CHAPTER 49

AVA'S POV.

After a morning filled with banting, laughing, and running around the compound with the kids, I realized it was time to go back in and start dinner as time was far spent.

The children had earlier asked when they took a break from doing the assignment that they wanted to go to the park to run around a little, but because the incident from yesterday was still fresh in my head, I wasn't ready to take them back just yet as I wasn't completely healing from the slight trauma it had caused me, I refused them going to the park.

And when they were beginning to throw a tantrum, asking that they be allowed to visit the park, or they wouldn't go back to doing their assignment.

Mark, understanding the standpoint I was coming from, told them that they don't always need to go to the park for them to have fun, that the compound is big enough for them to do whatever they chose, and with that, he led them outside, and I followed mainly to observe what they were doing.

Moments later I saw myself caught up in their games, chasing them around and having good laughter with them.

The compound felt safer, with enough area to do whatever we chose without anyone bumping into us, unlike the park that was always clustered except on some days.

And then I was able to have my eyes on the kids without any more satisfying distraction.

I know I shouldn't be blaming myself for what had happened back in the park, but for some reason, I couldn't help the feeling and I didn't want to go back down that lane anytime soon.

With the once radiant sun beginning to disappear, and the cool, gentle evening rolling in, I headed into the kitchen to start preparation for dinner which was going to be mashed potatoes and roasted chicken again because that was the option the children picked.

Whenever they are in their happiest moment, they always pick out their favorite food for dinner, which is either Pasta or mashed potatoes with some sauce on the side.

What we were having for dinner wasn't something that would take so much time to prepare, for me to be so time-conscious, but then, I just wanted things to be done in time and have dinner on time as well, so the kids could go to bed much earlier than yesterday.

Mark followed me, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt as he walked into the kitchen.

“No, you don't have to stress yourself, Mark, I’ve got this,” I said, secretly pleased that he wanted to help.

Playfully shaking his head, “No way Ava, I am not going to sit back and watch you do all the work yourself. Besides, it would be more fun if we did it together.” Mark replied.

I couldn't hold back the smile his reply brought, “Alright then, why don't you start with chopping the vegetables for the side? Chop them into smaller, bite-size pieces,” I told him.

As we worked side by side, squarely busy with the assignment we had tasked ourselves with, soon, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of the chicken grilling in the oven and the simmering of the diced vegetables over the stove.

It was a comforting scent that made the house feel even more homely, and I like it when it is always like that.

It gives me some sort of peace I can't explain.

“So tell me,” Mark broke into another conversation, Slicing a carrot, “What made you move back here? I have a feeling it wasn't just about your job.”

I glanced at him, considering how many things to share with him, though I was already becoming more free and comfortable around him, I was still very much conscious of the information I let out to him.

“It wasn't just a thing, it was a combination of several factors. The job was a big part of it, but I also wanted the kids to grow up in a familiar place,” I replied, “And also, I missed this place despite everything that happened.”

“I get that,” Mark nodded his head, “Sometimes the place you call home just has a way of pulling you back.”

“And how do you know this? Have you ever tried leaving before?” I asked, surprised that he could relate to such.

“Not really, but whenever I go out of town for a business trip, most of the time I always intend to stay much longer back in the place, you know, take a break from everything and just enjoy a moment alone to myself, but it never works, I just start feeling the restless need to come back home.” Mark stretched.

“Home indeed has a way of pulling one of its own back to itself,” I went on to say, as I stirred the mashed potatoes. “Why don't you tell me how the company is doing?”

“It is doing well, much more than we expected.” Mark's face lit up in excitement,

“Our growth this last quarter was significant, all the teams are incredible, and we are working on some new exciting projects.”

“Aww!” I exclaimed, blushing deeply.

I know how Mark is always excited whenever the company performs well, and knowing that he is happy at this point was also making me happy.

“It has been a lot of work to get to where we are currently, but I am proud of what we have accomplished so far.” He added, grinning widely.

“This is such great news, Mark, maybe we should celebrate it sometime,” I said, “This time I would be the one setting up the date.”

“That isn't a bad idea at all, I love it!”

“What type of…”

Before I could finish up with the question I had to ask, the twins burst into the kitchen, with Jane following them closely.

“Mummy, we have finished our homework,” Kenny, the vocal one and always the first to talk, announced proudly.

Smiling at them, “That is wonderful, good job to the both of you,” I answered.

Kenny puffed up with pride for a few more moments before his expression turned serious,

“But mummy, Kendall didn't want to do her assignment at first, she just wanted to go on with painting more pictures of you guys, Jane had to do a lot of talking before she finally listened.”

Mark burst out laughing on hearing what Kenny was saying and I couldn't hold back my laughter either.

When the outburst of laughter in the kitchen had subsided, “Is that true, Kendall?” I asked, turning to Kendall, who was trying to hide behind her brother.