Two years later…
Sean Peterson
“Ryan! Ryan! Go, Ryan! Yeah!”
As Ryan progressed to the finish line, Lauren’s voice continued to grow louder, and my two-year-old daughter kept bouncing on my lap vigorously, clapping for her brother, which made it hard for me to keep her in place.
“God, Lauren! Lower your voice, will you?” I grabbed her hand tried to make her sit back, but when has she ever listened? She swatted my hand without even glancing at me. I sat uncomfortably since other parents’ gazes were on us rather than on their children.
We were at Ryan’s school attending his annual sports meet in which he had participated in a race. Initially, he did not want to participate since he had always put mind games over physical activities, but our encouragement led him here. He turned eight a week ago and I was pleased he had been becoming more understanding day by day; month by month; year by year.
He never gave us a single hard day; I had never heard a single complaint from his school and also, he consistently received top grades in school, but physical activities are important as much so we had to push him a little to do that.
My reverie broke when Tiny, who wasn’t Tiny any more, jumped off my lap and almost ran towards the track if I hadn’t grabbed her. This tiny creature!
“Hey, Tiny, stop! You can’t go there.” I stood up with her in my arms to gain my wife’s attention but as if we weren’t there, she kept on howling for Ryan. No discouragement, I was happy for Ryan, but Lauren was completely ignoring us.
Sighing, I darted my eyes on the track only to see Ryan crossing the finish line. A huge smile broke on my lips, but I flinched and even Tiana covered her ears when Lauren screamed in joy.
“Yay! Ryan won! Yes! Yes!” She bounced while clapping her hands and seeing her mother Tiny did the same. Like mother, like daughter! These two females have turned my life into a bloody mess.
“Lauren, calm down,” I muttered in her ear which made her flip her head in my way.
“Calm down?” She said what it seemed to be in disbelief. Uh, did I say something wrong?
“Sean, our son has won the third position in the race, it’s a huge achievement, and you want me to calm down? Aren’t you happy with his win?” She frowned.
“What?!” I shrieked lowly. “Why wouldn’t I be happy? I am just saying that you are gaining unwanted attention. Look around.”
She roamed her eyes around at the curious people at the stands, who probably, wanted to know what was wrong with her. Only if they knew that it was the real her, nothing was wrong with her. If they knew they would surely award me for being her husband.
After studying everybody’s faces, she looked back at me and shrugged. “As if I care.” She flashed a tight-lipped smile and darted her gaze back on the track.
Shaking my head at her I kissed Tiana’s face. “See, I told you your mama is crazy.” Tiana giggled and gave me a sloppy kiss.
Ryan was being given the medal now, I met his gaze and waved at him with a broad smile to let him know I was proud of him. Lauren was still shouting for him when a woman approached us and patted Lauren’s shoulder to gain her attention.
The woman crossed her hands. “You are shouting as if it’s your son who has won the race, it’s Tory, my son.” She then pointed where the medals were being distributed. “See, he’s standing on the pedestal indicated as first.” She smirked. “Your son has won the third position.”
How dare she! I swear I would have given her a piece of mind myself, but I knew Lauren was enough for her.
Lauren flashed a sweet smile. I coughed because I knew the evil behind the smile and wanted to warn her not to bring her inner hulk out.
“Well, congratulations on your son’s win.” Lauren started, making the other woman smirk with pride. “But my son has won the race as well, may it be the third position, but a win is a win.” Lauren then smiled and crossed her arms across her chest.
“I and my husband have taught our son that winning is not always about coming first, it’s about fighting the fear within you. Ryan was scared to participate because he thought he would stand last amongst the ten boys, but see…” Lauren pointed his finger at Ryan.
“He’s all smiles… because he knows how hard he has practiced attaining the spot, how hard his parents have worked on him to keep him motivated; he knows. Oh, how can I forget this, do you know my son always comes first in class with the grades no one can match?” Lauren taunted which left the woman embarrassed in front of people. Served her right! How could she compare children?
Lauren and her befitting replies! No one can match them.
The woman, without uttering another word, walked her way back to her place.
“Stupid woman!” I heard Lauren scoff. “Who does she think she is? Did she think it’s only her son who can win? What problem does she have with me celebrating my son’s achievement?” She blabbered to herself in annoyance.
Till now Ryan had come and stood beside us which we didn’t notice.
