The Storm

Chapter 36

Atlas

The next couple of weeks after the accusations of Sierra and me abusing our children came out, people paid a little too much attention to my wife and me.

And I don't mean at the office. My employee's know better than to watch me. They've also witnessed interaction between my daughters and me far too often to say I'd be a bad father. Though, that's easier said about me than my wife, simply because I do give people the impression of being rude unlike Sierra.

Sierra published a statement a couple of days ago, denying every single accusation and explaining what Allie had actually said. We also reported the paparazzi to the police for doing really fucked up shit.

Yes, these people live for the drama. But causing reputational harm is a crime. And that's what this man did.

Sierra and I have to hide our daughters when we leave the house, just so random people don't touch them. We get insults thrown against our heads when just passing someone on the streets.

The worst bit, these people can't even open their eyes.

If Sierra and I were to harm our children, why the fuck would they cling onto us when stranger approach us to snatch our daughters away? Doesn't make sense now, does it?

And I mean, even Allie is scared of these people. That's how bad it is.

The website that started the rumours was forced to take down the posts, and they have a couple of hours left to publish another post. For contributing false information and harming not only Sierra and me, but also causing danger over our children, they're forced to admit on having taken words out of context to earn clicks.

Let's just pray it'll tone things down.

"Mommy, look!" Vienna says as she comes running towards Sierra and me.

We're currently in our backyard, soaking in the last few rays of sun before fall comes around. It's the beginning of October anyway, so there's not too much sun to find around Medina at this time around.

It's warm enough to offer our children a pool-day though. At least here they can play without having random adults walk up to them and try to touch them.

Vienna lays a red leaf in Sierra's hand, grinning. "I found a red mini tree." Last year, Vienna was still too young to really comprehend the seasonal changes, which makes it all the more exciting for her.

"Cupcake, that's a leaf," Sierra tells her, stroking a hand through Vienna's hair.

"No. Leafs are green, mo—ouch."

Sierra sighs, pulling her hand back out of our daughter's tangled hair. "Do you want to go and grab your favourite princess brush? We can put your hair up like Anna's."

Vienna nods hastily, giggling. "Or like Elsa?"

"Yeah, we can do that." Sierra smiles softly. "Wanna go get your hair ties and brush then?"

"Yes!" She jumps up and down before spinning in circles. "I get them, okay, mommy? The baby wants to sleep in your belly."

Sierra nods, smiling. "Do you know where they're at?"

"Yes." A second later, Vienna is giving her a kiss before running over to me. She holds onto my arm, trying to get my attention. The very same she already has anyway. "Daddy?" she whispers. "Where are my Princess hair ties?"

Glancing over at Sierra, I can tell she tries her hardest not to laugh. It's truly amazing how toddlers think. If they're whispering, there can only ever be one other person to hear them. Not more than one.