It has been two months since Joe and Philip's wedding, August. My bundle of Joys are almost eight months old. Grayson and Arielle were busy playing with their toys, that was scattered around the living room and blabbering about whatever it is they blabber about. I have a red apple in hand as I go over the manuscript I am editing.
In the last two months, I already started using glasses because I do stare at the screen of my laptop a lot and I have been having bad headaches.
"You actually do look sexier with your large glasses. I like it." Jake commented on it the first time he saw me wearing them.
I tipped my glasses higher up on my nose to prevent it from falling off. I glanced at the large black wall clock and the time said past eight pm. I should probably take these kids to bed now.
I shut down my laptop, "okay kids, it's time to go to bed." I cooed as I picked up Arielle while Grayson continued to play with his toy as he blabbered about.
"Who's the pretty Arielle?" I cooed as I rubbed my nose on hers making her burst into a fit of giggles.
I laughed, "yeah, that's you." I placed her on one side of my hip, managed to carry Grayson and then place her on my other hip. Grayson made an effort to pull my hair and then put it inside his mouth but I was quick enough to stop him by moving my head away.
I managed to open the door to their room and then switched on the light. "It's time to take your bath babies." I placed them on the floor and then brought out new clothes and underwears for them to wear. I made my way into the bathroom and then opened the tap, to make their bath.
I went back into the room and then brought them into the bathroom as I put off their clothes. I turned off the tap as I added the soap and all other necessary things. It took a long time in order for the twins to finish having their bath because they kept spilling water all over the bathroom floor and Arielle got soap into her eyes.
"Okay guys, mommy is about to leave now so goodnight." I grinned, placing a kiss on each of their foreheads as I tucked them in.
"Goodnight mama." Grayson mumbled- at least that's what I like to think he said as he played with his blanket since he can't yet properly form a sentence. I can remember the first time he spoke, his first words were 'mama'. So, imagine the type of joy I had within me when I heard him say that.
"Goodnight baby."
"Dada." I heard Arielle call out from her own crib. I know you can already guess her own first words. Yes, 'dada'.
"Soon baby, soon." I gave her a small smile as I tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Goodnight darling."
I put off the light and then left their room as I made my way into myself and Jake's room. Work has been taking a huge toll on him and by the time he comes back from work most time, myself and the kids are always asleep, we only see each other in the mornings for a short period of time.
I removed my clothes and then made my way into the bathroom as I did my skincare, brushed my teeth, my hair and then took a warm shower. By the time I came out of the bathroom, Jake was already back home. He was standing at the front of the mirror as he slowly removed his back tie.
"How was work?"
"Good."
I gave him a small smile and then proceeded to dress up for bed. "Your dinner is in the microwave, I can heat it up for you if you want." I glanced back at him as I put on one of his large t shirts.
He proceeded to unbotton his black shirt, "Yeah. Thank you. I will be down in a minute." He gave me a small smile.
For some time now, myself and Jake's relationship hit a rocky ground. And, I know it's pretty normal for couples to have bad times when in a relationship, but this one is hard. I mean, we have had our arguements, arguements about stupid and different things but this one feels....different. I feel like he is pulling away from me, or maybe it's just my mind and I am just overthinking things.
I told Joe about it and she advised me to tell him about it. To tell him how I am feeling and there is a probability he does not know how his actions are affecting me.
I turned on the microwave and then set it to warm for ten minutes as I brought out played from the top cupboard and a cutlery. I sent them up as I tapped my hands on the counter repeatedly, waiting for the ding sound of the microwave.
Ding.
I exhaled loudly as I brought out the meal from the microwave and then served it into the plate I already picked earlier. I turned around to place the food on the kitchen island, but Jake was already standing behind me, making me let out a yelp.
When did he get there??
"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." He apologized as he collected the plate from me and then sat down on the island.
"No." I gave him a nervous smile and then turned around, "It's no problem." I brought out a glass cup and then filled it with water as I placed it at his front.
"Thank you." He began eating.
I tapped my fingers on the island continuously, as I thought of what to say but nothing came to mind. I cleared my throat and then looked around the kitchen, refusing to meet his eyes or even look at him. "I will be going to bed now." I gave him a tight lipped smile.
"Sit."
"Huh?"
"Maria, sit."
Oh, okay.
I swallowed and then did as he said. I sat down till he was done with his food. He offered half of his portion of food but I refused to eat it. He was making me nervous with the way he kept staring at me. After a very ass ling fifteen minutes he was finally done eating. I stood up immediately and clear his plate, washed it in the sink and then dried it up.
"I'm sorry." Jake said as soon as I turned around to be met by his gaze. He looked sad and angry....at himself.
"For what?"
"I don't know." His shoulders sagged as he exhaled loudly, "I just know you're mad at me."
"Yes, I am."
"Maria..."
"I don't know what has been going on but we're supposed to be partners remember? Or is it because we're not married or," I paused a second, "did you find someone else?" I asked with a pained expression.
"Wait what-"
"You could have at least told me if you had found someone else and I would not be here still. I would have probably packed up and left or whatever." My voice cracked at the end as I began tearing up. I sniffed and then cleaned my tears.
"Maria, you have to at least hear me out. I do not-"
"I'll start packing up by morning. I'll take the guest room downstairs."
"Jesus Maria." He exhaled as he ran his hands down his face in exasperation.
"What?" I snapped.
"I don't live somebidy else. It's you. It's always you and it will always be you."
"I have just been stressed about work. There has been a problem in the account department for about a month now, we just found out what the problem was today."
"You could have told me what was happening Jake." I moved closer to him, "that's why I am here for you. That's why I am your girlfriend."
"I just didn't want you to worry too much. I am sorry if I made you feel like I loved you less or that there was someone else."
"It's okay. I understand." I wrapped my hands around his waist and then hugged him, my head on his belly, "Just don't do anything like this again."
"I won't. I promise. And I am sorry I made you cry."
"It's okay. It's fine."
He tipped up my chin with his index finger, "I love you." He said as he stared at me, looking lovingly into my eyes, waiting for my reply. He looked like if I didn't reply any moment from now he would break down. He wanted me to reassure him that I still wanted him. And, I would always want him.
Always.
"I love you more."
"But, you have to promise to make up for it." I pouted as I raised up my brows at him.
He chuckled, "I will. In fact starting from this night." He grinned. The next thing I know, I'm being lifted up from the ground. I left out a loud laugh and then wrap my legs around his torso.
"What are you doing?!" I hit his shoulders, "the kids are sleeping." I scolded him, a large grin on my face.
"Then you just have to be quiet then." He smirked as he pinched my ass making me let out a yelp.
Oh God, I miss this man.