Scene: (The usual weekend scene that making Brandon tired and almost losing hope for Maria) The living room of Brandon and Maria’s home. The room is cluttered with toys, and the kitchen sink is filled with dishes. Brandon is standing near the kitchen, visibly frustrated, while Maria is at the door, looking like she’s ready to leave. Ade and Maye are sitting on the floor, sensing the tension between their parents.
Brandon: (raising his voice, exasperated) Maria, where are you going this time? You just got back from a trip two days ago, and now you’re heading out again?
Maria: (rolling her eyes, defensive) I don’t need to explain myself every time I leave the house, Brandon! I’m just going out with my friends. Why is that such a big deal?
Brandon: (frustrated) A big deal? Because while you're off with your friends, I’m here trying to keep this family together! I have a business to run, but I also have to be both a mother and a father to Ade and Maye!
Maria: (snapping back) Oh, so now I’m the bad guy for wanting a break? Do you know how hard it is to constantly worry about money? I’m trying to find ways to make things work, too!
Brandon: (angry, voice louder) By running off every other weekend? Without even telling me? The kids don’t know where their mom is half the time, Maria!
Ade: (timidly) Mom, Dad, please don’t fight. It makes Maye cry.[Maye starts to tear up, hugging a stuffed bunny tightly, looking scared and confused.]
Maria: (noticing Maye, softens a bit but still defensive) Oh, Ade, it’s okay. Mommy and Daddy are just having a... disagreement.
Brandon: (sighs heavily) Disagreement? This is more than that, Maria. I’m tired of being left in the dark. We’re supposed to be partners. And if you’re really worried about money, then maybe we should be working together to solve it, not you disappearing whenever you feel like it!
Maria: (annoyed) I’m not disappearing, Brandon. I need to breathe too, you know! And for the record, I’ve been looking for ways to help us out. Maybe if you didn’t doubt me all the time, we wouldn’t be in this mess!
Brandon: (firmly) I don’t doubt you, Maria. But the kids need their mother around. I need my wife around. If we keep going like this, we're going to lose more than just money.
Maye: (with tears in her eyes) Mommy, don’t go. Stay here with us.[Maria looks at Maye, her expression softening further, a hint of guilt crossing her face.]
Maria: (sighing deeply, quieter) I’m sorry, Maye. I didn’t mean to make you sad. Maybe... maybe I should stay home today.
Ade: (hopeful) Really, Mom?Maria: (nods, more softly) Yeah, really. I’ll stay.[Brandon takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.]
Brandon: (gently) Look, Maria, I’m not trying to control you. I just want us to be a team, for our kids and for ourselves. We can figure this out, but we have to be in it together.
Maria: (nods, reluctantly but sincerely) Alright, Brandon. Let’s talk it through. For Ade and Maye.
The tension has eased after their heated argument. Maria is sitting on the couch, looking thoughtful, while Brandon kneels in front of Ade and Maye. The kids look a bit calmer now that things have settled down.]
Brandon: (gently) Alright, Ade, Maye, it’s getting late. Time to get ready for bed.
Ade: (still a bit worried) Are you and Mom okay now, Dad?
Brandon: (smiling softly) Yeah, we’re okay, buddy. We talked, and everything's going to be fine. Right, Maria?
Maria: (nodding, giving a small smile) That’s right, Ade. We’re both here, and we’re going to work things out together.
Maye: (hugging her stuffed bunny) Does that mean you’re staying home, Mommy?
Maria: (leaning over to hug Maye) Yes, sweetheart. I’m staying home with you all.
Brandon: (chiming in, trying to lighten the mood) And guess what? Tomorrow, we’re all going to go out together. How about a trip to the park? Maybe even some ice cream afterward. What do you think?
Ade: (eyes lighting up) Really? We can go to the park?
Maye: (excited) And ice cream? I want chocolate!
Brandon: (laughing softly) Chocolate it is! But only if you two get some good sleep tonight. Deal?
Ade: (grinning) Deal, Dad!
Maye: (giggling) Deal![Brandon stands up and ruffles Ade's hair playfully, while Maria gives Maye a kiss on the forehead.]
Brandon: (gently) Alright, off to bed, both of you. And remember, tomorrow is going to be a fun day.
Ade: (hugging his dad) Thanks, Dad. I’m glad you and Mom aren’t mad anymore.
Maria: (smiling warmly) Me too, Ade. Now go on, get some rest. We’ve got a big day ahead.
[Ade and Maye head towards their room, chattering excitedly about their plans for the next day. Brandon and Maria watch them go, both feeling a bit relieved that things have calmed down.]
Brandon: (softly, turning to Maria) Thank you for staying, Maria. I know it’s not easy, but it means a lot to the kids... and to me.
Maria: (nods, sincerely) I know. I’m sorry, Brandon. I’ll try to be more present. We’ll figure this out, together.
Brandon: (smiling) Yeah, together.[They share a quiet moment, the tension of earlier now replaced with a sense of hope. They both know there's work to do, but for now, they're focused on their family.]
YOU ARE READING
I fell in love with a Daddy of Two!
RomanceBrandon, in his early 30s, was a man who had faced his fair share of battles. Once a proud owner of a small but thriving company, his life took a downward turn after a tumultuous separation from his wife, Maria. Known for her wild and unpredictable...
