Chapter 2 Drama Princess

• DONALD
• “Uncle Donald!'’
• “Daddy!”
• Two bundles of energy came racing towards me. I laughed, scooping up the first one to reach me, Marcus, and planted a kiss on his cheek. I ruffled his hair, and his giggles filled the entire ward.
• “How did school go today?'’ I held him at arms length, while asking the question so i could get a better look of his face.
• Marcus grinned, before launching into details of how his day went in school, from colouring class which he said was difficult to do, to his favorite subject and then, to how he played on the swing during recess. I gave him my attention by nodding my head and making sounds to lead him on, when he was done, i set him down.
• I straightened up to see Avala standing by the corner, her arms crossed over her chest with frown on her face. I know that look better than anyone else. She's upset, and i have an idea why.
• Lord. Why did i pick Marcus up first?.
• I know she felt left out, so i smiled and stretched out my arms to her, but my baby did not move a muscle.
• I squatted down to her level, ”Sweetheart, daddy is sorry ok. I picked Marcus up first. It won't happen again, i promise."
• I stretched out my hands to her, with my pleading eyes on Avala, waiting for her to step forward but she remained in the same spot.
• “Honey, i said I'm sorry, He ran up to me before you did."
• Avala decided to remain stubborn, despite my apologies, she was not shaken as her arms were still crossed over her chest.
• “Honey, daddy said he's sorry. I love you, please forgive me for picking Marcus up before you.'’
• Marcus, stepped forward, a biscuit held out in his hand. "Sorry, Avala, i won't run faster than you next time if it's your daddy.”
• Avala turned her attention to Marcus, I thought she would accept his apology. But instead of taking the biscuit, she said, "Daddy go outside. Marcus come back let's run again.”
• “You want to run again?."
• Avala nodded, her ponytail bouncing with the movement. "Yes, Daddy. Let's run again. And you have to pick me up first this time."
• I stepped out and returned into the ward, Avala and Marcus took off running towards me, her little legs moving as fast as they could. My little drama princess was feeling a bit possessive. This time, Marcus tried to let Avala win, slowing down his pace, but Avala was determined, sprinting towards me with all her might.
• I scooped Avala up in my arms as she reached me, i began twirling her around in a circle, I knew it would make her happy and i kissed her cheek three times, asking her about her day at school.
• She told me about her adventure, then i gently set her down afterwards. Then, I was about to pick up Marcus, Avala blocked my way, her arms spread wide. "You carried me once, but you want to carry Marcus twice," I couldn't hold myself as i began to laugh at her logic.
• One of the caregivers, Magdalene, teased Avala about being jealous.“I'm not jealous. My daddy have to do the right things, that's all.'’
• That's my girl defending herself, she really surprised me. Meanwhile, Marcus displayed maturity by saying, “Avala, it's all good, he's your daddy after all.”
• Marcus also surprised me with his words. He's only six, yet he's displaying a gentle and understanding nature. He's definetely going to grow into a kind and loving man, i'm very sure of that.
• “Gentle man, thank you” i said to him before I reached for Avala's school bag and lunch bag, taking them from Magdalene with a smile. "Thanks so much for taking care of Avala today," I said, showing my sincere gratitude.
• “No problem, Dr. Donald. “Avala is such a sweet girl. Enjoy the rest of your day, i'll see you tomorrow.'’
• I gave her a nod, while tucking the bags into my arm and then i turned to Avala. "Ready to go home, hun?" I asked, sounding cheerful.
• "Yes!"
• I and Avala left after saying our goodbyes to everyone. When we got to the parking lot and approached my car, this stomach of mine just growled so loud, it's reminding me how empty it is. I skipped breakfast in my rush to get Avala to school and myself to work on time. And with the emergency surgery, I hadn't had a chance to grab a proper meal. The snacks I'd taken before entering the theatre were long gone.
• “Honey, let's stop by and get something to eat first. Daddy is starving.” I quickly glanced at Avala while talking.
• Avala looked up at me curiously. "You're hungry, Daddy?."
• “I was so busy that i didn't get any chance to eat properly. Let's stop by the restaurant down the street to grab something light.”
• “Yay! Food!"
• The moment we arrived i parked my car in an empty space, surprisenly, the place was not jammed unlike it used to be. Few minutes after taking our seats, i noticed a beautiful waitress walking towards us. She didn't come to me immediately. Instead, she went to Avala's side, displaying a lovely smile on her beautiful face.
• "Hello, you look pretty," she said, while bending a little to Avala's level. "I love your uniform. It's so pretty."
• The waitress is good with kids and i'm relieved that Avala is enjoying the attention. She finds it difficult to open up to strangers.
• I need to empty my bladder, i just felt the urge to pee now. So while the two of them had their little chat i decided to use the opportunity.
• ”Hello, excuse me. Can you keep an eye on my daughter while i go make use of the restroom?.”
• The waitress displayed a beautiful smile before giving me her approval. “Sure, you can go ahead, sir."
• TRICIA
• When her father left, i sat opposite the little beauty before me who then looked up at me with a questionable look, then she asked, “Why is my hair and your hair having the same color?.”
• Before i could respond, she pointed to my face, with excitement. "Look! We have the same eye color too!" She exclaimed.
• I smiled, and was both happy and surprised by her observation. “Sweetie, you're correct.” I looked at her blue eyes which matched mine perfectly, and our hair was truly having the same shade of brown.
• The little girl's face was filled with smiles all over. “Finally, my daddy kept to his word today and i'm so happy.'’
• “Daddy!''
• I watched the little girl run off the chair, with her ponytail bouncing as she ran. My eyes followed her, and my blues landed on a tall, maybe six feet, handsome young man. I didn't notice before he left that he had dark piercing eyes. His jawline is strong, haircut perfectly symmetrical. Which showcased his wavy brown hair that made him look wonderfully attractive.
• What about his nose? it's pointed, alongside a sharp beard that's trimmed to perfection.
• Oh. My. My.
• "Daddy, is she my mommy?.”
• The little angel left her father and ran to hug me. She wrapped her small arms around my waist and i wrapped mine around her waiting for her father to clarify the situation.
• The young man walked over to his seat, calling out to the little girl. "Hey, sweetie, come and order food with me first. I'm famished."
• What is he doing?.
• Here am i, expecting him to clear the air, and tell the child that i wasn't her mom.
• Looking at the child, she should be... I'm trying to guess the gap between our age. Now, I'm 21 and she should be.... 5 or 6, maybe? That would mean I would have had to have a baby at 15 or 16. I rolled my eyes, knowing that's not possible. I was a shy kid cuppled with my mom's security, and i didn't even have my first kiss until i was 18. There's no way i had a baby at that age when the me that's standing here is still a virgin.
• “You can just give me a plate of granola and a bottle of water.”
• I gave him a nod while jotting down his order. “Sir, is that all you need?" I asked, looking up at him.
• He glanced over to his daughter, "Avala, what would you like to have?."
• "Avala?" I repeated, looking at the little girl. “Sweetheart, what are you going to eat?.'’
• “I'll have anything you bring for me.'’ She said cheerfully.
• Her father made a face, his brow furrowing in concern. "Avala, order something you like," he said gently. “She might bring something you're allergic to.”
• “which one of these would you like. Mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, or cheeseburger?." I asked, knowing how most children love combining orders.
• “Yes! Cheeseburger!'’ She exclaimed in delight.
• But her father wasn't convinced. "That food will make you gain some serious weight." he said, his voice firm.
• “Just for today, sir," I said, smiling at him. "Let her have it. It's just one meal."
• “Okay, Let the ladies win.'’