Madina nodded slightly. “We separated long after she told me that I had lost my daughter, Olivia. At the time, I thought I had lost everything that truly mattered to me. But when I got to work here, and I got to know you, you became important to me and strangely, all I wanted to do was to be close to you because somehow, I was able to get closure. Weird right?” Madina mumbled as she reached for Natanie's hand.
Natanie shook her head as her softened expression gave Madina the urge to continue.
“For a woman that had lost everything, and with time, being close to you became a blessing and you might not understand it but I've magically healed from all the pain and loss that I'd experienced. And then somehow, you became a part of me like my own flesh and blood, but who would have thought that I was your aunt?” Madina let out a short laugh as Natanie laughed along too with tears sparkling in both of their eyes. 
“Yeah right, who would have thought?” Natanie blinked back the tears in her eyes and nodded at Madina in agreement.
Madina touched Natanie's face and smiled, happy with the fact that somehow, Natanie was a part of her life, her world. She couldn't have asked for any more blessing.
But then again, there was a strange thrill that settled at the pit of her stomach. What's with this dancer that makes her want to cling to her forever, like her own friend, like her aunt or like her mother. 
Maybe because Natanie had constituted most parts of her healing journey and now, no matter how crazy and inane that it might sound, she wanted more. She was starting to feel the claws of greediness.
Natanie's eyes darkened, everything looks so messy, even her world. But she could see that this woman in front of her had added color to her life when there clearly was none. 
She squeezed Madina's hand gently. “You know what Madina, or should I call you Aunt?” They both laughed softly. “I'm really lucky to have met you, to have known you, and to finally realize that we're family after all. And this might sound weird, but I really wish that you are my real mother and you know why?” Natanie muttered as Madina smiled with teary eyes and then she shook her head.
“Because you treat and handle me like a real mother would.” Natanie said as they both squeezed each other's hands. 
A lone tear threaded down Madina's face but then she instantly wiped it off feeling a bit embarrassed, then she brought Natanie into a hug. Then more tears rolled down her cheeks like she didn't try to blink them back.
Madina awkwardly let out a short laugh. “I wish you were my daughter too…” She whispered as Natanie sniffled and tried to regain herself.
Hearts that ached from longing, tears that couldn't be controlled with caution and muted voices that were laced with slow-burn wishes, spiraled across the room, all told the tale of two women with sacred hearts.
***
“I’ve lost her.” Fred mumbled to Isabelle, who was seated in front of him. “Forever.” He added.
“So what do you plan to do next?” She asked almost drained of ideas. 
“I don't know.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I mean, what can I do? We've broken up, we're over, and there's nothing I can do to get her back.”
Isabelle sighed. “Maybe there's a way out. I think there's a way out.” She said quickly as if she's finally figured out something.
“You think?”
She bit her lip. “Uhm well, it's actually more like I know that there's a way out.” 
Fred furrowed his brows at her, doubt evident in his eyes.
“Ok, let's just say I suggest you go make up with her. You know, ask her for forgiveness again and who knows, she might just accept you.” She blurted and he eyed her.
“And you solely think that's the way it works? Look Isabelle, I hurt her. I started this whole thing in the first place…” He trailed off. 
“And for a good reason. You started it all for a good reason, you wanted to make her yours forever. Isn't that what you've always wanted?” Isabelle raised her brow at him in question.
He nodded. “It is, but in the process of actualizing it, I lost her. Can't you see? Nothing is gonna work out now. It's all a mess. A big one!” He raised his voice a little with frustration.
“Then what are we going to do now?” She asked him.
“I don't know, you tell me.” He retorted obviously irritated.
“Well, I don't know either.” She said unstable. 
They were both mute. Thinking. Searching. Scheming for ideas, but there was none.
Then Isabelle remembered when Natanie had told her that she was her best friend and had confirmed that Isabelle wouldn't hurt her. 
Isabelle scoffed at the memory. What was the use of it when Natanie clearly knew she would actually hurt her? Natanie knows too much and completely acts oblivious like she doesn't. Isabelle clearly hates her for that.
Isabelle snorted and decided that since there was no clear lines drawn to prevent her, she won't stop until she destroys Natanie. 
Isabelle threw a glance at Frederick, the poor guy doesn't know that I intend to destroy his woman. How stupid. Isabelle thought.
She cleared her throat. “I'll go get my friend back.” She said slyly.
Fred furrowed his brows at her. “What? How's that going to change anything?” 
She shrugged. “Now that we're not close anymore, I don't know what goes on in her mind. She always tells me everything. I'll make her believe that I've clearly come to parch things up with her but of course, it's just to get close enough to know what our next line of action will be.” Isabelle said as she smiled cynically.
Fred just had to scoff and shake his head at her.