“Ai Lee… Yes, I am daddy…” Peter let his tears roll down his cheeks.

Those words used to be just a wishful thinking verse she constantly recited in mind thousands of times when she felt down back then only to finally hear them aloud. Ivy couldn’t help but to sob even more as she instinctively stepped into Peter’s embrace. She could feel the same warmth she always longed for from her grandma’s arms as she slowly digested the fact that her dream of finding her father had finally come true. All the rush of emotions made her forget about everything else and focused on her reunion with her father instead.

“Oh Ai Lee… How I miss you?” Peter said as he tightened his arms around her.

“Daddy…” She called out in between her sobs as everyone watched gratefully at their reunion.

Jason on the other hand had been restless the entire morning as he gave up trying to sleep after Ivy left as he sat by the window panel of his room when Marcel came in with Lucky. Lucky was getting very excited as they reached the front door of Jason’s room as he stood on his hind legs against the door before Marcel opened it up.

“Careful, careful… There alright, go…” The voice of Marcel instructing Lucky to not rush his way into Jason’s room was heard by his doorway but it wasn’t enough to barge Jason from sitting still engrossing himself deep in his thoughts.

Marcel noticed Jason hadn't noticed their presence as he knocked on his room’s door after letting Lucky off the leash. Jason was startled by the sudden leap from Lucky who leaned on to him as he stood with his two hind legs and kept licking him, sending his falling off the window panel to the ground as he giggled with joy hugging onto Lucky.

“Oh buddy! You came!” Jason greeted as he finally grabbed hold of Lucky and pinned him down on the ground but was held back by a piercing pain on his waist.

“Marcel… that was a rough landing… Hold me up…” Jason said while holding out a hand to Marcel as he grimaced at the back pain he felt and pant at the same time.

“Are you alright? Are you injured? Sorry… Lucky must have missed you a lot to go out of control…” Marcel apologised solemnly as he helped Jason to stand.

“Not a problem… Just a little aching by the waist… It’s alright… Thanks for bringing this boy here… So, what is my agenda for the rest of the week?” Jason asked as he led Marcel to the sofa bed and sat with him.

“Nothing much as most of the appointments and talks were postponed to next week. Only one with Mr. Ophal on Friday… As for Saturday, we can request to cancel your participation in the college camp in view of your injury…” Marcel suggested as he referred to his tablet for the list of agenda.

“No, don’t… We will still continue with the camping trip. After all, I can sit out the trekking part and help out with coordination of the students from the pit stops.” Jason quickly interrupted Marcel and Marcel knew Jason wanted that glimmer of hope to see Ivy again knowing that he would update about her absence as the next thing on the list.

“Alright… Ivy’s workload… is piling up and with her absence…” Marcel was once again interrupted. “Start hiring… It’s time. Full time staff please…” Jason instructed as he continued to pat Lucky. “Alright… I will make the arrangements… Finally, as for Nancy… will we still…” Before Marcel could finish asking his question, Jason already knew what it was about and had all along a decision in mind.

“I will speak with her when the new person comes in to replace Ivy… No point in keeping her around for administrative tasks only unless you find it useful…” Jason asked Marcel in return. Marcel pondered for a moment.

“As a matter of fact, most administrative works were administered by Ann previously. If we have someone new filling in Ann’s position as full time, then… I agree with you Nancy will be made redundant…” Marcel explained his thoughts as Jason nodded. “Then, let’s proceed as planned… anything else?” Jason asked.

Marcel wanted to proceed with his follow up on the investor’s funds but hesitated as he was reminded of Ivy’s proposal the night before and he was worried about Jason. He was also curious about their progress and updates whether it was the investment or Ivy finally meeting her family or anything between Ivy and Jason but he knew from Jason’s frustrated look, perhaps nothing had happened.

Jason knew Marcel well and he could guess what’s on Marcel’s mind. “I’m fine… Don’t worry… She should have met with Peter by now…I will update you if there are any outcomes later…” Jason said as he looked away from Marcel’s eyes and stared at Lucky instead.

“Perhaps you should make things clear with her soon…” Marcel mumbled but it was loud enough for Jason to hear.

