Elizabeth
The kids really had a good time. There were lots of activities done and plenty fun were catched. I trust Seb. When he says something, he always stood by it. He made sure his words came to pass. Just like today.
We went to the mall, shopping complex, amusement park, the movies—to the extent when Bruce brought him his business phone and told him he has an urgent call, he dismissed Bruce and declined the call without a second thought.
I was amazed at the man I married. Family always comes first for him. No matter what. Even if the earth is tumbling or his mother is dying or his business is crashing or his house is on fire, he doesn't care. As far as he has his family, he has the world he needs around him and I'm so proud of him for that.
We were back in the SUV. His Black G-wagon and now embarking home. The sun is soon setting as the day is coming to an end. Two black convoys followed us from behind. The triplets are soundly sleeping in the back seat as they've worked out a lot of energy in the playground. Seb was riding us home. He puts the car doors in child-lock because of the kids. For their protection.
The car is silent and only the roaring sound of engines could be heard. Seb goes on an average speed because of the kids. Not too speedy not too slow but if it were to be just the both of us in the car, my hair would have been flying behind me by now.
Amelia is on my lap, playing with her fingers and babbling words I don't understand.
I spare Seb a side look though he was so focused and concentrated on the road and didn't look at me. I turn my gaze to the window and something that happened last year flashed into my head.
What really happened? Are you sure I haven't mentioned it by mistake?
It's alright, anyway. I'll do a recap.
***
Flashback
That day, I was in the house with the kids. They just returned from school and I didn't go to work because I just had Amelia few months and haven't resumed work yet. I also used that day to put things in order in the house.
I don't allow the maids do the laundry for me even when they insisted to the last. It's my family's clothes and mine too. Nobody dares touch it. It's my priority as a wife and mother even if the maids are there. I did the laundry, playing my part as a mother. Amelia was just a few months old and she was sleeping upstairs. I had made lunch before the kids arrived and was just hoping to grab a nap at the lounge when their chauffeur brought them in.
They barged in as usual, always bubbly to meet mommy in the house. After making sure that they had their baths and lunch, I went to the room to check on Amelia then came downstairs to help the kids with their homework.
When I heard Amelia's tiny baby voice crying from the bedroom, I went up to get her down. I haven't sat down yet when Hendrix came in to inform me about the man outside to see me. Our tech gate didn't permit him in.
I don't know who it was or who it might be but I told Hendrix to let him in.
The man got in and the moment I lifted my head up from Dominik's colour book, I saw it was the last person I never expected, standing by the entrance.
"Dad?" I stood up, holding Amelia in my arm. She was still a few months old.
Dad was looking everywhere. His eyes fixated on the kids who were engrossed in their assignments. His expression seems like one who wasn't expecting to see something but was seeing it right now in front of him. The kids didn't acknowledge his presence as they seem super busy.
I wouldn't lie, I was fuming hard. If I had knew he was the man outside, I wouldn't have told Hendrix to let him in. But come to think of it, how did he get the address of my house? How did he find out about this place and when did he leave Brazil?
I don't want to talk about a lot of things this man has done to me because none of it sounds good to the ear. He had set me up on an arranged marriage and just because I refused to fulfill his request, he cut off ties with me. He didn't show up on my wedding, baby shower and even wedding anniversary. He was really mean by standing on his word not to interfere in my life or play the role of a father. To the extent, uncle Fernando had to stand in the gap of filling up fatherhood on my wedding day.
I hate this man and I want him out of my house this minute.
I put Amelia in the baby cot and walked up to him. "What are you doing in my house? Get out."
A tear drop fell off his left eye. He look miserable. "Serena, my dear…..I know I wasn't good as a father to you but….I just need you to forgive me."
He wants me to forgive him? "Is that it? Forgiveness?" I try not to laugh. I placed my hands on my hips. "Fine. I've forgiven you, now get out."
I'm trying my best not to raise a scene just for the sake of my children and for the peace of the house.
