83. Return (5)

83. Return (5)

"We're home!" Maya shouted in front of the orphanage

"Welcome home," a reply quickly came from inside. Not long after, a middle-aged woman came out from the back "sorry Maya, it must be heavy… oh!" The middle-aged woman realized there was another person besides Maya

"Mr.Lex! welcome~" she greeted

"I'm sorry for bothering you again, Director," Lex replied politely

"Ma~! What are you talking about, Mr. Lex? It'll never be a bother to us. You're always welcome here" From behind Lex. Maya too agreed with the Director's words,

"Don't just stand there. Come in, come in! I'll prepare a tea" the Director then took the shopping bag from Lex and went inside.

"No, you don't have-"

"It's okay. Just wait in the living room with Maya."

Lex then obediently followed what she said.

It wasn't Lex's first time. He knew the way around here without a guide. He quickly reached the living room with Maya alongside him. It's called a living room, but it was just a big room with many a huge table and many chairs beside it. It was a living room cum dining room cum. It's the only big place they had, the only place where many children could gather at once. Other than the living room, they only had a simple kitchen, restroom, and bedroom, so many officials and unofficial business talk was done in the living room.

Before long, The Director, who had just placed the shopping bag in the kitchen, came into the living room. "Welcome, Mr. Lex. Glad to see you again." The Director greeted once again once she sat down in front of Lex while Maya sat beside her.

"Yea," Lex replied, "I'm glad to see you all again too."

After that, Lex and the Director talked about many trivia things around the Orphanage, like are they having a comfortable life now? Are there any difficulties, do they need help, something like that. While Maya didn't say anything still, she looked contend just by watching the conversation of Lex and the Director and after a while

*fwiiiiii~~

A kettle boiling sound rang across the living room

The Director turned to Maya when she heard the sound. "Maya, can you make us some tea?" she asked

"Okay," Maya agreed, then she immediately left her seat and went to the kitchen. Once Maya left, the Director turned to Lex again. "Mr.Lex, you can talk your purpose now," she said.

"Thanks," Lex immediately said, his gratitude for the Director's understanding. Lex had come many times, and there was only one purpose behind it. Everything was for Maya Azela alone. The Director fully understands it.

Usually, the death of the numbers. Crimson Eagle won't share any information or news to the Death members related Orphanage. They usually just cut down the related funding toward the related Orphanage. Basically, when the related Orphanage's budget was reduced, they could only guess someone who became a member from their Orphanage died or was missing. Whatever the case, they were no longer in the Crimson Eagle.

But, regarding the Max Azela and Azela Orphanage case. Lex directly asked for permission from Vera to inform them himself. And at the same time, he requested Vera to borrow the Crimson Eagle's name to send funding from Lex's own pocket. As there wasn't any disadvantage for the Crimson Eagle. Vera didn't have any reason to refuse Lex. instead, she could make him owe Crimson Eagle for it, quickly approving the proposal.

So it was only the first time visit where Lex's purpose was the Orphanage itself while the others were for Maya and The Director perfectly knew about it.

('How many years had I worked as the Director here') The Director thought

('There's no way I believed something like. "Max had done many big things for Crimson Eagle, so they decided not to cut down the budget. Before Crimson Eagle paid back his accomplishment," it's an impossible case in Crimson Eagle I knew. We have received funding from them, and the children won't have to worry about their future. Pay us back? It was us who needed to pay them back! I might believe it if it only for one or two months, but it's already more than two years since then!')

('Most likely all of it came from Lex's own share and it's only for Maya while we only lucky enough to get splashed by that fortune') The Director deduced. ('while the other children won't know, as the Director and the one who accepted them, of course, I knew about the real relationship between Max and Maya. Every time he visited. He spent all his time accompanying Maya. He played with the other children only when there's Maya among it')

She sighed inwardly at the same time whenever she thought about Lex's own future.

('It's already hard for him in Crimson Eagle while supporting his home. He even supported us too, which was only because of a friend. Still, it was not like I could refuse his help too as the Orphanage was helped a lot by that funding') The Director didn't know about the system inside the Crimson Eagle. That's why with what she knew, she thought Lex came from another orphanage too.

This time too, she knew Lex had some purpose related to Maya, but he didn't quickly talk about it. Finally, she realized it was better for Maya not to hear, so she indirectly sent her away.

