CHAPTER 50

AVA'S POV.

Kendall nodded her head slowly, her eyes downcasted like she always used to be whenever she was ashamed of her action.

“I’m sorry mummy, it is just that I wanted to paint badly, and I couldn't concentrate on any other thing.”

Letting out a deep breath, I crouched down to her level and lifted her chin slightly so she could look at me.

“Doing what you love to do most isn't a bad thing at all, Kendall, but it becomes bad when you neglect important tasks you need to perform and get lost in the moment,” I spoke softly to her, with no further intention to hurt her more than I already knew she was hurting.

“You have to finish your homework before you think of painting because that should only be done in your leisure time.”

“Okay mummy, I would take note of that,” She replied, wiping her moist eyes.

“That is my girl,” I said, pulling her into a brief hug before darting my gaze back to Kenny.

“And you, you shouldn't go around making fun of your sister, do you hear me?”

“I’m sorry, Kendall,” Kenny said quietly, knowing that my scolding him was for him to apologize and nothing else.

“Good. Now why don't you two go for a walk with Aunty Jane? Take in some fresh air to calm your mind and get back in time for dinner.”

The kids nodded their heads excitedly, I don't usually let them out of the house frequently, so every time they got the opportunity to step out of the house and walk around the neighborhood was always an exciting one for them.

I grabbed two bars of chocolate from the fridge and handed it over to them so they could keep their mouth busy with that as they filled their eyes before Jane led them out of the kitchen.

As they left, I felt a small pang of relief.

Their presence, though always welcomed, has distracted Mark's attention from me and put an end to our time together.

Yes, I know it is obvious that I am jealous, I am not even going to try to hide it because I am jealous that he always gets to pour his undivided attention into the kids without giving any to me.

We got back to cooking, filling the kitchen with the clatters of utensils and plates.

Mark went on to tell me more about his company’s recent goals for the new quarter, and I also went on to tell him my goals and my progress on them.

“I have been working on a new project for a short while now,” I said quietly, “Although it is not something relating to fashion designing or the like of it,” I added.

“Sounds even more interesting, tell me about it,” Mark replied, genuinely interested in hearing what I had to say.

Mark has always been a good listener back from our days together, and I think that is one of the qualities that endeared him to my soul.

“It is a community outreach program, trying to help local business owners get the support they need to grow their brand. It has been quite a fulfilling experience since I started” I said.

“This is wonderful Ava, even though I am not so surprised about it,” Mark responded, flashing me a warm smile

Giggling lightly, I asked, “Why is that?”

“Because I know you have always had just a big heart,” Mark answered and I laughed even louder.

“Don't try to flatter me now” I said amidst my laughter.

“You know that is the truth, Ava,” he raised his eyes from the dishes he was handling and stared intently at me for a moment, “I’m glad you are doing something that makes a difference, and I am glad you are also finding fulfillment in it.”

“It hasn’t also been an easy one, my team and I encountered countless difficulties at the start of it,” I said.

“Numerous tough times that almost made me rethink my decision about everything, but I am proud I didn’t do that in the end.”

“Tough times are there to make us stronger, backing down is never a solution,” Mark stated.

“I hated the fact that I had to learn this the hard way,” he added, his voice reduced to a whisper.

“Thanks for all the compliments, it just made me feel good,” I said, bringing out the tray of the full roasted chicken from the oven.

“If you don’t step out, you won’t know how much the masses are struggling with trying to make a name for themselves.” I went on.

“With the little time I have come to spend with them, and the few conversations I have had with quite a number of them, I noticed that some have what it takes to be great in what they do, but what they lack is the support.”

“And then that is where your outreach community comes in,” Mark added, beaming with a smile.

“Exactly,” I said with a worried look on my face, anytime I remember my meetings with the local business owners, I can’t help but just get so worried.

“A good number of the population's condition is so disheartening that it makes me wonder if I would be able to truly satisfy them and get them to the point they want.”

“Now Ava, you shouldn’t start having such a thought,” Mark quickly chipped in, moving closer to me.

“I want you to have it in the back of your mind that it is going to be impossible for you to get everyone to the height they envision for themselves, that is not your work but their role to play, all you can do is assist them.”

That made sense, I think I would have to write down that in my journal and read it to myself every morning, maybe it would stop me from being excessively worried and stick to assisting them.

“I would have that at the back of my mind,” I replied.

“Good,” Mark patted me on my shoulder before moving past me to grab more dishes.

We were done with the cooking, and it was time to set the table.

I wanted it to be snappy so that by the time the kids returned from their walk we would get straight to dinner and retire for the night.

It has been a long day and all I seek at this point is to return to my room and stretch my back on my bed or better still get wrapped up in Mark’s arms on the bed, but the latter option was one I wasn't going to be considering because I may have forgiven him but I won't be accepting him to my bed anytime soon.