Chapter 21

We did not stay long in Fausto's mansion either. After a while we also went home with the children. We got in Zeus' car while we were followed by the policemen he was carrying.

Earlier while the police were asking me questions, I could not help but cry again. Zeus just supports my every move. I know he feels I am not well yet.

We had a long trip. The children were asleep because they were tired. While driving, Zeus glanced at us. I know he worries about us, but I also worry about what Aria will say.

I looked at him when he suddenly stopped the car. He went out and went somewhere. When he returned, he immediately handed me a bag. It was a bag containing bruise medicine.

"I can't risk you staying in the hospital. I will just call Doc Jimenez for further check-ups," he said.

I nodded and thanked.

In a few moments we reached the mansion of Zeus. Mother Belen's anxious look greeted me immediately.

"Sofia!" She glared at my face. I still wince when she hits my bruises on my arm.

"Mom, later. I want to rest" I told her. She nodded and understood that she had let me.

Even though I didn't want to stay in Zeus' mansion, I was still forced. I do not want to remember the bad things that happened to me in this house, but I have no choice. Zeus is determined to get to know his children so I will not deny him that.

I occupied the guest room with my children. I also found out that Zeus had sent Don Fausto away from the area for a long time.

The guest room was big. Its paint is white and there is a large bed surrounded by a white dresser on either side with a lampshade on top of it. While inside the guest room has its own bathroom. The surroundings of this room are clear. And for me, it suits me so I can think clearly.

"Hey..." Zeus awoke in my mind. I did not realize that he had already entered the room earlier. He carried the two children on his shoulders. I know Zeus' body is big, but I also know that my children will be heavy.

When I saw him, I moved quickly to make the twin bed. The two are still sound asleep. When he laid them on the bed, he sat down to stare at them. It was as if the sight was caressing my heart. This is how he shows affection towards his kids. And it was overwhelming.

"Are you sure you're okay? Don't you really want me to be checked by Doc Jimenez?" he asked me. He stared at me afterwards. His eyes asked why, but I just shook my head.

"Why are you always so stubborn Sofia? What happened to you is not a joke.,"

Dumbfounded on what he said, I sighed. I went and just calmed down and calmed myself down.

"I told you, I'm fine." I answered him. I was annoyed by him. He just doesn't want to drop the idea.

"Tssk! Okay. But call me when you need anything," he said.

When he left, I went to the bathroom to take a shower. I stared intently at all the burdens I had gained earlier. While soaking in the shower I rubbed my skin well, I hope that with each stroke I take away all the disgusting feeling that occupies me. When I got tired of bathing I quickly went out of the bathroom. But I was shocked when I saw Zeus inside.

I didn't wear anything but a tiny piece of a towel so he could see my whole being. As well as the bruises caused by the bad things that happened to me.

"What are you! Why are you busy." I told him. I was embarrassed so I could not look him in the eyes. I also could not move from where I was standing.

I just felt so dirty right now while Zeus is watching me. I looked down on myself. I'm so dirty. I was tainted. I had so many insecurities about myself.

Because of my stupidity, I did not realize that he was close to me. He stared at me as he slowly raised his hand. His hand caressed my bruises on my body. His caress was light as if it was relieving all the pain I had experienced at Fausto's hand.

"Zeus..." I finally found my own voice to stop him from doing whatever he wanted to do.

"Shh, I just want to take the pain away. I'm sorry, I wasn't there. I'm sorry," he said to me. With bloodshot eyes he looked at me. His eyes tell it all. The pain, the sorrow. And maybe, he is blaming himself too.

While I was still staring at him, I was surprised when he kissed my bruises one by one. My chest tightens. I hurt everyone. I do not know why, but I wanted to cry.

Zeus is just too much.

He's just too much that I'd rather just stay away from him. So, I did.

"Please leave, Zeus." My voice cracked. I almost ruined myself. Why does speed come to him when he gives up? That he has not even started but I have lost.

He stared at me and nodded. He left without looking back. I grabbed my chest to catch the air because earlier I was holding my breath.

I sighed.

Life is so short for mediocre love. And for Zeus, it should be the best. And the best means not with me.

***

I woke up early the next day. I took a shower early and got dressed to help my Mom Belen cook.

But when I got to the kitchen, she was not there yet so I smiled. An idea entered my mind.

