Family Date?

CHAPTER FIVE

AERA’S POV

It's been a week since I started working at Xana’s company. Today is Sunday morning and Elif said that she wanted to spend time with me because we didn't get to spend much time together. Whenever I arrived to pick her up from Mom and Dad, she's always napping already and I don't want to disturb her so I just let her sleep till we get home. While in the morning, we only get to be with each other for an hour or two before I drop her off at her Grandmother.

I decided to take Elif to a playhouse so that we could bond together like how we used to before I started working again. I prepared her things and clothes while she is eating her food. After eating, I bathe her and dress her up. She chose her favorite dress that her Aunt Xana gifted her last time. I also ready myself and after a while, we are now ready to go.

I drove for half an hour, we later arrived at the mall where the playhouse is located. “Mommy! Mommy! Look at that bear! It’s huge!!!” Elif sounds so excited. We walk up to the stall, the teddy bear was the prize for the darting game. I got a ticket for myself since darts are not yet allowed for kids. “Go, Mommy! You can do it!” she cheered for me. I started to shoot each dart but I didn't have the luck. I didn’t even hit one bull’s eye. The rule is you are supposed to blow three bulls' eyes to get the prize. I looked at Elif and she smiled at me, “It’s okay, Mommy! We can just purchase a bear, right?” I nodded. Although I can easily buy a bear for Elif, I wanted to win the game so that I can show her what does hard work gives off.

I bought another ticker to try one more time. I was about to shoot the dart again when a familiar voice spoke. “Let me handle it for you, milady.” I shortly turned around and saw Klaud standing in front of me. “Woah, Klaud what are you doing here?” I asked in shock. He didn't go here just so he can play by himself, did he?

“Well I was just roaming around and I saw you playing so I decided to check on you.” He said and smiled. “Mommy, who is he?” Elif asked while looking at Klaud. “Baby, this is Uncle Klaud. Klaud, this is my kid, Elif.”

Klaud waved at Elif, “Hi, Elif! Nice to meet you!” Elif smiled at him and said, “Hello, Uncle Klaud! Nice to meet you too.” She said politely.

“You want that bear?” Klaud asked Elif. Without hesitation, she immediately nodded at him with a big smile curved at her lips.

“Then Uncle Klaud must get it for the princess!” I gave the darts to Klaud and pulled Elif so that Klaud can aim better with a wider space. Elif and I watch Klaud aim for the dartboards. Klaud immediately hit the bullseye of the first board. Elif clapped and shouts, “Uncle!!! You can do it!” Klaud turned to our side and smile while giving Elif a thumbs up.

After turning back to the dartboards, Klaud didn't bother to aim and immediately throw the dart. Elif and I both shouted. Bullseye! That was so good. He turned to our side once again. I gave him a thumbs up and smiled.

“Good job! Uncle Klaud!” Elif shouted as if she's an adult. I caress her and smiled. I never speculated that my daughter and I will never be happy again but now, watching her sweet smiles towards Klaud makes my heart so happy. Klaud winks at Elif and continues to finish the last board. Without any exertion, he finished it. “Our first winner!” The stall host announces Klaud’s win. Elif pulled me closer to Klaud, “Oh, what a beautiful family! Look how happy your daughter is, Ma’am/Sir!” I looked at the host shocked. I wanted to say that we're not a family but I don't want to humiliate Klaud so I just play along.

“Thank you, Uncle Klaud!” Elif thanked Klaud and hug him. “Anything for you, Princess!” He said to Elif. He glanced at me and I smiled at him. He winked at me, bragging how close he is to Elif. I laugh and whispered to him, “Thank you, Klaud.”

“So what else are you guys gonna do? I'll join you guys today.” Klaud asked while we were walking away from the stall. “Mommy, I’m hungry.” Elif pulled my hands. “Okay baby, we'll eat,” I said and kissed her.

“Where do you wanna eat? my treat.” Klaud asked Elif. I look at him and frowned. “What?” He asked and laughed. “Don’t spoil her too much!” I said while frowning. I don't want my daughter to grow up spoiled that’s why as much as possible I am not spoiling her in any matter.

“Just for today. Don't worry.” He said and winked at me. I sighed. Well, I guess I don't have another choice other than to agree.

“I want to eat steak like what those princesses eat, Uncle!” Elif said while her eyes are full of joy. She's so happy. How I wish I could give her the complete family she deserves.

“Then we’ll go for stake! Is that okay for Mommy?” I was shocked when Klaud called me Mommy. I mean only Elif calls me Mommy and hearing it from others is kinda awkward for me.

“O-Of course! Anything is okay for me.” I said and smile. While we are walking to the steak restaurant, Klaud held my hand. I didn't bother to withdraw my hand because it might embarrass him so I just let it be. I looked at him and smile. He smiled back.

We arrived at the steakhouse. We were spotted immediately by the receptionist because they recognize Klaud. He must be here very often.

“They have fries here too?! I want it, Mommy!” Elif said excitedly. I laugh at her a bit. “Sure baby,” I said to her and turn to the guy that is assisting us. “Add-in fries too.” I then turned to Klaud, “The fries are on me. Elif’s requesting a lot today.” I whispered. He laughs and turns to me, “I said that it is my treat today. Don't worry. Spoiling Elif for a little isn't that bad.” He said and turn back to Elif to continue playing with her.

After a while of waiting our orders started to come one by one. Elif couldn't hide her excitement after she saw the steaks that she requested. “You must be rich, Uncle!” She said and stared at Klaud.

“Well... I can say I have money but I'm not rich,” he said. Elif pouted because her guess isn't right. But technically she is right because Klaus is indeed rich. The fact that he owns multiple businesses and still works at Xana. That's a high level of richness.

“Penny for Mommy’s thoughts?” I was pulled back to reality when Klaud snapped his fingers. I looked at them and they were laughing at me. I laugh with them too. Oh, how I wish my life could be perfect like this moment. Seeing how Elif smiles with Klaud makes my heart melt. My baby is genuinely happy.

Later after we ate. Klaus insisted that he would take us home. Sadly, I brought my car, and I have to drive it home of course so we parted ways after we got out of the mall. “Bye, Uncle Klaud! Thank you so much!” Elif bid her goodbye to Klaud and gave him a warm hug. I bid my goodbye to Klaud too and whispered, “Thank you so much for making Elif happy.” He then smiled at me sweetly.

I carried Elif while walking up to my car because she's been using her energy all day and I wanted her to rest a bit. I heard Elif whisper, “I wish my Daddy is as sweet as Uncle Klaud.” Those words shattered my heart.