My Own Worst Enemy

chapter one

Vanessa's point of view

"Mama?" I hummed and looked down at Dakota. "Eli won't wake up." She said as she tugged on my shirt.

"Tell daddy babe, I'm busy cooking breakfast." I told her and she blinked a couple of times.

"Daddy said to tell you though."

God dammit.

"Okay, go sit down at the table." I said and turned the heat on the stove lower so I had time to run up to Elijah's room.

I opened his door and then saw him sleeping still. "Eli," I said loudly and he stirred. "Eli, it's time for school. You have thirty minutes." I said as I shook him.

"Elijah." He hummed and I sighed. "Get up right now." I said and he groaned as he rubbed his eyes.

"Mama, I don't wanna go."

"You have too. It's school. Now get dressed because I have to finish cooking your breakfast." I said and he nodded as he sat up.

I went back in the kitchen and Dakota was coloring in her princess colorbook. "Is Eli up?" She asked and I nodded. "Can you fix my hair mama?"

"Yeah, eat breakfast and then I will." I said, plating the last pancake on Calum's plate. It was slightly burned, but I doubt he'd care.

I moved the dishes aside and picked up a bowl of mixed fruit since Dakota was just like me, she loved fruit in the morning with her waffles or pancakes.

I quickly put some strawberries, blue berries, and raspberries on her plate and then covered her pancakes in syrup. I grabbed a fork and then went to go set it on the table.

"Put the book away Koala." I said and ruffled her messy hair. "It's time to eat, you can color later love." She nodded and I went to finish the boys' plates.

I set them on the table, along with glasses of milk for all of them and then yelled. "Calum! Elijah! Breakfast is ready!"

"Look mama, I have blue eyes." Dakota said and I looked at her as she played with her blueberries. I laughed and she put the fruit in her mouth. "Aren't you gonna eat?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna make me something right now. Go get your daddy and brother." I said and she stood up, running to their bedrooms.

I went to the kitchen and grabbed a small bowl, filling it with yogurt. I put a teaspoon of honey and then mixed it around before pouring some fruits on top of it.

I grabbed a spoon and then sat down beside Dakota's chair since she likes eating my yogurt too. I closed my eyes since I eas rather tired and then I heard Eli yell.

"Daddy! Wake up!"

I stood up and then went up to Calum and I's room. "Daddy won't wake up." Dakota said as she banged her tiny fists on Calum's back. "Is he dead?"

"He will be if you keep hitting him." I joked and she apologized. "Go eat kids, I'll wake daddy up." I said and they nodded, racing to the kitchen.

"I win!"

"Only because you're a boy!"

"Calum," I said as I shook him a bit. "Come on, you gotta get up." I said and he hummed. "You have to go to the studio remember? Song writing with me and Andy."

"Yeah," he said, his voice deeper and raspier. "I'll be down in a second." He told me and I nodded as I kissed his head.

"Take a shower after you eat too, you're smelly." I said and he laughed. I got out of bed and then went to the table, sitting down besides Dakota.