Beyond Captivity

Breakfast

Nerissa's Pov

Leo insists on opening the door so I impatiently wait for him as he fiddles with the door knob, refusing my help. 

I look back where Christos and Nikos are standing. They don't look mad but I hate to keep them here because of my child. 

Leo finally opens the door and I hurriedly push it open before moving to Christos. “You can give him back to me…” I gestured to my son in his arms. 

“You can put Lily down first, we’re not in a hurry.” I don't know why the words out of him sound like an order. 

I didn't argue and quickly took off my shoes before going inside to drop Lily on the carpeted floor. Christos and Nikos followed after us, removing their shoes. 

I really appreciated that. Since I had two infants in the crawling stage I need to keep the place sanitary. The beige carpet anyways looks too beautiful to ruin with dirt.

“Should I put him on the floor too?” Christos asked. 

“Yes.” 

When he was done I shifted from one foot to another waiting for them to leave but they didn't. Christos straightened up to his height and stood next to his brother looking directly at me. 

I was utterly uncomfortable by two huge men in my room in the evening but I reminded myself they're my brothers. I might not trust people anymore but I shouldn't assume bad of those who haven't done anything to me. 

“What happened downstairs…” Christos initiated the topic. “We planned to tell them after the dinner so they could have some time to compose themselves. But I understand what you did. They acted incredibly immature and foolish and I'd like to sincerely apologize on their behalf.” 

I was shocked to have received an apology from a man like him. He was supposed to be a bad guy. He’s cold, authoritative and he smokes. He ticks all the boxes. 

But then again, Jake’s personality was a complete opposite of him. He was friendly, understanding and never touched alcohol or cigarettes. 

Maybe my definition of bad is wrong after all. Maybe cigarettes, alcohol and tattoos don't define character. But mom said to stay aware of such people so I should keep it in the back of my mind. 

“It's okay…” I mumbled. 

“We're sorry that your first day here was shi- bad. We promise it won't happen again. They know now and they’ll behave themselves.” Nikos assured me. 

But a question kept running in my mind. “Your brothers don't like my kids…” 

I shouldn't have asked that. The way they shared a look made me regret overstepping my boundaries. They have welcomed me in their home, their parents have promised to even let my kids stay, I shouldn't point out any discomfort they throw my way. I should adjust where necessary. 

They're gonna think I'm ungrateful. 

“Oh no you're misunderstanding. They don't hate your kids. They're just… new to this…” Nikos didn't seem to have an actual answer to my question. 

“They haven't had kids around before so they didn't quite adjust well.” Christos words only sounded like excuses for his brothers’ actions. 

Despite living in captivity for the last seven years, even I know kids are innocent and should be treated a certain way. But Andreas and Alekos who are a year older than me still behaved so rudely with them. 

What's hurtful is that their family is still defending them. They should’ve taken my side because I'm clearly in the right but obviously the twins are loved more than the family claims to love me. Their mistakes will be overlooked.