous in my chest. No, it's not possible; I hope what I'm thinking is wrong.
When I walk in, everything is disorganized. I searched all over for them, but I couldn't find anything.
"Rayden? Hiro, Red? Where are you? This is Mommy; don't hide anymore; I'm here. Babies." I called them with concern in my voice. I'd rather want this all to be a prank than a truth.
I went out, and I saw the man I asked for.
"Any leads?"
"Nothing, ma'am; it looks like there are no other people here except the unconscious ones," he uttered. I shook my head. I didn't believe it, so I searched all the corners myself. I felt that the man just followed.
But when I couldn't find anything, I gave up. I was hopeless. I sat down because I was grieving over the loss of my children and Hiro, not because I was exhausted. The man was just standing there as I clutched my chest, making it tighter. I was acting irrationally until I reached for my phone.
Suddenly, the man's name sprang to my memory. He wasn't picking up when I called him. The only person who can assist me in getting my children back is him. I called him several times but he still didn't respond, so I decided to just go visit him. He was the only person who could help me right now.
I got up and wiped my tears using my hand. I looked up at the man and bravely said to him: "We need to go to Itacha."
***
I was expecting Raven to say something, but all he did was gaze, as though his mind finally realized what was going on. He turned to face me and opened his mouth to say something, but he quickly ignored it.
"W-what?" He stuttered, mustering the bravery to face my fear head-on because it's not something I can do every day. To fear everything. I needed to conquer this.
I composed myself before I elaborated everything: "When I left you because you chose someone else, that's when I found out that there's a child in my stomach. I'm more determined not to stay here because I've already lost a child once and I want to get out of Chicago. I bet you know that I was in Chicago." He didn't speak; he was still sitting and bowing. "I was sensitive when I was pregnant, especially when I found out that they were twins. Thankfully, Hiro was there to support me until I gave birth to Red and Rayden. He was the one who supported me when you weren't there, when you couldn't support me because you have your own family.” He looks at me but I smile, “I understand, I didn't blame you, and I'm glad I made my children grow up to be intelligent and respectful." I told him a long story about our kids being the best in my eyes; I can't blame them just like what I want and so Raven to them.
"I want to see them." That's all he said in a deep voice. He held my knees and said, "Please." My heart suddenly twisted by how he looked at me.
Am I wrong because I kept them away? Am I wrong because I didn't say it right away? But all I want is for my children not to feel humiliated by Smith because I know his family.
"R-Raven." I struggled to breathe as he looked at me as if he were longing and determined. "Let's go, our kids need us.” I finally uttered those words, I gulped. “They are kidnapped by your father." I told him the most shocking words I could even say.
“W-what? H-how?”
“R-Raven I need your help, they are in danger.” My voice is trembling, the tears in my eyes are filling once again. “P-please, you're the only person who can help me.”
“I-I will Cbiara,” he frustratedly replied and was anxious before picking up his keys