Denzel Flynn******As soon as she says yes, my heart flutters inside my chest and a warm feeling spreads all over. Even though I was hoping to hear it, her words still catch me off guard.But worries are etched onto her face. Just her answer is enough to guess that she’s drowning in doubt. My joy flickers before it overwhelms me and I leap onto her like an excited pet lion.My lips latch onto hers hungrily and move fiercely with rhythm. So long as she’s distracted for now, she can question her decisions when it’s too late to take back her words.I wrap my hands around her and hold her closer. The warmth seeping from her body puts mine on fire. I don’t think I can hold on, and this isn’t the best place.I end the kiss soon and smile gently at her to lift her spirits. The kiss definitely worked because she looks less troubled now.“So, should we return to the hall?” She asks, clearing her throat and avoiding my eyes. I guess it’ll take some time for her to get used to me again.“Let’s
Naomi West******It’s been a week since Denzel and I got into a relationship officially and my mom pays no mind. In fact, he’s been like the sweetest daddy to Ben and I can hope for nothing more.At midnight this morning, Denzel snuck into Ben’s room while we were sleeping. At first I deemed him to be thinking of doing something naughty, but then I was a little embarrassed and confused to see my mom following behind him.It was only then that I noticed they’d brought a tiny cake. We woke Ben and sang him happy birthday song when he blew the candles. The little demon was in a half asleep state but still thoroughly enjoyed the surprise.I refrained him from eating the sweet dessert since he’s already brushed his teeth, but Denzel shoved a big bite in his mouth and Ben swallowed it and went to sleep peacefully.It’s the afternoon of his birthday and as I am decorating the apartment with blue, green, and yellow balloons, Denzel has followed Ben’s order to spend the morning in amusement p
Chloe appears cautious as she steps inside, scanning her environment. I spot my dad taking a look around the apartment and my mom still cooking in the kitchen.When my dad finds Chloe by the door, he silently inquires about her with a jerk of his head in her direction. “She is Chloe, Denzel’s sister.” My dad’s face turns sour, but he doesn’t express his thoughts about her.I turn to Chloe. “Ben is not here at the moment, but he’ll be back soon with Denzel when it’s time to cut the cake.”She nods silently. Something about her mood and actions just doesn’t sit right with me. She appears really perplexed for some reason.“Would you like to hide the gift?” I point at the gift box in her hand.It’s like my words jerk her awake from her thoughts and she clumsily hands over the gift. After setting it along with others, I pay heed to Chloe.“Is everything okay with you?” She seems to have been living in a daze ever since she came into the apartment.Her fingers fidget with the hem of her to
I rush to my parents with my phone still clutched in my palm and Marcus on the line. The outburst from my father is so spontaneous that everyone in the hall, enjoying their time, becomes silent.I feel eyes boring into my back as I stand next to my mom and dad, both of whom have a solemn expression on their faces.“What was that about?” I turn to my dad, who continues to stare at my mother with a loathing gaze, ignoring my existence.I’m pressured to step between them when they refuse to acknowledge me.“I’m talking to you guys. What happened, dad?” I look between my mom and dad with concern. Something is off about them.My dad turns to me and gently smiles while kissing the top of my head.“Nothing. I just remember I have something important to deal with. Goodbye tomato.” He walks away and pats Ben on the shoulder, wishing him once more before leaving the apartment.I look around myself to notice everyone has a similar look of perplexity on their faces and even Ben is not spared.“Mo
“Are you sure about this? I don’t understand how we can help mend their crumbling marriage.”I look hesitantly between Denzel and the kitchen where my mom is working. Ben has been tagging along us since last night, making sure to not miss out on anything.Denzel and Ben updated me briefly on their plan last night but we’re yet to discuss the details and the possibility of it becoming a success.‘Misson matchmaking’ is what the two of them are calling it.“Of course we can mend the crumbling marriage, but first we need to find the termite who caused the cracks in their lovely house.”I blink in surprise. “Since when did you get so... poetic?”“I think you put a spell on him mommy.” Ben makes his presence noticeable in the most adorable manner whilst Denzel just shrugs his shoulders.“Just go over and talk to her. We’ll save your back if things go downhi
I leave my dad in the middle of lunch and make my way to the ice cream parlour on the opposite side of the road. Unlike myself, the two men are enjoying themselves. As soon as Denzel spots me getting into the parlour, he brings me my favourite flavour and patiently waits until I stuff my mouth with the last bit of thawing ice.“Easy mommy.” Ben says as he watches me swallow the cold ice cream until my brain freezes.I’m on the verge of tears and barely holding myself together in front of Ben after having a chat with my dad. He texted me once I left to say ‘go home safely’. I didn’t reply. He doesn’t deserve it.“It’s okay. Tell us everything whenever you’re ready.” Denzel rubs Ben’s back as he speaks to me.Little by little, I tell them everything, how my dad admitted to cheating on my mom. For a fraction of second, my disharmonious thoughts take me to Layla, to my ruined wedding almost six years ago.I shake my head to clear my thoughts. This is nor the right time or place for it.“W
“I’m celebrating my friend’s birthday. Why are you here?” My dad looks at me with accusatory eyes.“I’m here to meet with Dr. White.” I say innocently, looking at the woman.“Come, sit with us for the moment, Naomi.” Dr. White takes the first step to offer truce. Ben sits next to my dad and opposite to Dr. White whilst I sit facing my dad.His eyes don’t budge from my face.After a moment of silence, he speaks out. “So, Naomi, what exactly have you been going through to visit a psychiatrist?”“It’s not me. It’s Ben.” I admit in a whisper. All the colours drain from his face when he hears me and pays his undivided attention to Ben.“Why? What’s wrong with him?” This time, his question is directed towards Dr. White.She explains Ben’s condition to him briefly, and I see his face morph into a look of guilt.The strawberry cake in front of me makes me feel dizzy by its look. Like my dad, I’m allergic to strawberry as well.“I won’t interrupt you, then. Enjoy the rest of your day, Dr. Whit
I hold the divorce papers in my hand and stare at them with an aggrieved expression. Even though they’re not of my own, it still pains me to look at them.The dinner was last night and my dad called earlier today to let my mom know that they’ll be getting divorced in a week. Just a week from today, my parents will be divorced and living apart from each other.I can’t believe that. Even after being roasted by my dad’s furious eyes last night, I still cannot bring myself to believe this nonsense in the form of papers.However, my dad’s words are edged into my brain. ‘Stop poking your nose where it doesn’t belong.’‘Worry about your own life and child.’I can’t help but take his words to heart. Was he referring to how I’m bringing up Ben as a single mother? How I don’t have a husband? Was he silently judging me for my failed attempt at marriage?“Get out of your head.” I feel a sting at my temple and rub it with my fingers. When I turn my head sideways, I see Denzel standing beside me w