Peace and Love

Chapter fourteen - Watching the kids

Luke's POV:

A couple of days ago, Abby went to see her house. Things weren't great at all. From what she has told me, almost the whole house needs to be renovated, without the furniture. That is a lot of work. I can help, but mister Lee will never let me. I still don't know what he wants from me. I have been thinking about it, but nothing has come to my mind. While my girlfriend was with her dad, I talked with miss Lee about it. She doesn't know anything. The woman has asked her husband about this, but he refused to tell her. I guess it will be the hard way. I have to figure it out myself. Honestly, I don't know why I still even try. Since his daughter is still with me, I must have done something right. Otherwise, she could've left with someone else. There were times when I thought she would do it. Luckily, I was wrong. I'm not perfect, but I'm trying my best. I want to make her feel good at home. At least she is not from the people who are complaining about everything. I had luck with such a good girlfriend. I would like it if my mom appreciated her more. I have to talk to her too, but I don't have time now. Abby's parents are enough for me, especially her dad. This man can take all my energy. It's not like I will let him. His daughter is the only one allowed to do that. That's why many things are happening, but I know both of us will pass through them. As long as we are together, nothing will stop us. For her birthday, I will make something special. It's not soon, but I can start planning. My girlfriend is not a fan of big celebrations. That's why it will be only us. I can have her for myself the whole day. That is not something I want to miss. We might be together all the time, but it's never enough. With kids, things will be different. Luckily, we won't have. I hope that we'll always be so happy. Abby deserves it.

Currently, I am at work. I decided to go early. Abby came with me as well. Facing her dad was not something I wanted to do. He has been watching me like a hawk for the past two days. I don't know what he wants from me, but it's creepy. Abby tried to talk with him but without results. I told her to leave him alone. I never pay attention to what he does. Also, I don't care what he thinks about me. His opinion doesn't matter to anyone. Maybe only to Abby, but she started ignoring him as well.

I don't have any meetings today, but I have a lot of work. At least mister Donovan stopped with the letters. I guess he gave up. That's what I'm hoping. No offense to him, but I don't want to change my job. I like being with my current co-workers. Here, people know me. If I had another job, I would build a reputation again. It's not like I have one. I only do my job, but people like that. After all, that's why I get paid. As I was working, I saw a message on my phone. It was from Abby.

I want to have lunch with you. No isn't a valid answer. I love you

In that case, I have to say yes. See you soon, princess. I love you

Many people ask themselves what the key to a perfect relationship is. All you have to do is respect your girlfriend. Treating her well is also a must. Spoiling her from time to time is a good thing. Girls don't need expensive presents. Most of the time, they want you to be with them. That's why Abby and I are so happy. I spoiled her, but she told me not to do it so often.

On the lunch break, I walked out. I saw miss Baker and Dave going out. I don't know if Abby will like it, but I want to invite them with us. They are the only friends I have at work.

- Hey.

- Well, hello. How are you? - miss Baker asked

- I'm good. Do you want to go for lunch with me? Abby will be there.

- I won't deny it. I haven't seen her in a while.

- She has been busy.

- Like you.

- Yes.

- Am I invited? - Dave asked

- Sure.

- Thank you, mister Adams.

- Very funny.

All of us walked to the restaurant. Abby was already there, choosing what to eat. I sat next to her, but she didn't look at me. I could see her smile from behind. I guess she is hungry.

- Did you choose?

- No. I don't know what I want.

- But you are hungry.

- Yes, I am starving.

- You had breakfast at home.

- I know, but some people played on my nerves.

- I see. You always eat when you are mad.

- I'm not mad but annoyed.

- Where is the difference?

- Abby, I haven't seen you in so long.

- Miss Baker. That is a good surprise. How are you?

- I'm fine, thanks. I see you are working a lot. I suggest you spend some time with him. Otherwise, he will be sad.

- I know, but I don't have much time.

- Why don't you two take a week off of work and go somewhere?

- I would love to, but now is not the right moment.

- Why? I agree with what she said. He is working a lot and deserves some appreciation from your side. - Dave said

- My parents are staying at home for a while.

- I see. Maybe when they go home, you two can rest. - miss Baker said

- No one knows when this will happen. - I said

- Is there a problem?

- My parents' house is falling apart. They are making changes. That came a bit unexpectedly.

- I understand, but that is not an excuse. Your parents go to work. You can have the day for yourselves.

- I like the way you are thinking, miss Baker. - I said

- After all, it's not that hard.

- Thanks, but I have a lot of work. - Abby said

The lunch break we spent talking. Later, all of us went to work. I like miss Baker's idea, but I don't see it happening soon. Both of us are busy with our work. We barely have time to see each other after it. Some days off don't sound bad. I will think about this.

I spent the whole afternoon working. Abby texted me asking if I could go home early today. I would love to do it, but I can't. There is a lot of work I have to do. I can leave it for tomorrow, but a new one will come. I better do everything I can today. We need time for each other, but none of us has it. We can spend the time that we have. Sadly, her parents are at home. I think that is what is draining her the most, or I should say her father.

After work, I went to a flower shop and bought a couple of roses. That will be my apology gift to her. Next time, I will try to go home earlier. Well, if I don't have much work.

- Abby, I'm home. - I said, and she came

- Well, hello, mister. - she said and kissed me

- Hey. This is for you.

- Thanks, but why?

- Take it as an apology gift.

- You are kidding. You didn't do anything.

- I couldn't go home early.

- That's fine. I couldn't do it either. I want you to say yes so I can have an excuse to do it. - Abby said, chuckling

- Naughty girl.

- Me or you.

- I'm not a girl.

