THREE YEARS LATER
“Will you be back in time today, Mum? You didn’t tell me a bedtime story last night, and the unicorn didn’t visit me in my dream!” Mia asked, her voice full of hope, her wide eyes reflecting the innocence of her three-year-old heart.
“Mum had late-night lectures that was why she was late, but I’ll be home in time tonight to read you the unicorn story, I promise, sweetie.” I reassured her, my fingers deftly weaving through her thick hair as I brushed it, trying to tame the wild curls that danced around her face.
Both my twins are growing in perfection, and everyday I see the resemblance of Ray and Jake in them.
“Wow, I look so pretty like Mum!” Mia exclaimed, admiring herself in the mirror.
“No, baby, you look even prettier than Mum,” I replied, smiling at her “which bow will you prefer, the pink or the green one ?” I asked her raising both bows so she could make her choice.
“I want both mummy.”
“You’ll look too funny baby, you have to make a choice, remember life is about choices.”
“I’ll take the pink one then ..”
“That’s my girl.” I said patting her head softly.
Just then, the door flung open and Mason entered the room frowning, his arms folded. “Why did you touch my video game, Mia? Now I have to start from level one!” he said, his voice higher than his normal speaking tone.
“Talk to me with respect; I’m a lady!” Mia shot back, hands on her hips, channeling her inner diva.
“Mummm, can you hear Mia? She can’t even apologize!” Mason whined, pointing an accusing finger at Mia.
“Mia, apologize to Mason. You have your dolls; just ask before you play with his toys,” I reminded her gently.
“But I also want to play video games.” She said pouting.
“Then ask him politely, rather than going to touch his stuff without his permission. Now apologize to him.” I said putting the last strands of her hair behind her ears.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, her tone lacking the enthusiasm.
“Alright, I forgive you, just please don’t make me start all over again,” Mason pleaded, his eyes darting between us, clearly still exasperated.
For a three year old they sure do act mature, sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am.
Aside the fact that Mason wears trousers and Nora wears gown and bows there’s absolutely no way to different them.
The both have similar ocean blue eyes and oval shaped face. Mason on the other hand is the smart and witty one, he’d rather prefer playing games and learning new things than play around.
However Mia is the princess of the house and is always after attention.
“I have to go now, babies. Make sure you don’t bother Grandpa while I’m away, okay?” I said, planting a kiss on each of their foreheads as I picked up my bag to leave.
“Okay, Mum!” they both chorused.
Mr Beaumont had encouraged me to take a course on Business Management, which I had and by next month I’ll be rounding up, and hopefully I’ll get a good job and won’t have to depend on him anymore, thou he’s not complaining, but I can’t ignore the fact that he has done so much for I and my kids.
Having a strong foundation in business will aid me to find a better job that will be enough to care for my little family.
“Nora what took you so long ? Have been outside waiting, the lecture started over thirty minutes ago.” My course mate Oz who was standing at the parking lot waiting for me said.
“I’m sorry, had to put my kids in order before leaving.” I apologized quickly packing my stuffs.
“Alright, I saved us a seat.”
“Thanks…”
Yeah, yeah I know. I know he has a thing for me but have chosen to ignore it, the last thing I want right now is getting into a relationship with anyone, I just want to focus on myself and my kids and make our life’s better.
Besides relationship always ruins friendship, and he’s definitely a good friend and I’ll hate to loose that over some infatuation.
“I hope everyone of you is preparing for your final exams ? You’ve all come a long way and I’m really proud of you. But remember these last few days are the most critical part of your academic, do not play with it and always stay focus.” The lecturer said packing up his stuff to leave.
Unfortunately I had missed the lecture and only happened to meet the closing speech.
“Great ! Another lecture missed.” I mumbled the moment the lecturer stepped out of the class room.
“It ain’t your fault..” Oz said, putting back his books in his bag.
“Who’s fault is it then ? Yours ?” I said placing my hands in my cheeks.
“Absofuckenlutely not.” He said choking in laughter.
I rolled my eyes at him and stood up,”Let’s grab a snack before heading to the library, I’m starving.” I said.
“Ooh Nora, how do you read my mind so well.”
“Told you I’m a magician…” I said flipping my hair in a sassy way as we made our way out of the classroom.
“Do not flatter yourself young lady, don’t let the praises get in your head.” Oz said rolling his eyes at me.
We got to the cafeteria and ordered our food, Oz had ordered chips, while I on the other hand ordered hamburger.
We sat down together to eat, while bantering at each other.
We were still talking when my phone rang, I checked who was calling and saw that it was Mason.
I had gotten them both small phones to call me if they needed anything, it’s one thing for Mia to call me unexpectedly, sometimes just to tell me she misses me. But Mason on the other hand, I can count the number of times he has called me, most of the times to remind me to get him something on my way back. Seeing his call right now and by this time if the day is surprising.
I picked up the phone anyways, “baby is everything okay ?” I asked.
“You have to come home now mummy ?” He said his voice quivering.
“What happened Mason ?” I asked, panic surging through me. “Where’s Mia ?”
“Mia is fine. It’s Grandpa.”
“Grandpa ? What happened to him ?”