SINGLE DAD - by Mudathir Abdul Hafiz

???? Babysitting His Crazy Kids ???? ???? Episode 3 ???? ???? DAVID ???? The moment Janie screamed my name, I knew there was trouble. I led Kay to where they were. “Yes Janie” I drawled. “Dad how come she knows your name? I thought mom was the only person who knew it… And your best friend Mark.” OMG! She’s so childish. “Can you stop acting childish Janie?” “I am a child dad..” she retorted, with a furrowed brow. “But you don’t act like one. A good child would always wait for explanatons before jumping into conclusions. This lady here is with me cause I made her loose her money and worse, I ruined her dress”I paused as my kids focused on the stained dress. Realizing what they never noticed in the first place. “She isn’t my girlfriend okay, and we don’t know each other. We just met today. I was supposed to take her shopping for a new dress in replacement of the one I ruined but she insisted I come pick you guys first. Isn’t that enough to thank her for.I think that’s enough to show her respect.” I added. Looking so disappointed at their behavior. “It’s okay Mr David. You’re making them feel bad.” The lady which funny enough I don’t know her name spoke on their behalf.when she saw the faces of my kids. “Now say sorry to her kids.” I ruffled my hair.. looking frustrated. “Let’s just go home..” janietta grumbled out Walking over to the side of my car. I stared at her reaction and didn’t even know what to say.I turned, facing the two. Noel and kay “You two say sorry to her” I formed a straight face At them. “I’m hungry ????” Noel rolled out. Walking out of my sight. This is so crazy… Correcting my kids is one thing they don’t find okay.. they suddenly become upset and not happy with me for scolding them. Great. Just Great! “Sorry…” Kayla smiled at the lady. “It’s okay sweetie.. what’s your name?” She asked. Squatting to my little girl’s height. “Kayla… And yours?” Yeah, one question I forgot to ask her at the very first place. “Rosiana” “You’re pretty Rosiana” my baby remarked. True. Absolutely true. She isn’t just pretty. She’s physically endowed with beautiful features. “And you’re beautiful..” she complimented Kayla who giggled In excitement as she ran to meet her siblings. ‘omg! Janietta..she just said I’m beautiful” Hahaha! I love my baby girl so much. “Dad! Come open your car. I wanna go home” janietta called out. “…and eat” Noel seconded. “Let’s go please.. ” I spoke out to Rosiana and she nodded. I used the key control to unlock the doors of the car before hopping in. Janietta quickly sat on the front seat beside me.. leaving Rosiana standing outside. “Get down Janie.. join your siblings at the back..” “But dad… “No questions.. Rosiana wants to seat here”.. I hushed her. She angrily mumbled some words before stepping down. “Don’t get too Confy with my dad” she said straight to Rosiana’s face before joining her siblings. “Ignore her, she’s always like that. ” I said to Rosiana as she hopped in. “No problem. Thanks” she balanced herself before I ignited the engine. “Seatbelts!” I mouthed as I adjusted the front mirror above me. Staring at my kids Through it as they strapped the belt across themselves. “Good” I muttered as I revised out of the school.Heading straight home. ???? ROSIANA ???? The silence in the car as he drove on was somehow. It wasn’t comfortable at all. I suspected I’m the cause of it. Cause I don’t see why a family would be so queit on a day’s ride.At least the kids are supposed to talk about school, homeworks..and interesting stuff to their dad. I bet they aren’t too comfortable with me here.I just can’t wait to get back home. “Dad I’m hungry…” David’s little boy spoke out as his stomach made a sound. “You’ll eat when you get home okay..” his dad responded. “The last time I checked before going to school, there’s no food at home. Cause you didn’t wake up on time to make us breakfast. And lunch..” Wake up on time? So David makes breakfast for his family before going to work?What about his wife?? “Oh..God! I didn’t remember..” he palmed the steering. “You kids are gonna wait till I go get junior from daycare. Then I’ll buy food packs from a restaurant so you guys can eat to your fill” Another baby? My eyes almost popped out as I realized he has another baby… This man is the father of all Nation. Imagine staying at home with the type of kids he has.. Four in number at that. “. I’m gonna die of hunger before you get back..” My favorite Kayla almost cried.I don’t like to see her in a bad mood.. I just like her so much. “Kay.. Baby. You won’t die.. I’ll beat the traffic for your sake. You won’t die okay.. not when there’s enough water to revive you” David spoke out. And I take that as a joke. ” What? Dad no way! I’m hungry too and I can’t wait for you to get junior first. It is our stomach first. Our stomach. Your first Priority. ” The older girl spoke out. I coçked my ears in amusement. “Yes dad. Justice for our stomach..” Noel seconded “I want pancakes for lunch! The three kids started ranting. Their rantings almost deafened my earsAs passers by couldn’t help but stare at the car. So noisy! “Alright… Kids! Kids! Calm down. Ca–” But they wouldn’t even listen to their dad either. Instead they only increased the noise. Is all this happening because of food? “I’ll cook for you guys” I voiced out. And everywhere suddenly turned pin-silent..as they stared at me. Suprised. “I mean I could help with lunch before your dad gets back..” I added as they kept staring. .. Did I just say something wrong? Well I used to work as a cook at Dean’s restaurant till he fired me this morning. I could help them at least for Kayla’s sake. I don’t want her to die.~like she earlier said~ “That’s if you guys are okay with it ” I quickly replied.. “You sure about that?” David stared at me as if in doubt. “Yeah..” I nodded. “Kids?” David arched.. calling out to them to know what they think about it. “Sure. You can cook for us. So far it doesn’t taste like dad’s socks!”. Little Noel agreed. Wait. What? Did he just say his dad’s socks????? “NOEL??!!!” David screamed out his boys name…!His eyes turning smokey-red I quickly suppressed my laugh

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