“No, I’ve spoken to the school. I’ve explained everything. I think we can do with a day to ourselves. Come on. Let’s go.” I try to sound eager, but they don't look excited.
I take Eden up to her bedroom and dress her in a cute flowery dress and sandals. I brush her hair into pigtails and fix her loose curls with butterfly clips. I check on Ace, who has dressed himself. I run a wet brush through his hair before I help both of them to wash their faces and clean their teeth.
Shopping doesn't go according to plan as the kids aren't interested in buying anything. I drag them from toy store to toy store and stop at a few other places selling stationery and clothes, but they have no interest. In the end, we wind up sitting in the food court area.
“Are you two okay?” The silence from them crushes me; they are wrapped up in their own thoughts.
A large sharing portion of ice cream sits on the table between us, but no one’s eating it. I stare into the brightly coloured bowl as we sit in silence, the thrum of the mall noise happening around us.
“I’ll take that,” Gemma says as she sits down next to me, stealing my spoon.
She takes a large scoop of strawberry mixed with a bit of vanilla and chocolate, licking it in a seductive manner. Does she know what’s she doing?
"Good choice on flavours, guys."
“Gemma.” Eden’s face lights up.
I can't help but feel a little relieved. I didn't think anything would cheer them up.
“Eden," Gemma says with a small smile.
Gemma is so good with Eden. She is better with them than I thought."Well, I’m glad I spotted all of you. I need a lift home. I was going to call you to pick me up. Want some?” She gives me my spoon back.
The waitress who has been serving us comes over. “Do you need another spoon?”
“We’re okay,” I reply with a curt smile.
“You sure? You can’t leave your daughter out.” The waitress looks at Gemma.
“Yes, Daddy. I want a spoon,” Gemma says with a grin.
I am going to kill her, but Ace starts to laugh, and so does Eden.
“She’s our nanny,” Eden says and laughs like it is the funniest thing she’s ever heard.
The waitress’s face turns a deep shade of red as she scurries off, leaving us alone. Gemma joins in with the children’s chuckles and for the first time in ages, I laugh too.
“Why do you need a lift?” I manage to ask her as everyone calms down, and Eden and Ace start eating the melted ice cream.
“My family. Apparently, I shouldn’t have taken the car without asking. Dad said I can’t have the BMW as Brody needs it. He won’t drive the Lamborghini because it’s pink. She’s so beautiful; I don't know what his problem is.” Gemma shrugs her shoulders.
“Why did you go home?” I take another scoop of ice cream.
“To see if Dad would give me my credit card back.” She looks at me like I asked a stupid question. “Anyway, he said no because I left without telling anyone. Although I am allowed to take the Lamborghini, that’s because it’s mine. But nothing else.”
Ace and Eden take my phone and start watching YouTube, now bored with our conversation.
“Gemma, I think your dad is right. You left your home to prove a point, and when you found out that you didn’t have enough money to go shopping, you went straight back to him. Have a serious think, but maybe you should get your car and sell it. Buy something you can afford to run without your dad’s help. You could buy other clothes. You’re twenty-five, it’s time you stood on your own two feet.” I give her a generous smile.
I look at her bag of clothes, and so does she.
“But…”A worried frown settles on her forehead.
“You know I’m right.” My voice is quiet.
“They’re so pretty,” she whines.
“Let’s return them, Gem. How much have you spent?” I ask.
