S2 97. Trying To Make The Right Thing

 - Isn’t Venla coming down with us? Bertta asks.–

- No, She didn’t feel good so she went to bed early. Where’s Iiro?

– He has one of those gloomy moments, Bertta replys. Iiro needed to be alone from time to time.
– One of those days? Ilari raises his brows
- One of those.

- I’m sorry for Venla, Ilari sighs when they are alone with Bertta. – I haven’t seen her acting so nervous before.
– Why she’s so nervous? Bertta asks. – Something wrong with her?
– No. She’s not anything like Virpi was. There’s no vipers in my home anymore.
– Well, I’m glad to hear that! Bertta smiles warmly.
– It’s my fault, Ilari takes a long sigh. – I told her I invited you to stay over for Christmas some days ago and she was… well. She was upset about that.

– I thought couples plan these thing together?
– Err, I kinda messed up. Ilari rubs his neck.
– So she’s angry for me being here?
– No. Not angry to you. She was angry with me but now she’s upset.
– Upset. Bertta repeats.
– Yeah. She thinks you violated her and her privacy last year’s when you and…
- Maire.
– when you two decided it would be interesting to find out more of her. Venla is certain you hate her.

– Why would I hate her for?
– I told her the same.
– Ah. I see. The evil stepmother syndrome.
– Something like that.
– Oh dear. You could have told me before. Bertta shakes his head slowly.
– I said I messed up, didn’t I? There's light irritation in Ilari's tone.
– Then there’s only one option and that is to clear the air to make things better, don’t you think. Bertta decides.

Bertta sees crutches in the guestroom when she's unpacking her things and studies it for a moment. They are little worn and clearly been in lot of use.
– Ilari?
– Yeah?
– Why do you keep crutches here?
– They are Venla’s. She doesn’t want to use them but there’s days she does need more support, he replies little absent minded. – and there’s wheelchair in the attic. She doesn’t want to see it all but we keep it just in case.
– Just in case for what? Bertta frowns and looks at the crutches again.
– In case her legs turn for worse.
– I see.

Last year Bertta was suspicious about Venla. Girl looked fine but didn’t work or study. She thought the blonde girl was hypochondriac, played damsel in distress since that seemed to work for his grandson. He liked to be a hero of the story. Now seeing these kind of things in their home started to feel like Venla was real after all.
– Why do you ask? Ilari peeks in guestroom.
– I’m just curious?
- Ok. Good night then!

- Could I help you? Bertta comes to kitchen the next day.
– No thanks. I’ll manage, Venla declines her offer in polite way.
– I could do something. Peel the potatoes?
– Thank you. I’ve already done that and I’m almost done.
– Ok then. Just say if you change your mind? Bertta gives it another try.

Oh lordy, this is harder than she thought. The girl keeps herself totally locked in and doesn’t let her close at all. Usually helping with chores in the kitchen helped but seeing how stiff Venla became when Bertta came in showed that wasn't the way to a new start.

- What are you boys doing today? Bertta sits down.
– Not much I guess, Iiro yawns. He had been sleeping late and was spread on the couch. – Gaming?
– I could take a match with you, Ilari thinks. – After a walk with Lucky.
Bertta makes exasperated sound.
– Really? She says with a warning tone.
– What? Both men look at her alarmed. They both know what that sound means.
– Neither of you are going to help Venla in kitchen?
– Er...
– She said she didn’t need help? Ilari blinks.
– Don’t play dumb, dear. She didn’t want MY help. Everyone needs help when they are feeding more than one person. It's a lot of work.
– Oh.
– Ok boys. Ilari. You take the dog out and Iiro goes to kitchen to help.
– Jeez, why me? Iiro's face turns sour.
– You are available. Ilari will help after dinner. Is this clear?
- Yes, Nan.