Secret Mistake 3

145.

GIA POV

I was in the middle of cleaning up our room when both boys came in. "We need to talk".

"About what?" I sat on the bed.

"About Harlow" Kai said.

"Okay?..." I said.

"We just had a deep conversation with her. And that poor girl is hurt. She feels that dad doesn't love her as much as he loves Salem. And that's why she doesn't like her. Because she feels Salem will always have a closure bond with dad than she will".

"She Told you guys that?!" I asked.

They both nodded "she was crying and everything. And we all know I'm not the best at consoling people" Ryan said.

"This is my fault. For keeping Harlow away from Delano during her first months of life. If I didn't do that maybe their bond would've been better" I said.

"Maybe... but dad has to do something or when they both get older one isn't going to survive. And all bets are on Salem" Kai said.

"Wow! I mean she did come to us both explaining how Salem was daddy's favorite and all. But we took her out and tried to make her feel special. I guess it didn't work" I said.

"Mom at this point... dad has to step in and do something. Her issue isn't with you. It's him! So he has to do something to stop this" I said.

"And Salem has to stop bragging how pretty she is and stop calling Harlow ugly. I don't know where she's getting this from" Kai said.

"Well thank you boys for being such great big brothers! Those girls are very lucky to have two big brothers who love and care about them" I smiled. Ryan covered his ears and made noise "keep telling you stop using those words".

"He's in denial" Kai said.

I nodded "I know. But you are a caring kid, Kai. Never change".

He blushed "Mommm!". Running my fingers through his curls he walked out the room. Finishing up cleaning I heard Delano come through the front door. He met me half way through the hallway.

"We need to talk ASAP" I said. He looked a little worried but he followed me. We went on the porch outside. "What's up?".

"Our loving boys had a conversation with Harlow. And she said a lot of interesting things" I said.

"What'd she say?" He asked.

"For one, the real reason she doesn't like Salem is because she feels that Salem has a closer bond to you than she does. In a way she's right. She also feels that that's something she will never get from you. It's tough to feel like you aren't enough. I don't want Harlow to feel that way. We both know how that feels".

He sat there just thinking.

"If we don't tackle this now it will only get worse as they get older. When periods start it's over from there".

"You know I was so focused on making up for not being there for Salem I was neglecting Harlow" he said.

"Delano you are there for Salem" I said.

"Not when she was born I wasn't. I want her to feel like I'm there for her. Even when she got kidnapped that was my fault. But not realizing Harlow was feeling left out" he said.

"Understandable But Harlow needs your attention now. I'll take care of Salem. Just take Harlow out and bond with her. Get to know her a little" I said.

"Gia I know my daughter" he said.

"Do you? What's her favorite color? What's her favorite food to eat? What makes her happy?" I asked. He stared at me cause he knew he couldn't answer the questions. "Exactly. But answer it if it's about Salem".

"Pink, pasta, me and the dog" he said.

"Point proven! Get to know Harlow. She's an amazing little girl who has a big heart like Ryan. But she rather act tough to hide her sensitive side" I said.

He face palmed himself "how did I let this slide?".

"It happens. But remember you have four kids and two on the way. You better learn how to split your time for each one like I do".

"By the way since you know the answers what are they" he said.

"Purple, Cheese grits and her tablet" I smiled.

"Damn wouldn't have guessed that" he said.

"I know that. So go on and make a date with Harlow and show her the world and talk to her. Ask her about things she likes. She's a talker" I said.

Getting up I patted him on the shoulder "don't worry you're still a good father". He looked up at me "thanks". With that I walked back inside leaving him out on the porch to think about things. Hopefully he doesn't drop the ball on this.