“What’s happening?” He muttered, gaining our attention. Lauren squealed and pulled him in a bone-crushing hug.
“Aaaa, buddy, you won! I am so, so, so happy for you.” Ryan pulled away and proudly showed us his medal.
“Told ya, champ, you will ace it!” I ruffled his hair and pecked his hair. He deserved every bit of praise.
“Thank you, mom. Thank you, dad.” He beamed and showed his medal to Tiana, who was still in my arms.
“See Tiny, what your brother has won! It’s a medal.” Tiana snatched the medal from his hand and put it in her mouth; one of her favorite things to do.
“No, no, no, Tiny, you can’t eat it!” Three of us gently told her as I snatched it back from her hands. Ryan carefully took her in his hold as we made our way to the car to go celebrate Ryan’s win in McDonald’s since it was the place he loved to dine in.
Lauren secured Tiana in the backseat beside Ryan; I then pulled out of the parking lot. And within a minute through the drive, Tiana loudly interrupted the peaceful atmosphere inside the car.
“Daddy, let it goooooo…” She squealed in her baby voice urging me to play her favorite Disney movie song; Let it go from Frozen. I sighed. Gone were the days when I drove in silence, now, I could not even think in silence with Lauren and my daughter around. I played the song immediately because I knew it would be better or she would end up crying.
“She has you wrapped around her little finger.” Lauren laughed, giving our daughter a flying kiss.
“Haven’t you too?” I scoffed playfully, my gaze fixed on the road.
From my peripheral vision, I saw her shoot daggers at me. “Oh please, you hardly listen to me.”
I sharply turned my head to her. “Excuse me?” I screeched.
“You are not excused.” She clicked her tongue.
“Hey, no, tell me, when have I not listened to you? It should rather be the other way around! You never listen to me!” I looked at her with wide eyes.
“I already told you that you are not excused and for heaven’s sake Sean, eyes on the road! Do you want all of us lying in the hospital bed?!” She screeched as she forcefully made me look at the road.
“See? You know that I am right that’s why you aren’t answering.” I grumbled and smiled later. I knew she would not accept it. It had always been like that; these tiny harmless arguments had kept our love life strong. We never let our love waver for any reason.
After spending all day out we headed back home at night. Once inside home, I went to my study to check on some last-minute documents. After a while when I was typing something on my laptop, Lauren barged in with Tiana in her arms.
“Sean, she’s crying for you.” She walked up to me and settled Tiana on my lap, I immediately pressed her against my chest.
“What happened, darling?” I pecked her head.
“You have spoiled your daughter; she doesn’t want to sleep unless it’s you who put her to bed,” Lauren complained, her hands on her waist.
I sighed. “Lauren, could you please keep her busy till I send a mail? It’s important.” I pleaded with her. She came near me and ruffled my already undone hair then smiled sweetly.
“Mr. Peterson, remember family is way more important than work. Put her to sleep then you can do whatever you want.” She winked and stood straight. “I’ll go check on Ryan if he needs anything before going to bed.” She then blew a flying kiss and left the study, and kept calling for her but all calls went in vain. What a wicked woman she is!
I huffed. “Guess you gotta stay with me for a while, darling,” I mumbled as I rubbed Tiana’s back. Balancing her with my left arm I typed on my laptop with my right hand, but this was not acceptable to my daughter because she continuously tugged my hair until she got all my attention.
“Tiana, stop pulling my hair!” I chided her. Guess my voice came out harsher which made her lower lip tremble. “God, No!” I panicked because it would be harder to quiet her down. I pushed my chair back abruptly and stood up, and began to cradle her while moving back and forth in my study; my work was long forgotten. God, she’s a huge hassle!
Gradually, she calmed down and rested her head on my shoulder while her hands played with my collars. My brows remained furrowed since the pressure of work had been eating me, but I couldn’t do anything; my hands were tied. I could only wait for her to sleep real quick so that I could continue with my work.
I had been walking back and forth lost in thoughts when she raised her head and touched my face with her tiny, soft hands. “Daddy mad?” I could feel the concern in her baby voice and it awoke the father inside me.
“No sweetheart, I am not mad.” I frowned deeper thinking what could it be that led her to think I was mad. She tilted her head while her gaze fixed on my eyes, she moved her hand over my curled eyebrows and again mumbled, “Daddy mad?”
