CHAPTER 156

Geneveive Tessa Robert

Kyle spent two days at my place, and I enjoyed every moment with him. We visited the Thames, famous museums, and Buckingham Palace. I grew closer to him as we talked and dined together. He also followed me to visit Vera at her place. He flowed easily with Mercy-Vera’s baby girl, and it amazed us.

I commented on it when we left, and he hinted that he has been reading a lot about parenting in preparation for the kids. He wanted to know more about what was expected from him as a father. He didn’t know, but those words drew me closer to him. I didn’t want to fall deeply though because my head kept reminding me that he was just a friend and nothing more. I couldn’t fall in love with him yet. But a bit won’t hurt yet.

I stretched on the bed, ignoring the alarm. I had a long day ahead. The twins' birthday was today, and there were a lot of activities I needed to supervise to ensure everything went well. Kyle would be coming to help after he was done with his supervision on his new company’s construction. I was actually proud of him. He was finally doing things his way without his mother's constant bickering and complaints. 

Dahila King was different from what a mother figure is expected to represent. I was still going to have a conversation with her on how she treated me when Kyle and I were married. 

I walked into the bathroom, showered, and pushed thoughts of Kyle down. I didn’t want to get distracted this morning. A few minutes later, I stepped out of my room wearing a flowing gown and light makeup. I would change into a more befitting outfit before the party starts. I stepped into Nicholas’s room, hiding his present behind my back. I had gotten him a tablet for his animation classes. I wasn’t surprised he was awake already. Unlike his sister, he was a light sleeper. 

‘Happy birthday, Nicholas. How do you feel being six years old?’

He smiled widely, hugging me as I sat on his bed. ‘I feel happy, mama. Where’s my gift?’

I chuckled, giving him the box. ‘Here you go, dear. Happy birthday, brush your teeth, shower, and I will be back to take you downstairs.’

He nodded, opening the gift. ‘The tablet! Thank you, mama. What did you get Hope?’

I laughed. I could never understand the synergie between them. ‘You will get to see it once you brush your teeth, shower, and are dressed.’

‘Okay, mama. Where’s Uncle James?’

‘He is in his room, sleeping. Don’t go in there and disturb him. He had a hectic night, okay?’

Nicholas didn’t reply. He had taken his crayons and was immersed in a picture he was drawing. I laughed. One thing about children: they got distracted easily. 

I returned to my room, picked up Hope’s present, and walked into her room. She was still asleep. I stared at her face, running my hands through her dark hair. She was almost the replica of Kyle and more beautiful than him. She yanked, opening her eyes slowly.

‘Good morning, baby. Happy birthday. Welcome to number six.’ I said, kissing her forehead.

She giggled, hugging me. ‘Thank you, mummy. Do I get to join the karate class now?’

I chuckled, not believing her. ‘Won’t you ask about your gift first?’

She shook her head. ‘You promised me, I will join once I am six years old.’

‘Alright, we will look into it and sign you up for the class. Are you happy now?’

She giggled. ‘Yes, mummy. Thank you. Where’s my birthday present?’

I handed her a big box. ‘Here is it, my princess.’

She looked curiously at the box, tore it open, and smiled widely. ‘The books! You bought them.’

I smiled, nodding. She had wanted all the stories of all Disney princesses. It was hard getting them, but with the help of Kyle and James, I got everything. Okay, the ones that were available in print.

‘Go brush your teeth, shower, and get dressed. I will be back, okay?’

She replied with a huge smile, returning her focus to the books. I kissed her forehead and left her alone. 

My phone vibrated as I walked downstairs. It was Vera. She wouldn’t be able to make it for their birthday party because she was still on bedrest. Doctor’s order. It was a miracle she had survived with the baby. 

I picked up the call. ‘Hello, godmother. How’s Mercy and Murphy doing?’

She sighed. ‘They are fine. I am not happy I am missing the birthday party, though. Make sure you send my love and wishes to them, alright?’

‘They will get them. They are going to miss you too. Get well fast, Oaky?’

