Seeing Dunlop All The Time

Hazel West

"Mommy, wake up. It's saturdayyyy" I heard Zion say after he walked into my room

I pretended not to hear him, hoping he would go and let me enjoy my sleep but I was wrong. He climbed on my bed and jumped to jolt me awake

"Mummy, wake up" he yelled as he jumped

"Zion, just five minutes more, please" I begged

"Mummy , it's time to go to the park" he said and realized what all the commotion was about

I sat up on my bed and carried him

"Zion, I'm so tired, let me just sleep in for an hour, then I'll take you to the park" I pleaded

"Alright, fine. Just an hour mummy, after that no more" he said walking out of my room

Just as I was about to rest my head and my pillow and continue my sleep, I received a call from an unknown number. I looked at my phone deciding if I should pick it or not. I decided not to pick it but then it rang again, what if it's important?

I picked up the call

"This is West" I said

"West? I've always wanted to know why you kept my name" the person asks and I immediately recognize the voice

"Dunlop? Be for real. What do you want" I asked

"Relax , I just called to tell you that, we're leaving for the park now" he said

"Well, we're not coming as a matter of fact I'm still on the bed' I said and hung up

I put my phone down and went back to sleep and a few minutes later I was awoken by loud sounds in the house.

I quickly put on my flip flops and headed downstairs praying that Zion hadn't done anything to hurt himself. I got downstairs to see dunlop and the kids in the living room talking and giggling

"Aunty Hazel" William ran and gave me a hug when he noticed my presence

"My love, how are you today? How was your night?" I asked him

"It was fine, i couldn't wait for today" he replied

"Well, it's today now" i said laughing at my joke

"Mummy, uncle dunlop came to pick me up to the park" Zion said

"Really, now did he?" I asked slightly annoyed

"You said you weren't coming and william bursted into tears and I couldn't handle it so I had to bring him to you"

"Aunt Hazel, you're coming right?" William asked and I had no choice but to agree

"Of course I am. Just give me a minute to prepare '' I said, giving Dunlop the stink eye before heading upstairs.

I head upstairs hesitantly and take a shower, murmuring all through. I blew dry my hair but I didn't let it fly, I put it in a ponytail and looked to my wardrobe

Since we were just going to the park I just decided to put on something simple. I wore shorts and a singlet crop top and then I wore a shirt over it with some Nike jordans. I looked in the mirror and picked up my purse and my phone.

I headed downstairs to see Dunlop still with the kids. As I walked to them, I felt his eyes constantly on me.

Why was he staring at me?

Did I look that bad? He continued staring as I spoke to the kids.

"Let's go to the car and then to park" William said excitedly

He and zion sang excitedly until they reached the car, leaving I and dunlop alone in the living room

"Do I look that bad?" I asked him since he was still staring. I mean why else would he stare at me

"No, not at all. You look nice" he replied, looking me dead in the eyes.

Something about how he sounded, made feel he actually meant what he said but i knew better than to believe him

"Then why are you staring at me? The only reason you'd stare at me is that i looked bad" I said suspiciously

"What do you mean, can't I stare at you because you looked nice" he said

"Hell no, you never liked me. I was always less for you and all of a sudden, you're staring at me because I look nice? Please spare me that" I said and he was dumbfounded

I suddenly realized why he was staring at me

"It's the way I pack my hair isn't it?" I asked

I don't usually put my hair in a ponytail but i just decided to

"It's the ponytail, right?" I asked but he didn't reply

"you know what I'll just let it fly" I said taking off the ribbon that held my hair together

He didn't reply to me, he just stepped outside and headed to the car. I ran my hand in my hair and just locked the door, keeping the key in the usual spot

I joined them in the car and surprisingly Zion and William urged me to sit in the front seat with Dunlop. I didn't want to argue so I just did

The drive to the park was really enjoyable. The kids were chatting excitedly, pointing out landmarks and eagerly discussing what they wanted to do once they arrived. Despite my initial hesitations, being surrounded by their energy lifted my spirits.

As we pulled into the park, I couldn't help but smile at the sight of families picnicking, children playing, and the vibrant colors of nature. Dunlop parked the car, and we all stepped out, ready for a day of fun and relaxation.

Zion and William immediately darted towards the playground, their laughter echoing in the air. I followed closely behind, keeping a watchful eye on them as they explored the swings, slides, and climbing frames.

I and Dunlop stood by the shade and watched them play

"That's a nice kid, you've got there" Dunlop started "don't you want to take a picture of the kid for his dad"

His dad? What does he mean? Does he know that he is Zion's father? How did he even find out? However he found out, he is not taking my baby away from me

"Uhmm, the kid's dad" I asked

"Jacob" he replied "I thought he would be here"

Oh he meant Jacob. Jacob wasn't Zion's father but I'll keep it that way

"He had some business to attend to, I'll just send him pictures" I said

We stood there silently for a while before Zion called out to us

"Mommy, uncle Dunlop come push me on the swing"he said

"Me too" William added

We went over and pushed them in the swing. Dunlop pushed Zion while I pushed William. They giggled so much and I loved to see them having fun

They came off the swing and held our hands. They stop in between I and Dunlop, each of us holding their hand while they held each other with their free hands forming a chain

Next thing I know, Zion and William broke the hold. Zion took my hands and William took Dunlop's hands and they made us hold each other

His hands felt a bit rough but had a sense of familiarity. For some reason his touch sent shivers through my body. The kids ran off and left us together