DAVID

Saying I'm embarrassed right now is a total understatement. I don't even know how to describe how I feel now.

Noel is so annoying!

How could he say that? In present of a lady at that.

What if she was my crush? That's how he would have bore me with shame.

Does it mean he tasted my socks?

I won't be surprised. He's a foodie.. he has always been one ever since a baby.

While still a baby, he would chew on his diapers and lick up his cream...

I wonder what it tasted like in his mouth. Strawberries?

And to think my socks wasn't left out!

Noeeeellll!!!!.

I silently cried within me as I pitied myself.. I couldn't help but wonder what Rosiana thought about it.

If I'm ever chanced to take my kids out on a public meeting, I'm gonna stitch up their mouths with a hard glue..

So when janietta sees me with a lady, or even talking with other ladies, she won't freak out and say annoying things to their face.

And Noel, so he won't eat up the party and make fun of how my socks taste.

As for Kayla, I won't just stitch her mouth, I will tie her to a chair.. so she won't move an inch from my sight or wander about. Cause my baby Kayla is a wanderer.

There was a time I took my kids out for shopping. While talking to the cashier, Kayla, unknowingly to me wandered out of my sight.

I didn't even realize until I was done.

Janietta and Noel were busy arguing and they too didn't notice.

I searched round the store for hours and almost went mad cause I couldn't find Kay. I felt like I've disappointed my late wife Maria who I made a promise to before her death that I would always look out for our kids.

I contacted the police and asked few customers in panic.

I searched round like a lunatic until I finally found her close to the waste bin by the side of the mall... Pouring some dirty into the dirt bin.

When asked what she was doing and why did she leave my side.

She opened her small mouth just to say..

' mommy always said we should be neat and never stay in a Dirty place in order not to fall sick.. so the mall was pretty dirty and I had to pick round"

She spoke out looking so innocent..

Can you seriously imagine? Pick Round a mall??

And I've been looking for her like a lunatic.. I even called the police.

"You will never frustrate me Kayla"

I stared at her not knowing if I should cry or laugh at her behavior..

She takes this as a joke.

I compensated the police before they left for their station.

The salesman in charge of the mall felt pleased at my daughter's sweet nature and he gave her a free toy.

Salesman doesn't know giving her a toy would only encourage her to do more.

My Kayla can sometimes be unpredictable. And she remind me so much of my late wife. Mariah.

••••••

I finally drove into my compound and slowly parked at the side garage.

My kids immediately climbed out in excitement and ran inside. Yes, they've got their own keys.. just Incase.

Rosiana came down after me and from the looks in her eyes, something tells me she's definitely Surprised to see such a magnificent building.

"Please come in" I gestured and she nodded with a smile. Following from behind.

"Welcome to my home Rosiana" I left her inside and she slightly parted her lips as a small gasped escaped it.

"Oh my... So beautiful" she stared round In amazement.

"Thanks. Feel free.." I smiled staring at her.

Oh that reminds me!. Her clothes.

Shes still in dirt. .. I don't have time to go shopping.

"Mr David please I can't cook in this outfit.." she stated the obvious.

"Yeah... Was actually thinking about that. Guess you need to change into something.. come with me to the guest room."

She nodded and followed behind.

I walked her into one of the guest rooms..

"In there, we have the shower. Make use of it... But before you'll proceed with that, I'll go get a dress"

I walked out of the room and headed straight to mine. Mariah's clothes will definitely suite her. I thought within as I searched on her belongings.

Her Unique scent filled my nostrils and I suddenly began to miss her again.

I picked out a free sun-dress and decided to give her that.

I walked back to the guest room and handed it to her.

"Thanks Alot" she smiled, taking it from me.

"When you're done with yourself. Just tell one of the kids to show you to the kitchen. There are varieties of uncooked foods.. in case you find difficulty in what to prepare, just ask Noel what he'll like for lunch.. he'll gladly tell you"

I cackled a little and she nodded with another bright smile.

"I'll be back shortly." I finally said before walking out.

With Rosiana in the kitchen today, I feel a little bit relieved from stress.

ROSIANA

I've never been to a house this big and beautiful before. I marveled as I washed myself up in the bathroom.. letting the water Cascade Through my body.

I made sure not to spend too much time in the bathroom cause I still have to make lunch.

