I hope you've enjoyed part one! I so hope you're ready for part two now ;)
[WRITTEN CHAPTER ON 11.06.2020]
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CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT: 48 HOURS PT.2
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Noah's P.O.V
I scrunched my eyes together as I heard giggles. I groaned, turning my body around until I felt a sharp pain in my neck. I lift a hand to rub the soreness and once again, I heard giggles. I open an eye, coming to see Aria sat on the floor, hands covering her lips.
Once she caught my eyes, she gasped playfully and stood up and ran out of the room. As slowly as I could, I sit upright and rub the back of my neck, trying to reduce the pain. I look around the room only to see some felt-tips spiralled on the floor.
Aria comes back into the room, Xavier now dragged into scene. They both stood in front of me, Aria had a look of accomplishment and Xavier had a look of shock and horror. He turned to her and spoke a little harshly,
"Ari what did you do?"
She turned to him and placed her index finger on her lips, a motion of shh,
"It's a surprise. You can't say anything! It took me so long to do!"
I give them both a confused look before I pushed myself off the sofa, my arms swooping them both in my arms, making them squeal from my suddenness. They both held onto my tightly as I rushed out the living room and spun on the spot once more.
I come to a stop now seeing Aria's hair messed up a little. She laughed, her eyes becoming crescents. I give a look to Xavier and give him a kiss on the cheek, doing the same to Aria shortly after.
As I pulled back, Lauren stepped out of the kitchen. I turned my upper-half only to see her eyes widen also like Xavier. I chuckled,
"You look like you've seen a ghost,"
She gives a nervous laugh and looked at the twins. She raised an eyebrow and I was pretty sure that they understood because Aria giggled once more. I give her a questioning look as I spoke curiously,
"What's with you giggling princess? Is there something you're not telling me,"
She looked at me, her eyes showing me the lightest brown I've ever seen. She shook her head and changed the subject instead,
"I'm hungry, I want breakfast,"
I only sigh before I look back at Lauren. She only shakes her head like she saw it coming. Instead of saying something she just ushers towards the kitchen, walking back in. I follow behind her, now registering the smell of food.
I took a deep breath of the food as I stepped inside. I then crouched down and placed the twins on their feet. They ran away from me. Aria headed over to Ben and wrapped her arms around his leg, pulling his attention away from the cooker. He looked down and gasped playfully,
"My cheeky monkey is finally awake!"
He then looked up to Xavier who was already sat in his chair with the help of Lauren,
"The second cheekiest monkey is also up too!"
His eyes then moved from Xavier to me, a strangled war cry leaves his lips making me give him a taken back look. He lifts his finger and points to me,
"What the hell happened to your face!?"
He spoke without missing a second. My face falls as I look down at Aria who only looked up with an innocent look,
"What do you mean what happened to my face?"
I raise a hand and touch my skin feeling it the same like always. I look at my fingers seeing it the same. His shoulders drop and he looks down at Aria who only said she was hungry. Lauren took a few steps and carried her, making her sit opposite Xavier, food now in front of her.
They both dug in, still leaving me confused. Ben scoffed and folded his arms over his chest and spoke rhetorically,
"Damn, I never knew twins would be the reason for the change Noah. I'm impressed if anything you're making an effort,"
He then looked down at Aria and winked,
"Good one you little monkey,"
I give him a confused look, my eyebrows raised as I point at myself and question,
"Wasn't I already?"
He looks back at me and shakes his head, this time allowing a hearty laugh to leave his lips. Lauren passes him a spoon and speaks up,
"Oh leave him already Ben, let him figure it out,"
She faces me and states,
"Go freshen up, I'll look after the twins whilst you do so,"
I don't say anything other than turn around, tilting my head, still trying to figure what they were talking about. Just as I stepped out the kitchen, I heard them all high-five each other; Aria speaking in a carefree tone since I left,
"You cannot tell daddy okay? Me and Xavy and daddy are gonna have so much fun today! There's no many things I wanna do with us all!"
