Days later...
"Chacha, Second~!"
"Hello, Big Sister~"
Ida chuckled as she tucked her hair behind her ear, standing in front of the adorable children. Behind the twins, Lola chuckled as she caught the slight blush on Ida’s face. Director Sarian’s strictness might have rubbed off on Ida, but being called "big sister" by the twins instead of "auntie" was flattering.
"Goodness, how long has it been since I’ve seen the two of you?" Ida hummed, bending down in front of the twins. "How have you been?"
"We just started pre-school!" Second cheered. "It was fun! We made a lot of friends!"
Chacha nodded. "And our teacher said we’re very good kids, Big Sister~!"
"Of course, you are," Ida said, straightening up and facing Lola. "Taz, can you join us every time and bring them with you? They’re really just so adorable."
"Even if I wanted to, the twins are enjoying school so much," Lola said, happily pulling her children closer. She knew Ida was just saying that because the twins made her feel younger. "But I will try my best."
"Taz!"
Suddenly, Director Sarian’s voice echoed in the room where the audition for Ryker’s role was being conducted. The twins, Lola, and Ida turned toward the source of the voice, watching the energetic director march in their direction.
"Taz, about the—" he stopped mid-sentence as his eyes fell on the children standing with Lola. His expression brightened, and he bent slightly, resting his palms on his knees. "Chacha! Second! You’re here!"
"Hello, Director Sarian~!" the twins beamed. "How are you?"
The director chuckled. "Good, good! And how about the two of you!? The last time you were here... you left early!"
"Had we known our mommy would be sad, we would’ve stayed with our Father Sir," Second sighed while Chacha pouted.
"Our Father Sir said she wouldn’t be sad if we went home early, but our mommy was sad," Chacha added. "She came home drunk and cried so much!"
"She cried so much she even had a hangover, but with Chacha and Second, we took care of her!"
"Mhm! We cured her hangover by preparing breakfast and really nice soups! We promised her we would work hard, so it’s not unfair—"
Chacha’s and Second’s voices were muffled as Lola’s hand crept up to cover their mouths. She smiled, holding the children close, glancing at Director Sarian and Ida.
"Ha... ha..." Lola laughed awkwardly. The more she listened to the twins’ casual storytelling, the more she couldn’t help but feel like a neglectful and terrible mother.
No one wanted to hear that children were taking care of their parent because she was sick with a hangover. Technically, the twins weren’t lying, but hearing all that without proper context—someone might call child services on her.
Oh, how Atlas would have loved to hear this, just to say, "Now, you know my pain."
"It’s not like that," Lola explained through gritted teeth. "I mean, it’s not as bad as you think it is."
Ida and Director Sarian studied her. Not bad? It sounded a little concerning. However, glancing at the twins and then back at Lola, they didn’t dwell on it. They trusted her enough to know she wouldn’t be that bad as a mother.
Lola bit her inner bottom lip. I think I already know.
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