Chapter 19

AELLE

The whole time Storm and Liang were at the University, Aelle was at home looking after the triplets along with Madam Gu. The entire Gu family grew found of the babies pretty quickly and Aelle was happy about it. Grayson was a bit mischievous so she was lucky to have more people around to help watch over him. Since the kids were currently with their new grandma, Aelle decided to make a call to her father.

"Hello, my dear dad?"

Travis chuckled as he could hear the pout in his daughter's tone, " Oh, what is this? Why is my little love bug pouting?

" Because she's mad at you." Aelle replied pouting some more.

" That's not good. What do pray tell did I do?" Travis teased.

" Stop acting so innocent, dad, you know very well what you did."

Travis laughed," Ok, I'm sorry for not calling or picking up your calls yesterday. I was in a meeting with some hotel manager who was looking for a chef for an event."

" Oh. Did you agree?"

" Yes. I'm looking to start my own restaurant soon so this is a great opportunity to see what the customers want or expect these days."

Aelle smiled," I'm happy for you and I wish you all the best."

" Thank you, love. How is everything going there? Are you settling in well?"

" Everything is fine, everyone is nice and welcoming so we are settling well."

Travis sighed in relief," That's good to hear, I was worried of things going bad. Where is Storm?"

" She's at work with Liang. There was an emergency so they left while I stayed with the boys."

"Makes sense. How are my boys? I miss them a lot, it's so dull without them around."

Aelle giggled," They're more than fine and happy being pampered by everyone. I'm sure we'll come visit soon. Did the Riveras create any trouble lately?"

Travis scoffed," They tried taking over everything only to realize they had no proof stating they were related to Storm. Considering Storm took her birth certificate and legal documents when she left the house. She even went as far as filing a restraining order against them and threatened to get them arrested for child abuse if they ever come near her or her properties again. That's to say, they flee the scene like they were on fire."

Aelle couldn't have but laugh, the two of them continued to chat for a while longer before hanging up.

It was good to hear from her dad, she had missed him since she left. Sighing, Aelle went downstairs only to find that Storm and Liang were back. Both of them were talking with Madam Gu, whatever it was that they were talking about was nothing good judging from their expressions.

"Is everything ok?" She asked nervously.

The trio turned to her, Storm beckoned her closer and pulled her on her lap. " Everything is fine, Little moon, it's just we came across some very disturbing things at work."

" Do you wanna talk about it?"

Storm shook her head, " No. It's best if you don't know. All you need to know is that some of the students at the University were going through the same fate you went through."

Aelle seemed to understand what she meant because she stilled. She had been seeing a therapist since she starter staying with Storm but she was not completely over her trauma yet. Storm was right, it was best if she did not know or her nightmares would haunt her again. "Are all the kids alright?" She asked softly.

Lee sighed, "They're traumatized and their families are devastated. They'll be at the court hearing next week to witness their culprits get their sentencing. Hopefully they'll get the closure they deserve."

" They will, I know I'd give anything to see the men who tortured me pay for their crimes. Part of the reason why I still get nightmares is because I know they're still out there and I always fear that they'd one day find me."

Madam Gu looked at the girl sadly, she has grown quiet fond of her and Storm." I'm sorry, you had to go through that, dear. If you don't mind telling me about what you went through, I'd talk to my nephew who is the Royal Army general for the king to look into your case. I'm sure he'll find something." She spoke softly.

Aelle hesitated a bit, not that she didn't want to tell her rather she did not want to relieve those horrific moments. She started to hyper ventilate however, Storm was quick to calm her down." It's ok, you don't have to tell her. You have your Diary, don't you? The one given by the therapist that you use to write everything you went through and all the details of your nightmares?" Storm asked.

The redhead nodded, she kept her face hidden in Storm's neck." Good girl, did you bring it?"

" Hmm."

" Can you go get it for me, please?" She pleaded softly.

Aelle stood up and ran upstairs, she came back a few minutes later with the Diary in her hand. She gave it to Madam Gu before going back to Storm. It was hard for her to think about her past let alone talk about it but Aelle wanted all the people responsible for all the torture she went through. Storm kissed her forehead before handing her over to Lee who craddled her. "Mother, why don't we go to study and go through the Diary together before giving it to your nephew. Aelle doesn't want to relieve all that."

Madan Gu nodded in understanding, "A'Liang, take care of her while we work over this."

"I will, mom. You two can go." After the two left, Lee made Aelle straddle him before pulling her into a gently kiss." Are you ok?"

Aelle shook her head, " I'm a bit disoriented. I'm getting better coping with the memories, the therapy helps and having those who love me around helps too. I think once those monsters are all caught, my fear will disappear forever."

Lee smiled softly, " That's my girl, you're brave, you have a family who loves you and will do anything to protect you now. You also are strong enough to protect yourself, now that you're here in China, I'll enrol you into a Kung Fu class so you can continue improving your martial arts skills. In fact, you won't go alone, Storm and me will go with you."

" Da-ge, she can join our club, we'll all go with her." Qing said as she sat down on the sofa along with Xichen and Lin.

Xichen nodded," She's right, Xiongzhang (big brother), we can practice with her and also make sure no one bullies her."

" I agree, besides, A'Jie (sister) will be more comfortable if she has people she knows around. You and Shijie won't always be able to attend the classes with her."

Aelle was grateful for them and she was happy with their suggestions. Lee agreed with their plan and decided to go to their club tomorrow and speak with their Master.