Cowardly Brave

II.

< HER >

•••~•••
I leaned back and raised my brow at them expectantly,"You better behave, always listen to Coach Leah, don't wander around without instructions and don't forget to eat your snacks. Got it?"

"Mhmm! Mhmm! Mhmm!" They nodded their little heads, soft curly blond locks bounced, with an excited smile.

'Adorable.'

Their eyes shone brightly and it made me laugh again.

"Good, now fix your things and wear your shoes now, the school bus is near." I tickled their sides and they giggled adorably again.

I finally stood up and clapped my hands for them to move. Once I saw them turning their backs on me happily, all three of them putting on their socks, I immediately cleaned the table, dirty dishes on the sink and took my apron off to fix my shirt.

'I'll wash the dishes when they're gone.' I sighed.

Letting them join the sports have given enough time to have my jobs done without getting late at picking them up from school since their practice ends around 5pm and it's also a good thing that their soccer field is just within the neighborhood.

Their Coach Leah became one of my acquaintances and also the one who offered available spots within her team for the triplets, she understood our situation well and I was thankful enough for that. Knowing that the triplets are enjoying soccer a lot is enough for me to trust her with the children. They like her, not surprising though since they always loved fun things.

But my Xavon's not that sporty, he just loved being at peace with his books.

While wiping the table, I chuckled again upon hearing them excitedly talk about the things that they'll do together and what expected to see during the trip.

"What if there's a biggy giant bear? Coachy said we're going to a zoo, right, right, right?! I don't like them." Dria hugged herself and shivered.

"Me too! They are very, very big and scary!" Sanvi agreed, mirorring Dria's actions.

"I will protect you both." I heard Xavon's unbothered voice.

The two gasped and I turned my head to look at them.

"No! You're our little brother, we will protect you!" Dria argued with him, a frown scrunched her beautiful cute face.

"Yeah! Me and Dria are older like Mommy said, we are protecting you, Buddy!" Sanvi puffed his chest proudly.

I watched them as I leaned on the chair with a confused smile on my face.

Like they said, I did already told them who was the oldest to youngest last year and I could remember both of them being so protective over Xavon ever since and Xavon would immediately grumble saying he's not a baby anymore and it's just minutes, but the two kept on pampering him.

They might tease each other about it but never once one of them faught for who is being in charge, they respect each other and the equality is very respected among them as well. Everyday I reminded them to never be against each other.

Ever.

"But who will protect you both? It's still me." Xavon rolled his eyes.

The two went silent for a second.

"He's right again.. right?" Sanvi whispered to Dria.

"Yeah.. He won again, right?" Dria crossed her arms, whispering back to her brother as they stare at Xavon.

"I guess so" Sanvi sighed and pouted.

I giggled then shook my head and decided to butt in.

"There will be no protecting who, okay? You three will protect each other and help each other when in need. Got that, babies?" I caressed Dria and Xavon's head as I smiled to them all.

"Yes, Mommy!" they all nodded and the two saluted at me, I giggled again.

'My sweet, adorable, witty angels'

"We will protect you too! Don't worry, Mommy!" Sanvi smiled proudly. I ruffled his hair but not too that messes it.

Exactly as I hear their reply the school bus honked outside. The two ran excitedly with their Barbie and Mcqueen backpacks and their lunchbox in hand, probably to announce that they'll be joining a trip to their friends as I have Xavon walking alongside with me calmly.

"Are you really okay now, Mommy?" he looked up at me.

'Was this about earlier?'

"Yes, Baby. Don't worry anymore. Mommy is more than fine." I kissed his cheek and smiled warmly.

He looked at me for the last time before getting on the school bus, I watched him sat down closer to his siblings and finally started talking to his friends.

I waved them goodbye as they did the same, shouting and grinning widely at me.

"Have fun! I love you!" I flew them a kiss and sighed as the bus started to drive away.

'Ahh.. Now I have to prepare for my morning job. But dishes first.'

I turned around, closing the front door and got back on cleaning the house. The time is already almost quarter to 8, I still can do everything without getting late on my shift as a waitress since the café will open around 10am.

I played a funky and party music that echoed around the house to keep me motivated then started doing my thing.

I folded the clean clothes, bedsheets and placed the stuffed toys back on their shelves. After that, I cleaned our room, vaccumed everywhere, placed Xavon's books back on the bookshelves, took out the clothes that I would be wearing today and left the room.

I then grabbed the trash bag from the kitchen, today's the garbage day, dumped it outside and got back inside.

Dropping my tired body on the couch and breathing heavily, I glanced at the clock and it was already 9, two hours of cleaning the house is hell. But with music, everything is possible!

Damn- I forgot to eat.  An apple and sandwich is fine.

I took a look on my phone, volumed low music is still playing at the background, I decided to finally find a full-time job.

After 20mins of researching, I stood up and finally ate.

"I hope there's no traffic today or the manager will definitely give me an earful later for being late" I grumbled then decided to take a shower.