The Boss in New York

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen:

We patiently waited for Arabella to come home from work. We are still sat down in the living room, in front of the fire, while my mom is making us dinner. I offered to help but she refused. I kept trying and trying but eventually gave up. She said she wanted to make something special. Something that will be memorable.

I still can't believe I've found out who I really am. Nearly my whole existence, I have been living in a lie. And they knew I hated liars. If they told me earlier, what would a 6 year old girl do? As if the 6 year old me can escape and seek for my real parents.

But that doesn't matter now. What's past is past and what matters now is that I finally get to spend my lost time with my actual mother. I was very much grateful that she did not betray me and yell at me to leave her house. She was as emotional as I.

I quickly turned towards the door. The doorknob was moving and I felt my stomach churn. Could this be Arabella? Will she be the complete opposite to how my biological mother had reacted? Did she like being the only child? Will she want me to stay away from this family? What if she won't like me?

Brendan gripped my hand and kissed the back of it. I looked at him. His blue eyes are mesmerizing.

"You'll be fine," He whispered soothingly and kissed my forehead. "Everything will be fine. She'll accept you."

"Was I really that obvious?" I frowned. I don't want to become an open book to everyone. Privacy is something I value.

"No, I just know you that well."

The door opened. It revealed a girl in a nude-color coat and black leather boots. She was covered in light flakes of snow around her shoulders where her golden hair sits at. She had the same eye color as me but with a different face complexion. She had my mother's face. I'm guessing I have my father's.

She saw us and I stood up. She spoke in an alienated language that I could not understand. Dutch.

"I'm sorry, do you speak English?" I asked lamely.

"I'm sorry," She spoke with a thick accented. "How may I help you?"

This is it. I have to make sure that she likes me. "Are you Arabella?" I asked her.

She nodded. "Yes I am, why?"

"Do you know anything about having another sister?" I questioned her.

She thought about it for a second. What if they never told her about me? I don't want her to get angry at mother because of me!

"Ah, yes, mama told me about her when I was younger," She finally answered.

I stayed silent. Thank you! She knows about me! "Do you know her name?"

"Kristine," She answered carefully. I stayed quiet. Then, her eyes went big. "You're her, aren't you?"

I nodded.

Tears formed in her eyes. She quickly went up to me and gave me a huge hug. That was definitely unexpected. "You have no idea how much mama was so upset when she lost you!"

I stayed silent, again, still locked in the embrace.

"I did not remember anything as I was only 1. You are my younger sister, you see. I am older than you by a 16 months. I'm so sorry!" She blabbed.

At least she liked having me. I liked this feeling of having a sibling. Someone who is related to me by blood.

I am grateful that she does not hate me, whatsoever. I like the fact that she actually missed me and treats me like a sister, or a friend, instead of her being completely the opposite towards me. If I had an evil sibling, I swear I would've punched him or her in the face to knock some senses into them. No offense.

I broke out into tears. "I'm just so glad I found both of you."

She nodded and pulled back from the embrace. "You look beautiful."

I chuckled, wiping away the tears on my face. "Thank you. You look beautiful yourself."

She looked at Brendan. "Boyfriend?"

He nodded. "Brendan," He extended his arm out for her to shake.

She gave him a hug instead. "You and Damian will enjoy each other's company. You see, Damian is my fiancée," She beamed.

I clapped my hands together. "Congratulations! When is the wedding?"

She frowned slightly. "We have not decided yet. But hopefully next year at the latest."

Just on time, mother came in the living room. "Ah, I see you have acquainted with Arabella, Kristine. Dinner is served. I hope you like my dish. It is a family tradition made just for you."

I blushed. "Thank you, mama." I smiled.

She beamed. "Let us eat before the food goes cold!"

~

After the delightful dinner, we sat in the living room once again. Arabella's fiancée came in while we were halfway through dinner. Damian and Brendan took off to grab our belongings from the nearest motel and took him around the place to go sightseeing. We declined his offer and we took this as an opportunity for both of them to bond while us girls bonded. Mama wouldn't let us not stay at her place and she wouldn't take no for an answer. I love her already.

"So, Kristina, do you plan on living here?" Mama asked.

I frowned. "I'm sorry mama but I don't know. Brendan and I do have work back in New York."

She gave me a frown. "That is such a shame."

I nodded. "And also, Brendan has a company to run. I work for him, you see. I can't leave him there."

"Wow, Brendan owns a company?" Arabella asked in awe.

I nodded. "Yeah, do you know JMI? Johnson's Marketing Industry?"

She shook her head. "No, but it sounds big!"

I chuckled. "Yeah, it's a huge company back home."

Mama touched my arm. "It's such a shame that you can't stay with us."

I smiled sadly at her. "Don't worry, I will visit you every time. You can also visit me too! I'll gladly pay for everything just so you can visit me. Or you can live with us?"

Arabella beamed. Mama did not. "Live with 'us'?" She questioned.

I scratched the back of my neck. "Yeah, Brendan and I. We kind of live together since I left California. He insisted."

Arabella looked at mama. "Mama, maybe we can move to America? Isn't this what you wanted? Start fresh and get away from the bad memories?"

Mama looked really thoughtful. Arabella had a point. They could start fresh and live away from the bad past of this house. Maybe Brendan can also offer them a job at the company? Who knows?

"What does Brendan say?" Mama asked. "We do not want to hassle you."

I dismissively waved a hand. "Nonsense. Brendan is no problem at all. I promise you he will let you live at our penthouse until get ourselves somewhere to live. I told you already, I will help you."

Mama was silent again. Arabella looks as if she's about to bounce off her seat.

"Maybe we should wait until Brendan comes," Mama suggested.

I nodded. "Of course. I will speak to Brendan and let him speak to you first thing tomorrow."

~

I sat down on the bed in the spare room and looked out the dark sky thought the window. I am nervous. I haven't seen Brendan since after the dinner. I still haven't asked him about my family staying at the house temporarily. What if he says no? Why do I have so many what it's in my head today?

The door opened and revealed both of the boys carrying our luggage in the room.

"Hey," I greeted them both.

"Hello," They greeted me back.

Brendan placed the luggage in the corner and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks for the help," Brendan told Damian.

"Thanks," I added.

"You are both welcome. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Brendan looked at me and smiled.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked him.

He sat down next me. "What's up?"

"Um," I fiddled with my thumb, "I was wondering if my family could live with us for a while in New York since I may or may not have forced them to live there?"

He chuckled. "Were you seriously scared that I was going to say no?"

"Yes?" I squeaked.

He laughed. "Of course they can stay."

"Thank you so much! Don't worry, it will only be temporary, I promise."

He sighed. "Even if they stay forever, I would not care as long as you are happy."

I beamed. What have I ever done to get this man perfect man?