Upon their arrival at the Randale residence, everyone dispersed to their rooms, hurriedly organising their belongings, the air crackling with anticipation for the night ahead.
"Guys! Since it's my last night here before heading back home, what do you fancy for dinner? I'll go and fetch it," Leo called as he strolled into the TV room where everyone lounged in a relaxed state.
Sharon chimed in eagerly, "I'm craving Italian food!"
"Me too," Luka affirmed, his eyes still glued to the spine-chilling horror film flickering on the screen.
"Count me in!" Anna added in a flash, her enthusiasm contagious.
"Make that four," William joined, laughing heartily.
"Seven's my number!" Karol chimed in, her grin widening.
"What happened to numbers five and six?" Leo teased, laughter bubbling in the air.
"I skipped them for Keira and Jason," she quipped back, her eyes sparkling with jest.
"Okay, Italian it is for tonight!" Leo relented, rolling his eyes dramatically at the playful banter, which sent them all into fits of laughter.
"But on second thought, I think I might want something else entirely!" she teased, feigning innocence.
"Italian it is then," Leo replied with mock resignation, shaking his head as he exited, leaving behind a cacophony of laughter and camaraderie.
Forty-five minutes later, he returned, arms laden with boxes of delectable Italian fare. As everyone gravitated towards the dining room, laughter and chatter filled the air, weaving a comforting tapestry of friendship over their shared meal.
The next day, as Karol navigated the car towards the airport, she and Leo shared a casual yet poignant sibling exchange. As they halted before the airport terminal, she looked at him earnestly.
"Don't get too nervous, aright? I'll be back this weekend with the others, so keep the hints under wraps or it won't be a surprise," she instructed, her tone sincere.
"Phew, it's going to be tough, but I'll do my best!" Leo replied, flexing his biceps dramatically.
"Silly brother," she teased gently, "have a safe flight."
"Bye and thank you, sissy," he said, warmth shining in his eyes.
With a wave, she zoomed away from the airport, her mind shifting focus to the daycare, where she was scheduled to pick up Luka, Keira, and Lex.
"Mummy, mummy!" Luka squealed upon entering the car, his excitement infectious.
"Yes, my baby boy?" she responded, smiling warmly.
Unexpectedly, his innocent voice cut through her thoughts. "When can I meet my daddy?"
Karol faltered, momentarily thrown off guard by the sudden question. "W-why, baby boy?" she asked, her heart tightening.
"There's this boy at school who keeps asking me why I don't have a daddy," he explained, his brow furrowed with curiosity.
"Oh, sweetheart," she sighed, her heart aching, "your daddy is just busy with work right now, that's why it's difficult for you to see him."
"When will I ever meet Daddy?" his soft voice pressed, unwavering in its innocence.
"Soon, baby boy, very soon," she reassured him, though her heart was heavy with uncertainty.
"Okay, Mummy," he nodded, seemingly satisfied.
Lex piped up, his eyes wide with concern. "Aunty, there's a boy teasing Luka because he thinks he has the most beautiful mummy, so he keeps asking about his dad."
YOU ARE READING
The One
خيال (فانتازيا)A regular bedtime story that was being told as a small kid turns into recurrent dreams as an adult then dismisses them as childhood imaginings. But as she passes her 21st birthday suddenly her dreams of wolves become more vivid, more realistic, a dr...
