Chapter 4

"Did I tell you to sit down?"

I looked at Zadkiro's eyes.

He was comfortably sitting in the bed with a glass of beer in his hand while watching me stand in front of him for too long.

I am doing nothing but standing rigidly in front of him for hours, my knees begin to tremble and I am sweating already. I could do this for one whole day but today, I couldn't because my wound hasn't healed yet.

When he left the room, I thought he would give me time to think and cool my head off but I was wrong when he returned holding an empty glass and a bottle of expensive brandy.

Zadkiro demanded me to stand here in my place and did not allow me to sit or rest. He told me that it was a punishment for shouting and disrespecting him earlier.

I know I shouldn't be doing this but I felt guilty about what I did. I should've not shouted at him even if he did it first because I only leveled my attitude to his.

"I'm tired, let me rest even for five minutes, please?" I begged.

I might collapse if I continue without a rest. I know this is easy for the others but my condition just can't.

"No, one more hour and thirty-seven minutes then you can go back to bed," he heartlessly replied.

I bowed my head and sat on the cold floor. I'm too tired, even if I want to do as he says, my body does not cooperate.

"My knees are too weak, can you spare me just this once? I'll not do it again." I looked up and caught his eyes.

Zadkiro placed the empty glass on the side table beside the bed and finally went up. He closed the distance between us and crouched in front to level himself to me.

"Do you know what am I, Sereia?" he gently asked.

Of course, I do.

"You're a human."

He chuckled. I creased my forehead in confusion. Was I supposed to keep quiet and listen to him?

"That's an obvious fact, love. What I mean is my work, my role in this world."

I don't know. He does look like a person with a wealthy life but I can't guess what his work was, but his role? Maybe I could answer that.

"I don't know what kind of job you do, but everyone has a role in the world Zadkiro."

He raised his left eyebrow to me.

"You think so? Even these bad ones?"

I smiled, a genuine one. Mother Superior taught this to me when I was young and I would be happy to share it with Zadkiro.

"Yes, even the bad ones. You know a person isn't born bad, they grow up as a bad person. Evil persons have reasons why they become the villain of the world. People hate them too much but they don't realize, they won't be called a good person without bad people."

He only stared at me like he was listening so I continued talking.

"Nobody is born perfect Zadkiro, we all commit mistakes, but sadly, there are people who repeatedly experience cruelty that's why they decided to become bad to protect themselves from the pain that other causes them. Going back to what we're talking about, bad people have a role. I couldn't tell what exactly it is but God would not allow anyone to hurt his child except for a reason that only he knows."

I didn't remove my gaze from him. I've never done this. At the orphanage, I always listened and never had the chance to share words like this, and honestly, it feels great. It feels different and brings satisfaction.

He sighed and looked away after a long silence. Maybe he got awkward.

"Stand up, rest and I'll get you some food," he eventually said and stood up.

I was delighted when he finally decided to end my punishment. I also got hungry all of a sudden when he mentioned food that's why I immediately pulled up.

I hissed and held my wound when I felt it sting because of my sudden action. Zadkiro pulled my elbow when he saw what I did.

"What the fuck? You can't just move like that, your stitches haven't gone better yet," he scolded me and checked on my body, seeing if I bleed or not.

"I-I'm fine," I lied. "Can I request food?" I asked trying to change the topic.

He tsked and let go of my arms.

"What is it?" he asked in an irritated tone.

"Can I have ice cream for dessert?"

He only nodded without saying a word and left. I heard the door click as well, a sign that he locked it making sure that I wouldn't get out.

I walked through the bed and sat there.

I looked outside this room and noticed that it was already dark. When Zadkiro returned with his drink, he pressed something on his watch then something on the windows opened up. That made me see the outside world. I was amazed because this room was technologically designed.

While waiting for my food, I couldn't stop thinking about the argument we just had.

Zadkiro mentioned my parents as he knows them very well like he knows me from my past until now. I don't want to expect but his words, and his emotions, they're all telling me that he could help me find my parents.

I wanted to ask him but I didn't have the chance when he punished me.

Zadkiro is truly a mystery. What does he know about me that he could talk that confidently?

Maybe I should adequately talk to him and have a calm conversation. He isn't rude anyway, he seems like a good person unless I'll shout or swear at him.

On the other hand, maybe I should say sorry about what I said to him. He does not deserve that, nobody does. I was too harsh and I didn't consider his feelings, maybe that's why he gave me a punishment.

I didn't wait that long and he came back with a tray of food in his hand. I secretly smiled as well when I saw three flavors of ice cream in different bowls. Food does change mood that easily.

He placed the tray of food on the bed near me. I was not familiar with the food he served me but the aroma was so delicious that it made me want to munch them at once.