“It’s not that I don’t want to… I don’t know when would be the right time. Although I have an appointment set with Peter tomorrow…” Jason paused for a moment to hold back his emotions. “Ivy is an entirely different story Marcel…” Jason said in a low tone as Marcel patted his shoulder.

“If not tomorrow then at least on Saturday... After all, you should formally tell her of the change in her job scope as her boss… That would be the least you could do…” Marcel comforted as Jason sighed.

“Even you think I am procrastinating?” Jason took a deep breath trying to clear his mind.

“Jason… some things are not meant to be dragged too long especially conflicts. I’m sure you know why I suggested speaking with her as soon as you can when Peter notifies you or at tomorrow’s meeting…” Marcel wanted to continue but paused when he saw Jason was holding his head and closing his eyes as he nodded.

“I know… Guess this was the same with Nancy too…” Jason mumbled.

“Nancy knows you too well… But not Ivy… And I could see Ivy had changed you. You’re not as bad as when you’re with Nancy. Perhaps…” Marcel took a deep breath while contemplating to speak what’s on his mind. Marcel has stood by Jason from his roughest days beginning from the rough patches during start up of his business due to the rebel feud between his father and himself to the downfall of his relationship with Nancy due to neglecting her which resulted in her cheating.

“Perhaps?” Jason prompted as he opened his eyes and looked at Marcel.

“Perhaps, if things goes well… she might be the one?” Marcel hinted as Jason blinked and pondered about it. Only then did Jason realise, he had been thinking of the negative side of the outcomes but had not given much thought on the positive side of outcomes. It made him realise all along his frustration and anxiety had made Ivy mean more than just his employee or student or even just a passing by friend; she was slowly guarding a place in his heart discreetly.

Because of her, he had all his plans haywire.

Because of her, he had not been himself for weeks and kept drowning himself into the guilt and desperation of trying not to lose her.

Because of her, he wanted the best for her and that was finding her family.

Because of her, he even was willing to lose all of his career and start over again.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Marcel… If… If all these do not fall through, are you willing to start all over again with me?” Jason questioned as Marcel smiled knowing Jason had thought through all his paths.

“Why are you not confident like always this time?” Marcel teased as Jason smiled. They both knew Jason was just being prudent as the company’s future was still rather uncertain.

“Trust me, Ivy knows what to do… Even if my judgment of her is incorrect, I will walk this path with you till the end again, bro…” Marcel nudged Jason with his fist as both men chuckled.

As Ivy finally calmed down with Peter still holding on tightly to her in his embrace while helping her wipe away her tears, Auntie Soh had gone to prepare a few bowls of noodles for everyone.

“Ai Lee… They are your brothers…” Peter said as he smiled looking into her eyes while pointing at the direction of the boys. “My… brothers?” Ivy asked half doubting the fact as she watched the three of them smile back at her before she went over to give each of them a hug.

She started with Ray who was really tall and muscular that she could feel his muscles as she gently placed her head on his abs because she was that short as compared to Ray. She looked like she was hugging a giant. She proceeded to Jin who was still feeling awkward about the entire situation but subconsciously tightened his embrace on Ivy’s frail body like his. A part of Jin was glad, with his sister returning to the family, at least their father would be at ease. They were both of the same height and had the same body build. People could have mistaken them both as twins any day.

As for Ryu, he had been waiting for his turn patiently as he lifted her up from the ground a little, sending Ivy in giggles. “If I knew you were my sister back then, I would have returned ten folds to your bullies…” Ryu said as Ivy asked him to bend down a little. He was the combination of Ray and Jin. He was tall and had a slim athletic body build. As he bent, Ivy patted his head. “It’s not too late.. You will have plenty of chances…”

Ryu chuckled as the brothers laughed. Peter, Andrew and Sandra couldn't help but smile. Peter was reminded of Ivy’s gesture during their last trip to watch the aurora together. Peter saw her patting on to a tall guy back then who was squatting in front of her before she ran back to himself and his second wife. “Some things never change…” Peter thought to himself as he smiled even wider.