"Ari you can't make daddy tired remember,"
I heard Lauren speak,
"Sweetie, enjoy to your hearts content. Make daddy tired, it'll make daddy stay home even longer! And besides,"
There was a pause,
"... remember mummy isn't here so you can do all the things you want to do that mummy says you can't!"
The twins gasped,
"Really?"
I knew she nodded her head because the twins squealed as loud as they could. Not wanting to stick around, I took the stairs two at a time reaching my room in no time. I head over to the bathroom only to freeze in place, my eyes wide open and glued on the mirror in front of me.
Instead of seeing myself, I don't. I come to see someone else. Someone who had tampered with Noah. I see what Ben and Lauren were talking about... My face was coloured in and that's when it clicked... the giggling... being secretive...
My shoulders drop as one person came to mind, Aria.
I walk closer to the mirror, inspecting my face. I was a walking rainbow. You have a colour? It's on my face. I had swirls, lines, circles and hearts all around my face. My eyebrows united and became a uni-brow. I also had a bright red beard with purple dots on them.
You're the perfect definition of a toddler mess ... my mind spoke. On my forehead I had Aria's name written in bold, capital letters and in pink. My nose was coloured in green circle like a clown it's cause you are a clown! My mind reiterated.
I licked my lips as I scoffed in disbelief but then something hit me. I walked backwards and rushed out the room. I sped down the stairs, careful not to trip. Yesterday, Benjamin gave two sets of colouring pens. One that were normal and one that were permanent.
I had three steps left so I jumped down, the impact leaving a sting for a brief second. I rush into the living room and pick up the pens, reading them. I had an important meeting that I couldn't miss and if the pens were permanent, I was ruined.
I held a breath, my eyes scanning the thin body of the pens. Right at the end of one of the pen was three words. normal fine-line I release a breath and collapse onto the floor, the pen now rolling away from my fingertips.
I throw my head back, looking at the ceiling as I tried to get my heartbeat back to normal. I close my eyes as a thought crossed my mind, if this was just the beginning then what would be the end? I only laughed it away until I heard Xavier's voice,
"Daddy?"
I opened my eyes and looked over to the door. He stood by the door-frame with a look of uncertainty,
"Hey bud, what's wrong?"
He walked in and took a seat on my lap,
"Are you okay with Ari did?"
I wrap my arms around him, making him press his back against my chest,
"Of course I am, why wouldn't I be?"
He looks up and asks,
"Lauren says your going work tomorrow,"
I suck in a breath and nod,
"I do buddy,"
"Can't you stay?"
"I wish I could bud but I haven't been in work for two days now and I need to go because I'm the boss there,"
He fully turns around so that he was sat facing me,
"Can I come? I wanna see what you do at work,"
I thought about it for a second and warning bells ticked off. Employees... Ed... Luke... Tanya... Daisy... the workload... the meeting... the list was endless. I didn't know if I was able to handle it all at once, but then again, Lily did.
There it was again. That annoying voice in my head that proved me both right and wrong.
Just as I was able to give him a response, Aria runs in. She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses my cheek,
"What are you talking about daddy?"
I give her a smile, Xavier beating me to it,
"Daddy has work tomorrow Ari, I asked daddy if I could go,"
"Can I come too daddy?"
Aria chimed in instantly upon hearing Xavier. I only sucked in a breath as I thought for a minute. I didn't know when Lily would be back and I doubt she would return in the morning. I had to get to work around lunch time, and there was no way I was leaving them home alone.
I licked my lips and looked at the twins who had the biggest, innocent eyes I had ever seen,
"I don't see why not but when we get there you have to listen to daddy okay? Daddy's workplace is really big. I can't loose you okay?"
They nodded vigorously. I push both their hairs back since it was a little messy. Xavier then stated,
"I wanna speak with mummy,"
"You wanna speak?"
He pouted and nodded his head. I looked over my shoulder and saw my phone lying. I picked it up and unlocked my phone, Lily's words ringing in my head. I was only to call her if the twins wanted to. I went to the call list and found her name. I dialled her for FaceTime.
Whilst the call was on I told the twins to quickly cream their faces. Both Aria and Xavier left my touch and ran out the door. I could hear their feet run up the stairs until it was no longer heard. It was silent for a second and that's when I felt a little peace.