And then it hit me. She read my expressions. Oh, my sweet, little daughter. My Tiny.
I smiled at her. The real smile. “No sweetheart, I am not mad. I am happy, see.” I showed her my teeth to convince her for the same. And surprisingly, she got convinced and smiled in my way.
“Daddy happy.” She again placed her head on my shoulder which further relaxed my mind and soul.
“I love you, darling. Now sleep.” I whispered and rocked her back and forth until she nodded off. Then I settled her in her crib in Ryan’s room. Ryan did not want to keep his sister away from him that’s why he requested to place the crib beside his bed. I kissed her forehead then sat beside Ryan for a while.
I gently caressed his hair. “I am proud of you, my son,” I mumbled and stood up to leave the room when I heard Ryan mumble.
“Thank you, Dad and I love you.” His voice was sleepy and too low but I heard him. I can’t even tell how joyous I felt at the moment; I can’t even explain why I left the room in tears.
I wanted to go back to work but decided against it since my children had diverted my mind. I loved how they were growing up. Ditching my plan to work I headed to my room and found Lauren sitting on the bed with her laptop.
I smirked when an evil plan struck me. Smirking, I unbuttoned my shirt while slowly padding towards her; she hadn’t noticed my presence yet. I picked her laptop, shut it, and flipped it aside.
“Hey! I was working!” She raised herself from bed to fight me. I pulled her to me and grabbed the back of her neck.
“Mrs. Peterson, remember that family is way more important than work.” I three her own words at her. She scowled and pushed me.
“But I was scheduling your day tomorrow. I am still your P. A., remember?”
I laughed and tackled her down on the bed with me on top of her. “How can I forget that? But again, the work is for tomorrow. For now, it’s our time. Husband and wife time.” I pecked her lips.
Her lips curled up in a shy smile, her cheeks going red. She fiddled with my shirt. “Did our daughter troubled you while you put her to sleep?”
“Not more than you.” I laughed and before she could utter another word, I sealed her lips in a searing kiss.
Lauren Peterson
“How many times do I have to tell you to learn to knot a tie? Ryan knows better than you.”
I scolded my husband while knotting a tie around his neck. It was early morning, around seven in the morning, and he had to leave early for an urgent meeting.
“And how many times have I told you I don’t want to learn?” He muttered while combing his hair by looking in the mirror behind me.
I rolled my eyes; it was waste of time and energy to say anything to him because he wouldn’t do it. I adjusted the tie and patted it. “Here, all done.”
He thanked me by pulling me in a sweet kiss and tried to walk past me but I grabbed his tie to make him stand in front of me. “You can’t leave.”
“Why?” He raised his eyebrows. I smiled seductively and pulled his face closer to me, our lips almost touching.
He smirked and circled his arm around my waist. “You want more?” He asked seductively.
“Yes.” I kissed the corner of his mouth and then looked into his lust-filled eyes. He could get turned on anytime, anywhere.
“I want more…” I whispered and inched lips closer to his ear. “I want more of a… vacation.”
“What?” His grip on my waist tightened.
I grinned and faced him again. “Yep, a vacation. Your family wants a vacation since it’s been too long we have gone out.”
“We went out just yesterday to celebrate Ryan’s win, Lauren.” He argued as he gently pushed me.
“It’s not what I am talking about and you know that.” I crossed my arms across my chest.
“Lauren, I am busy for the whole month and you know it because you manage my schedule how can you ask me to take you all on a vacation in this busy month.”
“You always can make time, you are the boss!” I retorted politely. When I felt he would not change his mind, I pleaded. “Please, pretty please?”
“No, Lauren. Can’t spare time now.” He dismissed. I scowled and thought about a loophole. I smirked when a wicked idea hit me.
“If you don’t agree then I’ll alter your schedule and you will not get to know what I did. Remember, it all is in my hands.” I wiggled my fingers before his face.
“You wouldn’t do that!” He looked at me, horrified.
“You don’t wanna try me,” I smirked. “Now, think about it. Till then I am waiting for you at breakfast, make sure to decide quickly.”
I dashed out of the room before he could catch me.
I served breakfast to Ryan on the kitchen counter and sat on the barstool beside him. “Your school should have given a day off after the exhausting sports day. Think I have to complain to your principal.” I huffed.
