Second Chances

Chapter 5: Settling into the Routine

Chapter 5: Settling into the Routine

Alan's morning started the same way it had for the past few weeks, but now there was one major difference that made his life infinitely easier: Gaipa. Since asking Gaipa to become the twins' babysitter, Alan no longer had to worry about rushing the boys to daycare before heading to work. He could leave earlier, knowing that Gaipa would stay with them until it was time to head to daycare.

As Alan made his way to the kitchen, he could hear the familiar sound of the twins' voices mixed with Gaipa's calm and steady responses.

"Ray-Ray, noooo, no like that!" Ayan's voice piped up, scolding his twin as Ray tried to pour cereal into his bowl, spilling more onto the table than inside.

"Oopsie," Ray giggled, clearly proud of the small mess he'd made.

Gaipa, ever the patient one, simply smiled as he wiped up the spilled cereal. "That's okay, Ray. Let's try again, a little slower this time, alright?"

Alan stood by the doorway for a moment, watching with a smile. He still couldn't believe how effortlessly Gaipa managed the morning chaos. The twins listened to him, which was something Alan had struggled with since day one. It was hard not to be impressed.

"Good morning," Gaipa greeted him with that easy, warm smile that made Alan's mornings feel a little brighter.

"Morning," Alan replied, grabbing a mug from the cupboard for his coffee. "You've got this all under control, I see."

"Unkie Alan!" Ayan beamed, holding up his bowl of cereal. "Look, we gots bweakfast!"

Ray, not wanting to be left out, raised his spoon. "Gaipa maked it!"

Alan chuckled, sitting down at the table. "You two are spoiled," he teased, looking over at Gaipa. "Seriously, though, how do you manage them so well? They're like little tornadoes when I try."

Gaipa shrugged modestly, smiling as he helped Ray with his spoon. "They're not that bad. Just need a little guidance." His voice was always calm, which seemed to have a magical effect on the twins.

Alan sipped his coffee, appreciating the peace that Gaipa brought into their lives. "Well, whatever you're doing, it's working. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd manage," Gaipa said with a wink, but there was something genuine in his tone. "But I'm happy to help."

There was a brief pause, a quiet moment where Alan realized just how grateful he was for Gaipa. He had made everything so much easier—more than Alan could have ever imagined.

After breakfast, Alan glanced at the clock. "I should head out. Got an early meeting today."

Ray looked up from his bowl, milk dribbling down his chin. "Unkie Alan go now?"

Alan smiled and ruffled Ray's hair. "Yeah, buddy, but Gaipa's going to stay with you until it's time for daycare."

Ayan, always the logical one, nodded. "Gaipa take us. Unkie Alan go work."

"That's right," Gaipa confirmed, helping Ayan wipe his mouth. "We'll leave in a bit after you two finish breakfast and get dressed."

Alan stood up, grabbing his keys from the counter. "Thanks again, Gaipa. You're saving my life."

Gaipa grinned. "No problem, Alan. Drive safe."

Alan gave a small wave to the twins as he headed toward the door. "Be good for Gaipa, alright?"

"Otay, Unkie!" the twins chimed in unison, waving as Alan left the house.

As the door closed behind him, Alan let out a breath of relief. For the first time in months, he didn't feel the morning rush. Knowing that Gaipa was there with the twins gave him a sense of calm he hadn't realized he needed.