In the parking area of the building, Lola watched a few men take the four strollers, all attached to each other, and wheel them into the huge van.
"I’m going to take the kids today so you can focus on your task," Penny said, glancing back at the men in suits. She then placed her hands on top of Chacha and Second’s heads. "And these two as well."
"Mommy, we’ll play with our little cousins some more!" Chacha mused. "We’ll be back!"
Lola smiled and nodded, only to pause when Second suddenly leaped and hugged her legs.
"Second?"
"Mommy, don’t be too sad, okay?" Second looked up at her, though he seemed the one about to be sad between them. "We will be back."
Lola squatted in front of him, holding his hands. "Have fun with Auntie Penny and your little cousins, okay?"
"Mhm!" Second smiled before leaping and hugging Lola tightly.
"Me too!" Chacha chimed in, jumping to Lola’s other side and wrapping her little arms around her neck.
A short chuckle escaped Lola as she patted their backs, glancing up at Penny. The latter just smiled as she watched the trio.
"Come on now, Charlie, Charles," Penny mused. "She still has a company to run, and she needs to focus. Don’t worry—it’s not like I’m going to throw you away in the Arctic."
Second and Chacha loosened their embrace, looking at Lola with smiles. Placing kisses on her cheeks, the duo jumped to Penny’s side and held each of her hands.
"Go in first," Penny urged, giving her men a look to assist the children. As the kids jumped into the van, she faced Lola once more. "I’ll give them back after we tour all the candy stores in the city. So, don’t worry about them and focus on whatever you need to focus on. No one’s going to disturb you... not now, not even later."
Lola chuckled. "Have fun with them."
"Oh, I will for sure. Those two have a knack for throwing people under the bus. Until now, I didn’t know where they got it," Penny shrugged. "Probably from their grandfather."
"Take care," Lola said, her smile softening. "Let’s eat out next time... when you’re available."
"I am always available. Just call me, okay?"
"Mhm."
"Good luck with this," Penny said, jerking her chin toward the building behind Lola. "If you need help..."
"Call you, I know," Lola cut her off, making Penny chuckle.
"If not my First Brother, then call me. Or just tell Slater. He’ll find the right person to help."
"Mhm."
"I’m serious," Penny stressed. "Don’t think twice, okay?"
"Are you a worrywart?" Lola quipped. "Go now. Your children are waiting. I understand, so stop nagging."
"Can’t help it. I’m a mother now, so I worry a lot." Penny shrugged, unfolding her arms as she smacked her lips. "See you around then."
"Mhm. Take care."
With that, Lola watched Penny turn and make her way to the van. But a second later, Lola’s mouth parted, and her words flew out before she even realized it.
"Penny!" Lola bit her tongue while Penny looked back. She pursed her lips, then smiled. "Thank you."
Penny’s eyes softened briefly as she nodded. "No, thank you." She then turned and waved. "Let’s hang out more some other time, sis!"
Penny flashed her a final smile as she got into the van and the men closed the door. Lola watched the van and a few cars leave the parking area like a motorcade. Even when the vehicles disappeared from sight, the smile on Lola’s face remained.
"Penny... is still... Penny," Lola whispered with a short chuckle. "How could I forget? She’s the sunshine of the Summit School of Excellence."
"Sis..." another whisper escaped Lola, making her quietly chuckle. "Why does it feel different with her and Slater?"
[Please, just don’t hurt my brother.]
[He will not cry, he will not scream, he will not even make a fuss. And that always worries me, because no one would know he is hurting.]
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