He took a bite out of his vegetable mayonnaise sandwich and muttered, “It’s okay mom, I am not tired.”
“Sure you aren’t!” I threw my hands in the air and slapped them back on the table. “You couldn’t even stand on your own when you were practicing and now that you have won, you are not tired at all?”
“Yes, I am energized since today’s mathematics puzzle game at school and you know how much I love to do puzzles.”
Huh! This boy and his puzzles! No one could separate them.
He picked up the glass of milk and began to gulp hastily. “Hey, slowly or you’ll ruin your uniform.” I chided. He only put the glass down when he had galloped the milk in one go.
“See, it’s all clean.” He pointed at his uniform. “You worry too much, mom.”
I slapped his arm playfully. “I am supposed to worry about you, I am your mother. By the way, tell me you are not being bullied at school, right? Or you are not picking fights at school, are you?” I asked suspiciously. I get too worried for him since the day he came back home crying from school six months ago. One of the seniors had bullied him because he remained silent and didn’t socialize too much. Is this even a reason? Stupid brats!
“I do not pick up a fight, mom. And no, no one is bullying me. They can’t since you have threatened the principal to burn the school building if I ever get bullied. He takes special care of me.”
I grinned. Yep, I did that; for my son, of course.
“You haven’t told this to you dad, have you?” I asked.
“No, he hasn’t, but now I know.”
I jerked when I heard Sean’s firm voice from behind me. I scrunched my face and closed my eyes. Don’t tell me he’s here and he heard me.
I opened my right eye and looked at Ryan asking him if his dad was still there; he nodded his head and I let out a sharp breath. Be ready for an earful, Lauren.
Slowly, I stood up and faced him. I chuckled nervously when I saw him standing there cross-armed.
“Why did you do that?” He asked me firmly. “Why did you threaten the principal? What will Ryan learn from it, have you ever thought of it?”
“You know how hard Ryan cried that day, I can’t see him sad that’s why I had to do something,” I mumbled lowly. “And I took a promise from Ryan not to do wrong things and not to take matters in his hands, I swear. You can ask, Ryan,” I added quickly.
“Lauren, he won’t learn to stand for himself if you keep backing him up.” He scolded me. He was right, I shouldn’t have done that. He needed to learn to stand for himself, but my motherly instincts didn’t let me sit in silence knowing my son was being bullied.
I lowered my head in guilt. Why is it that he’s always right?
“And you, Ryan, you are not supposed to hide things from me. Next time you tell me if your mother does something crazy, get that?” Sean told Ryan.
“Okay, dad. Sorry, mom.” Ryan apologized to me for no reason.
“No need to apologize, buddy, I accept that I went overboard.” I smiled at him.
“Now, come, have breakfast with me, Lauren.” Sean kissed the side of my head and settled me on the chair.
“Mom, hasn’t Tiny woken up yet? I want to talk to her before leaving for school.” Ryan asked.
“No, buddy, she hasn’t. Besides, it’s good that she hasn’t otherwise she won’t allow you two to leave.” I pointed at both of them.
“Ryan, today I’ll drop you at school,” Sean added.
“Okay, dad.” Ryan beamed. It’s not always Sean gets time to drop him at school; it was a special day for Ryan.
We did our breakfast then Ryan went back to his room to bring his school bag.
“So, have you decided the place for vacation?” I asked Sean.
“Not again, Lauren.” He rolled his eyes.
“Fine! If you do not plan a vacation soon then I will…I will…” I stumbled on my words.
“You will?” He smirked at my helplessness. Yeah, what will I do?
I narrowed my eyes at him. “I will reveal your secret to your friends.” I threatened him.
“What secret?” He raised his eyebrows.
I smiled sweetly at him. “That you can’t tie your tie.”
“You are forgetting that you signed a contract, Mrs. Peterson.” He challenged. Oh…
“That contract became null and void the day I married you, Mr. Peterson.”
His eyes turned wide, he looked so horrified that I wanted to laugh at him. “You wouldn’t do that!” He said.
“Wanna try me?” I smirked.
He scowled and looked up at the ceiling. “For heaven’s sake someone please tell me why I got myself entangled with the crazy!”
I laughed. That’s how my life went on; laughing all the time, teasing each other, spending precious family time together, and loving each other to death.
IT’S A WRAP