“Welcome back Ivy!” Ryu pulled her in for another hug, squashing her into his chest while she screamed in joy as Auntie Soh stepped out of the kitchen with bowls of chili noodles.

After lunch, Auntie Soh suggested for Ivy to lead her family to visit her grandma’s house while Andrew and Sandra were excused from joining them any further.

On the way, Peter held on to Ivy’s hand as they walked. “The old roads still look the same…” He said as they took the last set of stairs up to her grandma’s house. Ivy noticed her brothers were far ahead of them. She also realised she had addressed them as her brothers in mind subconsciously.

“Yes there weren't many developments…” Ivy said shyly.

“Ai Lee…” Peter called out softly as he stopped his track and Ivy turned around to find him standing below her on the stairs. She noticed he had been calling her second chinese name by another syllable but she didn't want to bother about it just yet. “Yes?” She replied politely.

“Would you bring me to visit your grandma?” Peter asked with a pleading voice which Ivy instantly smiled and nodded.

“I will… Tomorrow, is that alright?” Ivy offered as Peter was reminded of the purpose of his trip and the meeting he has with Jason.

“Ai Lee… In fact, I have something I need to discuss with you and it will determine if we will have to meet this guest tomorrow… but since it would be dinner, we could make the trip to visit grandma in the morning?” Peter explained as Ivy raised an eyebrow; half curious at what they would be discussing but decided to wait till he told her about it later as she nodded to his arrangements.

They both continued to walk up the stairs to where her brothers were looking up in the air with their mouths each gapping as they stared at the huge ugly plushie bear’s head popping out of the roof.

Ivy noticed the shock faces of everyone including her father as she shyly explained while scratching her head. “Sorry… it’s hideous I know but that’s the only way to stop the rain from flooding inside…” There were awkward grimaces from all of their faces as Ivy quickly tried to think of ways to distract them..

“Where will you all be staying?” Ivy squeaked, trying to change the topic as she wondered if she could make them all stay in a rather cramped and run down place. Ryu heard her question as he answered skeptically. “The hotel?”

“That would be alright… I’m afraid it will be too cramped for so many of you here…” Ivy smiled as she tried leading them to the side of the house but none of them was barging as they still couldn’t get over the sight of the bear. Peter had to clear his throat to distract his sons.

“Why don’t you come and stay with us too in the hotel just for tonight? After all, it would be easy for us to arrange to visit grandma tomorrow?” Peter suggested as Ivy pondered a while before nodding.

“Then… I will pack some stuff first while you all wait inside here…” Ivy led them into the glass door house which Jin gladly went in and took a seat. As for Ryu and Ray who looked at each other, they had a mutual understanding and were more keen to explore the interior of the house. At that sight, Ivy smiled and knew their intention.

“Or you could come in to the house too…” She dug for her house keys as she unlocked the side door and quickly went to pack while Ryu and Ray stepped in with Peter. Peter instantly caught sight of the picture of himself and his second wife with Ivy under the aurora sticking onto the kitchen's refrigerator. The boys noticed their father was staring in one direction as they peered to find the picture of their mother at the kitchen’s refrigerator.

“Mom knew about Ivy?” Ryu asked Peter as he nodded. “Yes… In fact, she wanted a daughter so badly herself after I told her about the situation Ai Lee’s mother had put me in…” Peter lamented as Ivy overheard their conversation from her room and walked towards the kitchen to take down the picture. She walked over and passed it to Peter.

“The last trip we went together as a family?” Ivy asked as Peter nodded. Ivy could guess the lady in the picture was not her biological mother. “Yes… you should keep it…” He said as he stepped further into the living room.

“She is not my biological mother?” Ivy asked curiously. “No… She was my second wife. Their mother… but she dotes on you very much… Unfortunately, after three children, we tried to have a daughter but her post natal depression had cause her miscarriage… To make things worse, we couldn’t get hold of you because of the restriction your biological mother put on me, hence, she succumbed to her post natal depression.” Peter explained as Ivy felt bad for bringing up such a bad memory.

“I’m sorry…” Ivy mumbled as Peter walked over and hugged her. “You don’t have to be… It’s not your fault…” “What about my biological mother? Do you know where she is?” Ivy asked curiously again as she looked up at her father.

