Chapter 5

Mickey's POV

Stumbling backwards, I got a grip on the ground before I slowly raised my head.

“I'm sorry…” The rest of my words died in my throat as I locked eyes with the pair of gray eyes I hadn't gotten to see in five years.

Kendrick Killian!

Wiping the beads of perspiration that had gathered on my forehead, I tried to take my gaze off him, but I couldn't, just like I couldn't move my feet, which were glued to the ground.

“Mickey,” Kendrick called.

Quickly burying my head, I said, “I’m sorry, I should have been more careful.” I ratted out as I turned to leave but he blocked my path.

My second attempt was futile, causing me to lock eyes with him, a frown on my face.

“What do you want from me?” I said in a whisper when, in the real sense, I wanted to scream my lungs out.

“We need to talk.” The words glided from his tongue, causing me to clench my fist by my side.

“I have nothing to say to you.” He huffed. He was about to block my path again when Teddy walked up to us and, with his hand around my neck, he pulled me away.

Immediately we got to the table, I grabbed my purse, “Let's leave.” I said, trying to hold back my emotions, but it was to no avail.

Brushing past Teddy, I made my way out of the restaurant, and immediately I got into the car and slammed the door shut.

With tears now rolling freely from my eyes, I clutched my chest so tightly as my heart slammed against it in quick succession.

If anything, I was not expecting to see Kendrick here after five years, and not today when I was getting reunited with Teddy.

“Why today of all days?” I muttered, trying to steady my heavy breathing, but it was to no avail.

“Mickey!” Teddy's voice was faint as he hit the window, only then did I realize that I had locked him outside.

Wiping my eyes quickly, I sat upright and then proceeded to open the door for him.

“You're okay?” He asked, sliding into the driver's seat of the car.

“Yeah!” I nodded, keeping my face straight.

For the next few minutes, no one said a word as the tension in the car began to build up.

After what seemed like forever, Teddy held my shoulder, and not until I turned in his direction did he speak.

“I understand how you feel, but you shouldn't allow that to interfere with your day,” he said with a mild tone. Before I could say a word to him, he switched the topic.

“Let's go see Kaycee.” He said, turning on the ignition of my car.

Chuckling, I pushed my hair off my face, “Who is Kaycee? I keep correcting you each time, that's Kayden.” I added, still laughing.

“It's hard retaining that name.” He threw his head backward, eliciting soft laughter from me.

“Also, I’m still trying to understand why you decided to give her a masculine name. There are a ton of feminine names, but you chose Kayden.”

“I was expecting a male child so…” I shrugged, sending my teeth into my lips.

“Let's go see him… sorry… I mean let's go see Kayden.” He laughed and I joined in.

When we got home, Kayden, who was bent over with crayons all over the place, raised her head,p, and immediately she saw me, she rushed to my side.

“Mom.” She cried, revealing her dimples, one of the numerous features she had gotten from Kendrick.

“How are you doing, my angel?” I asked, spinning her in the air as she laughed.

We were still bonding when Dina, her nanny, walked up to us with a little plague in hand, “Her award arrived today.” She said, showing off the piece.

“Award?” Teddy asked, reminding me of his presence.

“Who is he?” Kayden asked, looking from me to Teddy before settling her gaze on me as she used her eyes to demand answers.

Setting her on the floor, I stood between her and Teddy, “Kayden, meet my friend, Teddy Lopez, Teddy, Kayden Darwin.” I said, folding my hands in front of me.

“Teddy?” Kayden asked, tugging my leg.

“Yeah!” I nodded with a smile as I had already visualized this question in my head.

“Like Teddy Bear, those big ones on the store counter and my room?” She asked, raising her brow.

“Uhm…” I nodded, hoping the questioning would stop here, but we were just getting started.

“I haven't seen a human teddy before now. Why is it wearing clothes? He looks like Mr. Graffiti in school and not some stuff for play.” She blurted, rolling her eyes.

Crouching next to her, I quickly used my hand to shield her mouth to prevent her from talking further.

“Don't be rude, okay!” I said with a firm voice and was about to proceed with chiding when Teddy stepped in.

“You don't have to be hard on her, she is still a child.” Crouching next to her, he said, “Just as your name is unique, mine is also.”

“You mean your mom named you Teddy?” She allowed her shoulders to slump and then went further to say, “I love your name.”

“You do?” He shrieked and she nodded, a bright smile playing on her lips.

“Me too.” He replied, hitting his palm with her and for the first time, Kayden bonded with someone she was just meeting for the first time.

When Dina came around at first, she refused to have anything to do with her and only slowly began to warm up after several months.

Even up until now, she doesn't get along with Erica, no matter the amount of chocolates and toys she offers her.

Watching them bond warmed my heart, and I couldn't take my eyes off them even for a minute.

“Mom! Is Teddy going to live with us?” Kayden's voice rang in my head, disrupting my thoughts.