I dry cleaned myself with a new towel which was on the bed. I let my hair slip down my shoulders as I put on the sun-dress.

I stared at myself on the reflecting mirror and WOW. This looks so good on me.

I walked out and saw the kids playing at the sitting. They've changed into something else already and my guess is, they've had their bathe too.

I walked over to where they were and cleared my throat..

"Can someone please show me to the kitchen.." I stared at their faces.

"Is that my mom's dress you're putting on??" Janietta stared at me with a shock-filled eyes.

Her mom's?

"Oh my God I didn't Know . Your dad gave it to me.."

How could David give me his wife's dress?

"Well now you know. It's my mom's dress and it doesn't belong to you.."

She spoke out with a straight face.

Oh hell! I felt a little embarrassed.

"But it's fits her... And she looks pretty on it..'" Kayla's voice so tiny and meek.

"Didn't you notice she had stains on her own dress? What were you expecting her to put on?... Your clothes?"

Noel gave out a sarcastic laugh.

"Duh.. she should have brought hers.." Janie huffed.

"You complain too much janietta. The dress fits her and she looks so good on it.

Don't you know people have to look good before cooking... So the food can taste really really good too.

Unlike Dad who doesn't mind putting on just towel to prepare a meal.."

Noel added. Looking so serious.

Hell No! A towel? Who does that?

"... And his food tastes just like his appearance"..

He rolled out from his mouth.

This is a very tough son for David!

I wish he were here.. but thank God he isn't.. if not, Noel is as good as a dead meat.

Noel came forward and suddenly stopped before me.. cleared off his throat.

"Most beautiful Mi-lady. Hope you don't mind me taking you to the kitchen... Cause I'm starving" he spoke out in a Spanish accent stretching out his little hand to me which made him look so funny.

"No Mister.... I certainly don't" I giggled alittle. Replying back with a Spanish accent too. I placed my hand on his and courtsied , raising my gown a little at the side.. as I bowed my head alongside.

And then, he led me straight to the kitchen.. our hands still together..

With Kayla holding my dress as she followed behind.

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TBC ️

... All David's kids are character

I pray he doesn't have a heart attack because of them

ALICIA

I texted him thirty minutes ago and he's still yet to reply. Huh!

Didn't he see it?

I huffed as I shut down my computer almost looking worried and angry at Same Time.

I hate been snobbed.

David is my colleague and yes, the supervisor of Duvel Company. He's a single Dad.

A hot Single Dad. Mark the word 'HOT' ...

And of course, I like him so much.

I've always had a crush on him long before his wife's death.

And now that he's single again, I see a green light waving a passage for me into his life.

I know he likes me too. I see the way he stared at me at times. Especially when we eat lunch together.

He's got a $exy eye and anytime ours Meet, my body begin to heat up. Like he performs Magic to my body and I want him so much to myself.

I wonder why he still hasn't asked me out. For the past nine months I've been treating him lunch and most times break him breakfast, one I always buy on my way to work .

I don't know how to cook. I never learnt how. Didn't see any reason to learn when you could buy cooked foods almost everywhere around you.

I heard he's got four kids too. I've even seen a photo of them once.

Having four kids are way too much. Didn't he do family planning with his late wife?

I may like David Alot but I literally don't like kids.. most kids are annoying.

And to think David had four Children!!!

Gosh!

Though I haven't met with any of them but from the looks on their faces in the picture.. they are probably not above 12 or eleven.. so I can handle them

They are small. So they know Nothing.

I'll just have to shove them aside so they won't come between I and David when I finally have him to myself.

Cause David is so engrossed in them and it baffles me Alot.

If only he could spend more of his time with me. And not with his kids.

Their mates are in a boarding school.

ROSIANA

Noel led me to the kitchen and my eyes darted round in amazement.

It's huge! And w-well organized.

The burners, gas cooker, stove, dishes.. fridge.. all were arranged neatly.

"Take your apron" Noel handed a piece of cloth to me.

"Thanks." I smiled.

I put on mine as I watched Kayla bring out two more aprons from the side shelf.

"Uh.. Kayla. I'll be needing just one okay" I chuckled slightly.

"I Know. I want to cook with you"

"Yeah me too" Noel added as Kayla gave one to him.

"But .. sometimes, the kitchen can be pretty dangerous for kids like you and..

