Chapter 151 With The Kids

Chapter 151 With The Kids
Mariko's POV

The soft weight of Marielle in my arms was grounding. Her tiny eyelids were heavy with sleep, her little lips making small sucking movements as she fought to stay awake. I gently rocked her, my body moving in rhythm with the wooden rocking chair. Mikayla was already fast asleep in the crib beside us, her breathing soft and steady. This was a moment of peace that I always cherished, my babies safe and sound, the house quiet for once. But then, the doorbell rang, interrupting the stillness. I sighed softly, standing up carefully, making sure not to disturb Marielle. I walked out of the nursery all the way to the front door, still holding her against my chest.

I opened the door and didn't expect to see Bradley. He stood there with a troubled look on his face, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his eyes had that familiar mixture of concern and frustration that I knew all too well. Amber’s behavior had been a constant thorn in his side, just as it had been in mine.

“Hey,” I said quietly, motioning for him to come in as I stepped aside for him to enter. “What’s going on?” I asked as he stepped inside, glancing around before his eyes landed on Marielle. A small, soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he saw his little half-sister resting so peacefully in my arms. But it didn’t last long. His brow furrowed again, and I knew something was weighing on him. I closed the door, and then gave him my full attention as I followed after him into the lounge.

“I went to see Mom,” he said, his voice low and uncertain as he took a seat on the recliner and I sat across from him on the sofa. “She’s not… she’s not doing well, Dad. She wouldn’t talk to me. She was just sitting there… alone.”

I exhaled slowly, feeling the tension build up in my chest. I had been expecting this. Ever since Amber’s assault, she had been withdrawing from the world since that day she called me. I had tried to help her, done everything I could, but there was only so much I could do.

“Bradley,” I started, glancing down at Marielle, who had finally drifted off to sleep. I stood up, "I need to put her in the crib, we can talk over there," I said, and then he got up and followed after me to the nursery. I walked over to the crib and gently laid her down. I brushed my hand softly over her tiny head before turning to face Bradley fully. “I understand that you’re worried. Believe me, I have been trying to help your mother, but…” I paused, choosing my words carefully. “There is only so much I can do. I have a family now, and they need me too.”

Bradley’s face tightened, and I could see the conflict in his eyes. He was torn between caring for his mother and understanding the reality of the situation. He had always been caring for Amber, even when she didn’t make it easy for him growing up.

“I get that,” he said quietly, crossing his arms over his chest. “But it’s just… it’s hard, you know? She’s my mom. I hate seeing her like this, and I don’t know what to do anymore. She won’t talk to me, Dad. She just sits there, staring into space.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle heavily between us. I had been in Bradley’s shoes many times before, trying to reach Amber when she was spiraling, but it never got easier. The helplessness, the frustration and now this new situation.

“Bradley,” I said gently, “There is something you need to know.”

His eyes flicked up to meet mine, and I could see the concern deepen in them. “What is it?”

I took a deep breath, feeling the knot in my stomach tighten. “Your mother… she was assaulted at a party recently.”

The shock on his face was immediate. His eyes widened, and his mouth parted slightly, as though he couldn’t quite believe what he was hearing. “What?” he whispered, shaking his head. “Are you serious?”

I nodded slowly, my heart heavy. “Yeah. She called me that night, and I took her to the hospital. She has been struggling ever since. That is why she has been so distant, it's why she’s not herself. She’s in pain, Bradley. Emotional pain. And she’s dealing with it in the only way she knows how.”

He ran a hand through his hair, his face contorted with shock and disbelief. “I didn’t know… I had no idea,” he muttered. “Why didn’t she tell me?”

“Your mother has always been like that,” I said quietly. “She bottles everything up. It’s part of the reason why I had to step back… I’ve done everything I could to help her, but she has to want to help herself too.”

He was silent for a moment, staring down at the floor, lost in thought. I could see the weight of the news settling on him, the realization of what his mother had been through crashing over him like a wave.

“I feel like I have failed her,” Bradley murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “I should’ve been there for her.”

I shook my head firmly. “No. This isn’t your fault. You have done everything you could. We both have. But sometimes, no matter how much we try to help someone, they have to take that step on their own too. And right now, your mom needs time.”

He looked up at me, his eyes filled with both sadness and understanding. “So what do I do? How do I help her now?”

