Star's grape-like eyes were round and sparkling, and Zachary found her adorable from every angle.Giving her a peck on the cheek, he said, "You have to grow up faster, kiddo.""You'd be old by then," Lulu said as she placed the dishes on the table. Zachary turned toward her, hardly able to hide his genuine sentiment. "Do you think we'll still be together by then?""Dunno," Lulu replied, returning to the kitchen.Even though they were getting along fine now, who knew what would happen in the future? There were just so many unknowns in life.Zachary realized that he was getting impatient too—things had just calmed down between them, and it was no surprise that Lulu was afraid to answer.Soon, Lulu finished cooking and went over to check on Star after she set up the table.Zachary was feeding her milk, since she was pouty and likely hungry.Still, while she was happily drinking, her eyes were narrowed and clearly sleepy.She was even sweating a little and her cheeks flushed, cl
Zachary picked up the meat Lulu gave him and chewed so loudly that it was the only sound at the table.Then, seemingly guessing what Lulu wanted to say, he told her, "We won't mention the past, and you shouldn't dwell on it, alright?""Okay." Lulu nodded."You're skinny. You should eat," Zachary added, sliding more food on her plate.Lulu quietly accepted and ate as much as she could.Her health was poor even after her surgery, and she happily accepted Zachary's kindness.Ring…Her phone started ringing, and she picked it up."Hello.""Hey, Irene," Lulu greeted her, at once spirited.Zachary looked up too, while Irene asked, "Where have you been? Aren't you coming home?"Lulu glanced at Zachary as she replied, "I'm with Zachary. Have you eaten? You can come over if you haven't—we're eating now."Irene was relieved to hear Lulu getting back on first-name basis with Zachary—the counseling proved useful.Still, she was not about to impose when she finally got those two to get
If they kept shopping, Zachary might just buy the entire mall altogether."Let's go back," Lulu said."It's still early," Zachary replied. "We can take our time.""I'm tired," Lulu quickly said.Zachary gave her a skeptical look. "Really?"Lulu nodded repeatedly and pointed at a nearby cafe. "Let's take a break in there.""Okay," Zachary nodded, and they each ordered themselves a coffee while resting on the chair.Lulu then took Star off Zachary's arms, staring at her diaper for a moment."I just changed them," Zachary told her.Lulu checked—it really was dry, and Star was still plenty lively, not drowsy despite staying up for hours."You should be tired. Let's eat out so we don't have to cook," Zachary suggested.Lulu nodded. "Okay."-They headed home after eating, while their various purchases were delivered home.Star was finally sleepy, and Zachary gave her a bath and coaxed her to sleep, while Lulu unpacked their purchases.As there were piles everywhere, Zachary s
Lulu heard the door knock and quickly turned to see a towering silhouette through the sandblasted glass."I-I'm here…"She was done bathing, but she still had her qualms about facing Zachary.She was not being coy, but her memories kept haunting her.And not wanting to hurt Zachary, she needed time to compose herself."Are you not done yet?" Zachary asked, simply worried that she was staying too long in the bathroom."I'll be done soon. Don't worry—I'm fine," she replied.Outside, Zachary nodded. "Okay. Just call me if you need me.""Okay," Lulu said.She stood before the bath mirror, her fingers clenching on her towel.The face in the mirror was different from hers, and there were times when it left her confused.She took deep breaths, closing her eyes and telling herself that there would be a different future if she just took the first step.She told herself that she needed to be brave, for Star's sake, and for herself.Putting away the towel, she stepped out to find the
If Lulu really was asleep, she should not stiffen like that.Zachary said, "Sleep. I'm not doing anything."Lulu finally relaxed and said softly, "I-I'm not ready.""I know," Zachary said, pressing his chest against her back. "I'll give you time.""Yeah," Lulu murmured softly, considerably relieved since she had his understanding.She did not want him to do everything herself either, as she would do her best to beat her trauma.As she turned and leaned into Zachary's arms, Zachary pursed his lips, feeling nothing but delight in him.He could feel that she really was doing her best, and he was convinced things would get better.Closing his eyes, he patted her back gently. "Sleep."-The next day, Lulu had another session with the psychiatrist in the morning, and Irene waited for her outside.At almost 11 AM, Lulu stepped out, saying, "Let's have lunch together."Irene stood up, nodding, "Sure."They got to a nice restaurant, with Lulu saying, "It's my treat today, Irene. Or
Lulu nodded. "Yeah, with the three of us.""Alright, but I'm buying," Irene replied."No, Zachary is," Lulu said.Irene laughed. "Yeah… He has to buy me dinner after I helped so much.""Make him bleed money."Irene smiled. "Of course."-Erin Gooding was with Tommy as he read."When's your mommy coming home?" she asked, chewing on an apple."I don't know, she never called," Tommy replied, too focused on his book that he never took his eyes off it."Can't you call her?" Erin asked."Daddy said that she has something to do in Zidonia," Tommy said. "He told me not to call her all the time."Erin leaned in to whisper mischievously, "Do you think your daddy misses your mommy?"Tommy wheeled on her right then, his large round eyes fixed on her. "You really like gossiping, Aunt Erin."Erin sighed and stroked her belly. "I can't go anywhere because of this, while you had a good time."Naturally, she was talking about the time Tommy and his family went skiing in the mountains, an
In the evening, Irene arrived at the restaurant where Zachary booked.Lulu was there too, and as Zachary carried Star, they looked like a happy family of three from afar.As she walked over, Lulu saw her and got up. "Irene.""Sorry to keep you waiting," Irene said as she reached them. "There was a little traffic.""It's alright—we just arrived." Lulu smiled. "Come on, sit."As Irene pulled out a chair, she held out her hands. "Girls really are quieter. Let me carry her."While Zachary passed Star, he quipped, "What, are you envious of me having a daughter? Not satisfied with having only sons?"Irene shot him a look. "Don't get on my nerves now.""But you have two sons." Zachary smiled. "And you'd have two daughters when they marry, while my baby will leave me lonely when she marries.""Why, yes." Irene nodded. "Then I should properly suck up to you so that you'd let her marry into my family."Lulu snickered even as she poured Irene a drink. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourse
As Irene chugged her glass of wine, Zachary followed suit.Then, trading glances, they both chuckled.Irene then put down her glass to look at Star, whom she was still holding in her arms.While the baby did not seem to recognize Irene, she was at least not crying.Her eyes were so round, and her eyelashes dark and curly.Irene could not resist pinching those soft, white cheeks. "She’s just so adorable.""You have two kids yourself. Quit getting all envious."Irene smiled. "Right, my sons are adorable too."When the waiter arrived with food, Lulu stood up, holding out her hands to Irene. "You can pass Star to me. You should eat properly.""It's alright. Let me hold her," Irene replied.Zachary tugged on Lulu's raise to make her sit. "It's fine. It's not a problem even if Irene didn't do it."Irene was left speechless. "Aren't we friends? Am I not important?"Zachary chuckled. "Yes, but the missus is even more important.""I feel like such a tool," Irene snapped. "How heart