For an unknown reason, my heart sped up. I never knew that I would be in this position so quick. I saw myself in the screen and groaned, regretting to wash my face before dialling. You know there's no going back now dude...
It took about six rings until Lily picked up. She came onto screen, bare-face that instantly took my breath away. She took one look at me and laughed out loud. I sighed, rolling my eyes,
"... just let it out..."
I spoke in defeat. She covered her moth and spoke quickly,
"... hold on... I so gotta take a screenshot of this..."
At her words, my eyes widened and I spoke out in a protest,
"No! You can't do that!"
"Whoops, already did! I've taken so many already, screen record too!"
I deflate, giving up completely. Once she had composed herself she asked seriously,
"How you holding up?"
I rubbed the back of my neck and spoke truthfully,
"As you can see, I feel like I'm okay,"
She rolled her eyes and spoke,
"Day one was a warm up for them. Today will be your breaking point,. You'll be begging me to come back,"
I scoff as I stand on my feet, heading towards the kitchen where my breakfast was placed on the table,
"As if,"
I took a bite out of my toast and broke the news,
"Ari had a breakdown yesterday,"
I saw her suck in a breath as she spoke,
"I knew it was gonna happen. How did you overcome with it?"
"I was gonna do what you normally do but I went with something else. I spoke to her instead. She initially calmed down, I then asked her if she wanted a hug and she did. She came into my embrace. I then spoke to her about the day when you were coming over,"
She nodded her head in thought,
"What did you say,"
I smiled to myself as I answered,
"That she has nothing to worry about. I was just new to it all and I would love her forever and always,"
She scrunched her eyes,
"How..."
I chuckled as I sipped on my coffee,
"That day when I called you, you technically didn't turn off your phone. I heard the conversation you had with her regarding me,"
I could see her faint blush and she looked down, probably playing with her fingers. I was about to say something when I was cut off,
"Daddy! You were here along!"
I let out a deep sigh and rolled my eyes, Lily laughing as I did so. The twins come up to me and start jumping on the spot. I move the camera down making the twins gasp,
"Mummy!"
"Oh my monkeys! I miss you so much!"
"Daddy I wanna hold the camera!"
I don't say anything other than pass the camera over to Xavier who extended his hand out. Once the phone was out of my hold, they walked away leaving me all alone in the kitchen. I finally sit down, taking another sip of my coffee,
"Noah your laptops here. It kept making a beeping noise,"
Lauren walked in. I placed my cup down and took it from her. I open the lid and see a request for a video call from Daisy. I sucked in a breath and looked up to Lauren,
"I'll be in my office. Can you make sure the twins are quiet or still on the phone with Lily? Daisy and them lot don't know about the twins yet,"
She gives a smile and nods. I stand, holding my laptop in one hand and my coffee in the other. I walk past the living room, hearing the twins bicker over each other, arguing what they had done yesterday.
I make it into my office and place my cup down. I then place the laptop down and accept the call. Her face comes to screen but mine doesn't just yet. I move around on the spot, clearing my desk a little before I sat down; finally coming face-to-face with her.
My face drops for the third time already as I remembered that I still had the drawing that Aria did on me. Daisy looks at me with wide eyes, her lips sucked in; trying hard not to break out into a laugh,
"Don't bother. There's nothing on my face,"
"But-"
"... there's nothing on my face,"
I spoke with sternness. She cleared her throat and nodded a few times. I lean over the table and grab a pen whilst speaking,
"Those idiots are not around are they?"
She shook her head no,
"Good, what's happening?"
She picked up a file from the side and opened it up,
"There are a few contracts that need signing for tomorrow and you need to decide on whether your gonna accept the deal with damn&glam, they're expecting a response by tomorrow at five,"
I take note on a scrap piece of paper as I nod,
"I'll get Mark to drop by and collect the contracts that need signing and in terms of damn&glam don't worry about them. I'll have a response by then. How's Luke's department? The annual report specifically?"
