His Hidden Wife (A Justin Bieber Story)

Chapter Twenty Four

24– You Don't Even Have To Ask

'In this life, we are going to be disappointed. We will hurt. But there is great joy in the shadows if you know where to look.'
– Angie Smith

~*~

After Elise played a lot of songs, we then decided to go to mine and Andrea's house (it was still ours per se), which made Elise glee out of excitement. I smiled at her winning face. She seemed too happy that I'd do anything in a heartbeat for that to stay. I also, had the piano delivered back at the orphanage for Elise. What she didn't know was that there was a party waiting for her back at the institution — it was a combination of mine, the sisters's and Andrea's efforts.

It was almost as perfect as my day could be but Andi spacing out a few times — as if Elise and I weren't here — the uneasiness volumed up.

I wanted so badly to ask her — to know what was keeping her disoriented — but I didn't want Elise to fret when it's her birthday and that, I know I have no in position to make such request.

As the car skidded to a stop I turned around to Elise's seat and said, "We're here." And as expected she clapped her hands, excitement evident on her face. A small smile escaped my lips.

"Are you ready to play with Nana and be inside the palace Princess?" I teased.

"I am!" She shrieked.

"Good. Because the King — yours truly — is ready to escort you." She giggled adorably that I pinched her cheeks.

As I was about to unbuckle my seatbelt, I accidentally met Andi's irises cemented between Elise and I. There was a smile plastered on her lips. I would've smiled back but hers never reached her eyes.

"Mommy Andi? Daddy Bunny?" Elise called. Andi whipped her head behind where Elise was sitting; she looked caught off guard.

"Let's go." She offered a smile — more so, she tried to.

"Yay!"

I pursed my lips and restrained a sigh.

Maybe it was my fault. Maybe I've pushed her too hard today.

—

Nana couldn't help not to gawk as soon as she welcomed us inside the living room area. I already told her who would be our guests. I guess, she really wasn't expecting that what I was saying was indeed the truth. Her greeting was put in a halt as her eyes scanned between me — who had Elise's wrapped around my arms — and Andrea — who was standing beside me.

"Hi Nana. I've missed you." Andrea whispered, breaking the silence that hung into the air. It was as if it was a trigger — Nana quickly crossed the distance and hugged her tight.

"You didn't even say your bids of farewell! I'm so disappointed Andrea Marie." Nana cried. In response, Andrea only laughed. There was a relaxing and cozy ring attached to it, far from what she was awhile ago.

Ah, maybe there really is that feeling when you're with people whom you see as family. And I didn't have anything against why her behavior is different towards me. Because I knew what grave matters I have done from the past.

"It's only been three weeks Nana."

"Three weeks. Three weeks!" Nana repeated, her tone couldn't hide the absurdity behind the weeks Andrea didn't return back.

"I brought Elise with me." Andrea said out of compensation. It worked as a charm. Nana immediately pulled away from the hug and looked over to where I was.