Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

I was caught off guard for a moment, turning my gaze towards her.

Fidelia feared I wouldn't believe her and nodded earnestly, "I'm not lying. The liar is my mom. She isn't a delivery person."

"Oh?" I managed, momentarily at a loss for words.

Seeing my reaction, she doubled down, "I don't know why my mom would lie, but she always reminds me not to ask about her business."

"How did you find out then?" I looked at her and handed her a drumstick.

She took a big bite and said, "I overheard her on the phone. Sometimes, she won't even let me listen in."

Fidelia was chowing down on the drumstick, savoring it as if it had unlocked her ability to chatter, and it seemed there was no stopping her now.

"You should probably not ask if your mom doesn't want you to," I advised her.

"I didn't ask. She takes calls behind my back, but I still know they're about to work." Fidelia said dismissively, "She's always talking about the hospital, mentioning surgeries and stuff."

My curiosity piqued. Surgeries?

"Doesn't that mean her work is related to the hospital?" I inquired.

"But she's definitely not a delivery person." Fidelia insisted, "I've never seen her deliver anything."

Hannah and I exchanged a glance, and then I said deliberately in a casual tone, "It's odd, isn't it? There's nothing shameful about delivering medications. Why would she hide that? Working to make a living is honorable, and there are many hospital-related jobs. Nothing to worry."

"She's connected to the hospital, but she's not delivering medicine. She's lying when she says that." Fidelia was intent on making sure I had no misconceptions.

"Adults have it tough too, having to earn money to support the family."

"Actually, Auntie Aaliyah, my mom is rich." Fidelia looked at me with serious solemnity, "But she insists on keeping it a secret."

"Why?" I was genuinely surprised.

She just shook her head.

"How do you know your mom is rich?" Hannah asked nonchalantly, "Have you seen it?"

Fidelia nodded immediately, "Yeah. I saw it once when she brought home a bag full of cash. She reminded me right away that it was someone else's and that I mustn't tell anyone."

I was even more shocked. A bag full of cash?

Seeing my disbelief, Fidelia continued, "I'm not lying, and it's her who is. If it was someone else's money, why would she bring it home? She was so secretive about it, making me promise not to tell." "No wonder backpack is so fancy." Hannah chimed in, "Your mom must be quite capable to earn that much."

Fidelia nodded, her large eyes looking earnestly at Hannah, "But I just don't understand why she would lie to me. She always told me what not to do. She even said I shouldn't tell you that she is rich." I chuckled, "Yet here you are telling me."

She gave a shy smile and said, "I trust you're a good person and kind-hearted. Besides, you've helped us. Why should I deceive you? That would be immoral."

While still nibbling, she pondered and then cautiously said, "I always wonder..."

I prompted her, seeing her hesitate, "Wonder what?"

"I often suspect maybe my mom has done something bad, which is why she makes me lie and keep secrets." She looked at me worriedly, "What if my mom has done something wrong? What should I do?"

I ruffled her hair reassuringly, "Don't overthink it. You won't understand adult matters, just be a good kid, and that's enough."

"But, Auntie Aaliyah, I'm not just a good kid," Fidelia said, her eyes brimming with tears and her lips pouting in distress. Her forlorn expression was truly heart-wrenching.

I pinched her cheek lightly, "What's this? Why the tears all of a sudden?"

At my words, she felt even more aggrieved and began to cry in earnest, taking me aback.

I glanced at Hannah, who was also staring at Fidelia, dumbfounded.

Quickly, I coaxed her, "Hey now no more tears. Come here to talk to me."

I pulled her up into my embrace as Hannah handed me a tissue. I gently wiped the tears from her cheeks, continuing to soothe her, "Stop crying, and you've still got food in your mouth. You might choke."

She sobbed, chewed a couple more times, swallowed, and then, with a choked voice, she said, "Auntie Aaliyah, I made a mistake, and I'm scared!"

"Tell me what you did wrong. There's no need to be afraid, and I'm here for you," I comforted her while looking into her eyes with sincerity, "Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

Her face was tear-stained as she looked up at me and stammered, "Auntie Aaliyah, will you really not be mad at me, not dislike me?"

I shook my head solemnly, "Of course not. You can trust me. Opening up is the right thing. How could I be upset with you?"