I quickly put out the spices in my fried rice dish. This is Zeus' favorite and Myla's sister once mentioned that it is also the twin's favorite. While I was mixing with my cooking, Zeus and the twins entered. He carried Athena while crying. She was still sobbing, and her face was red. I first lowered the fire as I cooked and turned them over. Mother Belen arrived just in time, so she continued what I was doing.

"What's wrong with my baby?"

"Mommy is not there…Athena cries," she said at the same time. Her tiny hands also wipe away her own tears. I took her from Zeus and carried her.

"Mommy is cooking. You see?" I said while pointing to the fried rice that Mother Belen is mixing now.

Athena nodded and wiped away her own tears. My daughter is very cute. Her curly hair is messy. While in a pink sleeping suit.

"Sit down and I'll get ready. I think the kids are hungry, Sofia," said mom.

I nodded. I used to only dream of being with my children for breakfast. But now, not only will they be with me but also Zeus.

I looked at him. He was just sitting in front next to Icarus. From time to time, he assists him while I'm assisting Athena too. It seems natural for us to take care of our kids. Parenting can be tough. They said it could be learned but the truth is it's the willingness to do so.

What a sight to behold. Me and Zeus and the kids eating and laughing together. But as long as there is Aria in the picture, I know this pleasure is unlikely to last long.

***

"Mommy, when can we see daddy? I miss him so bad mommy."

I put down my reading book. I did not even finish school, but I love to read. For me, it is my remedy. My sanctuary. I stared at Athena and smiled. Of the two of them Icarus was the one who was talkative but very tearful.

I also thought about what she said. Telling them who's their real father scares me. It's not that easy.

There are some things that I need to consider. Just like Aria. I know Zeus would gladly agree to the idea. But what about my children? How can I tell them that their father will marry someone else? That we could never be a complete family.

I gasped.

"Do you want to see your daddy?"

Athena nodded and smiled. I stroked her head and brought it closer to me to kiss.

Zeus and Icarus came just in time to play outside. I frowned at the sight of my son. It's too dirty. I turned to Zeus and raised an eyebrow, but he just shrugged at me.

"The big boy here is such a sporty. Next time kiddo, we're going to play ball!" Zeus said while Icarus messed up his hair. My son is smiling.

Seeing them like this makes my heart ache. And it made me feel guilty. I knew in my heart that my children loved to know their father. It shows in their eyes, every time they talk about it. Myla's sister doesn't even have a husband so they could call her daddy.

So, I just did what I thought was right. I spilled the beans.

I faced the two of them and bowed slightly to align our faces. I stared them in the eye. "You wanna know who's your father, right? Remember ate Myla saying daddy is in a faraway place? That he will be back?" they nodded in agreement. I heard Zeus sigh behind me. He never expected this, I know. Even though I am the same. But I just want to end this. For my children as well.

"It's…it's Uncle Zeus," I said while glancing at Zeus. At last, I said it. I finally had a thorn in my side.

When I looked at Athena and Icarus their eyes twinkled in so much happiness. They smiled in pure bliss. They looked at Zeus and then looked at me. Then their smiles fade. I thought for a moment what was happening but then, they cried.

Athena and Icarus are crying.

And it broke my heart even more. I cried too.

"Daddy !!" they said in unison and went to Zeus and hugged him. They were crying on Zeus' shoulders.

"Daddy, what took you so long? Why did you just go home now?" Athena said while sobbing.

"Daddy, daddy, are you gonna leave us again?" Icarus asked.

Their crying and asking questions on Zeus made me worry about them. Fortunately, I saw Mother Belen looking at us. He understands entering the house again and after a while he brings water for everyone. Mom was happy with what was happening to us, I know. Because even he was tearfully staring at us.

Zeus on the other hand was already crying. His face was red, and his shoulders were shaking. I could feel him holding back his sobs. He may be a man, but he is still vulnerable when it comes to his kids. His two hands caressed the backs of my children. He was whispering something here that I could not hear.

I'm sorry The only thing that is clear to me.

Maybe like me, he was also happy with what happened. Probably a factor as to why they're doing so poorly.

Maybe.

There are some points in our life that we thought we could never do the right thing. But the truth is, it is just waiting for the right time. And for me, this is the right time. Not for me. But for my kids.