Peter sighed and contemplated on telling her as it wasn’t the right time with too many things on hand he needed to speak with Ivy. “Ai Lee… There’s plenty of time… Why don’t we talk about this another day?” Peter suggested as Ivy smiled and nodded before she walked off and picked her bags she packed. A thought of driving them to the hotel they chose crossed her mind as she absentmindedly called out to Peter.

“Daddy…” She called out right before he stepped out of the house with Ray and Ryu. It was a nostalgic moment for the both of them as he was still trying to get used to hearing her calling him that and she was also slowly getting used to calling out to him that.

“Yes, my dear?” Peter didn’t hesitate a moment to turn around and find her with her luggage as he quickly fanned his sons to help her out.

“Ah, it’s alright.. it’s not heavy, I can do it myself…” Ivy rejected her brothers' help only to be helplessly pampered.

“It’s alright big sister… you’re the princess of the house. You should let the men do such heavy stuff…” Ryu teased as he took one luggage from her while Ray took another.

“Yep.. let us dote on you…” Ray smiled as Ivy gave up retaliating while Peter stepped closer to her.

“Yes.. What is it?” Peter asked again gently as he put some of her loose fringe behind her right ear.

“Oh… I wanted to ask if you all would like to ride in grandma’s vintage car?” Ivy suggested as Peter nodded.

“Alright…” He smiled as Ivy went to grab the car keys and Peter noticed Ivy’s debate trophies in the display cabinet by the television. He read her full name “Ivy Ophal Ai Yee''.

Ivy walked over as she noticed him peeping into the cupboard. She opened them up for him to have a better view.

“My debate trophies…” Ivy proudly told him as he smiled and nodded.

“Ai Lee… Did you change your name again?” Peter asked curiously as Ivy looked on the ground. She had noticed Peter had called her Ai Lee instead of Ai Yee all the while. She no doubt heard her grandma tell her before on birth certificate her name is indeed Ai Lee but after what had happened between her parents, her mother insisted on changing her last name into Yee. Her mother never did it officially.

“Actually, on the birth certificate it is still Ai Lee… She never made the changes in time officially although she insisted I use Ai Yee informally.” Ivy explained with a pout as Peter knew the “she” Ivy meant was her biological mother.

Peter patted her head. “It’s alright… at least she didn’t change it officially… Come let’s go. I will tell you more tonight…” Ivy nodded with a smile as they left the house.

“What are you thinking about?” Ray asked Ryu as they walked over to the glass house. “I just didn’t expect someone I know after all is my sister…” Ryu explained as Ray chuckled. “Looks like your words are hammered back at you…”

“What do you think of her?” Ryu asked Ray in return.

“She seemed to be very delicate… she should feel lucky to have three brothers protecting her…I wanna teach her martial arts to protect herself…” Ray said as he pushed open the glass house’s door.

Jin had heard their conversation while both brothers were approaching and didn’t hesitate to reveal the truth he had observed of Ivy and the environment she had been living in.

“She looks delicate only… But she is a strong girl… Very strong…” Jin greeted them as they walked in.

“And how would you know?” Ray retaliated with his arms crossed.

“Well, look at here… it’s all so run down but yet she survived all alone… and the bear…” Jin smirked as they both quickly shut the door.

“Oh my… don’t remind me. It’s so freaky…” Ray scolded as Jin and Ryu chuckled. “You’re so muscular, how could you be so easily frightened by it?” Ryu teased Ray as Ray snarled at him.

“Yet she survived… key word… Alone…” Jin emphasised as all brothers took a moment and realised Jin was right. A sudden knock on the door startled all of them.

Peter pushed the door open. “Don’t want to leave? Love it here? We can stay overnight here…” Peter teased as all of his sons barged out of the glass house heading to the stairs only to be called back and redirected to where Ivy was standing as they rushed over trying to avoid looking at the bear head on top of the roof.

Peter laughed to himself recalling the boys’ conversation as he reminded himself to help Ivy fix the run down house to preserve the memories not only Ivy had but everyone including himself and the boys.