Stars Aligned

Insert 47

Snakes' pov

I was a happy man. I never thought this kind of happiness existed. But being with my little family on my birthday, eating breakfast and laughing in our pajamas, showed me that this kind of joy existed. Ronnie kept asking me questions I had no answers to. Her mother was enjoying my discomfort as always. I never understood why princess asked me the uncomfortable things and let Mona off the hook.

Lisa: Ooh, I got you something, just wait here.
She eagerly got up and ran up the stairs, probably to our room. I turned to Ronnie, and found her smearing food all over her face. I took a wipe and got closer to her with a chuckle. She was definitely the most cutest little child I have ever met.
Me: Come here princess. You have syrup all over your face.
Ronnie: Daddy?
I hummed in response for her to continue while I worked on wiping her face.

Ronnie: I didn't get you a pwesent for your birthday.
She sulked, pouting her tiny mouth. I sighed. My little girl felt bad for not getting me anything. It was cute. I hoisted her up, plopping her on the table. I stood in front of her, trapping her with my hands.
Me: But I already have the world's best gift. Do you want to know what it is?
She nodded vigorously. I flashed her a small smile.
Me: Veronica Zikalala.
Ronnie: Me!?
She asked with her eyes wide open. I nodded and she gasped, and giggled, covering her mouth with her hands. I kissed both her cheeks.

At the corner of my eye, I saw my effortlessly beautiful wife standing and leaning against the wall, watching us with that same look I have always caught her with. Her hands were behind her back, assumingly hiding my birthday gift. Though I think I already have my gift in my family's happiness. She walked over to us, and stood short in front of me with a beaming smile. I couldn't help but return the smile, since it was so contagious.
Me: What do you have there, Mrs Me?

Mona reached out from the back, a shiny gold and small necklace in her hands. Without saying a word she tip toed and tied it around my neck. I was so caught up in her beautiful features as she looked so focused and happy while tying the hook. I held her in place and closer to me when she tried to move back. I didn't want her any further from me. She grasped the pendant and opened it.
Lisa: Always wear this with you. No matter where you are, or how far we are from each other, we'll always be a family.

I couldn't help it as I crashed my lips on hers. She smiled between my lips. Ronnie squealed in the background but it didn't stop me from devouring my wife's lips. After I parted from her lips, I stared into her captivating eyes. I couldn't believe this woman was mine.
Me: I love it, my love.
Without evening looking at it, I knew I would love it since I got it from my wife, happy wife happy life. Satisfied husband.
Lisa: Come on, look at it.
I chuckled, letting her go from my hands, as much as I didn't want to. When I opened the pendant, my smile grew into a big boyish grin.

The picture of my family and I together was inside and attached to the pendant.
Me: Hey Ronnie, look at this, now you always going to be with me.
I said looking at Mona with that boyish grin.
Honestly this whole mood was too cliche for my liking but I couldn't help it. Mona had a way of making me behave like a teenager at this age.
Ronnie: Lemme see, lemme see.
I bent a little for her to see the picture on the pendant. The little drama queen gasped.

Ronnie: It's pretty daddy, I also want one.
Mona laughed a little, placing a kiss on her head.
Lisa: On your birthday, I'm getting you one, bigger than this one okay?
Ronnie: Yay, I love you mommy.
She jumped a little on the table, throwing her tiny arms up.
Me: Yeah, I also love you mommy.
I winked at her. She tried to hide her blush, making me chuckle. This woman was my life.

Thinking about how she was such a great mother and wife. A great sister and friend. I scored big time here. I would be stupid to lose her for shit.
Lisa: Who wants ice cream?
Squeals erupted in the house, annoying the hell out of me.

***

Me: Why do I look like a donkey?
I mumbled under my breath. Mona nudged my chest. Ronnie stood before us as we sat in the couch with a drawing in hand. She had this ridiculously and insanely adorable smile on her face. It made me happy to see my girl that happy.
Lisa: And sweety, what's that?
I tried to make sense of the portrait in her hands. There was me, looking like a donkey, Mona and Ronnie. But now, there was something wrong with the picture as it had something looking like a chicken.

Ronnie: That is my dog, smooch.
I choked on my spoon of ice cream. Did she say a dog?
Me: What?
Lisa: Baby, we don't have a dog.
Ronnie: I know, that is why we buying one.
Me: What?
My second unanswered question. I remember me and Mona being the only parents, who made decisions. When did it become 'Ronnie the substitute parent?'

Ronnie came to stand right in front of me and looking at me with puppy eyes. I was cornered even before I uttered a single no.
Ronnie: My gift to you is the dog.
Me: But, I'll be buying the dog, with my money. That's not a gif-
I was smacked at the back of my head. I sent a glare at Mona. She's so abusive.
Me: Princess, remember I told you that you are my gift.
She nodded. Good, she was listening and hopefully picking up.

Me: I'm good with that gift alone.
Ronnie: I'm not. I am asking you to buy me a dog as your gift.
Now that don't even make sense. I guess kids don't make sense in general. How it is even my gift if I buy it with my money and the dog isn't even mine. But again, being the coolest dad that I was, I was gonna buy her the whole world. Mona looked at me with a 'don't you even dare buy that dog'. I am not getting birthday sex tonight.
Me: Okay, we going to get smochies.
Ronnie: It's smooch daddy.

I had a feeling I wasn't getting some tonight. With the daggers Mona was shooting at me. Hopefully, by manipulation of it being my birthday, I could try. It doesn't look promising at all. I couldn't escape the daggers hurled at me. It was not fair how the person who put me in this predicament was busy coloring her drawing and oblivious to my struggles. Mona was about to say something when my phone rang, cutting her off. I was so thankful for whoever was calling me, as I pressed the answer button without checking who even called.

Lilly: Sir, we have a problem at the office. We need you here.
I sat up straight and averted my gaze from Mona. All my attention was now on my assistant. Without realising it my brows furrowed in confusion.
Me: Ms Jones, it is your job to take care of any unforeseen occurrences in my absence.
Lilly: It's important Sir, please hurry up.
Me: It better be worth me leaving my family or I swear Ms Jones, you will be fired.
I threatened, dismissing the call. I sighed, looking at my wife apologetically.

Lisa: Go, but come back soon okay. We need to talk about smoochies.
I kissed her forehead as I stood up. I really didn't want to leave my family, especially during this occasion. A man can never rest.
Me: I'm sorry, and I love you.
Lisa: I love you too.
I kissed Ronnie's forehead too before darting to the stairs and up to my room to take a shower with a sore heart.