Leo sat in his swivel chair, lazily twirling the wine glass in his hand.Click.The doorknob twisted. He raised his head to see Jeffery walking in."You still lack manners," Leo remarked coolly.Jeffery chuckled."You know knocking has never been my thing."He took a seat across from Leo, crossing his legs."So, what did you want to talk about?"
"JEFFERY!!!"
Jeff turned swiftly. The moment his eyes landed on the one person who could yell his name like that, a broad smile spread across his face."Baby sister!" he exclaimed joyfully.
Kira ran into his arms. Jeff lifted her effortlessly, twirling her around as her laughter filled the room. Leo watched with lazy eyes, but his attention shifted the moment Alice walked in.
A faint smile crept onto his lips.
Alice, however, stood frozen her gaze fixed on Jeff and Kira, fascination flickering across her face.On the other hand, Leo noticed something that made his chest tighten.She hadn't spared him a single glance.He stood up from his chair and walked toward her, arms slightly open, ready to pull her into an embrace.But what she did next made his jaw drop.Alice took a step back.Then she walked past him straight into Jeffery's arms.
"Uncle Jeff," she breathed. "Oh, how I've missed you." Jeff smiled warmly, hugging her tighter. "How are you doing, Baby Al?"
"I'm good."
"That's good to hear. You look as beautiful as ever." Thanks, Uncle," she replied with a soft smile. "And you don't look bad yourself."Jeff laughed. "Thank you, Baby."
He then paused, eyes darting between Leo and Alice."Hey… wait a minute," he said slowly, pointing at them. "What's going on between you two? "She's angry at me," Leo muttered, his voice low but audible. Uhmm… Uncle Jeff," Alice quickly interjected, "what did you get for me?"
"Alice—" Leo called.
"Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly. "I think I hear Mom calling." She turned to Kira. "Kira, meet me in my room when you're done, okay?"
"Bye, Uncle Jeff."
"Alice… Al… Al," Leo called after her.Jeff shook his head with a knowing smile."Gotta catch up with her. I'll meet you at the table."
"Sure, bro. "Uncle Leon," Kira called."Not now, Kira."
"But why?"
Leo let out a frustrated sigh. He walked up to her and gently pinched her cheeks. "Satisfied?" She nodded eagerly, a wide smile plastered on her face. Leo dashed out of the study and headed straight for Alice's bedroom.
He twisted the doorknob gently, peeking in before stepping inside. "If you're here to apologize," Alice said sharply, turning around and shooting daggers at him, "I sincerely don't need it."
"Al, I wasn't behind—"
"You know how important Math is to me," she cut in. "I know, baby…" So why did you ask Code to come for us?" I understand Uncle Jeffery arrived," she continued, her voice trembling, "but you could've waited."
"Al, it wasn't my doing."Then who was it?"
She hesitated."…Was it Daddy?"
"Yes." Her shoulders slumped. She bowed her head and walked toward the swing in the room. "Al, you don't need to feel bad," Leo said softly. "I'm okay. Don't worry. "Leo, please leave me alone."
"But Al—"
"I won't repeat myself. Please."
Tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
Leo's chest tightened.He walked up to her and gently turned her around. I thought I made it very clear," he said quietly, "that I never want to see tears in those beautiful eyes of yours. "You know how much I hate seeing you cry. "I'm sorry, Leo," she whispered. "I'm very sorry." He pulled her into his arms, patting her back gently.
"There, there… it's okay. You're fine. I'm here."
You can get mad at me anytime," he added softly. "I'm cool with it. Don't feel bad, my princess." He gently helped her onto the swing. Leo…" she murmured. "I want a strawberry smoothie." Chocolate toppings, right?"She nodded. "Exactly."