Chapter 2 Need Some Answer (1/2)

Jessy was toying with the remaining carrot cake in her plate. She loves carrot cake, but for some reason, she doesn't like eating much today.

Nanny Aida, looked at her with an inquiring glance. ”What's wrong-Jess?” she finally asked. ”You don't like the taste? I added two tablespoons of honey in the ingredients, for a change...”

Jessy shook her head. ”Nana, it tastes good actually. Just that am already full. I can no longer finish it.” She smiled fondly at the older woman in front of her which she considers as her second mother. She calls her ”Nana” ever since.

”I-is something bothering you?” Aida asked her worriedly.

She sighed deeply. ”Nana, where exactly is my parents now? Why they are not visiting me here? They don't miss me at all? They forgot they have a daughter? The last time I've seen them is when am just five years old. I've waited for them to come home every day. Why they abandon me?” she cried, her voice is thick with emotion. Fresh tears are forming abundantly in the corner of her eyes. Before they start flooding her entire face, her beloved Nanny was already on her side, hugging her tenderly comforting her.

Aida feels a painful tugging on her heart. She knew that no matter how much she loves and takes care of this girl, she can never replace the love and care of her real parents that she desperately craves. She's sad knowing that she is a poor substitute. There is no doubt that she treated Jessy and Adam like her own children, her own flesh and blood. She tried her best to provide them both with support, guidance and paternal love every single day.

”Hush now, my child. Stop crying. You have to stay strong, okay? Am sorry for all the white lies I been feeding you through the years, especially when you're still young. I have been telling you fake stories that your parents are working in some foreign land, they were all lies. I just want to protect you from the pain. But now that you are already fifteen years old...old enough to understand the truth. Your parents suddenly vanished out of the blue the day after you turn five years old. Through the years I have been waiting for their comeback, waiting for them to call me and say they are okay and doing fine, but that call never comes. Then I become tired of waiting. I get used to the fact that they completely trusted me to take care of you.”

Jessy tried to stop her tears from falling hard, yet they come in waves. It's useless keeping them at bay. She sobbed freely, feeling so utterly sad and lonely. Her deep longing for her parents is overwhelming to bear at this moment. ”There is a big possibility they are already d-dead long time ago-Nana?” she is asking her nanny again for confirmation. ”B-because if they are still alive until now, they will at least try to contact you and me. Am I right-Nana?” she added, a big lump was already forming in her throat. Just thinking of not seeing them again, is like a terrible dead end.

The older woman was fighting her own tears as well. She needed to be stronger for both of them. She continues hugging the pitiful girl, hoping to convey to her...her deepest sympathy and affection. ”Let's hope for the best my child and always prepare for the worst. But am really hoping, praying and wishing with all my heart every single day that they're still alive...and you will be reunited with them soon.”

”I hope so, Nana. I really wish for that day to come,” somehow the thought of seeing her parents alive someday filled Jesse's heart with renewed hope.

”You're feeling okay now?” Aida asked her softly. She is busy drying the girl's tears.

”Am feeling a bit okay now-Nana. Thank you so much for always being there for me.”

”Aww, don't mention that Jess. You are like a daughter to me. Am always be here for you,” she murmured lovingly.

”By the way, Nana. I have other question for you, am just curious. Who provided you with money for your salary and the salary of dozens of guards that are stationed outside? As well the funds to pay bills, buy foods and other stuff for me and Adam? Who's money you are using every month to take care of all our daily needs?” she asked curiously.

Aida felt uncomfortable answering Jess question. But she knew, that this girl in front of her is already a young adult and she will keep pestering her for an answer if she is not satisfied with her explanation.