"Director," Lex called, "Maya graduated this year. Will she be able to continue her study?" Lex asked

"This…" The Director didn't know how to answer Lex. The Orphanage became better with the plus support from Lex, but it didn't mean they had that much leeway either. With Crimson Eagle's help, the Orphanage had the most essential things. While Lex added support, the Orphanage didn't have to be afraid of starving or sickness anymore. If the Orphanage forces it, It's not like the Orphanage can't support Maya's studies. Still, for The Director… the Orphanage had its priority.

Looking at the Director's complicated face, Lex immediately made a follow-up "it's okay, Director, I knew you had your own difficulties. You didn't need to force it."

"I'm sorry…." The Director dejected ('before I able to worry about his future. I need to make sure the orphanage future first, I'm not worthy of thinking about his future) she thought

"No, it's okay, you don't need to feel sorry about it, director," Lex replied (I made the wrong move). Lex thought (she must have felt ashamed, unable to answer my request positively. Well, I was the one who showed her many signs of how I cared about Maya too. At that time, I didn't know anything about the Orphanage back then. That's the only way to make sure Maya didn't get bullied or something similar in the Orphanage. But it was unnecessary care. I shouldn't watch too much drama in my past life! Who said children got bullied inside the Orphanage! That's not the case at all!!)

(Anyway, I expected her answer, let's get back to the main point) "Director. I want to take Maya with me," Lex said

"Huh? Take her to that place?" The Director was confused. It wasn't something she expected at all ('did I hear it wrong? do you want to take her to Crimson Eagle? It was her brother Max who made sure she didn't need to go there!')

"No!" Lex quickly replied before she could misunderstand his intention. "I can't explain much, but I was different from the usual member of Crimson Eagle. I left Crimson Eagle not long ago. I want to take Maya with me."

"???" The Director becomes even more confused ('there's something like that??')

"It was his last wish for her to continue her studies. I wanted to fulfill it!" Lex said then when he looked at the Director, who still has difficulty processing the things, he said,

"Ah! And of course, you don't need to be afraid. The fund from Crimson Eagle won't be cut down too."

"That's not it!!" the Director exclaimed "do I look like that kind of woman to you!? I don't care about the money!"

"!! It was disrespect from me. I'm very sorry" Lex then sincerely bowed his head on the table. He apologized to her.

"I'm never heard about what you said before, so it's hard for me to process it, but let's set aside about it now and talk about the most important thing first. You want to take Maya away with you?" she said

Lex quickly nodded his head to confirm it.

"If I'm not wrong, you're the same age as Max, right?"

Lex gave another nod.

"That means you're only two years older than her."

"Yes, I fully understand what you wanted to express, but Director doesn't have to worry since Max's death and the letter he left for me. I, too, saved quite a cash" then Lex showed the cash he had with his bracelet. It was quite a considerable amount enough for two to three people to live their whole lives without difficulties.

Lex only showed her what he needed to offer. The amount his parents left for him was much more than that and still added to his work in Crimson Eagle. He had much more than that "I at least able to take care of her until she becomes adult. I will personally tell Maya about Max's death and then ask her own opinion if she wants to go with me or not. So please!!" Lex once again bowed his head

That's right. Lex and Director hadn't told Maya about Max's situation. At that time, they were afraid Maya was too young, so they didn't tell her about it.

('I knew him for more than two years personality-wise he's a good person and cared for Maya very much. Material-wise, he's more than capable…') the Director thought for a while ('there's nothing I can object to if Maya wants to go with him… okay') she has decided her decision. But before she can convey it to Lex.

"Big Sis~, we're ba- Big Sis! Where are you going!!" suddenly, they heard the children's voice from outside. It was the children who had just finished school.

The Director instantly panicked "did she hear us!?" she turned to Lex

Lex then sighed before he answered, "most likely, I'll go after her" Lex immediately stood up from his seat. When he came out ""Mr.Lex!!"" the children called out to him,

"hi~" Lex greeted them like usual "I'm sorry, but I need to go now" then he went after Maya.

