NOT JUST A GIFT

chapter 11

Charles hesitated, not sure of how much to reveal. But something about Alex's genuine concern earlier on made him want to open up. But that's not the right time, Alex had barely even settled down. "Let's talk after dinner."

Alex nodded, in agreement to what Charles had said. "Okay then, where's the baby." Charles pointed upstairs. As they walked upstairs.

Vera rushed downstairs, her purse slung over her shoulder. "Charles, I'm going out for a bit," she said, her voice neutral.

Charles looked straight into her eyes ignoring his conversation with Alex, his eyes scanned her appearance slightly. "Where are you going?" He asked, trying to keep cool.

Vera shrugged, her expression non-committal. "Just out. And I need to get something for dinner."

Alex sensing the tension, excused himself. "which of the rooms, Bro?" Followed Charles's hand as he pointed "Okay, you'll catch up later."

Charles felt a pang of unease as he watched her walk out the door. He knew that look, that tune. She was upset, and he had no idea why. He sighed, rubbing his temples. Definitely, not what he needed at the moment.

Alex's eyes widened in shock, a huge grin spreading across his face. "Whoa, big bro! I knew it, immediately you told me not to worry about it, that all was fine. Congratulations! So you're the demon himself, Right?"

Charles nodded, a mix of emotions on his face. "Yes, Alex. I'm more than a demon, and you should be mad at me but please don't judge me."

Alex let out a loud whoop, pumping his fist in the air." That's amazing news, Charles! I'm not mad at you rather I'm happy for you! At some point, I have prayed that she's truly your child so that you'll be Happy."

Charles chuckled, feeling a sense of relief and joy. "thanks, Alex. It's been a wide ride, but.....I'm glad Vera allowed me to be part of this."

Alex let Pat him on the back, his eyes still shining with excitement. "You're going to be an amazing father and a husband, big bro. I knew it."

Charles smiled, feeling grateful for his brother's support and also in shock for his brother's belief in him. "Thanks, Alex. It means a lot coming from you."

As they hugged, Charles knew that was just the beginning of a new Chapter in his life. And Alex on his side, felt Ready for whatever may come his way. But was sad to break the next news.

Alex's expression turned serious, his eyes filled with concern. " Seriously, You mean you guys broke up and decided to co-parent?"

Charles sighed, feeling unsettled. " Yeah, Alex. That's exactly what happened. I can't forgive myself, so.....I think we should co-parent for Ariel's sake."

Alex nodded understandingly. "I get it. I'm sorry it's going this way, You seemed happy together. Are you okay with this decision of yours?"

Charles shrugged, feeling a pang of regret. "we were, it lasted for a while. But life got in the way, and.....We found ourselves here committed to raising Ariel together, Even if we're not together anymore."

Alex nodded, his eyes filled with support. " That's all that matters, big bro. Ariel is lucky to have you both I'll say."

Charles smiles, feeling grateful for his brother's understanding. "Thanks, Alex. I would want you to stay for Ariel's first birthday if you don't mind, please. Thank you!"

How Time flies, Charles couldn't believe how time had flown by. It was already a week before Ariel's birthday, and he didn't know how he should feel. However, the feeling of excitement couldn't be ignored as it was all over him even when he wasn't aware of it. Celebrating this special day with his daughter and Vera alongside Alex meant the world to him.

A few days before the birthday, Charles called Vera and said, "Hey, I have something for you. I just want this whole planning of Ariel's birthday easier for you. It's not easy to plan a party right?"

Vera was curious under the blindfold, as Charles led her to the spot. "Ta-da!" he exclaimed, it was the garage but it was so bright to not see the brand-new car with ribbons and balloons in front of her with the write-up, __I'm all yours._ "I thought you could use this to get around, especially with all the party planning we're doing." Charles said anxiously.

Vera's eyes widened in surprise, and she gasped. Hearing all that had been said but not knowing the best reply but managed to let out "Charles, I know I need it, but this is too much! I can't accept it."

Charles smiled. "yes, you can. Go for your needs and not your wants, consider it a thank-you gift for being such an amazing mother to Ariel. Plus I know how much you love cars."

Vera couldn't resist the smile on Charles's face, and she finally succumbed to the call of needs and desires. "Thank you, Charles. I do appreciate your kind gesture towards someone like me."

After so much planning and waiting the day has come. It had been stressful but that very day was he'll stressful, but amidst the storm, unexplainable joy filled their heart. It was indeed a special celebration for the family, it was a little celebration with a mind-blowing story attached to every single moment of that day.

From the waking up surprise at Ariel's room to an outing to her favorite spot she likes watching anything she's watching movies and to a mall where she is given whatever she touches and to gifting whoever she smiles at in the mall. After that, they went for lunch paying 50% off all meal tickets for that day and Vera left then to bound as she went to supervise Ariel's new room Deco. Her room had been transformed into a fairytale. With the preparation of the welcoming dinner party for her and the family it was indeed fun.

During, Vera's absence they went to play games and bought food and drinks. Charles was happy.

As they sang "Happy Birthday" to Ariel, Charles looked at Vera and Ariel feeling grateful but as reality caressed his emotions he felt more pain and guilt than just joy.

After the party, Vera helped Charles clean up the mess and then took Ariel upstairs to bed. As she tucked her in, Ariel yawned and snuggled under the blankets. "Mama, nighty!" She exclaimed.

Vera smiled and kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, my love. My princess," I can't wait to see how you'll feel waking up in this room.

As she closed the door, Vera heard Charles Calling her from downstairs. "Vera, a minute of your time, please."

She felt worried and hurried downstairs. "What's wrong, Charles? You sound like something's wrong."

Charles was pacing in the living room, his face pale. "I don't know, Vera. It's strange, something is off. I just can't explain it."

Vera's heart began to race as she sat down next to him. "Charles the truth is, you're scaring me. What's going on?"

Charles took. a deep breath and tried to calm down. "I don't know. Maybe it's nerves or something. But I feel like something is wrong, like something bad is ahead."

Vera placed a hand on his arm, trying to reassure him. "Charles, you're just stressed out from the party. You need to relax."

But Charles reluctantly shook his head. " No, Vera. This is different. I feel it in my bones."