Chapter 9 It’s Time You Learned Some Manners
She blinked at him. “An hour?”
“Yeah.” His smile widened. “I just stayed in bed… savoring the moment.”
“Awnnn,” Amelia giggled, covering her mouth briefly. “That’s sweet.” She tilted her head. “How was your night?”
“Great,” Andrew replied instantly. He sat up fully, leaned toward her, and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “Yours?”
“Never better,” Amelia said, smiling.
She swung her legs off the bed and stood. “I want to make coffee. Do you want some?”
“Yes, please,” Andrew replied without hesitation.
She nodded. “Okay.” She paused, glancing back at him. “Can I switch on the light?”
“Sure.”
Amelia reached for the switch by the door and flipped it. Bright fluorescent light flooded the room instantly. Andrew squinted slightly and chuckled.
She stepped out.
Minutes later, Andrew joined her in the kitchen. Amelia stood by the counter, the coffee machine humming steadily.
“It’s almost done,” she said without turning.
“Thank you,” Andrew replied, leaning against the counter. “Since it’s already morning, I thought I should help with breakfast.”
“That’s thoughtful of you,” Amelia said, smiling over her shoulder.
The machine beeped.
Amelia poured two mugs, handed one to Andrew.
“Thank you,” he said, taking a sip.
They moved around the kitchen together—plates clinking, drawers opening, quiet laughter passing between them.
About an hour later, Andrew walked down the hallway toward the guest room. He opened the door gently.
Pete lay curled beneath the blanket, face pressed into the pillow.
Andrew stepped closer. “Wake up, sleepy head. It’s time for breakfast.”
Pete shifted. “Dad…” he murmured groggily.
“Yes, it’s me,” Andrew said, lifting him gently. “Time for breakfast.”
Pete rested his head against Andrew’s chest as he was carried to the bathroom.
Later, they entered the dining area where Amelia sat already.
“Good morning,” Amelia said brightly.
“Morning,” Pete replied quietly, climbing into his seat.
They ate slowly. Amelia smiled at Pete between bites.
“So,” she said gently, “what do you like most at school?”
Pete shrugged. “Recess.”
Andrew smirked. “Figures.”
Pete grinned faintly.
As forks scraped plates softly, Andrew’s phone vibrated against the table.
The screen lit up.
WIFE
Andrew froze.
Amelia’s eyes darted to the phone. Then to Andrew. She lifted her chin slightly and gave a small nod.
Andrew picked up the phone.
“Hey!” he said brightly. “How did you remember my number?”
Maggie’s voice flowed through the speaker, excited and warm. “I have it saved as Love with an heart and kiss emojis ❤️💋. So I decided to call and thankfully it was you. When are you coming to check on me today? And can you bring our son? I’ve been looking through my gallery— I saw so many pictures of me holding him. I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Mom!!!” Pete shouted, nearly jumping from his seat. “I’ve missed you!”
“Son?” Maggie’s voice cracked with joy. “Is that—”
Andrew’s thumb slammed the screen.
Call ended.
The phone vibrated again.
And again.
Andrew flipped it face-down and slid it into his pocket, switching it to silent.
Pete stared at him. “Dad… when are we going to visit mom at the hospital?”
Andrew didn’t answer.
“Dad?” Pete asked again, louder. “When are we going?”
Amelia cut in calmly. “Pete, eat your food.”
“But—”
“When are we seeing her?” Pete pressed, voice trembling.
Andrew’s jaw tightened. He set his fork down slowly and leaned forward.
“Behave,” he said sharply. “And listen to her. We are her guests. I thought you were better than this.”
Pete flinched.
He lowered his head and picked up his fork again.
The room fell silent except for the clink of cutlery.
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'A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER'
Amelia pushed her chair back slowly, the legs scraping softly against the tiled floor. She reached forward and stacked her plate neatly on top of Andrew’s, aligning the cutlery with careful precision.
“Thank you,” Andrew said, a satisfied smile stretching across his face as he leaned back in his chair.
Amelia nodded once, then turned her attention toward Pete. His plate sat empty in front of him, pushed slightly away, his fingers resting at the edge of the table as if unsure where to place them.
“Are you done?” Amelia asked, her voice warm, her lips curving into a gentle smile.
Pete lifted his eyes to her face for a brief second. His lashes fluttered. Then he dropped his gaze back to the table. “I’m done,” he replied quietly.
Amelia reached out and picked up his plate.
“And what are you supposed to say?” Andrew’s voice cut in immediately, sharp enough to make Pete flinch.
Amelia paused. “It’s fine,” she said calmly, glancing at Andrew.
“No, it’s not,” Andrew countered, his tone firm.
Amelia straightened slightly. “Andrew—”
“What are you supposed to say?” Andrew repeated, louder this time, his eyes fixed on Pete.
Pete’s head snapped up. His eyes darted from his father to Amelia, then down to the table again. His fingers curled into his palms.
“I—” he swallowed. “Thank you,” he whispered.
Andrew nodded once. “Good. It’s time you learned some manners.”