Chapter 1122 - Happy birthday, Jeff (6) (1/2)
Haru approached Sarah and Aiden and cleared his throat to get their attention.
”Yes?”, Sarah asked.
”You asked me what I want for my 21st birthday…”, he took a deep breath before continuing: ”I would like an apartment. Or an access to one. In the city.”
Sarah and Aiden exchanged glances and shared an understanding that independence for Haru is too soon. They spoke about this recently and agreed that out of all their 'security personnel' , only Jesse is mature enough to move out (if he wants) while others need to learn and grow.
Haru joined them about six months ago after spending most of his lifetime isolated on a mountain. He is a grown young man, capable of beating up almost everyone who comes his way, but in terms of living in a modern city like Los Angeles, he can be compared to a toddler.
”Is that a problem?”, Haru asked when he saw that Sarah and Aiden are not saying anything. ”You said that I can ask for anything I want.”
”Why?”, Aiden observed Haru intently. ”I thought that all of you are getting along well. Is there something in our home that you are lacking?”
Haru pressed his lips in a line. He didn't mean to sound ungrateful.
”Don't misunderstand…”, Sarah interjected. ”When you turn 21, you are of age where you can live independently, and we can't stop you even if we want to. We didn't bring you from Master Hollow with an intention to restrict your freedom. However, we want to understand the reason for your displeasure which made you request to move away and we hope that you will consider our advice.”
Haru rubbed his chin nervously.
”I… I am not displeased, and I don't want to move away. I intend to stay with you and everyone else and perform my duties, but I want a place where I can go and have my privacy when needed.”, Haru said in a low voice.
”Did you fight with Nala?”, Sarah guessed.
”No!”, Haru responded immediately.
”Is someone trespassing in your room?”, Aiden asked Haru.
”No.”
”Then?”, Sarah continued probing.
”He wants privacy WITH Nala. Correct?”, Aiden guessed.
Haru responded with a small nod.
Sala glanced to the side and saw Nala talking with Zula and Ron further away. ”Is that what she wants?”
”Yes.” Haru responded.
Sarah touched her ear stud and called Nala to come over. This is something that should be discussed with both of them.
”What kind of privacy are you expecting that you can't have in your current setting?”, Sarah asked when Nala joined them. ”I can see that you are not comfortable talking about this, but unless you speak up openly so that we understand the problem, we can't help you solve it.”
A minute later, Haru and Nala conveyed their wish: they want to be able to live together, to share a bedroom and a bathroom and not to be teased by others.
”About teasing…”, Aiden knows who is causing them grief. ”You need to handle it regardless of where you live. If it's not Ade and Jamari, it will be someone else. Take a stance and show that the two of you are a team and that you will not take anyone's bullsh*t. Keep in mind that everyone has their opinion, even if it's none of their business. It's up to you to stand up for what you believe in.”