"Who said am a kid. I'm not a baby Mi-lady" he drawled putting it on.

"Neither am I" Kayla added.. wearing her apron inside out.

I laughed at the sight and helped her adjust it.

"Are you sure you wanna Join for cooking? What if your dad comes back and..

"Forget my dad. I can handle him alright" Noel waved off.. looking so serious.

I didn't want to argue much.. so I let them be

Besides, they look so cute on the aprons"

"So.. what do you guys want for lunch?"

"Oh I want pancakes!" She squiled.

"Noted. What about you Now?"

"I want pancakes, Mashed potatoes and fish stew.. grilled chicken and tomato soup .. oh and yes! Macaroni cheese and baked Fillets"

"How many can you eat?" I asked looking Surprised at the food he listed out.

"All .. I want all!"

"Hmm." I shook my Head.

"Okay... Let's start with the pancakes. Who knows where the flour and baking ingredients are?"

"Mee!!!" They chorused in excitement

"What about potatoes and fresh tomatoes?"

"Yay! Yay! Me .. I know" Kayla ran to the fridge to get it.

"Alright. Let's start cooking"

I brought out the frypans and pots.

JANIETTA

️ Twenty- Five Minutes past️

I sat on the couch watching my favorite cartoon.

It isn't so interesting today cause Noel and Kayla aren't here with me. They are with that stranger.

Noel's a big idiot you know... And Kayla is just too innocent and sweet to know what's right.

As long as food is concerned, everyone is Noel's friend.

I don't like this lady at all. She's too pretty and I fear for my daddy.

I don't want my dad to like her either. That's why am acting this way towards her.

I do not want a second mummy!

And to think Noel and Kayla are in the kitchen with her.

Duh!so annoying

I instantly switched off the TV which had suddenly become noise to my hearing.

I'm so hungry and my stomach aches for food

Why isn't Dad Back yet? And how long does it take to make A simple dish?

I laid on the couch and began to count the ceiling.

I don't want to go to that kitchen. I'm so hungry and I don't want to show it either.

It's best I go toy room and sleep till the food is served.

I got up from the couch and walked out of the sitting into the passage.

My room is just few doors away from here and I hope....

OH.My. God! What's that Smell?

Where's it coming from??

I stopped my steps as I sniffled in the savory aroma.

It Smell so good and yummy! I felt my stomach twitch.

I'm hungry !!! I bit hard on my lips.

I stood there sniffing to satiate my hunger.

Roars of laughter echoed from the kitchen and I knew they were simply having fun in the there.

What if they're eating or something?

I can't take This! I do not want to beg that lady for food neither do I want her to know I'm desperately craving for the food. Or even show how hungry I am.

But wait..

This is my father's house. Literally my house too and my dad owns the kitchen. Giving me equal rights.

I want to eat!

And it's final. I can't kill myself with hunger In my own house.

I'm simply gonna walk in there and order her to give me food.

I decided on that and marched my way with a straight face into the kitchen.

Disrupting their little fun.

My eyes caught on the different delicacies in the kitchen and the breathtaking aroma.

I can't take this .

The three of them stared at me as I walked to grab a plate from the sync. I walked over to the lady ... I cleared my throat and stared into her face in a bossy way.

"This is my father's house, so i want you to dish out some food for me..."

My bossy tune soon melted as my stomach gave out a great sound.

I'm Hungry

"PL....ease 🥺" I spoke out solemnly. Staring at her with puppy eyes.

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TBC ️

Oh... Janietta

So Alicia thinks David's kids doesn't know anything?..

Should we tell her?

I stared at her as she stretched her plate to me asking for food. She looks really cute with those puppy eyes.

I took the plate from her and dropped it back on the sync.

"There'll be no need for that. I'm already done with cooking so you could help arranging them on the dinning."

I spoke softly to her and she nodded. Staring at me in a weird manner.

I helped in maintaining the kitchen, I dished out the needed for lunch and set it palatably on the dinning.

"Come eat with us. Rosiana" Kayla nudged. Pulling me by the hand.

"Uh-huh. There'll be no need for that baby girl.. you see. I gotta go. I need to check on my mom. She's sick and she needs me right now"

I caressed her cheek to soothen her faltering mood.

"You have a mummy?" She looked up at me in puzzlement.

"Off course I do sweetie. But sad enough. She's very I'll" I retorted sadly.