"Hmm, I'm not sure but the last time I got an update Luke said that it was halfway written,"
I could feel my anger boil. I grind my teeth and speak out,
"You tell Luke that he prays for a quick recovery. I want that annual report done before the meeting starts. I want it in my hand, fully complete. If I find one flaw he can kiss his face goodbye,"
She sucked in her lips again, looking down at the file in her hands,
"Noted. Also, Ed's getting restless. He keeps coming up to the floor every hour. He's literally on the brink of going over to your place since he hasn't seen your face for a few days and you haven't contacted him,"
"Ugh that idiot. It's only been two days not a damn year. Just tell him I'll see him tomorrow at the meeting,"
She nods, writing it down. Daisy parted her lips to speak but someone knocked on the door. I closed my eyes and muttered to myself,
"What is it with everyone interrupting?"
Reopening my eyes, I look up to the door seeing the twins there with Ben behind them. He gives me a bittersweet smile before he spoke,
"We could come back later,"
I look down at the twins as they held onto each other. They had changed their clothes into matching ones. Black trousers and grey vans shirts. I shake my head and speak to them,
"No, come in. Take a seat for a minute okay? Ben you can go,"
The twins come into the room just before Ben crouched down. He probably told the twins to be quiet since I was working. They nodded and walked over to the sofa that was placed by the window. I look back at Daisy as she continues,
"Are you okay with the call Noah?"
"Hmm? Sorry, yeah I am but I'm gonna have to go soon. Is there anything else that I should be aware off?"
"Oh Jade handed in her resignation letter. She said she couldn't handle the workload. It was too much for her. She said she'll work until tomorrow,"
I sucked in a breath and nodded a few times,
"Okay, can you tell her to make a post for the PA role. I'm gonna need a new one cause without one it'll be you that's gonna be taking on the role,"
"She doesn't have to. I've already done it, there is no way in hell that I'm gonna be your PA. Being your receptionist is worse enough. All you gotta do is proof-read it and give me the signal to publish it on the website,"
I chuckle, entwining my fingers together and placing my chin on top. I give her a smile and she gives me a curious look,
"What happened since the last time I spoke to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"You're... different,"
Just as she said that, Xavier hopped off the sofa and walked over to me with my phone. He stood by the side and extended his hand out. I give him a look, he was careful, my conscious spoke. Forgetting about Daisy who was still on call, I turn to him and give him my full attention.
I take the phone from him and turn on the home button, coming to see the screen locked. I looked back at him and questioned,
"Do you want it unlocked?"
He only nodded. He was too careful. Attentive is more of the word. I shuffle closer to him so that I was half out the frame, I begin to speak,
"The password is 0605,"
I lean close to him, bringing my lips close to his ears. I whisper,
"Mummy's birthday,"
I pull back seeing his eyebrows raised. I rest back on the chair, a smile plastered on my face. I give him a wink as I point to the phone,
"Give it a try,"
He doesn't waste a second and puts in the numbers that I said, the phone indeed opening. He looked up, his hair covering his forehead. He gives me the biggest smile before walking away. Once he reached Aria, he spoke in a quiet voice,
"Ari let's take pictures on daddy's phone,"
Aria nods vigorously before they began to take pictures. I watch them both as they pulled funny faces, Xavier giggling quietly,
"Erm Noah?"
I sucked in a breath and faced Daisy who only looked at me with caution,
"... is there... you know... something you're not telling me?"
I point myself and question,
"Me? Nah nothing. Okay since there's nothing else to say, let's hang up. I have things to do,"
"Wai-"
I don't wait for her to finish and end the call. I close the lid of the laptop, grabbing the twins attention. Aria speaks up,
"Daddy come take pictures with us! I want a picture of my drawing!"
I don't waste a second as I push myself off the chair walk over to them,
"I should shouldn't I? Let's take some silly ones since you made me look so silly,"
"You look amazing daddy! Doesn't he Xavy?"
I glance at Xavier as he smirks, an identical one that I would do,
"Daddy looks like a fool,"
I gasp and place a hand on my heart,
"Did you hear him Ari?! Xav called me a fool? Am I a fool princess?"
I said in a weird voice that made Aria laugh. I give her a look of disbelief and say,
"You
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