" Trust in small thing "
696 Words
Tia stood by the front door, clutching her small bag, while Kia placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
"Trust him," Kia said softly, locking eyes with her twin. "I know people can't always be trusted, but... just this once, I want you to try. I don't want you going alone. But the fact is, l can't be everywhere you are, and you can't be everywhere 1 am."
Tia nodded silently, still fidgeting slightly with her bag strap.
"And... don't let the past knock you down," Kia continued. "If he tries anything funny, just tell Siri to give me a call. Your location is being tracked, don't think I'm being paranoid - just trust me. Half your mind, at least, trust him."
Tia swallowed. "Half my mind?" she asked quietly, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Half is enough," Kia reassured her. "I'II follow you to his place and come back home. Don't just stay in one place. Breathe. Step out of this
house. Feel the air outside. The world isn't as scary as your thoughts make it."
Tia's lips pressed together as Kia continued, her tone warm but firm.
"Have fun. Seriously. He's a celebrity — he can't just move mad. His life is always under a spotlight. Just a post ahead he will be done if he act smart."
Tia took a deep breath and finally nodded, feeling some of the tension drain.
A few minutes later, the sleek black car pulled up. The driver stepped out, opening the door for them. Tia hesitated only briefly before stepping in. Kia followed, giving her sister's hand a reassuring squeeze before sliding in beside her.
The drive was quiet, the city passing by in blurred lights. Kia kept glancing at Tia, offering little smiles and silent encouragements.
When they arrived at Ismail's mansion, Tia's stomach fluttered. The car slowed, and Ismail, noticing the sound of the engine, walked outside to greet them.
"Good afternoon, Kia," he said smoothly, smiling warmly.
"Afternoon," Kia responded politely, nodding slightly.
Then her eyes flicked to Tia, and she gently squeezed her sister's hand before letting go.
Tia felt her face flush as Ismail's hand brushed hers when he took it lightly to help her out of the car.
Inside, Ismail guided them through the grand hallways, offering drinks and conversation. Tia tried her best to relax, occasionally glancing at Kia who smiled encouragingly from the sofa. Hours passed like that, filled with polite chatter and small bursts of laughter.
Eventually, Kia stood, stretching lightly. "I'm heading home," she said. "Tia, remember... feel confident. Be yourself."
Tia followed her sister to the door where the driver waited. Kia leaned close, whispering one last reminder. "You've got this. Just be free."
As the car drove away, Tia took a slow breath, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement.
For the first time in months, sitting in Ismail's mansion, Tia and Ismail were finally face-to-face just them alone.
Ismail felt lighter than he had in years - happier that he hadn't let his mother's warnings control him.
And Tia... she tried, with all her heart, to let go, be herself, and enjoy the moment she had waited for so long but scared for.
The night of the visit was calm, quiet, and soft.
Tia and Ismail were curled up on the couch, watching a movie. The room smelled faintly of warm coffee and the subtle fragrance of Ismail's home.
Tia yawned, a small, delicate sound. Ismail looked at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Feeling sleepy?" he asked gently.
"Yeah... I'm feeling sleepy," she admitted, rubbing her eyes lightly.
He hesitated for a second, then asked softly,
"Should I carry you?"
Tia smiled, a little teasing, a little shy. "I can walk," she said, her lips curling up.
Ismail chuckled, shaking his head. "Princess treatment, huh?" he teased.
They both laughed, the sound filling the quiet room, easing tension.
Tia stood, a little unsteady, and Ismail offered his arm, guiding her to his bedroom. "Sleep here tonight," he said softly. "I'll take the guest room."
Tia nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest.
Ismail smiled gently and left, closing the door sottly behind him.
- Writer
