Cry Babies (Minor Family Supremacy Series: Venice)

Chapter 1: Venice

    The first time I can recall seeing both my Pa and my Dad cry was my first day of school. The night before, there had been no warning signs. Dad had read me a bedtime story while Pa checked my bags for the fifth time to make sure I had everything I needed. When that was done, Pa checked my uniform again to make sure it was also ready until Dad fussed for him to get in the bed with us before the story was over.

"I just want to make sure our baby is ready!" Pa had said, snuggling into my other side as Dad turned the page. Dad and Pa never really fought, at least not in front of me, but they did like to bicker a lot. I found it amusing.

When the story was done I begged for another. I could tell Dad was about to cave but Pa reminded him that I had a big day ahead of me so I had to get my rest. Dad always listened to Pa.

They both kissed me goodnight as usual, but they hugged me even tighter than they normally did.

I was woken up by Hia Cau and my nanny P'Nim. Soon after they helped me get dressed, we rushed downstairs, where Dad and Pa were getting my breakfast ready. As we ate, the door kept opening and closing again and again, each time bringing more of my crazy uncles. Luong Khun handed me a set of car keys, but Pa quickly took them back, telling Luong he was at least ten years too early for that. Dad laughed but I just ate my cereal. Luong Arm and Luong Pol each handed me a stuffed animal that Hia said he would take to my room later.

"P'Chay-Chay!" I yelled when one of my favorite uncles arrived with P'Kim. They both made music, but P'Chay would play songs for me all the time while P'Kim said he would only play songs for his boyfriend.

I had finished eating and brushed my teeth again when Luong Porsche burst through the door as Pa adjusted my backpack on me. Luong Kinn followed shortly after with my cousin, Nampheung. She was only two, but she was cute so I let her play with me sometimes. Dad told me that she had a mommy somewhere, like me, but her fathers would take care of her as mine took care of me.

"Is Khun Venice ready to go?" P'Aof said when he came downstairs with Luong Nop. P'Aof had only started working for us a few months ago, but Pa had already put him in charge of me, under Luong Nop and P'Nim. He was still learning, Dad said.

"He's going to be late for his first day," Hia Cau said, making everyone start to scramble around. My family was often very noisy when they were all together. I didn't like it but I was used to it. We piled into multiple cars as quickly as we could, with me sitting in the back between Dad and Pa. They each held one of my hands while shooting nervous looks at each other.

"Are you excited?" Luong Nop asked from the front of the car. I glanced between my parents, suddenly feeling nervous.

"I think so," I said, making P'Aof laugh from the passenger seat. When we arrived at my school, either Pa or Dad had a hand on me at all times.

"Do you want us to walk you to your class?" Pa asked me again.

"Pa, none of the other kids have their parents walking them. Plus, I already have P'Aof."

Dad had said that P'Aof was going to help in my classroom so he could stay close to me. They said no one had tried to kidnap me yet, but they didn't want to take any chances.

"I'm going to miss you so much today, baby," Pa said. He leaned down to hug me again and I felt his body start to shake. When he pulled back I could see that he was crying and it made me sad. I looked over to Dad for help, but he was crying too, one hand reaching out to squeeze Pa's shoulder. Finally, he cracked, leaning down to hug the both of us. It was not how I imagined my first day to go. Other kids began to walk by me, openly staring at the spectacle. I patted both my fathers on the back and they finally stood up again.

"We shouldn't make you late, son," Dad said, holding Pa's hand. They each kissed me on the cheek one last time before I took P'Aof's hand to go to my classroom. I was nervous at first. I hadn't been around so many other kids before.

One boy sat next to me. "Were those your dads? Do you have two dads?"

"Yeah," I said. "That's my Pa and my Dad. I love them the most and they love me the most."

"That's cool. What's your name?"

"Venice."

"Want to be my friend? I'm Toy."

I smiled, glancing over at P'Aof, who gave me a thumbs-up. I couldn't wait to tell Pa and Dad that I made my first friend.