Dad's eyes hover on the kids. He choked on his silent tears. "Are these my grandkids? Can I….hug them?"
Oh, this is what this is about? Grandkids? That's why he's here? "Well, you can't. Just for your information, you have no ties connected to me anymore, so if you need grandkids, you go to Carlos. He's your perfected son in-law."
"Serena, listen—"
"No, dad, you stop and listen to me." I stopped him right there. "Have you forgotten your words? You said: To hell with you, your fiancé and your unborn baby, Elizabeth Serena. I don't give a damn who the hell you have become. You can rot in hell as much as I care. I'm never coming to stand as a father in the first place. As long as that wedding doesn't involves you and Carlos. Mark my word.* Weren't those your words, dear daddy?"
He looked down and tear drops fell off his eyes to the ground. He sniffled and wipe the drops in his nose. "I'm sorry."
Now he's sorry.
Just sorry.
I don't know how people thinks sorry could fix everything. Sorry? Like just a simple sorry word?
No.
I'm hurt. Deeply hurt.
My father abandoned me when I needed him the most. I needed him to stand as a father for me on my wedding, walk me down the aisle to the altar where my husband was but what did he do? He screw me up all because I refused to marry his golden chosen boy, Carlos. And here he is, seeking my forgiveness? No. Life doesn't work that way.
"Dad?" The tears were coming as the memories washed in, "I hold no grudges against you but at the same time, I need you out of my house, out of my property and out of my life."
"I made a mistake, Serena. Nobody is above mistakes. My life has been hell since you got married. Everyone in the family are against me. I now feel like I live my life alone."
"And how does that have anything to do with me?" God help my anger from spilling out. "You made it yourself or wait, you're here to reconcile because everyone is against you?"
"No, no, no," he shook his head vigorously. "I'm here to make things right." His eyes went to my kids. "I hope there's still time to correct my mistake even if it means talking with your husband."
I laugh sarcastically. "My husband?" Oh, he doesn't know about him. If he had heard his bio, he wouldn't dare step into his house now talk more of seeing him. "My husband will kill you if he comes and sees you here."
"Mommy, I need juice." Szymon requested over his assignment.
I squats down to peck his head. "Okay, honey. I'll go get it for you."
I have dad one more long look before heading towards the kitchen.
To my greatest shock, I came back holding a glass of chilled juice and couldn't find my kids in the lounge. Not even dad.
Just books and homeworks scattered all over the floor and pencils, erasers and colouring pens.
I look around, still holding the glass of juice, "Szymon? Dominik? Liliana?"
No response.
Only Amelia's voice coming from the cot made me know she was the only one in the house with me.
I find a place to put the glass of juice and ran upstairs, screaming my kids names all the way. Even forgetting Amelia in the cot.
I searched every room in the house and still couldn't find them. Oh lord help me it's not what I'm thinking about.
I bumped into a maid holding a dustpan and broom brush. My heart raising rapidly, "Did you happen to see my kids? They were at the lounge doing their assignments with a middle aged man standing there."
She gave me a weird look and shook her head politely, "No, ma'am. I haven't seen them since."
I ran downstairs before she even finished her words. I was about to call Hendrix when my mother in-law walked in.
"Elizabeth, what is it? You look restless and were are my grandbabies?"
Before I even said: "I don't know. They suddenly went missing?"
She had carried Amelia out of the cot into her arms, cradling her. Amelia is a very good heavy sleeper. And at that moment, she was sleeping.
"What do you mean they suddenly went missing?" She frowned. "Are you people playing hide and seek now?"
I don't know how to explain this or tell her I'm not pranking. So, I went straight to the point.
"The kids were here with me. I was putting them through with the assignment when my father walked in. Szymon needed juice and I went to get him a glass. Getting back, I couldn't find my kids or dad."
Her eyes narrowed. She quickly put Amelia back to the cot. "You couldn't what? You couldn't find my grandkids? What are you saying out of your mouth, Elizabeth? You allowed your father to step foot into this house after everything that happened?"
