Return to the Atmosphere

C helplessly hung his head, as he knew that he did not do the right thing bringing Melania here. But, he was not sorry. He needed to bring Melania to prove that Sophie was right in whatever she did. Nobody would have believed her otherwise.

Back to the present, Sophie's penetrating gaze somewhat unsettled him. He knew that something wasn't right. But he couldn't ask. He kept quiet throughout the entire session of the interrogation. With Melania present, no one could make things difficult for Sophie.

Once things were done, Melania tugged Sophie's sleeves to gain her attention. Sophie turned her head to look at her mother.

"What?"

"We need to speak, but in private."

"Okay." She then turned to C and ordered, "Take her to the Atmosphere. Both of you go there first. I need to talk to the Grandpas about something important. I'll be there after that."

C nodded his head in understanding. He pulled Melania, and then took one of Sophie's favourite possession, the yellow Porsche and headed towards the Atmosphere.

"Such a tacky colour.", Melania commented.

"Auntie, never say this in front of your daughter. This is one of her favourite cars. She never lets anyone drive this baby of hers."

"Why did she give you today, then?"

"Because I'll be driving you. And this car has lots of safety mechanisms attached to it. She modified it herself."

"Oh, so this is the matter. Okay then, drive fast."

"No way. She'll kill me if I did."

"How will she know?"

"She can monitor if she wants to."

"How?"

"I'm not too sure myself. But she can."

"Anyway, what's 'the Atmosphere'?"

"You'll know once we reach there." C said this mysteriously.

Melania glanced at the phone Sophie bought her this morning. It had a picture of them as its wallpaper. She was happy to meet her daughter again.

---------------

At the Atmosphere:

Everyone was gathered in the mansion again. They were busy in decorating their mansion. They came from the private island, the day Sophie decided to come to this city again. They could not leave their friend alone in danger.

In the morning, C called to inform them that Melania was found and Sophie had ordered him to bring her to the mansion. Hence, the decoration. They were happy for their friend. Her mother was her only support. They were happy that Sophie could get her mom's support in these times. Also, since, Robert was going to marry someone. Sophie must be very sad. Moreover, all these things happened.

They shook their heads on this thought and continued decorating the whole mansion. They were both sad and happy for Sophie. They were chatting and laughing among themselves seeing the antics of their friends, when they heard a car pulling on their drive.

They reached to the doorway to welcome the person. They saw a lovely lady, dressed in hospital gown with her long braided hair falling on her back. She had a pair of beautiful phoenix eyes which were an exact copy of that of Sophie. She had a bright smile on her face which was so unlike Sophie. Sophie always has a stoic or grim expression on her face. Natalie, Giselle hurriedly came forward and hugged Melania.

"Auuuuunnnnnnntieeeeeeeeeee." They shrieked together in their shrill voices. Few birds perched on the branches of the mango tree in their courtyard flew away, certainly afraid of the sudden noise. They hugged Melania for a long time before releasing her. "We missed you sooooo much." They acted cute in front of her.

"I missed you all too, my babies. And, you boys, are you going to continue standing there? Now that I have grown old, you all are not going to care for me?"

Others rolled their eyes at her exaggerated description. Nonetheless, each of them went forward and hugged her.

When it was Ruby's turn, Melania suddenly asked, "Who are you, beautiful young lady? You look even gorgeous than me."

"OOOOOOOOO", they whistled from the side.

"Um..." Ruby was going to answer but C beat her to it and answered, "Auntie, meet Ruby, my girlfriend and soon-to-be wife."

Ruby blushed at his words. Melania was overjoyed and clasped Ruby's hands and brought her indoors. She practically forgot the others. Everyone rolled their eyes at that, but said nothing.