Things seem calm....Is the peace they are experiencing going to last or is it going to 🤐🤐🤐. I'll stop here for now. Also, do we like the double updates? 😩
Skylar gently nudged her sons awake with a soft whisper and a bright smile. “Time to get up, guys. We have a big day ahead.”Jared groaned and rolled over, while Lorenzo rubbed his eyes and sat up, looking around blearily. Skylar moved to check in on Sophia, who was already up and preparing for school, her dark hair neatly brushed and her uniform tidy.“Morning, Sophia,” Skylar said, giving her a quick hug. “How did you sleep?”“Pretty well,” Sophia replied with a smile. “I’m just getting my stuff ready.”“Great. I’m going to get the boys cleaned up and dressed,” Skylar said, heading back toward the boys’ room.At that moment, Pietro walked in. “Hey Skylar, I’ve got the boys. You focus on everything else,” he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement.Skylar smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Pietro. That would be a big help.”With a nod, Pietro scooped Lorenzo up, who giggled in delight. “Alright, little man, let’s get you and your brother cleaned up,” he said, carrying Lorenzo to the
Jared trudged into school with a heavy heart, his small shoulders slumped as if carrying the weight of the world. The usual chatter of the school corridors sounded distant to him as he made his way to his classroom. Today, they were learning about family, a topic that made him feel uneasy. As the teacher began the lesson, Jared’s mind drifted away, lost in his own thoughts. He knew what was coming, and he dreaded it. Each student would have to stand up and talk about their family, and Jared knew that when his turn came, he would face ridicule. The minutes ticked by slowly until finally, it was time for the dreaded task. Jared’s heart raced as he listened to his classmates share stories about their loving families. He felt a pang of jealousy, wishing he could have a story like theirs to tell. When his name was called, Jared hesitated for a moment before slowly standing up. His hands trembled as he began to speak, his voice barely above a whisper. “Um, my family... well, it’s jus
Pietro pulled up to the kindergarten just as Skylar emerged from the building, holding Lorenzo’s hand. The young boy’s face lit up when he saw Pietro, and he broke free from his mother’s grip, running to the car with exuberant energy.“Pietro!” Lorenzo shouted, jumping into the car.Skylar followed more slowly, her eyes catching Pietro’s. “Hey,” she said softly as she climbed into the passenger seat. She glanced back at Jared, who sat quietly in the back, staring out the window. “Jared, sweetie, how was your day?”Jared shrugged, his voice barely audible. “It was okay.”Skylar frowned, her worry deepening. Pietro had texted her that something had happened in Jared’s school. Before she could ask more, Pietro gave her a small, reassuring nod and mouthed, “Later.” Skylar bit her lip and nodded back, deciding to let it go for now.The drive to Pietro’s house was filled with Lorenzo’s happy chatter, a stark contrast to Jared’s silence. Skylar kept glancing at Jared through the rear-v
Skylar stirred from her sleep, feeling the warmth of Pietro’s embrace enveloping her. Saturday mornings were meant for lazy cuddles and whispered promises, but today, the tranquillity was shattered by the shrill ringing of her phone. Groggily, she reached for her phone, squinting at the screen to see the caller ID. It was an unexpected number, one that made her heart skip a beat. With a furrowed brow, she answered. “Hello?” Skylar said, her voice still laced with sleep. “Skylar, dear, how are you?” came the familiar voice of Mrs. Reynolds, Jason’s mother. “We were wondering if we could take the boys to the amusement park today. We just got back from Greece and we have some gifts for them too.” Skylar’s heart sank as she processed the request. She glanced at Pietro, who was beginning to stir beside her, and chewed on her bottom lip nervously. “Um, actually, we’re not home this weekend,” Skylar explained awkwardly. “We’re at my boyfriend’s house.” There was a brief silence on
Valentina awoke with a start, her screams piercing the pre-dawn silence. “No, Mom! Please don’t go!” she shrieked, her voice hoarse and desperate. Her small frame was soaked in sweat, and her sheets tangled around her like a web. In the adjacent room, Emilio shot up in bed, instantly awake. “Valentina!” he gasped, dashing to his daughter’s room with Evelyn close behind. They burst through the door to find Valentina sitting upright, her eyes wide with terror. “Sweetheart, it’s okay, it’s just a dream,” Emilio said, his voice trembling as he tried to calm her. Valentina’s eyes darted around the room before locking onto Evelyn. With a sudden burst of energy, she leaped from her bed and clung to Evelyn, sobbing uncontrollably. “Don’t die, please don’t die! I’ll be good, I promise! Just don’t leave me!” she begged, her voice a fragile whisper between sobs. Evelyn knelt down, wrapping her arms around the trembling girl. “I’m not going anywhere, Valentina. I’m right here,” she whisper
The sun was shining brightly as Jared, and Lorenzo, walked hand in hand with their grandparents through the bustling amusement park. The boys’ faces were lit with excitement as they took in the sights and sounds around them. Brightly coloured rides spun and whirled, laughter and screams filled the air, and the smell of popcorn and cotton candy was almost overwhelming. “Can we go on the roller coaster next?” Jared asked, pointing eagerly at the towering ride ahead. “How about we start with the merry-go-round?” Grandpa suggested, smiling. “It’s a bit more your brother’s speed.” Lorenzo’s eyes widened with delight. “I want the horsey!” he exclaimed, tugging at Grandma’s hand. After several rides, games, and plenty of sugary treats, they decided to take a short break. The grandparents led the boys to a quiet bench near the restrooms. As they sat down, Jared’s expression turned serious, a look that didn’t go unnoticed by his grandparents. “What’s on your mind, sport?” Grandpa aske
Valentina stirred in her bed, the morning light filtering through the curtains. She felt a gentle caress on her hair and slowly opened her eyes to see Evelyn, sitting beside her. Evelyn smiled warmly, brushing a stray lock of hair from Valentina’s face.“Good morning, sweetie,” Evelyn greeted, her voice soft and caring.Valentina smiled sleepily. “Good morning,” she replied, feeling the warmth of Evelyn’s affection as she received a tender kiss on her forehead. This was a stark contrast to the days before when she would wake up screaming several times in the night.“Take your time getting ready,” Evelyn said. “Breakfast is almost ready downstairs.”Valentina nodded, feeling a sense of comfort and safety in Evelyn’s presence. As Evelyn stood to leave, Valentina hesitated for a moment, gathering her courage to speak. “Evelyn, wait,” she called out, her voice barely above a whisper.Evelyn turned back, concern in her eyes. “What is it, Val?”Valentina took a deep breath, her small
Pietro watched Jared and Lorenzo sprint towards the playground, their laughter echoing in the warm afternoon air. The park was bustling with families, children running and playing, their joyous shouts creating a symphony of youthful exuberance. Pietro smiled, feeling a sense of peace. It had been a good idea to bring the boys here. Skylar and Sofia had sent them out of the house so they could have some girl time and the kids needed to burn off some energy anyways, so the park was a great place. “Jared, Lorenzo, stay where I can see you!” Pietro called out. The boys turned, waving enthusiastically before diving into a game of tag with a group of other children. Pietro found a bench nearby, positioning himself where he could keep a watchful eye on them. As he relaxed, his thoughts drifted to Skylar. She had been through a lot by herself, and he was determined to support her in every way he could now that he was in her life. His relationship with her sons was a big part of that. He wa