"I didn't let him." I wanted to explain but my voice is breaking into a betrayal crack. "He suddenly showed up and then….. says he wants forgiveness and…..god, I'm so done for."
Adira is searching her purse for her phone, "Have you called your husband yet?"
"No," Damn, he'll kill me if he hears such. I'll be so screwed.
I took out my phone to contact Bianca if the kids were there since there was a little doorway entrance my husband puts there in case the kids wants to play with her kids. But she said she hasn't seen the kids since this morning.
My heart rate increased in speed. I knew by now, I should be committing suicide before Sebastian comes.
I summoned Hendrix.
"Hendrix!" I freaked out.
"Mrs. Jakub?" He frowned, confused of my sudden mood and how I had summoned him like we had issues.
I try to breathe. "Did you see my kids?"
He paused for a while as if thinking. Then he stated with a small smile, "Ah, yes, Mrs. Jakub. The man you asked me to let in earlier went out with them. When I interviewed him, he said you permitted him to take the kids out to the ice-cream parlour."
"No!" I find myself shouting like a mad woman. Sweats beading on my forehead. "I never did."
He frowned, "I don't understand. You mean you didn't permit him to—"
"Hendrix, no, no, no, no, no." I messed my hair with my fingers. "I didn't…..oh god, Sebastian would kill me. I'm dead. So dead. Oh god. What has dad done to me now? I'm finished."
Hendrix quickly took out his walkie-talkie and contacted the other guys outside.
Adira was pacing about, contacting someone who wasn't answering.
Hendrix rushed back inside the next second, eyes wide and telling.
I ran to him with hopeful eyes, "Were your men able to reach him?"
He sighed, "Mrs. Jakub, information just reached me now that..." he didn't speak more than that.
And my heart gave me a bad thought. "That what? What happened, Hendrix? Speak up."
He hesitated at last, "There was an accident. Your father's car hit a lorry with the kids in the car."
"What!?"
That was it.
I'm so done for.
I passed out.
By the time I woke up, I saw myself alone on the bed. Adira sat on the bed. Her eyes grateful that I finally woke up.
I sat on the bed instantly, "My kids, were are they?"
Adira tried to cool me down, "They're at the hospital. I already called Sebastian and he's on his way now."
I pushed the sheets off and jumped out of bed. Not caring if I once had a baby called Amelia.
"Where are you going?" Adira was confused when she saw me searching the drawer for the car keys. "Don't tell me you're leaving. Amelia is just five months old. I already told you, Sebastian got this and my grandkids are fine."
"Stay with Amelia." I quickly told her before running out.
Getting to the hospital, I met a few of Seb's friends. I remembered he was having a cult meeting with his officials before the incident thing happened.
Matt, Callaway, Antoni, Dobrav and even Frank who recently got married to Goldie and is blessed with a son—and Antoni, they were all here. All six of them. They still had their cult's customised tailored suits on.
My eyes searched for Sebastian as I rushed in and saw him pacing in fury like a lion ready to devour.
I was too scared to go to him to ask the wellbeing of our children. I stood afar off. His friends turn to me immediately they noticed my presence in the reception.
Seb was the last to turn my way. He rake his hands through his hair and turned around only to see me standing before him in fear and anxiety.
We stared at each other for what seems like forever until his eyes darkened and he started increasing his pace towards me.
I gulped. Today will be the day I left this wicked world and die mysteriously like a chicken.
Antoni knew the rate at which his fury was. He quickly stood in front of him, nudging him backwards with a hand on his chest. "Bro, calm down. You don't want to kill her, will you?"
Sebastian's daggering eyes still laced at me when he said: "Get outta my way Antoni. Allow me talk some sense into her."
"You're losing your mind already. You need to calm down first." Antoni is helping me so I don't die in the hands of his cousin.