I placed a hand on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “You just be there for her. Let her know you are there when she’s ready. But you can’t force her to talk. You can’t fix everything.”

He nodded slowly, absorbing my words. I could see the struggle in him...the desire to protect his mother, to fix her problems, warring with the realization that he couldn’t control everything.

“I guess I just didn’t expect this,” he said, his voice quiet. “I thought… I don’t know what I thought, but not this.”

“I know,” I replied softly. “It’s not easy. But remember, you’re not alone in this. You have me, and you have your family. Your mother will get through this.”

Bradley glanced around the nursery, his eyes landing on the framed photos of our family on the walls. His expression softened slightly, and I knew he understood. I had my responsibilities now, and while I would always care about Amber, my focus had to be on Maddie and the kids.

“I get it, Dad,” he said after a long pause. “I understand why you’re not as involved with her anymore. You have your own family to take care of.”

“I will always care about your mother,” I said gently. “But I can’t be everything for her anymore. I helped her, Bradley. I took her to the hospital, I made sure she was safe. But now, she has to take some of those steps on her own. And you...you can be there for her in ways I can’t be. She needs you more than she needs me right now.”

Bradley nodded, though there was still a sadness in his eyes. “I’m going to go see her again. Try to talk to her.”

I gave him a small nod. “That’s good. Just take it one step at a time.”

Looking more resolved now. As he turned to leave the nursery, he paused at the door, glancing back at me. “Thanks, Dad. For telling me the truth. I will see myself out.”

“Take care of her.” I said softly.

He gave me a nod and then stepped out into the hallway. As the door closed behind him, I stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of the situation press down on me. I glanced at my babies, who were both sound asleep.

I had done everything I could for Amber. I had been there when she needed me, but now, it was up to her, and to Bradley. I couldn’t sacrifice my family for her anymore, no matter how much guilt I carried for the life we had once shared.

Before I walked out of the nursery, I looked one last time at Marielle and Mikayla, sleeping peacefully in their crib. This was my life now. Maddie, Bella, Angel, and the twins were my priority. I couldn’t be pulled in two directions anymore. I had to let go of the past and focus on the present, on the family that I had built with Maddie. But that didn’t make it any easier. I just hoped that Bradley could find a way to help Amber in the way I no longer could. I knew I had made the right decision. My family here, in this house, needed me more than anyone else. And that is where my heart would stay.



Maddie's POV

The cab came to a stop outside my house, the weight of a long day’s work slowly peeling away from my shoulders. I leaned my head back against the seat, taking a moment to just breathe. Mariko had been so kind as to stay at home with the kids today while I went to work. Coming home always felt like stepping into a different world, one where chaos and love coexisted in a delicate, messy balance.

I stepped out of the cab and made my way to the front door, my heart warming as I imagined Mariko with the kids inside. Things had been tense between us lately, discussions about Amber, about the kids, and about my decision to tie my tubes. But I knew he was trying to help in the ways that mattered most.

As I walked inside, the sound of quiet chatter greeted me. I could see them from the entrance, all gathered in the lounge. Mariko was sitting on the sofa, his arm resting protectively around Mikayla, who was wide awake and wriggling a bit in his lap. Rosie sat nearby, holding Marielle, softly rocking her in her arms. Bella was seated on the floor by the coffee table, her sketchbook open as usual, her brow furrowed in concentration as her little hand moved the pencil over the page. Angel was sitting beside Bella, her school books spread out around her, her face serious as she focused on her homework. Seeing them like this, so calm, peaceful, together had eased the tension that had been gnawing at me all day.

“Hey, I’m home,” I said softly, stepping into the lounge, my voice light but full of relief.

Mariko glanced up with a warm smile. “Hey. How was work?”

“Tiring,” I admitted, walking over to the sofa and dropping my handbag on the floor beside it. “But it’s nice to come home to this.” I nodded towards the scene in front of me, my heart swelling with affection.

Angel looked up from her books and gave me a small smile. “Hi,” she greeted me.

Bella, without looking up from her sketch, simply muttered, “Hi, Maddie.”

I chuckled softly. “Bella, you’ve been drawing all day, haven’t you?” I asked.

She nodded, still completely focused. “I’m working on a new design. It’s going to be a princess dress for my dolls.”

I smiled, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. “Of course it is.”

