5 4. I will pack for her.

As Tiana stood there staring at her friend, she was in a state of confusion, rendering her speechless by the unexpected question. Cynthia moved towards Tia and said to her "I'll help you with the packing." But Tiana stood as if she was rooted to the ground. Without word from Tia, Cynthia could only sigh, she looked at Richard for help. 

To her astonishment, she discovered Richard, standing sideways at the doorway looking outside. The sight left her suspicious. Had he seen someone? Although she knew Richard to be sensitive towards intruders, today he was very different, his sensitivity and guard was on high alert. 

Richard turned when he felt his sister's gaze on him. Behind his sister his gaze fell on Tia. Cynthia could feel the gaze conveying love and care. She knew her brother's feelings towards Tia. It was not new for her, she had felt his feeling for Tia as young as 10 years.

Cynthia turned towards Tia, who's eyes mirrored surprise, confusion, and shock. Cynthia could only feel sorry for her brother. Her understanding of both their emotions softened her expression, and Cynthia was the first one to speak "Tia lets pack!"

 But Tia would not move. "You came here looking for me to get me out of my home?" Tiana inquired. This was a place Tia had treasured from the day she came to stay here. This was a place that had seen her grow, a place that had seen her cry, a place that had seen her happiness, a place she called and thought was home after being sent away as a pariah. She thought she was settled in this place for good, but now… her only friends wanted her to move out of this place she called home.

"No. But now I think you have to move out" Richard replied. He did not want to tell her that he felt someone watching them. He did not want to see Tia panicking or worrying. 

Tiana widened her eyes on hearing what Richard said, and the thought of what happened in her past prompted her to ask, "Why, why do you want me to move out of this place, you know how people would feel if they see me?

"I know Tia, but I think the time has come for you to face everything that used to hurt you and bully you. Don't worry I, Cindy and our family will always be there for you and protect you. You want me to help you pack?" he asked with a smile. 

At Richard's question Tia was dumbstruck. Of all these years it was today she heard Richard say this, back when she was driven away with her Abigail, Richard had not said a word and every time when he had visited her with his sister he had not spoken a word about this, he would only speak when he was spoken to. 

It was Cynthia who finally broke the silence, she spoke as she walked to Tia's side "Tiana, I don't want to discuss about anything now, so please come with us, I will let you know all you want to know once we feel you are safe."

"Tiana if you trust us I beg of you to come with us now" Richard's words made Tiana cringe. She finally broke her silence "Ok, I will come with you, but I do need to know what happened? "

Cynthia and Richard looked at each other. If you promise not to worry or get anxious Cindy will tell" "No" before Richard could finish the sentence Cynthia objected loudly. "No, I will not tell her you please tell her brother, please, I am going to pack for her" she pointed at Tiana and left to the small room where Tiana kept her dresses.