Chapter 4 A Unexpected Date

Another day has passed by peacefully, we are currently sitting in the living room and watching one of Aiko's favorite cartoons.

"Mommy..." Aiko suddenly turns to look at me.

"Yes, baby?" I ask curiously as the sound of the cartoon's dialogue playing in the background.

It was an episode of Hello Kitty, where they are eating in a restaurant.

"Mommy... can we eat like that with Daddy?" she quietly asks before staring at me with a hint of sadness in her eyes.

I pause before I glance at the TV screen, then back to her. I pat her in her head before pulling her close to me.

"I..."-I cut off what I was about to say.

What should I say in this kind of situation? Alecia has been the one handling questions like this from Aiko before. And Aiko was to focus on healing from Alecia these past years that I did not even think about her asking these things.

"Mommy?" Aiko taps me in my arm as she stares at me with concern showing from her adorable eyes.

Aiko has become matured compared to other children with her age. She has experienced losing her mother and growing without a father figure.

I gaze at her innocent eyes, I don't want to lie to her. But I also can't tell her that, I have no idea where is her 'stupid father' is. That's what Alecia used to describe him, whenever she tells me stories of the guy.

"Why baby, are you lonely?" I ask her before lifting her to sit down on my lap.

"No, mommy but... Aiko is curious about Daddy. Did he do something bad? Or did Daddy abandon us?" her question took me by surprise. Where did she learn those words?

She really is something, huh? I didn't sense any discomfort from her tone when she said those words. I pull her into a hug while caressing her soft hair.

"No, baby. Your Daddy might not be with us this moment, but I'm sure someday in the future... you will be able to be with him." I said as I try to comfort her.

"Mhm-mm~. Like a happy family?" she asks as she glances up to look at me.

I gave her a smile before kissing her forehead.

"If that's what my baby wants, then yes. We can be a happy family."

"Thank you, mommy!" a bright smile forms on her cute lips before giving me a sweet kiss on my cheeks.

Aww! She's so adorable!

"I love you, baby!"

"I love you too, mommy!"

I've really grown attached to this little cutie. I just hope that I can continue to protect that innocent smile of hers.

--

Miyuki's POV

I'm currently watching Max as he continues to happily eat his waffles while typing on his computer.

We are currently at the veranda of my house, which is facing my beautiful garden. I have already explained to him what the favor I want from him, in exchange for waffles.

Yes, waffles are the only thing he wants as payment.

Curious of what is the favor I've asked of him? I just told him to find out where my best friend is currently at. Max has a lot of connections because of his job as a professional hacker.

I honestly don't know whether or not he can pull this off for a day. He told me he only needs a day to give me results, thus why we are currently here at my house.

"Hey, Kearsley, why didn't you just ask your Auntie about this?" he curiously asks as he glances at me.

"Do you think I would still ask you this, If Auntie has given me the info I needed?" I said sarcastically.

"Geez! Calm down, I was just asking. And I need more waffles." he stated as he pushes the empty plate to me.

I rolled my eyes at him as I motion to Anna to give him another plate of waffles.

"Do you have a black hole in your stomach or something? This is your fifth plate!"

Max only let out a chuckle before gazing at me, amusement was clearly written in his eyes.

"Kearsley, you clearly don't know how much I like waffles-- no, scratch that. You don't know how much I love waffles." He replied teasingly before typing again on his laptop.

"Whatever!" I roll my eyes again before taking a sip of my smoothie.

Maxwell Simon Larkas is his full name. He came from the Larkas Family, who are all well known for their advanced technologies. That's why it wasn't a surprise that their youngest son is also a prodigy when it comes to technologies.

I met Max when we were at least... six? Or was it seven? Anyway, I met him before I became close to Ashley. Since we were neighbors back when we are living in the states. Admittedly, he was so cute back then. He just has these chubby cheeks that I always love to pinch. Though right now he is different.

He is tall with a caramel skin tone, blonde hair, and brown eyes. He has a lean body and solid six-pack abs. Why do I know about his abs when he always wore a sweater despite the very hot and humid temperature here? That is because he always sends pictures of himself whenever he goes on vacation at the beaches. I don't know why he did that, I've never requested him to send me those photos.

As far as I remember, I don't think I've seen him date anyone yet. He was so busy studying and learning about technologies that he didn't have any time to date, anyone. Such a shame, you know? He is very handsome after all.

--

Time seems to pass by slowly as I continue to watch plates being delivered from the kitchen back here. I have also gone to the comfort room for at least a few minutes and when I came back he is still eating.

Well, to be fair he has also gone to the comfort room a few times now. Still checking the time on my phone, it's already 1:30 pm.

"Max, are you done yet?" I ask as I tap my fingers above the table, making a click-clack sound.

I'm so bored here! Thankfully I don't have to work today.

"Actually, I just finished! Here! Check this out." He spoke excitedly before turning his laptop to me.

"Let me see..."

My eyes widen in anticipation as I read what Max has shown me. But...

"Max!!! You Baka!!! (Idiot)" I quickly stand up from my chair as I slap his arm.

"Chill! I'm just kidding! I'll show you the real info!" he replied as he tries to shield his face from me.

What he showed me is a picture of a mirror, with captions 'Fool You!'. He is such a... !

After five minutes of us bantering, he eventually gives me the info I needed.

"Alright, thank you." I said before leaving him on his own.

"Hey! Wait! Are you just going to leave me like this?! How mean!" I can hear him protesting as I roll my eyes.

Turning around to face him, I notice that he is pouting like a child.

"Alright what do you want?"-

I felt shivers in my spine the moment a grin formed on his lips, before answering, "Date! Let's date once you finish whatever business you need to do. After that let's go on a date. And I won't take no as an answer! See you soon, my Kearsley!" He said as he winks at me, before quickly fixing his things. He walks out of the house with a wide grin on his lips while I was frozen on my spot.

"What did just happened?!"