The Plan 2

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CHAPTER 30

"No, Aquata, you are getting this wrong," Arya corrected her quickly. "She meant to say, that you are an only child, why did they build something really big?"

"Oh."

"That is true. I am curious as well," Era chipped in. "For an only child, why build something big?"

"You know, my parents weren't planning on having an only child. They wanted to even make it a five-bedroom flat with two bathrooms and toilet but before father could finish building the extra room and bathroom and toilet at the back to connect the house, mother had an accident and from it, she was told her womb was affected and she may not be able to birth a child again."

Everyone suddenly became silent. Never did they expect her to have such a tale.

"They had wanted to have four children and so while my parents still had money, they decided to build their dream home before all their children arrived. Apparently, mother took in later when I was eight years old and they were glad, thinking she was okay. Disregarding the doctor's warning, mother had a miscarriage, further proving the doctor right. From that problem, several health issues arose and she became very sick."

"That was how your family went down, right?" It was Azzura who spoke next. She had known Aquata's family when she was young and knew they were well to do but all of a sudden things started going downhill fast and they weren't as rich again but they still retained their house.

"True." She closed her eyes, trying not to cry about the situation.

"I grew up always watching my mother in pain. Father did all he could, selling most of our properties to treat my mother and ensure she was okay. Apparently, things became so bad as we had lost all of our properties save for that house."

"Your father did love your mother," Aeverie commented out loud.

"He did and even when mother told my father to leave her to die, he refused and did all he could. One day, on his way back from travelling to where he sold materials, he got caught in the war and died. I was only thirteen when it happened."

"Oh my God!" Alyx exclaimed with tears in her eyes.

"It is okay," Aquata said with a genuine smile. "I had to go into the palace at fourteen to work and take care of my mother. We were told by neighbours and friends to sell the house and use to survive but mother refused. It was her dream home with her husband. She swore not to sell it as it held memories she cherished."

"That is touching," Arya thought out loud.

"It is. I managed to get her medicines with what little I could get but three years later, she could not bear it again. She felt she was a burden to me and finally, she passed on. There were struggles for that house but not until late last year before I got it back."

"So you are eighteen years of age?" Era asked.

Aquata nodded in affirmation. "Yes, your majesty. Well, going to nineteen next month."

"Oh… I am sorry for the kind of struggles your family faced and for the death of your father."

"Oh no, your majesty is not to blame. You shouldn't be sorry."

"As long as I am married to that man, I am as well, responsible for all his wrongdoings. I need to shoulder the responsibility for all those he wronged."

"Your grace's sympathy is enough. I need not another. Thank you. And I mean it when I said I would give you the house to take care of these children. I know my parents would be happy. It was their dream to have children running around the house."

"I do not know what to say, honestly, Aquata. I cannot ask this of you. That meant so much to your family."

"And now it is mine, your grace, allow me to be of help. I know they would want it too. Please, let me help those who do not have. I was fortunate enough to allow me to do this."

"As you wish. Thank you so much. I would not take this from you. This is for the time being while I sort something out."

"No, your grace. I want them to live there. At least till they grow up and want to do something else or want to leave on their own accord."

"On second thought, why not make there a homeless children foundation. Let's do that in honour of your parents. I would build and expand the house and you would be in charge. Is that okay by you?"

Aquata was overly joyed. This was an opportunity for her to do something great and useful. "Your majesty, you just made me the happiest girl in this kingdom today. Mother and father would love that. Thank you."

'Great then. First I would need you to come with me and a few guards I can trust, perhaps three and two wagons to be able to move the children back to your side. They are far away in the forest."

"Oh my! I would come along, your majesty. You would need all the hands you can get," Aeverie suggested.

"Thanks. We must make haste. I do not want them to be in the wild too long and be scared. Azzura and Alyx stand watch here, while Arya, keep an eye on Diona but be discrete about it."

"Yes, your grace," they chorused.

"Shall we?"