Who could that be?
(Bella)
I glance at my wristwatch, turning to Anne. "Please get them down for dinner, Calvin should be here any moment from now," I say as we set the dining table.
Anne sets the plates down and wipe her hands clean. "Alright," she mutter before stepping out of the living room to follow instructions.
"Good evening, mommy." Jasmine greeted cheerfully as they walk up to the dining table but I noticed Javier was looking gloomy even after he greeted.
A smile creeps up my face. "Evening babies. I made lasagna, you like it right?" I beamed, my eyes flickering with warmth as they approached.
"Yay!" Jasmine squealed, her eyes widening in excitement, but Javier remained silent as he stared at the floor.
I noticed he's been quiet since yesterday, and when he eventually talks, he mostly speaks to Jasmine.
Initially, I didn't read much meaning into it but now, hearing I made Lasagna without any hint of excitement confirms my suspicion.
Javier could have Lasagna anytime any day, it's one of his best and he's been probing me to make it.
Something's definitely wrong with him. And I can't help but worry.
But thankfully I have more than enough time to get him talking.
So I keep my smile in place, reaching out to help them up the chair but before l could get to him, he already climbed the chair, settling in with ease.
I look at Jav, and he seems to be sulking real bad. "Hey, sweety. What's wrong, don't you want lasagna?" I say, my eyebrows lifting in question.
In response, he just shrugged, avoiding eye contact.
"Mommy, what's wrong with Javier?" Jasmine asks with a worried look.
I sigh, my eyes pinned on Jav. "I don't know, sweety." I confessed, racking my brain on what could be the problem. "He won't even look at me,"
Realizing I know my child best, I lean closer, caressing his cheeks gently. What is it baby, talk to mommy, okay?" I coax him, really hoping he complies.
Slowly, he turns to meet my gaze, and I watch his expression drop. "You haven't apologized to handsome mister," he pouts.
Wow, so this is about Dean, again?
For a moment I thought they'd forget, I mean they're kids, kids tends to forget this things.
But not for my babies, they're rather intrigued by Dean even without him trying.
I look at him, my voice firm as I straighten up. "I have baby, I even thanked him for saving you," I explained earnestly, my tone soft.
Jasmine tilts her head. "Then why doesn't he want to be our friend?" Jasmine asks, lifting her eyebrows in little wonder.
I swallow hard. I just don't get it, why'd they even want to be friends with someone they don't really know?
"Doesn't he want to be our friend?" Javier asks alongside with his sister, their curious eyes transfixed on me.
Anne walks back from the kitchen, holding some glasses, she gives me a concerned look before turning her gaze away.
I look back at their expectant face and shrug. "Look babies, of course he'd want to. But he's an adult, I'm sure he has other things to do," I explain.
Javier frowns. "But I want him to be, I like him," he pouts.
My heart skipped a bit at that. I see the deep longing in his eyes, the both of them and it tugs at my heart.
Taking a deep breath I reply. "I know, we'd see, but you know mommy can be your friend now and forever?" I retorted, holding his gaze, hoping this works.
They nod slowly, I don't know if that works but I see their shoulders slump a little.
Managing a small smile, I say. "Now cheer up, and give mommy a smile," I tell Javier.
He looks at me and then his face breaks into a warm smile, soothing my mind.
"There, good boy," I mutter, giving him a peck on the cheeks, both of them.
"I love it mommy," Javier's eyes widens unexpectedly.
"Huh?" I exclaimed, rolling my eyes.
"The lasagna," he points at it. "I'm sorry I was mean before," he gives an apologetic look, bending his head.
A chuckle slips out of my mouth. "Apology accepted, baby." I smile at him, ruffling his hair while Jasmine watches on with a grin.
"Uncle Calvin will soon be here," I divulged, settling into a chair next to them and almost on cue, there's a knock on the door.
Anne hurries to get the door, and shortly after Calvin walks in looking super dapper in his jeans and shirt, sleeves slightly rolled up.
"Uncle Calvin!" Javier and Jasmine squeals from their chair, their eyes sparkling as Calvin walks up to them with a big smile.
He leans forward, lowering to their level. "How are my little pumpkins doing?" He grins at them.
"Fine Uncle Calvin," they chorused. "I painted a tree in school and teacher Jane said I did well," Javier beams.
Calvin's smiles widens. "Well done Jav," he high-fived him.
I chuckle, watching on.
Calvin gaze shifts to me. "Thanks for inviting me," he says, seating just across from me.
"The pleasure is all mine, Calvin." I reply with a warm smile. "Let's dig in,"
"Good night Uncle Calvin," Jav and Jas says as dinner's over.
"Sleep well pookies," he replies with a smile before Anne guides them upstairs.
I walk Calvin to the door, subtly jabbing him for not stomaching the extra food like he bragged he would.
"Goodnight Calvin," I say, as soon as he steps out of the door.
"Thanks again, Bella. I had a great time," he retorts, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that takes me by surprise.
"See you on Monday, Calvin," I say quickly, an attempt to snap out of the tension that's starting to build up.
Slowly he nods, giving me a tentative smile before turning his back on me. I watch him till he's out of sight.
I let a deep breath, one I didn't realize I was holding before closing the door.
I step back in, helping Anne clear the dishes but then the doorbell rings much to my surprise.
I turn, rolling my eyes.
Who could that be?
Wait, that should be Calvin, he probably forgot something.
Quickly, I walk to the door and with a grin I opened it. "Calvin did you—," my words died on my mouth, my smile wears off instantly at the sight of the least person I'd expected.
Dean.