The next day, Sarah arrived at Sophia's apartment along with Alice in the morning. Opening the door, Sophia invited them in as everyone settled themselves down in the living room.
"Sophia and Aria, she is my daughter Alice and Alice this is Sophia and her daughter Aria." Sarah introduced them to each other.
"Hello sister Alice. It is really nice to finally meet you." Aria politely greeted. Looking at such an adorable and pretty face, Alice felt it really difficult to keep her hands to herself. She usually doesn't bother much with others, that can be seen by her introverted posture but she also had a weakness that she had no control over. She was a completely gone case when it came to cute things or people and Aria was definitely the most cutest person she had ever seen, leading to an instant liking to her. Initially she came just to lessen down her mother's worries but after seeing Aria, she was willing to come over everyday just to admire Aria.
Standing up, Alice stepped towards Aria and immediately took Aria in a bear hug completely catching Aria offgaurd. Though Aria initially was a little skepticized about Alice before but after seeing her, all her doubts vanished entirely but she never expected such an anction from her. Given her introverted aura, Aria thought it will take alot of efforts to bring Alice out of her shell and now it seemed that wasn't needed anymore.
"OMG! you are so adorable Aria." Alice said; lightly pinching her cheeks as she gave a quick peck on her cheeks leaving Sophia dumbfounded and Sarah a little embarassed at her daughter's lovestruck expression towards Aria. Thankfully Sophia and Aria didn't mind the enthusiasm.
"You are also very beautiful sister Alice." Aria also praised. It wasn't an empty praise though as Alice actually was a very beautiful girl; her big brown eyes, long lashes, a small nose and her delicate features really made her stand out in the crowd. Alice entire face turn red upon hearing her commend from Aria making everyone chuckle in amusement.
"Ok girls, we will drop you both at the hospital to accompany Henry and later pick up both up in the evening. Your auntie Jenny will also be there so if you both need anything, you can ask her." Sophia informed them as they all left the apartment.
Reaching the hospital, they made their way to the ward. The entire way, Alice felt completely out of the place but still decided to be brave and confront all that came in her way.
Entering the ward, Aria straight away rushed to Henry, elated to see her brother again.
"Brother look I am here and I even brought a new friend." Aria enthusiastically shared the happy news with Henry while Jenny, Sophia and Sarah excused themselves out of the ward.
All this time، Alice stood frozen at the door. The second she entered, her gaze locked on the boy sitting on the bed with a book in his hand and her breath hitched. She had never seen such a handsome guy in her whole life. His black hairs complimenting his dark black eyes as if they can absorb anything included her. Her heart skipped a beat and her mind got all hazy as she tried to identify the weird feeling she just felt.
Clutching her chest right above her heart, Alice took deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. Her emotions completely out of the place as a natural pink bush appeared on her face making her look more enchanting then ever. She had no control over her entire being. Her eyes held a unique shine as she felt free. Just a glance of him and it was if she found her destination, her peace, her destiny in him.
And then it happened. He looked up. His eyes found hers and everything stopped for them; the time paused as they got completely lost into each other.
Henry's condition was no better. He had noticed her the moment she entered. Her vanilla scent reached his nose even from the distance away but didn't look up; not because he didn't want to but because he didn't have the guts to do so. It was as if he didn't want to see him as a vulnerable patient. He wanted her to see him as a strong individual whom she can look up to and not someone who even needed assistance in doing a simple task at the moment. It was as if an invisible force and determination had been born inside him.
Thankfully Aria brought him out of his thoughts but in the end even she pushed him to face her; the girl he had been glancing at from the side eye.
He looked up, his eyes locking with her and everything shattered; all the fears disappeared with only her left his world.His heart beat rapidly as if it was running a marathon but still lost itself in those brown eyes. It was as if an invisible string had connected them together and a tear dropped down their cheeks, their heart synced together as they felt a peace they never knew existed. As if unknown and invisible force connection their fates for life.
They wanted to talk, to pour their hearts out Infront of each other; all the grievances and memories to each other but didn't have the words. Their eyes speaking to each other but their mouth shut, not knowing where to start. There gaze locked with each other as if they are the only existence in the other's world.
Though they weren't entirely alone. Aria noticed and felt the invisible connection between the two as well; how there eyes locked, how they got lost into each other forgetting everything around them. There was no bound of her happiness at that moment.
She was really delighted and happy for them. In her previous life, Henry was 39 when she died but was still single. His inferiority complex due to his handicapped leg restrained him and his emotions. He couldn't bring himself to love someone, feeling that he might destroy someone's life just for companion for himself. No matter how much they tried to make him understand but he wouldn't listen. He always felt that he didn't deserve love and even if someone was will to accompany himself, that would be because of his wealth and status ultimately leading to him distancing himself from other girls.
She had seen her brother yearn for a partner but also never allowing anyone to approach him, leading a very conflicting life. She had always hoped and prayed for Henry to find his soulmate and it seemed that the wish had come true.
Though happy for them, she didn't appreciate being ignored like this and furthermore the ladies could return anytime now and this wasn't the correct time for them to find out about this new bond. Afterall, they definitely would not appreciate it when they are just a few months away from the national entrance examination.
"Ok, stop this staring competition of yours. Mom and aunties will be anytime and here you both are lost in your own world." Aria said, deliberately clearing her throat loudly, bringing them back to the reality .
Both chuckled awkwardly, their faces flushed as they try to get out of the ambiguous situation.
"Aria, that we...."
"Starlight no it...."
Both wanted to explain but didn't have the words to do so. Aria giggled at their flustered faces.
"Anyways, let me give a brief introduction here. Brother this sister Alice, daughter of auntie Sarah and sister Alice, he is my brother Henry." Aria said; her eyes holding a different sense of satisfaction upon seeing them. The ladies also returned by that time.
"We will be leaving now princess. Be a good girl and don't trouble others." Sophia said; adapting a fake stern face but failing miserably in it.
"I know mom. I will be good girl and trouble anyone." Aria huffed exaggeratedly. Her mother had repeated the same instructions 5 times till now.
Everyone just chuckled at her expressions as Sophia affectionately pecked her forehead only to get a soft kiss on her cheeks.
"All the best mom. You have been the strongest person I know. Don't frightened away from the fight. All the best mommy." Aria cheerfully wished her mother.
She knew how difficult it was for Sophia to step out her cover but it was also necessary. Though this meeting was not much for others but for Sophia, it was the first step towards independence and success. It was as if she was standing Infront of a door that leads to success and her freedom; she just had to build up the courage to push it open.
Alice was no different from Aria. She wanted the same for Sarah. Aria bring young might not have seen or felt it but she had seen her mother break step by step slowly till there was nothing left expect for numbness. It was only when her father tried to harm her that Sarah retaliated and decided to go for a divorce.
This was no doubt a new beginning for everyone.