‘I am well. The doctor is just stubborn. Anyway, Murphy is bringing their gifts and a cake too. Flood my inbox with all their pictures, Tessa! Including the videos too!’

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. ‘I will do that and send your share of the food, cake, and drinks. I don’t know how I will survive without you, Vee!’

She groaned loudly, ‘Kyle will be there, right? He will help you out. I can’t believe I am missing this, but next year, we are throwing a bigger party as my compensation.’

‘Alright, godmother. I need to go. Santiago needs me.’

‘Wait, Santiago came finally? Oh, dear. I am going to miss his famous cooking too!’ she cried.

I chuckled. ‘Murphy will bring your share. Take care of yourself, godmother.’

I cut the call, sighing loudly. I was definitely going to miss Vee and her warmth. Also, who was I going to share my jokes with when Dad sings his croaky birthday song to the kids? I sighed, stepping into the kitchen. Next year was going to be bigger.

A few hours later, the birthday party had gone live. The kids friends were everywhere enjoying themselves. Even the parents weren’t left out. I stopped to talk to some parents and collect the gifts they had brought. Mum was with her circle, taking pictures and showcasing her grandchildren to them. 

I collected a glass of juice from the waiter as I settled near James. ‘You don’t look happy. Did your new girlfriend break your heart?’

He chuckled, hugging me. ‘You’re the best sister and mother. How did you pull this beautiful party again?’

I replied, watching him closely. ‘Let’s just say I had a lot of help. Now, what happened to you?’

He sighed, dropping his hands. ‘Dad wants me to return to Arizona and oversee the branch offices there. There have been a lot of complaints, and we are bleeding money. A lot of money. I don’t want to go because you guys won’t be there and I will be so lonely and bored!’

I blink twice, looking at him. ‘I didn’t know we had trouble in Arizona, and I thought Mr. Lucas had everything controlled.’

‘That’s what he made us believe, but since the start of the year, it’s been messy. He can’t control other branches because he hasn’t been transparent with them.’

‘Wow. I am going to really miss you, James. What am I going to tell the kids?’ I groaned. They had become so attached to James, and he was almost like their father. He had taught them almost everything they knew. It was going to be hard telling the kids the news. 

James shook his head. ‘You don’t have to tell them now. I will be leaving next week, so we can find time to deliver the news. Also, Kyle will be here, so they won’t really miss me. Where is he?’

I sighed. ‘I don’t know. He’s not picking up his calls or replying to his messages. He’s supposed to be here on their birthday, so when we reveal his identity, they won’t fault him for missing it. He knows how important this is for me.’

‘It’s alright. Probably, he is engaged with work activities or something came up.’

‘And he couldn’t send a text? Also, why would he put work before his kids birthday?’ I sighed, changing the topic. ‘If you had gotten married, you wouldn’t be sad returning to Arizona. At least you would have company.’

James smiled. ‘He probably had an emergency meeting, and his battery might be low. I am sure he won’t purposely miss out on his kids birthday just like that.’

I shrugged. ‘Alright. So, you are going to avoid the marriage question?’

He drawled. ‘Not at all. Marriage isn’t everything, big sister. Also, I still have a couple of girlfriends in Arizona. I am just going to miss having family around.’

‘But we have family in Arizona. Aunties and a lot of cousins.’

He chuckled, not replying. I noticed Hope dancing to our favourite music, and I stood up to join her. Mom joined us, and soon everyone was dancing.

By evening, people started taking their leave, and Kyle was still not here. The kids had asked me several times, and I had run out of answers. The sad truth was he had missed something I held close to my heart, and everyone who knew about our rekindled relationship had expected to see him here.

Mom was also disappointed because she had boasted to her friends that he had finally changed and was back for good. 

By eight o’clock, everyone had left, and I instructed Estella to prepare the kids for bed. James and I focused on cleaning the yard while the housekeepers arranged the chairs and tables. 

The birthday party had been a success, and the kids had enjoyed themselves. That was enough for me. Even though Kyle had disappointed me.