Second Chances

Chapter 2: First Day Jitters

Alan woke up to the familiar sound of his phone alarm, its harsh beeping pulling him from the fleeting remnants of sleep. He sighed, glancing at the clock: 5:45 a.m. Today was a big day-not just for him, but for Ayan and Ray. It was their first day of daycare, and Alan's stomach twisted with a mix of nerves and excitement. The past few weeks had been overwhelming, to say the least, but today felt like the start of something new.

As he stumbled out of bed and headed toward the twins' room, the familiar sense of chaos was already brewing. Alan could hear Ray grumbling and Ayan's tiny voice trying to coax his brother into getting up. Opening the door, Alan saw Ray still tangled in his blankets, face scrunched up in a pout, while Ayan stood at the foot of the bed, hands on his hips like a little adult.

"Ray-Ray, c'mon! Gotta get up!" Ayan said, sounding more like a parent than Alan ever did. "We goin' to daycawe today, 'member?"

Ray buried his face deeper into the pillow. "No wanna schoo'... wanna sweep."

Alan chuckled despite himself. "Alright, boys, time to get up," he said, stepping in to help. "We've gotta get ready for your big day."

It was a battle getting them dressed-one Alan was now used to. Ray complained about the bath, Ayan insisted he could do it himself, and by the time they were finally dressed in matching clothes, an hour had flown by. Alan checked the clock anxiously. He had to be at work by 8 a.m., which meant dropping them off early at daycare, something he had already arranged with P'Chai, the head teacher.

After a quick breakfast of oatmeal with fruit and yogurt-Ayan, ever the responsible one, ate without a fuss, while Ray made a game of trying to avoid the fruits in his bowl-they were finally ready to leave. Alan felt a small sense of accomplishment as he got them into their shoes without too much of a struggle. Shoes had become a major battleground in the mornings, but today was a small victory.

In the car, the twins were full of energy, as usual, singing along to "Baby Shark" as Alan drove them to Little Sun Daycare. The morning sun was just rising as they pulled into the parking lot, the place still quiet. It wasn't even 7 a.m. yet, and Alan knew the daycare wouldn't officially open until 9, but P'Chai had been kind enough to let him drop them off early.

As Alan led Ayan and Ray inside, the twins noticed the empty hallways and classrooms. Ray tugged at Alan's hand. "Wer the kids? No kids here..."

Alan knelt down, his face softening. "I know, Ray. You're here a little early today because I have to go to work. The other kids will come later, I promise."

Ayan, always trying to understand, nodded and turned to Ray. "Is otay, Ray-Ray. We gotta wait. I take cawe of you."

Ray clung to Ayan's hand, nodding, though his lips jutted out in a tiny pout. Alan smiled, his heart swelling at how mature Ayan was despite his young age.

Alan's heart swelled at the sight of Ayan trying so hard to be brave and take care of his younger twin. "Thank you, Ayan," Alan said, smiling. "You're a great big brother."

Teacher Kim appeared then, greeting them with a warm smile. "Good morning! You must be ready for your first day, huh?"

Ayan nodded while Ray still looked a little unsure, his hand clutching Ayan's tightly.

"Morning, Teacher Kim," Alan replied, feeling a little awkward. He glanced at the twins, unsure of how to say goodbye. Should he hug them? Kiss them? Did they even want that from him?

Before he could decide, Ray ran up to him asked him to kneel down and hugged him tight, pressing a wet kiss to his right cheek. "Bye-bye, Unkie Alan!"

Ayan followed, his face slightly red as he kissed Alan's left cheek. "Bye-bye, Unkie. Fank you."