It Started with a Glance

Part 3

They walked to the car before I turned the ignition off. I hopped out to belt them into their seats.

"Noah everything ok bud?"

"Yes mama"

"You don't want to say bye to your dad? Where is he?"

Noah's eyes watered up and his bottom lip began to quiver.

"Inside with his girlfriend. She's mean to Niva"

I kept the smile on my face hiding my real emotions. I put on a happy tone.

"I'm just going to go say hi to your dad. I won't be long. "

I kept my smile in place til I got to the front door.

The door opened by a girl covered in tattoos holding a cigarette.

"What can I help you with?"

I grabbed her by the top and planted a jab straight to her mouth.

She instantly fell to the ground and screamed. Pathetic! All I had in my head was the tears in Noah's sweet innocent eyes and I completely lost it. I tried to compose myself when their deadbeat of a father comes rushing out.

"OMG what the hell is wrong with you?"

"Anna trusted me with her kids,. Trusted us with her kids. How dare you let this ratchet beast come near them."

"They are MY kids, I can do whatever the hell I want with them "

"The hell you can. I'll see you in court, the kids won't be coming here again."

Tears came rolling down my eyes as I remembered the promise I made Anna before she passed away.

"When Anna died I promised her no harm will come to her kids, to MY kids and I have to rush here because Noah calls me saying they want to come home. I gave you a chance Paul. You came and asked me to let you see the kids so I did because you are their father but if this is how it's going to be then no way am I letting you back in their lives. They have been through enough. "

And with that I turned and walked out, slightly nipping the girlfriend with my foot as she laid there on the floor holding her mouth.

All belted up I reversed the car and we were on our way. Ria txtd begging to be picked up from the mall. In no way was I in the mood to hear her vent on about picking up my kids

"Noah have you and your sister eaten"

"No mama"

"Ok let's go pick up Aunty Ria and have something to eat. "

We arrived back at the mall, Ria waiting patiently outside.

"Hi my favorite nephew and niece in the whole wide world!"

Picking them up for a massive hug.

"Did youse have fun at your gene donors?"

I pinched her in the side to be quiet.

"You call everyone your favorite aunty Ria. "

He chuckled and then his face lit up.

"Mama Alessandra punched Daddy's girlfriend on the mouth but I pretended I couldn't see cause mama might get upset if she knew I saw"

Ria and I stood gobsmacked. Well so much for keeping him innocent.

Ria opened her mouth to ask for more info but I quickly ushered the kids past her and walked into the mall leaving her running after us..

Once the kids were settled and their food was ordered did I give Ria my full attention.

"Did you manage to find the little boy's mother?"

Ria leant foward in her seat with excitement.

"Indeed I did. Or should I say we did. The seki helped me. Do you know he asked a lot of questions?"

Ria got distracted staring at her phone leaving me on edge. Realising she wasn't going to expand on her question I sighed.

"Questions like what?"

"Like why haven't you called me yet?"

I spun on my seat to find the seki in question answering from behind. I felt at a disadvantage sitting down staring up. Especially when my eye level was aligned to the zipper of his pants. Face going red at where my thoughts wondered to I stood up hitting the top of my head with his chin. Hearing his quick intake of breath at the impact I started stuttering out an apology at my clumsiness feeling even more embarrassed. Looking at Ria for help only to see her staring with a comical look on her face.

"I am so sorry. You startled me and um...bloody heck."

Nathaniel rubbed his chin trying to wave it off though it was obvious he was a little dazed.

"It's ok Shaye. All part of the job. So. Why haven't I heard from you yet? Or am I too dense to realise I've been shut down?"

My mouth opening a couple times to answer only nothing would come out. He noticed Noah and Niva sitting quietly observing him.

My voice kicked in at that moment.

"This is my son and daughter, Noah and Niva."

Nathaniel looked surprised but the look quickly vanished with a smile.

"Hi I'm Nathaniel. Sorry. I thought your mum was single" giving me an apologetic glance.

"What does single mean?" Noah asked curiously.

"He thinks your mama has a boyfriend. Wana clear it up for him little man?"

"My mama doesn't have a boyfriend."

"She doesn't?" Nathaniel answered.

"No and my nana always tells her she needs a husband."

I wanted the floor to open up. Our waiter rescued me by showing up with our food. I looked at him hoping he'd get the hint and leave but Noahs voice chirped up.

"You want to eat Thaniel?"

"Mama Thanel eat eat!" Niva called out

My gosh they were adorable.

"Would you like to join us?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

Pulling my chair out for me before taking his own seat I noticed Ria's face still wore a comical look.

"Well I'll be damned. This is a new development"