When She Stepped Up (ON HOLD)

6.

"I met with Kayla, the lady I was telling you about."

"Mmhm, okay." My wife responded.

"Who's Kayla dad?" Royalty asked.

"Well, since your mom and I both work, and I know there are times you two want to do other fun things, I decided to get you all a nanny/babysitter so that you two could still have fun. Kayla is a real nice woman. She would love to meet you all, including your mom."

Adayomi rolled her eyes while sipping her coffee and working on her laptop.

"When would be a great time for Kayla to meet?" I asked.

My wife smacked her lips. "I don't care what you do. How much do I need to pay her? I'm definitely appreciative. Now I won't have to hear nobody's complaints when I don't do the things you all want me to do."

"I'll take care of that. You know what? Would you two like to meet Kayla today?" I asked my daughters.

"Sure." Passion said. "It'll be nice to meet someone that actually cares about us."

"Yeah." Royalty said.

I shook my head. It breaks my heart that my daughters are fully aware that their mother could careless and I hate that.

"I don't have time for this. I'm headed to work. You three enjoy Kayla. I'll see you all later." Yomi said as she walked out of the house.

I shook my head. I texted Kayla our address and invited her over.

"Dad, why is she like that?" Passion asked. "I mean I don't get it. I'm starting to hate that evil..."

"Hey hey hey. Don't disrespect your mother like that. I know and respect your feelings as well as your anger. However, you will never disrespect her in front of me. I raised you better than that."

"Exactly. You raised me. Not her." Passion said. "She has to realize, I'm older now. I have feelings. If you ask me how she makes me feel, she makes me feel unwanted and I hate her."

"No, you don't hate her. Hate is a strong word. I know I let you all get away with a lot of things, but saying that word will not be one of them."

Passion rolled her eyes.

"Passion, trust me. I know and hear what you are saying. I promise I do. But just don't, don't say that you hate her."

Passion said nothing. I could tell that she was upset, and that she was serious about her feelings. However, I still needed to make sure she understood that her mother, is still her mother at the end of the day.

"Well she hates us. If she didn't, then how come she doesn't show up for us? How come she always yells at us? How come she never wants to sit down and have dinner with us? How comes it feels like...she doesn't want us?" Passion expressed herself as the tears began to fall.

I wrapped my arms around her. "I don't know sweetheart. I have the same questions as you. I just hope you and your sister know that daddy loves the both of you and I'm always going to show up." I kissed her forehead. "Always. Don't you ever forget that, or question it."

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