[Chapter 4]

I reach my arm out to stop the sound of the alarm clock that rings in my ear.

My eyes open and I glance at the time that happens to read 8:12am.

“Good morning sleepy head.” My head turns to look up at Danielle.

“Good morning.” I respond.

Her body moves closer to mine.

“What are your plans for today?” She asks me.

“I’m probably going to stop by the Planet and see the girls.”

“I can’t meet them until the dinner party, right?”

“Correct!” I say with a smile as I swing my legs from the covers. “I’m feeling pancakes, are you?”

“Pancakes do sound yummy.” She says back to me.

…

“Mom!” Angie shouts from upstairs.

“What is it sweetie?” I shout back while pouring my first cup of coffee.

“Cole won’t get out of my bedroom!”

I chuckle at the sibling rivalry. The daily jealousy, competition, and fighting between those two from day one.

“Cole, get out! Mom!!” Angie shouts in annoyance.

“Cole! Leave your sister alone! Come down and get some breakfast!” I call out.

Within seconds Cole comes running down the stairs with his arms folded.

“Good morning little man.” I say running my hands through his hair. “What have I told you about going into your sisters room?”

He pouts then sits himself up onto the chair.

I serve him his toast with scrambled eggs and kiss his forehead.

Angelica comes down over the stairs seconds later with her eyes planted into her phone.

“Who in gods name are you texting? You just woke up.” I ask.

“Its my friend Amber, she and a couple other of my friends wanna hang out at the mall tonight.”

“Do they now?”

“So can I?”

“I’ll give you an answer later.”

“So what are we doing today?” She says walking towards the table to take a seat by her little brother.

“I was thinking about the park and maybe the Planet for lunch?” I say as I place the plate of breakfast food in front of her.

…

“Here we are!” I say while walking through the Planet doors with the kids. “Now, go find your Auntie Kit and she’ll get you guys whatever you want.” I say with a smile.