"I prepared a lot, I know you'll need it to recover your strength," he said and sat in front of me at the edge of the bed.

I took the fork and spoon, I started eating and I was not wrong, the food was amazing. I don't want to compare but at the orphanage, kids cannot afford to eat such appetizing food.

I smiled when I remembered how I once dreamed of having a high-paying job to buy food for the children there. It is hard growing up without being able to taste these simple things in life.

I gazed at Zadkiro after filling my mouth. He was seriously looking at the floor with his forehead wrinkled. Why does this man always have that problematic expression?

I took the lemonade from the tray and drank to push the food into my mouth. I cleared my throat as well to get Zadkiro's attention.

I didn't fail when he looked at me.

"Uhm, about what happened last time..." I bit my lip and lowered my head, I am shy but I think this is the right thing to do. "I-I want to apologize for what I've said, I know I was too harsh and insensitive which surely insulted you."

I waited for his response but he remained quiet so I continued.

"I was just scared because of what your brother did to me. You know I've been at the orphanage since I was seven and I never experienced that dangerous situation, not until now. I also need to find someone and that's the reason why I escaped there," I honestly vocalized.

"You're looking for your parents who abandoned you," Zadkiro said, not a guess but sounded like he was telling it to me.

I was still surprised how he knew these things about me. As far as I know, the sisters at the orphanage don't disclose private pieces of information about the kids unless they're going to be adopted.

"They did not abandon me Zadkiro, I know they have reasons, and I am willing to sacrifice everything just to see them again."

I saw him shake his head in disappointment.

"You're stupid, do you know that?"

"If I am to be called stupid just because I want to stand on my love for my parents, then I would certainly take it."

He tsked and stood up, I panicked that he might leave me again without letting me finish what I wanted to say that's why I rushed towards him. I held his hand to stop him from going anywhere.

"Zadkiro, please listen to me. You can shout at me, scold me, call me anything you want but please, let me finish," I begged.

He is the only hope that I see now. I don't know if I have relatives and I have no friends outside the orphanage, I have no one to help me except Zadkiro.

"Stop expecting nothing Sereia, just learn how to move on and leave your past behind," he harshly said.

No. I won't do that.

"You know something about my parents, don't you?" I bravely asked.

He wouldn't say those if he didn't know anything concerning my mom and dad, and I've told him a lot of things about me but I never saw him getting surprised about it.

"I don't, I only know a few things about you 'cause I investigated you before bringing you here," he responded.

That answers my question, it is exactly the reason why he knows a lot of things involving me.

I held his hand tighter and I saw that he looked down to see what I was doing. I had no plan on holding his hand this long but I like the feeling.

"Can you tell me why you abducted me? And please, give me an honest answer," I said in a low voice.

I didn't want to look at his eyes because he might see that I was hoping he did it to save me from the sorrow, just like what he said when were arguing.

I realized just now that it feels great when a person wants to protect you from the pain. You felt loved and it's something I'd wish to feel from my parents.

Zadkiro slowly removed my hands from him, I thought I pissed him but I was surprised when he unexpectedly pulled my body for a hug. Once again, that unfamiliar feeling invaded my soul.

"I told you already, I am protecting you. This is not the right time to tell you everything but I promise I don't have any bad intentions towards you. You can trust me Sereia," he answered in a calm voice.

I closed my eyes and felt his hug. It's been twelve years but I can still remember how my mother used to hug me like this whenever I was feeling heavy.

I don't want to take it any longer, I want to be with them already. I want to feel my parents' warm love.

I gently pulled away from Zadkiro's hug and stared directly into his eyes. He seemed confused but I pulled myself together to look at him this close.

I already started taking risks and there was no way I could take back my decisions, maybe this was my fate and I was destined to make a lot of sacrifices before I could reach my rainbow.

I know it's too early to trust, but for my mom and dad, there's no such word as early or late for me.

"Let's have a deal Zadkiro. I will live here and do everything as you say but help me find my parents."

That silenced him. It was an unimaginable move for me, and I am also surprised that I could do this thing.

"You don't know what you're saying, and even without that deal, you're staying here whether you like it or not."

Even without the deal? He's turning off my offer. Didn't his investigation tell him that I am a hard-headed person?

"No Zadkiro, you will accept my offer whether you like it or not," I imitated him.

I saw how he simply shook his head and smirked. I know I was being too fierce but I should do this or else he would think I was just going to be his puppy who would wave its tail for him.

"I like that side of yours Sereia."

He's teasing me.

"Don't try to change the topic Zadkiro, and I'll take that as a yes so you would help me find my parents, no more reasons, period."