***

(Scum! Trash! Coward!) Lex repeatedly bashed himself on his way, following Maya. Lex might have a memory from his past life. His mental age is already over thirty years at this point. But telling a child about her family death wasn't something he experienced before

(I sensed and knew she stood right in front of the door. I didn't know how to tell Maya about her brother's situation. I took that chance to tell her about it indirectly… a coward)

Lex had been visiting Maya for more than two years. It was impossible for each time he found her to be all flowers and happy. There are a few times when she got depressed or sad too. Every time Maya got sad or wanted to be alone, she always went to that place.

(There she is…) Lex arrived at a small hill not too far but not too close to the Orphanage either. It wasn't a beautiful as a popular tourist spot in the world. But that place had quite beautiful scenery too.

(Fortunately, she's here) Lex slowed down his pace once he saw Maya sitting alone on that hill. From Lex's point of view, he saw Maya's figure blend with its background. It was like a picture. A picture that talked about loneliness.

Lex felt even more guilty when he saw it. He clenched his hands very tightly. So tight that he might even bleed his hands at any moment. (Still, I can't back down here. I already chose the worst way to tell her. I need to see this thoroughly till the end. Even if the result she come to hate me)

Lex prepared his heart as he sat down beside her "Maya…" he called softly, "I'm sorry…" his voice slowly becoming smaller and smaller. Maya, too, didn't give him any response yet.

(No! I can't be like this) "Maya, I...-" just when Lex is about talk again

"I know," a small gentle soft voice can be heard by Lex. Maya initially looked down, hiding his head between her knees and body, turned to look forward.

(She knew? About what? … wait! Is it!?) "y-you knew?" Lex very being was shaken when he thought about that possibility

Finally, Maya turned toward to face Lex. She looked a bit dispirited and sad, but She wasn't crying. There isn't any trace of tear on her face. "Un, a long time ago," she replied

(HOW!??) Lex was shocked (she knew about it all along? About Max's death? And since a long time ago? No way!?). It took a while before Lex beat down his inner turmoil and became calmer, at least to the point where he could strike a conversation again.

"H, how? Since when?"

Maya didn't reply back. Instead, with a slight smile on her face, she pushed forward both of her hands toward Lex. And it aimed toward his neck. Lex pulled back from her a bit by instinct before he consciously stopped himself and brought his neck closer again. (If that is what she wants…) After that, Lex didn't think much about Maya's actions.

And it went on. Maya put both of her hands on Lex's neck, and Lex didn't struggle or object to it. Instead, he slowly closes his eyes till….

Lex felt a slight tug on his neck. It wasn't enough to be called a choke. Lex opened his eyes while confused. Then he saw Maya was trying to pull something on her neck too. A second later, Lex discovered its identity. Max's Pendant always had on his body no matter the situation, while Maya also pulled out her Pendant. The exact identical pendants.

"Mr. Lex needs to hide this more carefully next time," Maya said with a giggle. She was like a child who had just succeeded in her prank. Lex can't comprehend Maya at all (why was she acting like this? Wasn't she supposed to be sad? It was the normal reaction for most people. Still, I'm glad she didn't get depressed by this)

"To Max and me. These were our most precious thing after the Orphanage," Maya explained "it almost impossible for him to let it go. It was a few months since Mr. Lex started to frequently visit us when I accidentally saw it. That time, I had already had a guess about Max… about brother situation."

"And no matter how long I waited, brother's letter never came again. It was then that I accepted his situation" Maya looked up toward the blue sky.

"…." It takes a few moments before Lex can ask her, "doesn't it hurt?"

Maya turned to Lex before she turned to the sky once again "it was hurt… very hurt."

Lex felt something clenched his heart very firmly when he heard her reply

"I can't count how many times I cried when I learned that truth. It was convenient because Mr. Lex never said anything about it. There isn't any definite proof about my brother's situation. I really didn't want to believe it. But I knew the world wasn't that easy. I understand the world wasn't happy-go-lucky like a story in the book where miracles happened everywhere. Our orphanage situation was the definite proof of that. Thanks to that, I can accept reality much faster. And able to stand up even faster. The kids in the Orphanage also helped distract my mind from overthinking it. As I was the oldest among them," Maya had a deep look in her eyes.

"…." Lex was rendered speechless by Maya. Her story is just too unbelievable. Everyone who had heard her story just now would have one big question in their mind ('is this girl really a child?')

