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

Investor

I got home that evening looking so stressed out. I had to prepare varieties of food for David's kids to last them dinner and perhaps breakfast and lunch.

I did it to reduce David's stress.. besides I couldn't wait for him to return. I know he promised to repay me my money which he made me loose but, I just couldn't wait.

My mom is sick and she needs me by her side. I already checked on her in the room when I came back and she's still sleeping.

I don't really know what's wrong with her. She's constantly sick and we do not have enough money to take her to the hospital for test.

With the little money I can afford, I buy her medicines from chemist to relieve her pains and treat her to get better for some time.

It hurts so much that I have little or no money to ty care of her. I'm her only child and all responsibilities rests ony shoulders.

Now the only thing I managed to do to get little savings just got thwarted. Dean fired me this morning and insisted on a second chance if only I sleep with him.

He wants me on his bed and also made a promise that if I do it, he would take care of my mom's hospital bills till she gets Well.

I bluntly refused countless if times and that's why he never considered anything when he fired me.

I had told my mom once about his proposal but she sternly warned against it. She warned me not to by any circumstance sell myself to that 'pig' ... A name she had called him.

I had to tell my mom about it cause I was feeling selfish for not doing something about her condition.

I felt guilty and I had to tell her. But she went against such decision and even adviced me to quit the job.

I didn't listen. I mean, there was no possible way to earn a living if I quit the job.

But now, it's lost. And I wonder what will become of me.

Still whirling myself in my thoughts, my phone suddenly Buzzed. I picked it up and checked the ID

"Vickie" I smiled as I picked it.

"Babe what's up? " She spoke out.

"Not so good you know, " I sighed out tiredly.

"You sound so tired. Hope you' aren't still thinking of what Dean did?" She sounded so concerned.

"I'm just confused Vickie. Dean's Restaurant was the only place I got meager savings. Especially from the customers. I don't really know what to do now. I think it's time I look for another job. Even If not as a cook, as a cleaner or anything... I'm good to go"

I reduced my voice. I don't really want my mom to hear me. She might be awake now.

"Cleaner? Are you sure you okay with such a job?" She asked.

I could sense the doubt in her voice.

"I'm okay with anything. So far it fetches me something. Anything at all to take care of Mama. "

I stated. Almost in tears.

"Okay.. if it's what you want. I think I can help you with that."

"Oh really! I love you so much Vickie.." I quickly wiped off my teary face..

"Eewww! Save that for your boyfriend!" She sounded disgusted and I laughed out.

"Not like I have any. Stupid!" I scoffed teasingly.

"It's high time you get yourself one.. you know" she sounded serious.

"I know, when the time comes" I rolledy eyes

"You're twenty four. Rosiana.. when is the he Time gonna come?" She drawled my name.

"You're an assh0le!" I poked my lips and she roared out in laughter.

"Night. Night" she whispered and ended the call.

A smile stretched on my lips as I placed the phone back on the chair.

Vickie is definitely one in a million.

"When were you planning to tell me you lost your job"

I heard Mama's voice from the room-door and it startled me.

I swiftly turned to face her and saw her standing frailly. The sickness reallyade her look older than her age.

"It's nothing mom" I stood up and walked over to her

"Dean fired me and yes, I'll start a hunt for a new job okay"

I placed a kiss on her hair and led her back into the room.

I don't want her to worry about anything.

Gerald

"Just one more spoon"... Janietta instructed as the three of them watched me dish out some food that night for myself.

I stared at them in puzzlement and they stared Back with all seriousness.

I'm so hungry and they don't want me to take enough food to my fill.

They are here monitoring me as my dish out.

"C'mon guys why are you doing this to me? .. I'm so hungry" I stared at them looking so frustrated.

"That's the thing Dad! You're so hungry and we don't want you to eat up everything." Janietta replied.

"We need to save for tomorrow. And maybe next" she added.

"Janietta's right. Good food are hard to come by. Especially in this house. That's why we tryna preserve." Noel spoke out and my mouth dropped in shock.

"But I could cook for you guys tomorrow.. I've been the one cooking"

I stared at the trio who stared Back at me with their arms akimbo.

"But your food isn't as good as Rosiana's own daddy" Kayla replied me as I felt like a clown.

"Kayla! Seriously?? Even you??" I gasped.

"That's the truth. Rosiana is really a nice cook. She made enough food and it's so so delicious and we don't want you to eat as much........... Or wait..🤨"

Noel paused. Smiling at his sisters.

No! No! No!...

I know that devilish smile Noel.... An evil idea just struck him and I do not want any of it.

"Whatever you're thinking Noel , you better not say it..."

I spoke out in a threatening tone.

But as you have it, My kids never listens to me

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TBC

I wonder what Noel wants to say now... .

I really feel for Rosiana .. I hope she finds a new job .