Accidental Mate

CHAPTER 2 THE SHAMELESS ONE

Five Years Later

Katie's POV

I smiled as I graciously dragged on my suitcases, taking in the busy airport view. Everyone seemed to be either departing or being welcomed.

I looked around and there he stood with the most elaborate grin I have seen in years.

“Uncle Henry!” Before I could say a word, the kids were leaping around Henry. “Just the person we've been waiting to see,” Maria shrieked in excitement.

“Okay, Monkeys, you should wait for me,” but my words fell on very deaf ears. “I can't believe no one cares about the pieces of luggage that I'm dragging!” I might have screamed a bit as everyone's attention shifted to me.

Henry burst into laughter as he walked towards me to offer assistance. The kids stood akimbo with a ‘why would you spoil our moment’ look.

“If you monkeys want to go out tonight, you have to be on your best behaviour, or I'll cancel our outing.” Just as I thought, they both pouted, looking like forgotten souls.

“Mum, isn't it petty to threaten kids with what they love to have?” Maria looked at Morgan, who gave her a slow nod, an assertion of what Maria had just said.

“Is that the game we are playing now, kids?” I raised my brow. Only for them to run towards Henry in protest.

“Uncle Henry, we'll go home with you. Please, take us with you!” With a pleading eye, they held onto him. I couldn't help but laugh at their display.

“Okay! Enough of the not-so-interesting bonding time and let's keep it moving, guys,” I clapped my hands, a sign the kids understood so well as they both hopped into the car.

“Yes, mum… we love you too!” They chorused, and I rolled back my eyes. These kids are more than my light-bringer, with the,m no darkness.

Henry looked pleased to see the kids being little pests in my life. “Some rainbows, mmm… I can't wait to hear how you've been coping with these beautiful souls. They keep you talking, I love that.”

Did I forget to tell you how much Henry dove over the kids? You'd think he's their biological father if you aren't told.

After exchanging a knowing smile, we hopped inside the car, and the drive began. It was a beautiful ride. Though, countless times I had to attend to my attorneys as the judge that I am.

Mum this… Mum that… Arrrghhh. So many things to be for being a mother. Yet, I love every bit of it. Irrespective of the circumstances surrounding my home, my kids are everything to me.

“Is she coming?” I let the cat out of the bag. I couldn't hold my curiosity anymore as Henry pulled over at the garage, and the kids went out.

“Yes, Katie. Our folks want everyone to be in attendance,” he senses it. He sensed the discomfort waging war within me.

“But hey,” I looked at him and he smiled, “this gathering is about you, pumpkin. It's to celebrate you and your strength. Don't be bothered. We are glad to have you back, and that's all that matters, trust me.”

He held my hands, and I felt this rush of comfort in me. I nodded and returned his smile. “Don't worry your little head and just show up as your beautiful self,”

He leaned forward and collided in a long and heartwarming hug. I missed having Henry by my side all these years, and I'm so glad to be back home.

We said our goodbyes after he helped me pack in. There was little work to do as Henry had already made the apartment to my taste.

Morgan and Maria won't stop jumping on the couches. And when it was time to prepare for dinner, I was more than glad because at least I would stop hearing “Mum, isn't it time yet?” “Mum, is my dress ready?” “Mum, it's this shoe I want to wear,” “Mum, I want this purse…”

The doorbell buzzed, and there, I was met with the most beautiful and welcoming smile I've seen over the years.

“Oh Monkey, you sure take after me. You look gorgeous,” she encircled me in a long hug, shoving me to the right and left with kisses all over my cheeks.

“Mama!” The kids ran towards Mum. She opened her arms widely and took them in. She bent down to give them a long, heartwarming hug, and I could sense how much the kids loved that.

I saw Dad walking down the stairs. He's as sturdy as I've always known him, though looking older with his cane, he still gets his handsome looks.

“Daddy, you have to tell me the anti-aging capsule you are taking. You look as handsome as ever,” my head hurried into his chest as he rubbed my back. I so much love the feeling that it gives me.

We all sat in the dining hall. The feeling of nostalgia hit me at its peak. I remember enjoying every meal at this table while growing up.

But in my voyage of remembrance, a comment drew me back to reality. It was Derra, my sister.

I noticed her husband wasn't at the table, but I didn't bother to ask. I wasn't down to concern myself with issues that weren't mine.

“Morgan, you see, Uncle Blaq isn't around today because he's on a very important business trip. I'm sure Mum never spoke about him…” She looked at me with a smirk that I shoved aside.

“You see, it's important that you and your sister enjoy the privilege of having a father figure. Uncle Blaq would have loved to be that, but he's barely around…”

The sarcasm hidden in every one of her words was seen, but replying to her would only mean one thing: ‘a huge disrespect to my parents.’ I shouldn't bring such to a dinner that was planned to welcome me back.

“We don't need Uncle… Blaq, Uncle Henry is who we consider to be our father figure and not some ghost Uncle father figure who…”

Maria's statement was cut short when our eyes met. It was a sign for her to stop, and she did stop.

I looked at Derra, whose smirk had metamorphosed into furry.

I bet she didn't see that coming, and Maria would have kept going if I hadn't stopped her. But trust me, Derra has no iota of shame.

“Oh, Maria, Uncle Henry is who you know because your mother wants you to meet him. But trust me, Uncle Blaq, is as sweet, and you can even say he's sweeter than Uncle Henry.”

“We would have loved to meet him, but unfortunately, he's not here, is he? And Auntie, please, can we eat without talking? We were told it's a lack of table manners to talk while eating.”

After Morgan's remark, the rest of the dinner was without a back-and-forth. The kids said “Thank you for the meal, Mama,” and went to the poolside.

And unfortunately Mum went to get something inside and yes, I was left alone with my ass**** of a sister.

“What do they say? Like a mother, like a daughter? Well, it's more like a mother like her children now. I can't believe you've taught them to be so rude and disrespectful towards elders. I get it, it's hard raising kids without their father. You’ve constantly brought shame to this prestigious family.”

She scoffed and before I could say a word, she kept going, “ A piece of advice, sis, be sure to teach Maria not to open her legs to strangers who would use and du…” she almost choked on her words as a resounding slap sent the last word back into her esophagus.

I looked up to see Dad standing in his full glory in front of Derra. “You are the shameless one. You dare keep tabs on your sister's wrongdoings? You should see yourself before you do that.”