UNMASKED

Chapter 3 Reunion

Thankfully, äke did not say anything more about it.

After a few minutes, ana came back to the dining room.

"Children, have you brushed your teeth? The car is being warmed up at this moment, we should get going now," she addressed Raya and Adi.

"Sorry ana. We'll be fast," Raya said, rising up from her seat. Adi stood up with her and they both went out of the room. With the two gone, ana sat down and turned to Ms. McCrae.

"By the way dear, I heard that you will be staying with our family since this is your first time in Kazakhstan. I hope you make yourself at home here. You can approach Leila or Otto whenever you need anything."

Ms. McCrae managed a polite smile, not a clenched one like she gave me.

"Thank you Ma'am. I hope I am not imposing too much on your family."

"Of course not! You are an important person that Arystan needs by his side and we are glad you came. Be comfortable as soon as you can and focus on assisting our Arystan well."

Ana gave her a reassuring smile.

"I hope we can tour you around Nursultan if we get the chance. There is so much to see. Who knows. You might want to stay in Kazakhstan for good," äke said to her, joining their conversation.

Ms. McCrae smiled.

"Yes Sir. Who knows."

They are adopting her way too fast. Senti said that she will be leaving and nobody really knows when. They should not be too invested.

"We are ready ana," we heard Rayana call out from the door.

Ana rose up from her seat and äke and I followed suit.

"We should get going now dear. Adilet has a tutorial class in the afternoon," ana said to Ms. McCrae.

She stood up and gave ana a small bow.

"Take care Ma'am, Sir."

"We will see you again in the New Year dear," äke smiled at her.

"You can go back to your room and rest for a bit," I also told her.

She nodded at äke then to me and we all took our leave from the room.

Out in the courtyard, I exchanged goodbye kisses with my parents and Raya. Adi is too cool for kisses now.

"We'll see you again in the New Year son. It's best if you take a break early and come to Nursultan on the 30th," äke said to me as he got inside the driver seat.

"I hope so äke. Be careful on the road. Drive slowly. "

"Alright son," he nodded and closed the door.

Ana, Raya, and Adi waved at me as the car circled the fountain. I stared after them until the big gate closed automatically, concealing the car from view. Now shivering, I turned towards the house and sprinted into the foyer. I was about to go up to my room when my eyes caught Ms. McCrae sitting in the living room. She's typing on her laptop. I went inside.

"Is your room alright Ms. McCrae?" I interrupted her.

She looked up then put the laptop away from her lap to the side.

"Yes Sir. It's more than alright," she answered me.

"That's good to know," I nodded at her.

"By the way, Senti will arrive this afternoon. I believe this is the first meeting between you two after a long while. You and I will have a short discussion with him about the things we need to work on first. He also told me that he will be coaching you in person about certain important tasks that I need you to do."