Bab 52: Change (1)
Morning came too fast for me. I don't even remember when I fell asleep, but by the time my eyes opened, it was already bright outside. I was feeling so tired and mentally drained that I wanted to go back to sleep when a pair of little hands patted me awake.
Pat! Pat!
"Mommy! It's morning. Wake up!" I heard a sweet voice call me.
"Mmm," I whined before lazily raising my head from my knees where I placed it and dozed off last night.
"Mommyyyyy!" I heard the sweet voice cry a little louder, patting my face even harder.
"5 more minutes, kid," I said groggily.
"You are such a sleepyhead, mommy," Twen said, pouting, before patting my cheek some more.
"Okay! Okay! Stop patting Tw-" I was about to stop Twen when I realized my hand was stuck.
Blinking, I looked at the source obstructing my hand and saw my fingers interlinked with Robbie's. Robbie was somehow holding my hand tightly though he appeared to be deep in sleep. A thin ray of sunlight was falling on his beautifully carved features, highlighting them. His black curly hair was completely messy, and a few curly locks adorned his smooth olive forehead. I was slightly mesmerized by the sight before shaking my head to get the thought out.
"Mommy, when did da-he come to our house?" Twen asked, placing his hand on my cheek and turning my head towards him.
He had a downcast expression on his face. It was a similar expression that he had towards Fred in the initial days, making me wonder if he was insecure about his own father as well.
The corner of my mouth twitched. This was a little hilarious. I wonder if he got this possessiveness and stubborn attitude from his dad. I carefully pried my fingers out of Robbie's hand and placed his hand on his chest. I wrapped my freed arms around Twen and kissed his pouty cheek.
"He came last night," I said, smiling.
"Mommy, is this mister really my dad? Is he going to stay with us now?" he asked with a strange expression.
I have always found it difficult to answer Twen's question about his dad. However, it doesn't make any sense to hide it any longer, especially since it is out in the open.
"He is indeed your dad," I answered Twen softly, trying to read his expression. I knew that Twen was still not mentally ready to see or call Robbie 'dad', and I have no desire to force him either. I wanted him to take his own time to acknowledge Robbie and also wanted Robbie to prove himself of the title. So, I continued, "I don't know if he will stay with us or not."
Twen quietly heard me but didn't say anything. He looked at Robbie and kept playing with his finger. The perturbed expression on his face looked like he was trying to solve a difficult mathematical problem in his head.
"Twen...," I called him lovingly, trying to understand his thoughts.
"Mommy, why are you not angry with him for leaving us?" he asked, looking at me with something close to an accusation.
I sighed. Honestly, I was extremely mad at him for not acknowledging me and Twen. I was furious that he abandoned me when I needed him the most. Despite this, over the past few days, I have noticed that he has been trying his best to connect with both of us, even confronting his father when last time it was the very reason, he had abandoned me. Hence, I wanted to believe in him one last time. But of course, Twen can't understand all this. He found out that Robbie is his father just the previous day, so it is natural for him to be upset with Robbie. I simply hugged him tighter, without saying anything, but the naughty little demon, seeing I am not giving any answer, slipped out of my hold and said moodily,
"I'm hungry! I will miss school if mommy is late anymore."
"Okay, little master. I will get your food ready," I said, acknowledging his bossy attitude.
He immediately trotted to his room. I got up, freshened up, and quickly started preparing breakfast. While I was cooking, my eyes fell upon Robbie.
Is he not going to work today? I pondered, subconsciously increasing the breakfast portion.
Twen came sprinting to the table, fully dressed and ready to leave. I placed his sandwiches on the table, which he started munching. I went to Robbie, patted his arm softly, which had no effect. He didn't even twitch and continued sleeping. Seeing him so deep in sleep, I vigorously patted his arm, which woke him up with a start.
"Wake up already, drunkard! Don't you have work to do?" I asked with false irritation in my voice.
Robbie stared at me as if he was not sure of what he was seeing. He stretched his hand towards me and caressed the edges of my tee-shirt. I understood why he was so puzzled. When he was brought here last night, he was dead drunk, so most probably, he doesn't even remember being brought here. I was about to tell him that Fred dropped him here when out of the blue, he grabbed my tee shirt and pulled me into an embrace.
"If-if this is a dream, I don't want it to end," Robbie said, snuggling on my waist like a spoiled little kid.
My cheeks and neck turned beet red. In the full view of Twen, what was this stupid oaf doing?
"You blithering idiot! You're not dreaming!" I said, patting him lightly but urgently on his arms that were around my waist
"Leave mommy!" I heard Twen say in a very annoyed tone, followed by a 'creak' of the chair moving, 'thump thump' of footsteps, and then a small hand grabbing my t-shirt tightly.
Robbie looked at Twen and immediately put on a puppy dog look, saying in a pitiful tone,
"Come on Twen, you see him every day!"
I blinked in surprise. Was Robbie going along with Twen's childishness?
Twen suddenly hugged me with his small arms around my waist, saying in a moody voice,
"NO! Leave him!"
"Don't be so harsh on your dad" Robbie spoke in a hurt tone.
What do this son and dad think I am?
Food?
Twen's expression turned very sour. His fingers held my tee-shirt so tight that I felt it stretch on my belly. He seethed, "You left us. You cannot have mommy!"
Upon hearing his words, Robbie's expression quickly changed as if someone had smacked him. He instantly left my tee-shirt, making Twen pull me away as if Robbie was some poisonous scorpion. Robbie did not say anything and only sat there with his head down. I feel like for days on end, Robbie has only heard hurtful words from everyone around him. Feeling slight pity for him, I looked at Twen, telling him softly,
"Twen, it is okay. I won't be taken away by anyone. I won't leave you."
Twen looked at me, his sour expression turning upset. I patted his head, trying to soothe him,
"Now, leave my tee. You have to leave for school too, right?"
Twen nodded and obediently left my tee. However, he was very reluctant to leave me with Robbie to go to school. Seeing the suspicion in Twen's eyes, Robbie took the matter into his hand. He made a promise to Twen that he would not take me away from him. It was only after that, Twen left. This father-son duo...I tell you. They are acting as if I am their favorite toy that neither one wants to share...sigh!!
"What happened yesterday?" I asked after sending Twen off with Sam.
Robbie just came out of the bathroom, drying his face in a towel. His hair was partially wet. He removed his towel to show a beautiful clear face with some of his wet locks over his forehead. A few buttons of his shirt were open. Seeing him like this, I somehow felt nervous and turned away. Robbie placed the hand towel in the holder and sat on the couch heavily. He suddenly looked very exhausted. He looked at me, and for some reason, I thought I saw his eyes turn a little bloodshot.
"You can marry Sarah, and I will let you keep Tony as your mistress."
"HUH?" I exclaimed, turning to him in surprise.
"That's what dad said," Robbie said, putting his face in his hands.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
Dreamingof16
Dreamingof16 Hi readers!!
I have been busy certain matters...hope you all are doing great!!
I have been thinking of changing the book cover (the pics are not mine, I just edit them)! What do you guys say?
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