63: Realization

Just as what is planned, they brought Liah in the hospital so her situation can be checked. Good thing there is no severe, it was just the reaction of her first batch of menstruation. They were nervous at first because Liah might have other pain she is feeling in her body but good thing she is healthy.

"I told you, I am fine," Liah said as they went inside their car. She sat in the backseat while the two were in front. "Anyway, the food last night is the best. I never taste like those in my entire life. Thank you."

Talia heaved a deep sigh and looked at her. "Careful next time, Liah. And eat healthy foods so that disease will be shy to visit you."

Liah chuckled. "I never got a mother that is worrying about me like you."

Talia blinked as she did not expect her to say that. She glance at Kiel first that is focusing his eyes in the road but obviously listening to their conversation. Talia did not wish to hear about her story especially about her parents because it might hurt her, her past about her parents. Bus she voluntarily story tell to them about her life,

"I was five when my parents abandoned me," she stated and looked out the window to avoid Talia's eyes focused on her. "My father is Cage and I do not know my mother. You can hate me guys because I am a daughter of my father..."

"You can continue, Liah," said Talia. "We will never hate you just because of your father. You are not like him."

Liah nodded her head and proceeded. "My grandfather who locked you under were the one who took care of me, for almost eight years. I do not know much about them but I widened my mind. I understand what my father's stand in the world and I am sorry for his doings."

Talia forced a smile at her. "It is good to hear that you widened your mind, Liah. You are such a brave girl. You deserve the world."

"Thank you," she said, almost a whisper. "But what did I do to have you? I did nothing to meet such people as good as you."

Talia chuckled. "I told you, you deserve the world and you deserve us. We are also lucky to meet you, Liah. You have the heart."

While they were on their way, they are having a good time talking about some things. When they arrive the unit, they were surprised to see Margo and Hanz in the living room, watching movies in the television.

"Hey, baby Liah!" Margo immediately stood up to welcome Liah with her wide arm. She even tried to carry her but Liah is not a baby anymore to let Margo do that. "This is Hanz by the way, I and your father's siblings."

As soon as Liah's and Hanz's eyes met, Hanz gulped while Liah blinked. "Uh, I know him..." Liah slowly said and looked away. "He was the one who urge my father to kill."

They did not expect her to say that. Margo looked at Talia and Kiel but they just shook their head. Hanz then heaved a deep sigh and hissed.

"Be mad at me if you want, kid," Hanz said without hesitation, making Talia, Kiel and Margo to provoke him. But what he said seemed to not affect Liah because she simply sat in the couch in front of Hanz.

"I can't be mad at you, I do not have the right," the girl uttered and looked up to meet his eyes darting on her. "Thank you for making us live for almost a year, even though everything started with a crime."

Again, they did not expect her words. Hanz then chuckled because he see that Liah is brave enough. "You are like your father, little kid. Strong, brave, but nothing."

"What the hell, Hanz?" Kiel fired him. "She is an innocent girl and she has nothing to do with Cage! Can you see your words?"

"Easy, Kiel. We are just having fun!" Hanz defended with a chuckle but they just rolled their eyes to him. When Liah spoke again, they looked at her.

"And you are nothing compared to your siblings. They are innocent, you are not."

The side of Hanz's lips rose. "I like your personality, kiddo. Maybe you would like to drink with me?"

"Hanz, stop that," Talia provoked him. "She is not like you, okay? She is just a kid for heaven's sake! Come on, Liah. Do not mind this man. Let's go to your room and change your clothes."

Liah say nothing and followed Talia heading to her room. When they went inside, Kiel almost punched Hanz. 

"What do you think you are doing, Hanz? She is different to her father. Can not you shut your being and just mind your own business? You are abusing her!"

"Chill," Hanz said and let out a small chuckle. "There is nothing to worry about, dude. We are just playing! Can not you see that what I am saying is just nothing to her? She is a brave girl."

"Still, you are a dick," Margo fired and rolled her eyes. She then walked out and just headed to the kitchen. Kiel looked at Hanz for the last time with his jaw clenching before he went inside his and Talia's room, leaving Hanz in the living room.

"Are you fine?" Talia asked Liah as soon as they get inside her room. She cupped her face but she can not read pain and worry in her face.

"That is not serious," Liah said and snorted. "But still, I am annoyed at his grin. It reminds me of my father."

"Next time, do not mind him, hmm?" Talia said in a sweet manner.

Liah then nodded her head. "He is fine, though. He is good at playing. He is right about earlier, I had fun. That was not serious so you guys do not have to worry about me."

"All right, sweetie. Come and I will choose your clothes."

Talia went to her closet and looked at her dresses. She can not help but smile because she could imagine Liah wearing different style and it would suit her well. Everything she wear will always make her look more good.

"Talia..." Liah called her as she picked a dress. She looked at the girl and hummed.

"Hmm? What is it?"

Liah looked down. "Are not you really hating me? I am Cage's daughter... The man who killed your parents..."

Talia sighed and sat at the edge of her bed. "I do not know where you get those information, Liah. Why did you know that he was the one who killed my parents?"

Liah can not look at Talia when she answered, "I know everything what my father did..."

Talia made her sit beside her. Then, she held her chin and made her look up at her. "Stop thinking that way, Liah. I am not hating you, we are not hating you. Again, you are different to your father. Your blood might be connected but your mind and doings are not. You are innocent and he is not."

Liah shut as Talia continued.

"And stop doubting yourself about your being. Know your worth. We are now your parents, and we will influence you. We will raise you good, better. I will not let you feel neglected. And someday, you will thank yourself for being you."

Liah could not help but appreciate Talia and her words. She really did not know what she did to have her, to have them - to have family. The feeling of having parents beside you is the best, the happiest. Liah could not ask for more. Talia and Kiel is enough for her.

"I love you..." That is the first time she say that to a parent. She never utter that to Cage, to her mother whom she did not met. And to her grandfather. She is not vocal and she somehow regret being too silent about her feelings. She had not given a chance to tell her grandfather that she loved him and forever she will. And now, she will never do the same mistake.

Talia seemed taken aback when she heard that from Liah. She heard it, from her daughter. They might not flesh of blood, but it seems like she heard that from a daughter thankful for having her mother.

Talia embraced her tightly and closed her eyes to feel her warmth. "I love you, baby..." Talia uttered and kissed the top of her head. "I love you, Liah. We love you."

"Thank you..." Liah said while hiding in her chest. "I thought no one would accept me for being me, for having a blood of my father. But here are you guys, loving every inch of me. Even my flaws, my imperfections. I may not be good but I will be the greatest for you."

Talia smiled. "That's my daughter..."