ด้วยรักตลอดไป (With Love, Forever)

Jackson

[Time skip to Sunday]

Jeff came by for the lesson around 10 am. I let him into the house, asked my helper to make him some tea, and laid out snacks, and I took my leave. Though I was at home, I had to work on some music for one of my clients, so I disappeared into my home studio.

Work kept me busy, and I finally came out from the room around 2 pm, starving. I knew Xinxin would have already ended her lesson, had lunch, and was probably watching tv, which is one concession I offered her during the weekends.

So imagine my surprise when I came out and found Xinxin busy playing with Jeff at her toy corner. They appeared to be doing some sort of role play. Xinxin and oddly Jeff were both so engrossed in their play that they didn't realize I walked past them to go to the kitchen.

"Jeff has not left yet?"

"Xinxin didn't want to let him go. They ended their class around 11 am. Then she made him have an early lunch with her and play. They have been at that tea party since 1pm."

"Oh no! I should probably put a stop to it so that Jeff can go home."

"You can try, Sir, but I think he enjoys playing with her too. He is such a natural with children. And Xinxin really loves him dearly. Why don't you sit down? I fix you a plate of lunch."

I laughed as I nodded and sat down to enjoy my lunch before finally heading out to those two, but they had disappeared! I heard chuckles coming from the sofa, so I peeped over. Jeff was busy reading her a story, and Xinxin was giggling away at his storytelling. She realised my presence and looked up.

"Papa!" Xinxin cried out in joy seeing me and stood up to leap into my arms! I grabbed her and bopped her nose playfully, nagging her on why she hadn't let Jeff go home yet. Jeff stood up, grinning.

"We wanted to play tea party and plus she wanted me to read a book to her so that's why. Don't worry. I'm free anyways so I can afford to hang out. I hope it's been OK, we are hanging out, though."

"Of course. I should thank you for hanging out with her. I hope she hasn't been too much of trouble though its really nice to see her not watching her screens. I only offer that during the weekends for a bit so I can do my work too."

"Don't worry about it. It must not be easy for you too. A little bit of screen time is fine. Anyways, Xinxin, do you want to finish that storybook or go hang out with your dad?"

"Can we finish up the book Mr Jyff?"

"Yes baby. We can. And it's Mr Jeff."

Xinxin chuckled as she climbed down from my hold and scrambled back to the couch again. Jeff shot me a look, mouthing at me to go rest a bit as he finished up the book. I just hung around, listening to him read. He was an engaging and interactive storyteller and even I was caught up. Once he was done, both Xinxin and I sighed because we were sorry to see the end of the story.

Xinxin wanted him to stay on but I insisted she had to let him go so he could also rest. Jeff promised to come back the following week so they could do more stories too on top of the piano lesson.

She smiled cheerfully, nodding her head and waving bye to him. I told my helper to change her into some outdoor clothes so I could bring her to the playground. Xinxin went off to change and I sent Jeff off at the door.

"Thank you Jeff, for teaching and entertaining her. That's very nice of you."

"It's my pleasure. She's a lovely child and I am happy to spend time with her."

"I know Ms Luo's birthday is coming soon. Can I do something for her? It's my way of also thanking her for everything she has done for me and Xinxin."

'Sure, sure. I am thinking of bringing her for dinner. Maybe Xinxin and you can join us. That would be a pleasant surprise for her plus my mom adores Xinxin. And you."

I chuckled as my face reddened over Jeff's words. I nodded, promising to text him over the week about the dinner. He nodded, saying goodbye and going off.

I stood there, watching him walk off. I turned and saw my helper looking at me with a teasing glint.

"Yes?"

"He's really cute, isn't he Sir?"

"He is. I guess. Why do you sound so teasing? What are you upto?"

"He's a good man Sir. Makes an excellent father."

"Yea he will" I absentmindedly replied. My helper just grinned as she walked off. It finally hit me a minute later and I yelled, "No! It's not what you think it is!!"

I just heard her chuckle while Xinxin was nagging at me for using my outdoor voice indoors.

Ugh these two! I never get a break with them!