Chapter 22
Suyin's husband, Bataar Sr. arrived that morning to spend the next few weeks with his wife in Republic City. He knew there was no point convincing her to come home because he had tried that. She was staying in Republic City to be close to Bataar Jr. and Kuvira with the hope that Kuvira would at least eventually acknowledge her. As soon as he saw her, he could tell the emotional toll this was taking on his wife. He had always thought of Kuvira as a daughter, but never really knew how to approach her. He had forgiven her for everything that happened between them and hoped that with some healing time she may come back to the family. He had spoken to Bataar that morning and told him that they would be getting a notice for the family and that he wanted Suyin there, but that she was to maintain her distance. He wondered what the notice could possibly be about.
"How are you sweetheart?" Bataar asked even though he already knew the answer to his own question. "Honestly miserable. It's been six months and she still won't even look at me." Suyin sighed. "Maybe if you didn't try so hard, it would show her that you are respecting her wishes and she may come around." Bataar Sr. suggested. "I've tried that in the past. Isn't that the reason we are in this situation in the first place? I ignored her as a child and then as a teenager, I drove her away because I gave her too much space. I was so stubborn that I couldn't see the emotional damage that I was inflicting on her until it was too late. Then I accuse her of turning Jr. against us even though I know they have always been close. The day I barged into her room to confront her about signing up for the academy, Jr. was with her. She was in his arms." Suyin confessed. "I never knew they were that close. I guess now that I am not surprised." Bataar admitted.
Suyin heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. "Good morning Mrs. Beifong. I have a letter for you from Miss Sato." The messenger said giving Suyin the letter. "Thank you." Suyin responded and then closed the door. "Who was is Su?" Bataar asked. "It was a messenger with a letter from Asami. I wonder what it's about." Suyin replied as she opened the big envelope.
To the Beifong Family
You are cordially invited to celebrate the marriage of
Bataar & Kuvira
On Saturday May 2nd 171.
Time: 2pm
Place: Plaza Hotel
Suyin started to tear as she read the invitation and Bataar read it over her shoulder. "They're really getting married." Bataar stated. "You sound so surprised." Suyin stated.
"I know they have been engaged for a while, but you would think that they would wait a little while for things to settle down. I think they are jumping into this." Bataar said. "After seeing them together, I am surprised they waited this long." Suyin confessed for the first time as her husband gave her a questioning look. "I never told you this, but whenever I wasn't training Kuvira when she was young, she would study with Jr. for hours. I would sometimes have to send a guard to call her and sometimes she wouldn't leave until I practically forced her. They used to work on projects together and I didn't realize until I barged into Kuvira's room, just how close they really were until I saw the way he looked at her. The way you look at me. I guess a part of me just freaked out because I always thought of her as a daughter and our son was in love with her. Recently I have watched them together, and they just complete each other."
"I had no idea," Bataar began, "so, what are you going to wear to the wedding?" "Oh, Bataar you are surely not saying that this invitation was meant for me?" Suyin confided.
"Actually, I spoke with Jr. this morning and he told me that we would be receiving a notice. He didn't tell me what it was for, but that he wanted you there, but you would have to maintain your distance. I am guessing from Kuvira." Bataar announced, watching the smile come over his wife's face. "Why don't you go see Jr., he said that he wanted to see you and that Kuvira won't be at the factory today."