Rosie looked up, her face soft with warmth as she cradled Marielle. “They have all been great today, Maddie. You should’ve seen Bella earlier, she had Mariko and Angel helping her decide on fabric colors for her ‘collection.’” Rosie held in her laughter.

Mariko laughed. “She has already got us doing fittings in our heads.”

I felt a tug in my heart at the sight of them all like this. Despite the stresses and arguments, moments like this made it all worth it. I sat down beside Mariko, resting my head lightly on his shoulder while watching the twins. Just as I was settling into the comfort of being home, there was a knock at the door.

I raised my head, frowning slightly. “Who could that be?” I asked.

Mariko glanced at me, a little puzzled too, but stayed where he was with Mikayla in his arms. “No idea. You want me to get it?”

I shook my head, standing up. “No, it’s fine. I will get it.”

I made my way over to the door, the gentle hum of family life behind me. When I opened it, I was surprised to find my parents standing there. My mother was holding a small bag, probably with treats for Bella, and my father stood tall beside her, smiling warmly at me.

“Mom! Dad!” I exclaimed, my surprise quickly turning into happiness. “What a nice surprise!”

“Hello,” my mother said, pulling me into a quick hug. “We thought we would drop by and see how you are all doing. It’s been a little while.”

My father smiled at me. “And your mother insisted on bringing something for the grandkids.”

I stepped aside, waving them in. “Come in, come in.”

They walked in, and I closed the door behind them. I led them to the lounge where Mariko stood up to greet them, Mikayla still in his arms. My mom’s eyes instantly went to Marielle, who was still in Rosie’s arms, her little face peaceful and sleepy.

“Oh, my sweet babies,” my mother cooed, moving quickly to Rosie’s side. “Let me hold her for a bit. You must be such a big help.”

Rosie smiled and gently handed Marielle to her. My mom’s face lit up as she cradled my baby against her chest, and I could feel the warmth spreading through the room.

“How are you all doing?” my dad asked, his voice calm and steady as always. He was watching Mariko carefully, like he was taking stock of the situation.

“We are managing,” Mariko said, his tone light but a bit strained. “The kids have been good today.”

“And how about you, Maddie?” my father asked, turning his attention to me. “You’re looking tired. How has work been treating you?”

I sighed softly, rubbing my temples. “Work is fine, but life has been… a bit overwhelming lately. There is a lot going on with the kids, and I just feel like I’m running out of steam.”

Before I could say more, my dad nodded. “That is why I wanted to ask you to lunch this Saturday. It’s been a while since we have all gotten together.”

I smiled faintly. “That sounds nice, Dad. But who’s coming?”

“Arden and Lana will be there,” he said casually, though his tone had a bit of weight to it. “And Miranda.”

I froze for a second. Arden and Lana… the last time we had all been together, it had not gone well. I'm not sure how things are between my dad and them due to incidents and situations that had been going on with them that had left scars that still hadn’t healed.

“I don’t know, Dad,” I said hesitantly, glancing at Mariko. “Arden and Lana… are they still not really on the same page with you? Things haven’t been the same since then...you all have a painful past.”

My father gave me a knowing look. “I understand your concerns. But maybe it’s time to reconcile, don’t you think? Life is too short for these grudges. I can't control how they feel now.” He shrugged.

I chewed on my lip, thinking it over. He was right, of course. It had been long enough. Maybe it was time to face things head-on and try to mend the broken pieces of their relationships.

“I guess you’re right,” I said finally. “Maybe reconciling is a good idea. But I’m not sure how it will go.”

“Be there as a support,” my mother added, her voice gentle as she rocked Marielle in her arms. “Your father wants a family again, and he only wants his kids to reconcile with him, or at least he is trying.”

I nodded, feeling a sense of resolve start to settle in me. “Alright. I will be there.”

My dad smiled, patting my shoulder. “Good. Let's hope for the best,” he said.

I glanced at Mariko, who gave me a supportive smile. He knew how much tension had been lingering between them, but he also knew how much family meant to me and now to my father.

As my parents settled in with the kids, my heart felt a little lighter. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it was time to take that step forward. Family mattered, no matter how complicated it got, and I was going to be that support. Seeing my mother looking healthier and well also warmed my heart. The change was obvious, and I was happy about it. I want our families to stick together even through tough times.