Additions to the Family

Melodi was nothing short of awesome. The girl had been through so much, too much for someone her age, in one short week, and she still managed to make the proper arrangements for Malaki's two orphaned brothers.

Syl wrapped her arm around her niece's shoulder as they waited at the airport and kissed her forehead in appreciation. "Thank you for taking care of all this for me. If there's anything you need," she gently patted Mellie's swelling center, "don't be afraid to ask, okay?" She smiled at her reassuringly. "Everything is going to be alright."

The two little boys, only 3 and 4, emerged from the Arrivals gate with a scarecrow-like laywer. He looked extremely perturbed and only the older of the two boys held his hand reluctantly, as if he somehow realized the unpleasant neccesity of staying with the cold, gaunt grown-up. His brother, though only a year younger, didn't understand and tightly held the older boy's other hand, rather than the crooked fingers of the lawyer.

When they approached, Syl crouched down to greet the boys, much to the annoyance of the lawyer, who wanted to get the formalities over with and be on his way. She ignored his ugly glare.

"Hi, my name is Sylvia," she greeted the boys with a friendly smile. "I'll be taking care of you two from now on, just like your dad wanted. Will that be alright with you guys?"

The lawyer sneered at the question. The two orphaned boys had no choice and he found pretending that they did a disgusting display of compassion. He would have said as much, but a quick glare from Mellie kept him silent. Instead, he let go of the boy's hand and after rummaging through his briefcase, thrust the custody papers at Syl for her to sign so he could leave.

Once the scarecrow of a lawyer had left with the paperwork, Syl turned back to the boys and held out her hand. "Com'on, boys. Let's go home."