On TV

Nora's mind was racing as she tried to comprehend what her daughter had just said. "Dad on TV?" Nora repeated, her voice laced with shock.

"Yes, Mom. I saw Dad on TV," replied Mia, a grin spreading across her face. "He was as cute as ever, Mom."

Nora's heart sank as she realized the implications of Mia's words. Her mind immediately went back to the one-night stand she had years ago, and she began to question if there was evidence of that night. "Did the stranger and I snap a picture when I was drunk?" Nora thought to herself. "Did he snap a photo of me before leaving that morning when I was still asleep?"

As she gasped for air, Axel, her son, noticed Nora's face turning paler by the second. "Mom, are you okay?" he asked, reaching out to touch her arm.

Nora snapped back to reality, her mind still preoccupied with the thoughts of that night. "Oh, yes, my love. I'm...okay," she said awkwardly.

Nora noticed the tension in the living room and asked, "Mia, where did you see Dad's picture?"

"I saw it in your old blue bag in the basement," Mia replied.

Nora's heart sank even further. "I'm done for good," she thought to herself. "That's the bag I was with that night."

As Nora took a deep breath, she made a decision to confront the truth about her past and find the father of her twins. She knew this was a good opportunity, as she hadn't seen his face clearly that night due to being drunk.

Summoning all her courage, Nora asked Mia to show her the picture she had seen. Mia eagerly led the way out of the living room, with Axel tagging along in curiosity to see his father's photo, as Mia had never mentioned it to him before.

As they descended the stairs to the basement, Nora felt a sense of apprehension wash over her. She knew that the blue bag held the secrets of her past, and the thought of them being exposed to her children made her break out in a cold sweat.

Mia located the bag in a big box and slowly retrieved it. As she unzipped the hidden compartment in the bag, Nora closed her eyes, not wanting to face the memories that this bag held. She hadn't used it since that fateful night, and the thought of what might be inside made her heart race.

"Open your eyes, Mom," Mia said excitedly, holding up a photo in her hand.

Nora took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she might see. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw a picture of herself with her high school best friend, Leon. She heaved a sigh of relief and chuckled, feeling foolish for having been so worried.

"Is that the picture of your dad, the one you said you saw on TV?" Nora asked Mia, wanting to be sure that there were no more surprises.

"Yes, Mom, this is him. My handsome dad," Mia replied, still gazing at the picture.

"That's not your dad, Mia," Nora said gently.

"What?" Mia asked, her expression shifting from excitement to shock.

"Really, Mom? That's not our dad?" Axel chimed in.

"No, sweeties, that's not your dad," Nora confirmed. "That's Leon, my high school bestie. We were very close back then, but we were only friends, nothing more than that."

Mia's lips pouted as she looked back at the picture, disappointed. Nora couldn't help but smile at her daughter's reaction.

"I'm so sorry Mia if it disappointed you, but that's not your Dad," Nora said, trying to comfort her daughter.

Mia looked up at her mother with tears in her eyes. "Don't you have any pictures of Dad?" she asked.

"No, I don't have any," Nora replied sadly.

"Aren't married couples supposed to have that? Even Grace brought her parents' photos to school the other day," Mia said, her frustration evident.

Axel, who had been listening quietly, couldn't take it anymore. "Enough, Mia! That's Grace, not you. Comparing your life with hers will only ruin you. We're only six years old, and more opportunities will come to meet Dad, so beat it," he said, his tone laced with anger.

Nora was taken aback by her children's conversation. She had never heard them exchange words harshly because of their dad before, and it broke her heart to see Mia's disappointment.

Mia looked up at Axel, hoping for some reassurance. "Are you sure there will be time and more opportunities to meet Dad?" she asked, needing to be sure.

"Of course, Mia. I'm sure we will meet Dad one day, one special bright day," Axel said, trying to sound confident. "So apologize to Mom now!!"

Nora was surprised at Axel's sudden outburst but grateful for his support.

Mia nodded in understanding and looked up at her mother. "I'm sorry, Mom. I really didn't mean to hurt you," she said, her voice soft and apologetic.

Nora bent down and hugged her daughter tightly, feeling grateful for her understanding and compassion. "It's okay, Mia. Thank you for understanding," Nora said, her voice warm and soothing.

After breaking from the hug, Mia looked up at her mother with determination in her eyes. "I know that our Dad will be more handsome and better than that Leon, the celebrity guy," she said confidently.

Nora smiled at her daughter's optimism and hope. "I hope so too," she whispered under her breath as the trio made their way to the living room.

As they entered the living room, Mia turned to her mother and asked, "When will our flight be?"

Nora's face lit up with excitement as she replied, "The next day!"

Axel's eyes widened in surprise. "So quick, Mom? I would need to tell my fans about my leave tomorrow," he said with a hint of concern in his voice.

Nora chuckled at her son's popularity in the neighborhood. "Of course, Axel. You wouldn't want to disappoint your fans," she said, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Mia looked at her brother with a playful smile. "Don't forget to sign autographs too," she teased, making Axel roll his eyes in mock annoyance.