Is this destiny?

Merve thought how the talk ended up philosophical and it strayed from the main topic. "Can this apply to religion?"

"It applies to everything in life. However, if your belief in God is shaky, I would advise you to reconsider." Sarah saw that Merve is confused and she clarified: "Belief in a God is something that comes from the inside, and if it's easily swayed, it's more of an opinion. I'm not telling you to stop believing in your God, but if you turn to him only when it's convenient, I don't think that you are truly a religious person."

Pari raised her hand. "What if we need to go to a temple?"

"We will arrange it for you. If you need a rug, a rosary, a candle, or an idol, let us know. When you come to the Cliffside villa, each of you will have your own room where you are free to do as you wish."

Sarah saw that girls had no questions at this point, and she decided to share: "We don't mark religious occasions as a family. We have a number of parties throughout the year at which everyone is welcome to join. If you celebrate some occasion, religious or not, we would love to hear about it. You can make a presentation, share customs, explain the meaning of the rituals and if you make some treats for everyone, that is a bonus. In our family, for Christmas, we set up a Christmas tree, decorate the house, exchange presents, and have a party, but it's not religious. Aiden and I use this opportunity to buy new pajamas and house slippers for everyone, so don't expect anything grand, other than the feast…"

Most of the girls looked at Sarah with sparkles in their eyes and she was not sure if they are excited about the pajamas or the feast. But the mood was back into a cheerful one and that is a good thing.

…

Later that evening, Sarah and Aiden sat on the balcony of their bedroom and exchanged updates.

Aiden told Sarah about this chat-spar with Daniel. "He definitely has a crush on Xiaohui."

Sarah nodded in understanding. "I will talk to her tomorrow to see where she stands."

"You spoke with girls for a long time.", Aiden voiced his observation.

He went to the study room to wait for them to finish, because he didn't want to interrupt the girl-only discussions. Based on the noise and giggles, it was lively, and it went well.

"Yeah. We started with schedule and relationships and ended up with religion and celebrations.", Sarah made a face which told Aiden that she didn't enjoy it.

"You still don't like talking about religion?", Aiden guessed.

Sarah didn't deny it. "I see how they are looking at me. Like I have all the answers and they are willing to absorb them and accept them as their own. I don't want any of the girls to end up changing her religious beliefs for the wrong reasons."

"They are young and most of them grew up in an environment where it's expected that they will follow their elders.", Aiden reminded Sarah.

Sarah agreed. "That is exactly why I don't like talking about religion. I feel like I'm brainwashing them, and I hope that they can make their own choices."

"Just the fact that we want them to make their own choices is already changing their mindset, and people who controlled their lives so far, will call that brainwashing."

Sarah paused and she had to agree that Aiden has a valid point.

Aiden smirked. "If they make their own choices, none of them would study and they would train most of the day to be the best bodyguard."

Sarah narrowed her eyes at Aiden. She knows that he is teasing her because she is (almost) forcing kids to focus on education. "There has to be a line of what is acceptable. And I demand that all our kids have an education which will allow them a promising future. All that bodyguard nonsense is causing me headaches."

"There is nothing wrong with drawing a line and demanding education to come first…", Aiden said quickly to pacify her and continued in a soft tone: "About religion, the girls admire you. And I believe that you are an amazing role model. Maybe now they are infatuated with you and everything that is happening, and they will decide to abandon the beliefs they followed with their families before they joined us, but if that is a mistake, they will realize it in time."

Sarah thought how what he said makes sense. Isn't that what she told the girls? If they make a mistake, they think, reevaluate, and try again.

Sarah looked at him and smiled. "You are very wise."

Aiden blinked twice before his face broke into a smug grin. "Yup. This is your husband, right here."

Sarah laughed. She was about to kiss him when they heard a knock on the door.

Sarah moved her fingers and on Eve-lens saw that it's Merve and Hande.

Aiden and Sarah exchanged looks before Sarah stood up to answer the door.

"Is this too late?", Merve asked timidly.

"No, it's fine.", Sarah responded. "What's up?"

Merve pushed Hande to the front. "Talk now. You said that it can't wait for the morning."

Seeing that Merve and Hande came for a talk, Sarah gestured for them to enter.

"Come in.", Sarah called and ushered Merve and Hande to sit on the sofa.

Merve sat, but Hande was still standing and she looked at Sarah with determination in her gaze.

"You talk to the big girls, and ignore me.", Hande said with a small pout.

Sarah was surprised by this statement. Is she ignoring Hande? She didn't think so.

"Sorry. That was not my intention." Sarah said with a smile. "When there is a big group of kids you need to raise your hand so that I know you have something to say. Or you can come separately to talk, like this."

Hande nodded and straightened her back before starting her speech which she practiced several times in her mind: "I am too young for dating, so that does not apply to me. My former parents told me that there is only one true God, and everyone who does not believe in him is going to suffer. My previous dad didn't allow us to speak much and if we did something he didn't approve, he would punish us, and he said how that is because God said so. You told me that I can pick a God if I want and that I can speak my mind without any consequences and I find that confusing, but I like what you said that we should be kind to each other. I don't know about the afterlife, but I want my life to be good." Hande paused to take a breath and glanced at Merve. "I want my sister to have a good life as well." Hande looked at Aiden and Sarah and continued: "You said that you will support us in whatever choice we make. I want to study hard and I want to train as well. Don't underestimate me because I'm the youngest." Hande's eyes darted over the carpet for a few seconds before she lifted her gaze back to Sarah. "That's it."

Sarah tried not to laugh. Hande reminded her of Ade to the point of Sarah thinking that she is having a déjà vu. It's just that instead of a little boy she is now looking at the little girl with the same defiant gaze, determined to prove to the world that she can do it (whatever that 'it' is).

"Thank you for telling me this.", Sarah responded. "I will not underestimate you. If you want to train, you need to prove that with results. So, go to sleep and get proper rest because in the morning I will test you and the better you do, the more training I will approve."

Sarah held the door and watched Merve and Hande walk down the hallway.

Sarah was closing the door when she heard Hande's surprised voice: "Sarah really didn't punish me for speaking…"

Merve responded: "I told you…"

Sarah closed the door and smiled sadly.

"What happened?", Aiden didn't miss the change in Sarah's mood.

Sarah shook her head. "It's heartbreaking how many girls suffer because they are born into a certain environment."

Aiden wrapped his arms around Sarah and kissed her forehead. "Be happy that you have a chance to help these few. Each of them will remember this and they will help other girls when their turn comes. You are starting a butterfly effect that will empower many girls. And that is a reason to be happy…"

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