Acwell was always there whenever I went home except for the day he went for an interview. I must say I am less tired. I do not lack sleep because he is there to take care of Kai.
He had never been like that before. Sure, Acwell would spend time with Kai but not as long as he does now. Kai became more comfortable with him that he no longer cry and look for me whenever I slept. And at some point, even I am getting used to him being there.
The day before my off and while we were having breakfast, Acwell said, "Let's go to the nearest amusement park on your next off, Kamiah."
"Is there a nearby amusement park?" I asked.
"Well, not that near, but we can take a subway. We go down after two stations from here and take a taxi. Based on the map, it is not that far from the amusement park. When is your off?"
"Tomorrow."
"Perfect! I was hoping you would say that because the next day, I will be in training for my new job. I got hired as a supervisor in a hotel nearby."
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you! I was also wondering if Selene could change her timing for babysitting?"
"Why?
"I will be working in the afternoon, starting from 04:00 PM, so I was wondering if she could begin to babysit Kai by 03:00 PM. I could take care of him from 11:00 AM-03:00 PM; in that way, you could still sleep. And if I could please get the number of the landlord here, I wanted to see if they still have at least a studio apartment available for me."
I don't know, but I feel like it will not be practical for him to spend for rent when he is here most of the time.
"You can stay here if you want," I said.
"Are you sure you are okay with that?" Acwell replied.
"Well, to be honest, no. But I just feel like you are wasting money for rent when you are coming here most of the time."
"That would be great if you would allow me to stay here. Don't worry, and I will take the couch."
It was too late when it hit me that it would probably not be a good idea. But I can't take what I already offered. However, I was glad when Acwell immediately suggested that he would take the sofa. I would not have to explain that I still could not sleep with him on the same bed.
"You can sleep in the bedroom whenever I am not around; I don't mind."
"Thank you! Can I move in tomorrow? I just feel like I should move in when you are around rather than when it is only Selene and Kai here."
"That's okay."
"Thanks a lot. You hear that Kai, we will go to the amusement park tomorrow, and daddy will stay here."
Kai giggled and clapped. Looking at my son happy made me think it's okay even if I am uncomfortable living in the same apartment with Acwell.
The next day, after my shift, I walked to the subway and found Acwell sitting on one bench. He smiled when he spotted me.
"What are you doing here?" I asked when I went near him.
"I figured I could wait for you here. It will not make you feel uncomfortable as compared to if I wait for you outside the diner," Acwell replied with a smile.
"But why would you wait for me here?"
"I always wanted to pick you up from work. And this idea just came to me last night."
"You don't have to pick me up, Acwell. I have been doing this since I came here. I can take care of myself."
"I still want to. I even want you to quit your job if only I could persuade you."
"Let's just go home."
"I am sorry to offend you. I want you to quit your job and find another one that you like and would not make you so tired as you are now."
"Given my visa, I cannot be choosy."
"I know; I will find a way that we could change that to at least a working visa, if not a green card."
"Let's continue this at home. The train is already here."
While we were having breakfast, Acwell said, "I have contacted some friends, and there is one that is a lawyer here. But he is not an expert with immigration, so he will find someone who doesn't charge that high."
"That's great, thanks! I have been trying to find one, but most of the lawyers I talk their fees are beyond my budget."
"Hopefully, my friend will be able to find one. He said that he knows some people. Anyway, take a rest after eating. I will take care of the dishes, and we go to the amusement park later, around 02:00?"
"Ah, yes. Thanks, Acwell."
We went to the amusement park, and it was fun. Kai enjoyed it very well, mainly when he and Acwell played games and rode the carousel.
"Why did not I take Kai here before?" I asked myself and remembered that my finances were very tight even now. But with Acwell here, we get to enjoy a little fun.
We went home when Kai was already exhausted and sleepy. He even fell asleep in the taxi.
"Kamiah, I will just go, pick up my luggage and bring it here," Acwell said after dropping Kai on the bed when we arrived back at the apartment.
"Sure. I will be preparing our dinner," I replied.
Acwell came back just in time when the food was ready.
"It smells good," Acwell said, smiling.
"It's already ready. Would you like to eat now?" I asked.
"Yes. And I hope you don't mind that I put my luggage in the living room."
"That's fine. When I have the time, I will place your clothes in the closet."
"Don't bother yourself. It's no biggie."
I smiled and asked him to sit so we could have dinner. While eating, we talked about how Kai was at the amusement park. It was the first time that we talked and laughed together.