"Oh . I'm really sorry. I don't have a mummy you know. Daddy Said mommy has gone to heaven to sleep" she spoke out innocently. And a sharp pain pierci through my heart.

She doesn't have mommy again?

That explains a lot. Now I'm beginning to understand why this is so hard for David to keep up.

He's a single Dad who takes care of the kids Alone.

Isn't that a lot to handle? Consider he works too. I really feel for him

"Really? Heaven is a beautiful place to be. One day you'll see her again. So you ought to be happy she's there. "

*And sad she left you at a tender age*

I almost added that part. I felt really sorry for her

"And you know what Kay! Daddy is ret trying. And he's a good man too."

"Yeah I know. But daddy can sometimes be so annoying." She frowned.

"Hahahaha. Whenever he acts annoying, just know he's pretty stressed out and he probably needs some rest. And someone to assist him in the house too and also take care of you guys.. so the work would be less"

I tried to explain.

"No no no way." Janietta cut in

"If you're insisting or suggesting that my dad gets us a new mommy. It's not gonna happen. My dad is doing just fine with is"

Janietta retorted.

I never knew she was listening all along.

"What?. A new mommy? We definitely don't want one!" Noel added.

"Second mommies are bad" Kayla pouted soberly.

"I'm not suggesting anything guys I was just saying..." I cleared off. Raising my hands in the air.

"Well. Don't say anything concerning assistance for my daddy or a New mommy. Cause we definitely don't want one"

Janietta walked out of my sight. Looking angry.

Geez! I never meant to upset them.

DAVID

️Later in the Evening

I drove back home with junior looking handsome as ever.

Guess what? I just had him an haircut. And that's why we stayed out pretty long.

I parked at the garage and carried junior out in my arms.

He spoke out some gibberish which I clearly didn't understand.

I carried him inside and met my kids. Watching TV.

"Hey kids! I'm back"

"What took you so long?" Janietta frowned.

"Junior!!!!" Noel screeched and ran towards me to greet his baby brother.

Junior is Noel's beat buddy. I guess that's because of their sex. ~both males~

"Sorry. I had to take junior for haircut. Where's Rosiana? Have you guys had lunch?"

I asked. My eyes filtering the rooms in search of her.

"Yes we've had lunch" Noel replied.

"What about Rosiana?" I asked again.

"She left already. She said she wanted to go see her sick Mommy." Kayla answered.

She left already? I guess I stayed too long then.

But what about her money? The one I had misplaced for her.

She left without the money I promised her.

ALICIA

I retired from work and got home so late.

Why? Because I stayed long at the office thinking David would show up. And he didn't.

What a mess!

I walked into my apartment and met Nora seated on the couch. And as usual, busy with her phone.

"Hey. Alli you're back. And late. Wat kept you till so long?" She asked dropping her phone.

"David of course. I had to wait till this hour thinking he'd come back to the office" I frowned with an eye-roll.

"Did you call to ask why he never came or did you even tell him you were waiting for him?"

Hmph.!

"Well I did text him at noon to come over for lunch but no reply. And No, I didn't call him. Besides he's too busy with his kids and he barely had time for me. "

I said with a pout, almost in tears

"Play your cards well Alicia. You aren't the only lady crushing on a 'Hot' single Dad. Why don't you tell him you like him."

"He knows I like him. But he still hasn't asked me out yet"

"Him knowing you like him isn't enough. He's a single dad. He's got kids and his responsibilities are huge. He has Alot on his head and he can't really think straight or even notice you're dying to go out with him. But at least Alicia, ease him off a little and help the way you can"

She spoke out and I found it hard to understand.

"How? I don't get"

She breathe out and focused her eyes on me

"How many times have you spent time with him and his kids?"

"None " i mouthed.

"I mean, I haven't even met his kids once. Just a picture of them"

"Like seriously?" She stared at me in disbelief.

And then continued...

"The first way to win a Single Dad's heart is the kids.

Once you know his kids and they love you and accept you into their home, you're simply gonna have your way with him. Cause right now, his kids are his major priority" she stated a clear fact and I nodded simultaneously to her every word.

"If you want David Alicia, it's high time you know the kids".

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TBC ️

The kids are damn serious about not wanting a second mummy..

N somewhere, Alicia is busy planning