Through The Pain

12 | Attachment

Cat

"What's wrong?" I asked Faye in a concerned tone while Aenid is just watching me sitting in between them.

Faye shook her head. "I don't want to go to school," She said timidly.

"Why?" I asked without sounding accusing.

Faye looked at the entrance of the school and said, "They are too noisy, and I don't know anyone there. They might bully me."

My face immediately softens and I feel bad about Faye then it was immediately replaced with worry. "Have you been bullied before?"

Faye didn't answer me so I looked at Aenid.

"There was a boy who kept on pulling her hair in our previous school," Aenid said and I was slack-jawed.

Anger immediately flashed in my face.

"Have you talked about this to your father?" I asked and I was certain that my face became distorted when Aenid shook her head.

"How about your mother?" I asked again. I cannot believe that these kids have been bullied without their parent's knowledge.

Aenid shook her head and said, "We don't have a mother,"

Oh my God! My mind goes blank. My heart tightens as I subconsciously bring my hand to my chest.

What?

These girls don't have a mother?

Does that mean Mr. Vann doesn't have a wife?

Why didn't I know about it?

And why should I know?

Well, I guess because I am the one sitting here with his daughters who are anxious about going to school.

And why do I feel excited about it?

Damn!

I shook my head and calmed myself. Why am I feeling like this?

I take a deep breath. "I'm sorry about that," I said apologetically.

I wanted to ask where their mother is but I don't want to sound nosy. So, I put the question at the back of my mind.

"Alright, there is this technique that people are using for a thousand years now, it is called acupuncture. They are using needles to stimulate various points in their ears to help with their fear and anxiety." As I was saying these, I noticed the girl's eyes widened.

I chuckled seeing their frightened look. I find it kind of cute.

"Don't worry. I won't prick your ear with a needle. Instead, " I pause and position myself in front of Faye. "We'll do this."

I reached out my hand to touch her ear. I traced the outline of her outer ear lightly and I gently pressed it using my thumb and forefinger.

"Do you know how to count?" I asked her, looking at her curious eyes.

She nodded her head.

"Okay, can you help me count one to five?" I asked her and she nodded her head.

"One...two...three...four...five..." Faye counted and I could also see Aenid opening her mouth.

I smiled.

"That's called acupressure. You can do it in both your ears. You can do it every time you are feeling stressed or anxious." I said though I am not sure if it is going to work. But at least, it was able to distract her.

"Are you going to be our nanny?" I heard Aenid ask while I was taking my seat in between them. At the corner of my eyes, I watched as Faye squeezed her other ear with her fingers.