Soon, miss and mister Lee came home as well. Abby went to put her roses in the water. They will die after some days, but she can enjoy them. I have to make dinner, so I better start. There was a knock on the door, and Abby went to take it. Today, we'll eat pasta. I'm a bit tired, so that is the fastest thing I can cook.

- We have company.

- Why are Ace and Bailey here? Where are Sam and Sarah?

- They wanted to go for dinner. That's why they dropped their kids here. This is not a kindergarten. I'm not taking care of them.

- I know you are mad at her, but we can't leave them alone.

- It's not funny at all. I don't know why she keeps doing it.

- Let me finish dinner, and I'll help you.

- Thanks.

- These are such cute kids. Where did they come from? - miss Lee asked

- Meet Ace and Baily Adams. These are my brother's kids.

- Can I take them?

- With pleasure. Here you go. You can deal with them. I am going to shower. - Abby said and left

- What was that for? - mister Lee asked

- My brother's wife, Sarah, often leaves her kids here. She wants to change our minds about not having some in the future. Abby is mad at her about this.

- Maybe she only needed help. - miss Lee said

- My parents are always free. Mom loves taking care of them. Sarah is doing it with a purpose, which none of us likes.

- You can't leave them alone.

- I know. We are glad to help if that was why she left them here.

- I see. You can continue with dinner. I will take care of the little ones.

- Thanks.

After an hour, dinner was ready. Miss Lee was feeding Baily. At least Sarah left us some food for her. She is too little to eat the same food as us. It's not like we didn't try. It looks like she liked the pasta. I was taking care of Ace. The boy is eating everything. Sam used to be the same. When he was hungry, he polished the plate. Mom didn't have to wash them. Apart from the joke, I'm glad this boy eats. That means he is healthy. Soon, Baily fell asleep in miss Lee.

- If you want, I will put her on the bed. I'll put pillows around her so she won't fall. - I said

- It's ok. Let me have my moment.

- No problem. Ace, do you want more?

- No, my tummy is full.

- Ok, buddy. Do you know when your mommy and daddy will come to take you?

- No.

- Great.

- Sorry.

- For what?

- Coming, no invitation.

- Hey, it's ok.

- No, it's not ok.

- Abby, not now. The kid is not guilty.

- I know, but I hate when she does it.

- Can we not talk about this in front of the kids? Please. When Sarah and Sam come to take them, we'll talk. Ok?

- Fine.

Baily was still sleeping. Abby and I played with Ace. I don't understand why Sarah is still trying. We have told her many times. None of us wants to have kids. Even if hers are always at home, that won't change anything. It will only prove why we don't want them. I planned to spend the night with Abby. I couldn't leave Bailey and Ace alone. It's good that miss Lee is here. She offered her help. Most of the time, we are alone. I understand they want some free time, but that is not the way. My parents are always available. The next time she does this, I will drop them at my parent's house. I don't care if they will get mad at me. I didn't agree to do this.

Around 10 pm, Sarah and Sam were at home. Ace fell asleep about an hour ago. Miss Lee said she would take care of him as well. Thank god she is here.

- Where are the kids? - Sarah asked

- Oh, so now you care.

- Abby, calm down. They are sleeping. Miss Lee is taking care of them.

- Your parents are here. I didn't know that.

- They live here for a while. It's a long story. Take your kids and go. - Abby said

- Are you mad at me?

- I'm furious. I told you a million times not to leave them here.

- Why? They love spending time with you.

- But I don't. Why can't you understand that we don't want to have kids? Stop experimenting with us. It's not funny. I have nothing against them, but this house is not a kindergarten. Neither am I a babysitter. Sam's parents are always free. They would love to take care of them.

- I thought you would help me.

- I would do it if that was why you left them here.

- It was.

- No, it wasn't. Sarah, I know you. Please stop wasting our time.

- Excuse me? You don't do anything besides going to work.

- That is more than enough for me. I have other things to worry about. It's something more important than taking care of your kids. That is your job, not mine. I'm not a mother, and I don't want to be. Get this in your head once and forever.

- I see. Ok, cool. We won't come here anymore.

- I didn't say that.

- That's exactly how it sounded to me.

- Whatever. I'll tell my mom to bring them here.

- You don't have to do it. I'll take them. - Sam said, and I went to help him

- I'm sorry about Abby.

- I told Sarah that wasn't a good idea.

- Try to understand us.

- I do, but my wife doesn't. I'll talk to her again.

- Thank you.

Sarah and Sam left with the kids. Abby was in our room. She is still mad about this. I don't know what I have to do. I hope that my brother will be able to fix this. No offense to him or his kids, but the job is not ours. We want to help from time to time. Well, Sarah started taking advantage of this. I walked into the bedroom and laid next to my girlfriend.

- Are you ok?

- How do you think?

- I'm sorry, ok? What can I do for you?

- Nothing.

- Please, Abby, don't get mad at me.

- I'm not mad at you.

- Can we forget about this and spend some together?

- It's late, and I have to wake up early tomorrow.

- Are you telling me that I'm guilty?

- I'm sorry. You didn't do anything.

- I'm glad to hear that. Let's go to bed. Some sleep will be good for you.

- Thanks. Good night and sweet dreams. I love you.

- I love you too.

Abby was quick to fall asleep. I know she was tired. Our work is more than enough. We want to rest and take care of ourselves. Call us selfish, but we don't care. I don't see anything wrong with spending some time with your girlfriend. That is the only thing we want. I have no problem helping my brother, but that became too often. They could've waited with the kids if they wanted to have some free time. Maybe one or two years would've been enough. That's why Abby and I don't want to go through this. We like spending time with each other more than anything else. I hope that I'll always have time for her. That is the only thing I want.