"You're a very strong girl," Lex said (I don't know what I can do for you anymore…) "now that we come to this point, I should tell you all about it…." Lex decided

Lex didn't talk details about Hidden World. However, he told her about his brother's last, like how they took the mission together, how his teammates could still be alive because of his help and others.

"I see," Maya solemnly replied.

(I knew this would be her reaction)

"Why did you tell me this?"

"I think you should know about it too. I'm sorry it was selfishness on my part."

"…. No, Mr. Lex, I'm glad I can hear about him for the last time. Thank you," Maya said with a smile. Her face looks brighter than before. She finally fully moved on from her brother's death.

"It's my pleasure," Lex replied with a smile too.

"But Mr. Lex, you trying to take me with you, no?"

Lex nodded

"Are you interested in me?" Maya asked

At this time, Lex's smile froze instantly. His lips even twitched a bit. But, "….." once again, he was rendered speechless by her but because of entirely different reasons.

Seeing Lex's strange reaction, Maya quickly thought back to her question, "Ah! No! I'm sorry! It wasn't like that!"

"What I wanted to ask is why did you want to take me away? Is it because of pity or something like that!?" the flustered Maya said in a hurry.

(aaand it's gone! The heavy air, the tensed and pricked air among us, disappears like a dream. She looks more like her age when she's like this)

"Maya, I understand, so calm down for a bit. Come and follow me, take a deep breath."

""Suu haa suuu haaa""

"Phew, I'm sorry for earlier."

"Nah, it's okay. Now then, Maya, which one do you want to know: a bitter truth or a sweet lie?" Lex put up both of his hands

"…." this time, it was Maya rendered speechless. Her clear eyes stared straight toward Lex's eyes without any reaction.

"Aaahh~! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I always wanted to say that line at leach once in this life!! I'm sorry!!! Don't judge me!!"

"No. Mr. Lex! Calm down! Come and follow me, take a deep breath."

""Suu haa suuu haaa""

"Phew. I'm sorry I showed you something embarrassing."

"it's okay," Maya said. At this time, both stared into each other eyes then…

""Pfft! Ahahaha!!"" they laughed together.

They sat side by side, watching the beautiful scenery. Wind breeze would blow a few times, which was very comfortable. It takes a while before they can calm down. But with that, their relationship becomes even closer. Before, Lex always felt guilty hiding the truth from Maya. While Maya didn't know how to contact Lex as she already knew his secret, their relationship stuck at some point. But that is no longer the case this time.

"Mr. Lex. I want to know your reason. Why did you want to take me with you? Is it because of your relationship with my brother, is it because you are pitying me? Or is it because you sighted talent on me? Please tell me truthfully!" Maya faced Lex directly and sincerely. She really wanted to know about it.

"…" Lex stared into her face for a while before he finally replied to her question. The cold and hard truth "it was because of your brother."

****

"Mr. Lex, please revisit us," the Azela orphanage's Director said.

Lex nodded to her "it would be difficult to visit regularly like before. But I'll visit again," Lex replied. Lex and the Director stood in front of the entrance. It was time for Lex to go back. He had a suitcase in his hands.

From inside the Orphanage, children crying sounds echoed. So loud that they can even hear it very clearly from the outside "haha," the Director let out a dry smile because of it. "I'm sorry about that."

"Nah. It's okay. It shows that she was loved," Lex replied

Before long, a brown-haired girl came out. Tears ruined her beautiful face. It was ugly because of too much crying. When she saw the Director and Lex, she quickly wasp her eyes and showed them a bright smile.

"Where are we going?" Maya said

"My hometown, Valentine City. But I need to buy some pudding before that."

"Pudding?" Maya tilted her head

"Yea, the most popular one in the area or maybe in this country," Lex replied

"???" Maya became even more confused

"haha, don't mind it," Lex said.

Then Maya turned to the Director without saying anything. Instead, she jumped into her embrace. It was a very heartwarming scene for the outsider.

"Take care, go and be happy," the Director said

"Un. you too, Director. Take care of yourself" Maya then turned to Lex for a second which Lex answered with a nod, "we will come back again!"

After one more tight hug that they released each other. Maya went to Lex's side. "Goodbye!" she said.

"Goodbye," the Director replied with small tears in her eyes as she saw the back of Lex and her daughter Maya slowly disappear.