Old Friends

A few seconds after those words left my mouth, the front door opened, and Edward walked in along with the troublesome twins. Roseline had her dark hair braided and held her father’s hand. Roseline clearly had Edward in the palm of her hand and was already a pro at sucking up to her father. I decided to give my girl a name similar to my own mother’s name as another way of thinking of her.

Edward named the other twin after his mentor, ironically that was my father, so his name is Devon.

These three little devils are responsible for keeping Edward and I challenged and super preoccupied.

“Mummy…I’m so…hungry…” Devon said as he walked up to me and hugged my leg.

“Food is ready. Let’s go to the dining room,” I said as I patted his head before taking his small hand into mine.

Edward walked up beside me before placing a sweet kiss on my cheek.

“Welcome home, Edward,” I said as I smiled at him.

“Where’s Ryder?” Edward asked, looking around.

“He’s already waiting for food in the dining room. Let’s go,” I replied before walking ahead along with Devon.

…

**A week later**

Edward held his eldest son’s hand as they casually strode through one of the most upscale malls in the city center. It was the weekend, and the mall was crowded with shoppers and families out to have a good time.

“Where should we go next? I’m a little hungry…” Ryder said as he tugged lightly on his father’s hand for attention.

“Perfect because we’re going to a restaurant,” Edward replied as he smiled down at his son.

“Cool…I want steak,” Ryder said happily.

“I’m sure they’ve got steak,” Edward replied smoothly as he checked the time on his watch.

When father and son had arrived at the restaurant, a young woman greeted them warmly and led them to the table in a private room that Edward had pre-booked in advance.

“Let me show you to your table, Sir,” the young woman said politely before leading the way.

“I’m hungry…” Ryder muttered.

“I know…I can hear your tummy growling like a monster…” Edward muttered back.

Father and son smiled at each other as they followed the waitress to their table.

The waitress handed them the menu after the two had sat down.

“I’ll come back to take your order. Please press the button to call me when you’re ready,” she said with a professional smile.

“I’m ready to order now,” Ryder said energetically as he pointed his finger at the photo of the T-bone steak on the menu.

“He’ll have that. Well done,” Edward told the waitress.

“When do I get to eat it medium rare like you do?” Ryder muttered as he pouted at his father.

“When you’re older,” Edward replied without hesitation.

After placing his own orders with the waitress, Edward slowly got up from the table.

“Where are you going?” Ryder asked.

“I’m picking up a friend. He’s decided to join us for lunch. Wait here, ok?” Edward replied with a smile.

“Ok…” Ryder replied obediently.

Edward patted the boy’s head adoringly causing the boy to pout in annoyance.

It’s been many years since Edward had heard from his friend. To be more accurate, Edward was unable to track down his friend even after his continuous efforts all these years. Therefore, he felt like it was no coincidence that his team was finally able to locate him that his friend had returned to the country recently.

Surprisingly, Edward was able to get into contact with his friend quite easily through his friend’s current employer who happened to be one of his business partners from the past. Now in less than a few minutes, Edward would come face-to-face with his friend for the first time in years and he felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Taking the elevator up to the reserved helicopter dock on top of the mall, Edward thought of what he wanted to say to his friend. The ride upwards was too short for Edward to reflect on everything, but it was enough time for him to reconfirm his own decision.

A very tall man dressed head-to-toe in black stood alone on the roof top waiting for Edward’s arrival.

His red hair shone in the sunlight and fluttered a little in the wind. The man stood straight, and his face was an unreadable emotionless mask.

The man turned around at the sound of Edward’s approaching footsteps.

“Reiner…well, you probably go by another name now…” Edward greeted his old friend as he came to stand directly in front of him.

“Edward…” Reiner said as a small smile broke on his lips.

“How long have you been away from this place? Or should I say this country?” Edward asked casually as he eyed his friend.

“Ever since that day,” Reiner replied flatly.

“I couldn’t find you at all for all these years…” Edward said in wonder.

“Of course. I didn’t want to be found,” Reiner replied bluntly.

“And now? I guess the paparazzi got you curious, huh?” Edward asked rhetorically.

“I don’t know…” Reiner whispered honestly.

“Are you sure you don’t want to meet her?” Edward asked, getting straight to the point.

“You would allow me to meet her? She’s your wife now” Reiner said emotionlessly; however, Edward did not miss a gleam of hope in his friend’s blue eyes.

“Of course. Natalia’s my wife now and I trust her,” Edward replied with a confident smile.

“Well, I don’t trust myself,” Reiner said with a grin.

Edward just burst out laughing at Reiner’s honest response. Reiner looked at his friend in confusion until Edward was able to collect himself once more.

“I somehow knew you would say that. Come with me,” Edward said casually.

“Where are we going?” Reiner asked suspiciously.

“A restaurant. Let’s grab lunch…” Edward said as he led the way.

…

“Ryder! Come here and greet daddy’s friend,” Edward called out as he gestured with his hand for the boy to come over.

Reiner watched in amazement and shock as a red-haired boy ran over to them energetically. His face full of smile and laughter as he jumped up onto Edward’s lap.

--To be continued…