Chapter 89 - Talk

Geraldine's attention went back to the children as she gestured for Leo to go back and join the group. Then she looked at them with eyes blazing with red light.

"Starting today this group will be called The Murk and you will support your brother Jin in his journey wherever he goes or what will his future becomes. A day will come that you all will go on your separate ways and find what you wanted to do in life since you're all too young to settle down but remember that when the time comes that he will need all of you. Please, be there to aide him and be loyal to his commands," Geraldine said firmly and look at them with her eyes glowing.

"This time, Alexjin will be your new master. You will follow his orders and protect him from those who want to harm him." She added.

"But, you are our master," Daisha said tearfully and the group reacted as well. They seemed to get what Geraldine's word means.

"I will be your ex-master." As soon as she said those words, Daisha started crying, and the rest sobs as well.

"Master, where are you going? Are you leaving us?" Chase stands up and hugged Geraldine's legs and was followed by Leo.

"Okay, you all need to relax. I won't leave or abandon all of you but I need to go somewhere far from here. You're all grown up pretty well and I know that you can survive in this harsh world. Don't forget the training and the lessons that I teach you as it's very essential in survival." She patted Chase and Leo's heads to calm them down then her eyes look at Jesse then at Maxwell.

"When Alexjin and I are gone, Maxwell will be the leader of the group and Jesse will be the right hand and you two should work together to create harmony over the group and not do the opposite," She said and crossed her arms, she remembered that Maxwell and Jesse would often quarrel because their opinions are always the opposite of one another.

"Yes, master. We won't disappoint you," They both said in unison and looked at one another before they shifted their gaze. Geraldine knows that even though they always fight, they still care for one another.

"Master, why are you saying these things?" Aaila stepped forward while wiping away her wet tears, "Will something happen?"

Geraldine's eyes soften and hugged Aaila. She wanted to assure them that nothing bad will gonna happened but she can't because she knows that all hell breaks loose after three days.

"You know that you won't stay here forever, right? That is why I'm telling you all these for your own good but keep this conversation from your brother Jin. I'll be the one to talk to him privately."

The group nodded their heads in understanding and kept silent when Alexjin called them from their house and gestured to come inside.

Geraldine let the kids go first as she stayed behind and breathe the fresh air, "Ah! I'll miss this," she mumbled as she relaxed her body.

Now that she talked to the children, she will need to talk to Alexjin alone but she planned to do it after his mother's death to know what will be Aurelie's last will to Alexjin and that how she will mold it into her way.

She was about to go back inside the house when she saw Alexjin and the kids going outside with tables and chairs, trays full of food and drinks but what caught her attention the most is Alexjin carrying his mother in his arms.

"What the-- what's happening?" She said in panicked and went to Aurelie's side to see her condition.

"Nothing's wrong master. I just want her to see the outside for fresh air," Alexjin voice soften as he looked at his frail mother.

"Alright, be careful."

The children placed the chairs at the open field where the cool wind blows softly. Alexjin placed her mother on the chair with a cushion and prepared a warm tea for her to drink. The rest of the children followed as well and placed another two tables so that they could all be occupied.

"How are you, children?" Aurelie greeted the kids and caress Aaila's head who was seated next to her.

"We are good mother Aurelie~" They replied in a singsong tone and started arranging the table. Even Alexjin was able to smile seeing his mother happy and carefree.

Among the group sitting at the table, Geraldine is the only one who has a tight smile on her lips and feels anxious since she felt like this is the last time they will eat together and that thought breaks her heart.

*Just one time, I'll free my mind from negative thoughts and enjoy the moment I have right now.*

Geraldine released a deep breath and joined the others in their conversation. Then after a while, Aurelie started singing a song in a soft tone.

"I knew one day we'd be saying goodbye

Just never thought it would be so soon

Never got the chance to tell you

Everything that I wanted to."

Aurelie's eyes went straight to his son as she said those lyrics, then she continued.

"In the present and the future

In your heart, I'll be there

Whether we're apart or together

I'll be at your side.

Give you courage through the sorrow

Give you hope there'll be tomorrow

Keep you safe, always watch over you

My dear."

She holds his son's cheeks and softly caresses them. They could hear the sadness and longing in Aurelie's voice as Alexjin holds his mother's frail hand and lean over it. 

Aurelie stopped singing and she just looks into Alexjin's face and engraved his appearance into her mind as tears started to form in her eyes.

Geraldine couldn't look anymore and turn her head to the side and sighs deeply to control her emotions. 

"Geraldine," Aurelie called her name softly and extended her hand for her to take. Geraldine took her hand and holds it tightly.

"Thank you for coming into our lives and help us escape the crappy life we used to live. To the things you taught my son and the rest of the children, you bring color and hope into our lives without you knowing it. You're a blessing that the almighty one gives us. Thank you!" Aurelie's tears fall down on her cheeks and they touched Geraldine's heart. The guilt she felt even doubled knowing that the real reason that she took them in is that she needed to use them for her own selfish plan.

"You're welcome." It's the only word that Geradine was able to say as she forced a smile on her lips. 

Aurelie's attention went back to the six children whose eyes are glued to her, "And you little children, don't be too much of a headache to your big brother and sister. Enjoy life to the fullest and do whatever you want but do it in a good way."

The children nodded their heads. Aaila holds Aurelie's arm as her eyes started to have tears, "Are you leaving us?"

Aurelie didn't answer and caress Aaila's copper hair gently, "I'll always be here.." She put her other hand on Aaila's chest and head.

"Why are you there when you are here in front of us," Aaila tilts her head to the side as she can't understand what Aurelie means.

"She means that she will live in our hearts and the memories we have with her. As long as we don't forget her, she will continue living even if she's not---" Geraldine wasn't able to continue what she's about to say as she felt the gloomy atmosphere.

"What are you…. saying… master?" Alexjin's voice trembled as her eyes snapped at Geraldine.

Geraldine took a slow deep breath and meet Alexjin's eyes. She was about to speak when Aurelie coughed loudly many times and puke out blood on her handkerchief.

Alexjin's attention went back to his mother and immediately assist her back to the house and place her in her own room. The rest of the children followed, leaving Geraldine all alone. 

She wanted to go with them as well but her feet felt like it was glued on the ground that she's unable to leave, "Why… why did I say that?" She muttered and cover her face with her palm.

Geraldine's head is a mess and doesn't know what to do anymore. She has been preparing herself for years. Thinking that when the time comes, she will be fine and do everything by order but being in the exact situation. She losses herself to the emotion.

"I need to get back on the track." She said and fixed herself. Then going straight to the house to see what's going on.

"Three days… Three days," She murmured to herself as she runs, "It's impossible to happen today."

As soon as she reached the house, Geraldine could feel the panic and the yelling inside which halt her movement.