"It was... okay," Lola smiled as she talked to Atlas on the phone. "Mhm. She did need something, but it’s not something I can’t do. Easy peasy."
"Mhm."
"I’m on the way to pick up the kids now! I’ll take them to meet Aileen, okay?" Her eyes brightened as she smiled. "I’ll see you later at home, alright?"
"Have fun."
Clack.
Lola’s grin stretched so wide her eyes squinted as she giggled, pulling the phone away. Amid that, she noticed Baby watching her through the rearview mirror. When their eyes met, he quickly looked away, prompting Lola to glance at the front passenger seat where Izu sat.
"Ah!" She clapped as a thought crossed her mind. "About your punishment..."
Baby and Izu’s ears perked up slightly, though neither turned around. Still, she could feel their sudden attentiveness.
I knew it, Izu thought grimly. There’s no way she’s letting us off with just that makeover and her dressing up all fancy.
"Yes, Young Madam?" Izu looked back, his eyes sharp and ready. "I’m ready — all of us are."
They had already recovered, mentally and physically prepared for whatever she might throw at them. After all, Lola was told not to disappoint the big boss.
Lola laughed. "Loosen up! All I’m saying is, your punishment is over."
"..."
Both Izu and Baby just stared at her — Baby through the mirror — utterly blank. For a moment, they didn’t want to believe what they’d heard, but Lola’s bright smile told them she meant every word.
"Also, you did a really, really good job!" she added, thinking they deserved that pat on the back. "Those women were impressed."
She paused, recalling her grand entrance earlier and nodding approvingly.
"First impressions last, and I think mine’s something they’ll never forget." She winked at Izu and smirked. "Good job. Take a day off once we pick up the twins. Having Baby around is fine."
Again, Izu was rendered speechless, just staring at her. He didn’t even know what to feel anymore. A part of him waited for her to suddenly say, ’Kidding! Here’s your real punishment — do it or die!’ But no, Lola just leaned back in her seat, humming as she scrolled through her phone.
*****
An hour later, at the mall’s parking lot...
"By the way, about the punishment..." Izu began, catching everyone’s attention as his colleagues paused near their vehicles. He noticed the faint glimmer of relief — and anxiety — in their eyes.
He knew what they were thinking. They were hoping the punishment wasn’t that simple. They were used to severe punishments, and oddly enough, preferred it that way. These things were what kept order in the family.
Izu exhaled deeply. "The Young Madam said our punishment is done. We’re clear."
For several seconds, everyone blinked as if processing his words. A minute later, dismay spread across their faces.
"That’s it?!" one of them burst out, yanking off his sunglasses to reveal his swollen eyes from crying. "Why?! What’s wrong with her? This isn’t punishment for all of you, but it is for me! Do you know how much I cared for my beard, and she made me shave it off?!"
The others murmured among themselves, emotions mixed between relief and irritation.
"You look more human now, though," someone quipped.
Surprisingly, the man named Duke nodded solemnly. "That was punishment for me too. And it was... a cold shower. Cold."
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