Chapter 6
Andera’s pov.
Relief washes over me as I step out of my car. I’m still reeling in the joy from my meeting but I’m also very eager to see my kids.
That’s right. Kids.
Thane knocked me up with two babies!
And while I hate him, and would probably hate him till I take my last breath, having our kids is the best thing that has happened
in my life. What I felt when I bore them is too profound, to be put into words.
It’s quiet when I step in, too quiet.
“Timmy? Tiffany?” I call out, my eyes scanning the living room. They’re both usually here watching cartoons whenever I return.
A faint giggle form behind catches my attention, and my eyes land on two little rascals hiding behind the couch. Tiffany tries to
stifle her laughter while Timmy puts a finger to his lips, gesturing her to keep quiet.
Smiling, I pretend not to see them and play along with their game.
“Oh, where could these kids be?” I exclaim, hitting my forehead with my palm dramatically. Tiffany giggles more, and Timmy’s
face lights up with a grin.
“Surprise, Mommy!” they shout in unison, jumping out from behind the couch. I feign shock, my eyes widening in mock
astonishment.
“Don’t tell me you both have been hiding there since?”
“We got you, Mommy!” Tiffanys hands fly to her mouth to suppress her giggles. Timmy, on the other hand, looks like the
proudest kid in the world.
“Yeah, well, it was my idea to surprise you, Mommy. Were you shocked?”
“As shocked as one can possibly be.” I ruffle Timmy’s dark hair, feeling a surge of love for my little ones. Tiffany’s the smaller
version of me. Auburn Hair and hazel eyes just like mine, but whenever frowns, all I can see is Thane.
Timmy, on the other hand, is the spitting image of his father. With dark, almost black hair and gray eyes. But unlike Thane,
Timmy is carefree and loving. The way he looks out for his sister makes my heart flutter. He loves to treat her like a baby, even
though he’s only six minutes older.
As we hug, I notice the delicious aroma of dinner wafting from the kitchen.
“Welcome home, Andera. Dinner’s ready,” Becky calls out.
I smile back at her.
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“Alright, Becky. We’ll be right there.”
As we head towards the dining room, the doorbell rings.
“You both go, I’ll answer it,” I instruct the kids, watching as they rush off.
I make my way to the front door, wondering who it could be, when I open it, I’m greeted by Rosa’s bright smile.
11
Hello, neighbor,” she sings, holding out a basket of muffins.
+15 Bonus
I roll my eyes good–naturedly. Ever since she was able to buy the house next to mine, she’s been visiting with gifts.
“Rosa, you know you don’t have to bring gifts every time you visit.”
“These aren’t for you. They’re for my two favorite little munchkins.”
She sets the basket of muffins down and turns to me, a serious expression on her face. “Andera, we have to talk.”
I nod, suddenly curious. She’s using that voice, the one reserved for the office.
As we sit down on the couch, Rosa’s expression turns somber. “What did Thane discuss with you after the meeting?” She inquires
“He didn’t have anything important to say. ” I answer. She looked at me with disbelief, drawing a sigh from me.
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Okay, Fine. He said he didn’t know I’d be homeless when he kicked me out. Like that would somehow make a difference. “I
laugh dryly.
Rosa’s expression softens, and she places a hand on my arm.
“Look, Andera, I know you hate Thane, and you have every right to. But you’re not planning to keep the kids from him forever, are you? That’s what I want to talk to you about ”
“And what if I do?” I could feel my defense rising.
Rosa’s eyes locked with mine, a pleading expression on her face.
“Andera, he doesn’t deserve to not know about his kids. I’m all in for revenge but come on, sooner or later, you have to tell him. If not for his sake, do it for Tim and Tiffy, do you want them to grow up without knowing their father?”
“Why should I tell him, so we can what? Do co–parenting?!” I scrunch up my nose at the thought, my voice laced with disdain.
Rosa opens her mouth to respond, but before she can say a word, Timmy and Tiffany cheer in unison. “Aunty Rosa!”
Her face lights up with a megawatt smile.
“There’s my two little cherubs! Your favorite auntie brought you muffins.”
“You’re their only auntie, Rosa.” I correct.
“What’s that you’re holding, Tiffy?” she asks, her eyes fixed on the piece of paper in Tiffany’s hand.
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Chapter 6
Í follow her gaze.
+15 Bonus
“I told you to trash that one away, Tiffany. That’s the wrong one,” Timmy mutters, trying to take the paper away from her.
Tiffany’s face falls. “I’m sorry, Timmy. I forgot to throw it away when I heard Aunt Rosa’s voice.”
“Let me see what you have there,” I say, my voice gentle as I stretch out my hand.
Tiffany hesitates for a moment before handing me the paper. I unfold it, and my heart skips a beat. It’s a crude drawing of a family – a mother, a father, and two children. But the father’s figure is erased, leaving only a faint outline.
My throat tightens, and I have to blink back tears. “You erased the daddy?”
Tiffany looks at me with apologetic eyes.
“It’s because we don’t have a daddy,” her voice quivers.
Guilt and sadness hit me hard. I pull them both into a tight hug, trying to reassure them.
“That’s not true, my angels,” I whisper, my voice choked with emotion.
“Then why haven’t we never seen him?” Timmy asks, mirroring the same unhappy face as his sister.
“Well….the thing is…” I stutter, thinking of what to say.
“I met your daddy today, and he’s dying to meet his two angels. ” Rosa lies
Tiffany’s face lights up, and her lips stretch into a wide smile. “Really? You met our Daddy?” she asks, her voice full of
excitement.
Rosa nods. “Yes, love. But unfortunately, he has to travel a lot, but he promised to visit you both very soon.”
“He did?” Timmy’s gaze locks with mine in expectation. I can’t bring myself to shatter their little hearts, so I play on with
Rosa’s lie.
“Yes.” my voice tightened.
They jump out of my embrace, squealing with excitement.
I glare at Rosa, my anger and frustration obvious, but she remains unfazed. I slump into the couch. Rosa just trapped me in a
corner, and I have no idea how I’m going to get out of it.