Sebastian is boiling as he said the words to me: "You! So, you asked your bloody father to come put my kids lives at risk, huh?"
"What? No." I try to defend myself even when I know it'll be useless. "He...he….he came over on his own, I…..I don't know how he—"
"Shut up!" Sebastian's voice almost made me jump out of my skin. "Just pray, Elizabeth. Pray that nothing happens to my kids or else I swear on my life, you won't believe what I, Sebastian will do to you and your father."
God, I'm cooked. "They're also my kids too. Do you think I did this on purpose? Dad was there when I left to get—"
"Will you keep quiet and stop talking?" Sebastian tried to get on the way but Antoni held him back. "I can't believe you're such a careless mother. I'm not home one second and you can't even look after them. Do you think that ogre will pass through my gate without your permission and with the tight security of the compound? What are you trying to defend?"
I hate myself for ever letting dad into the house. Seb was right. I was being careless. If I hadn't left them alone in the lounge, this wouldn't have happened.
"Sebastian….I don't know how it happened." I try to say. Holding back emotions. "You have to understand me….."
Seb was super mad at me at the moment.
"Fuck!" He cursed and turn away. Running his hand on his hair and messing it up. He sat on the sofa, breathing ragged. "Keep praying nothing happens to my triplets, Elizabeth. I swear, you'll be roasted."
I gulped. Sniffing back my tears. Matt walked to my side and pull me into a comforting embrace. I wept in his arms.
I never knew how much Sebastian loved his children until this day. Within me, I keep praying that nothing happens to my kids, not even a scratch. I don't care if dad dies anyway but God, help me preserve my kids. Not because of Sebastian's threats but because I love them.
Benita walked out of the passage to the reception were we are. Her lab coat flying majestically behind her. She became the centre of attention as we focused on her hopefully.
She wraps her arms around herself and narrowed her eyes on Seb and I. "Are you guys done ranting?"
She's Amelia's godmother. But she cares about all the four kids.
"No, continue ranting while the cops do their jobs as they interview eyewitnesses and plans to take the kids to the welfare." She said with a smirk on her lips.
"No!" Both Seb and I stated at once. He even got to stand up along the line.
Benita raised her brows, "No? Did I just hear you guys claiming rights?" I just remembered. She has a bad temper. "You two are careless parents. How could you put those innocent kids lives at stake?"
"Bennie, you have no idea how it happened." I told her.
She gave me a oh-why-don't-you-enlighten-me look. "Serena, I've never know you to be reckless or careless. You allowed your father into your matrimonial home to come destroy it. The kids are not there, your marriage is falling apart."
"No," I refuse to buy that from her.
"What is no?" She narrowed her eyes, "Just imagine I wasn't there on time to save the kids, they would have fell into the same accident as your dad and end up with a terrible severe injury."
"The kids are safe?" Seb and I turned to her at once.
Bennie didn't say anything for a while and I assume she's super pissed. "You want the full gist? I'll tell you. I was coming for the afternoon shift when I stopped by at the gas station. I saw Serena's father getting gas too. The kids were at the back seat, crying mommy and daddy. I came out of my car and took them in mine before driving off to the office. I believe Rodriguez was mad about the kids missing that he didn't see the lorry coming."
Benita known to be an old friend, has become used to my family sine we were still in highschool. She would come over to my house for study and dad would treat her badly. Sometimes, dad would even chase her out and warn her never to come to the house again. He even called her bad influence. Bennie and I only got to meet in school and study in library until graduation.
"I've always known Rodriguez to be a bad guy, Serena." She continued. "I'm sorry to say: he's your father but I got to speak the truth. The moment I saw the kids in his car, kidnapping came to my mind. I believe he was planning to take the kids to Rio De Janeiro because I saw the tickets and visa in the passenger seat."
"Where are the kids now?" Her husband, Matt finally said something.
"You don't ask me that." She murmured, looking away. Then back at her husband. "What?"
"Honey, you did a really good job. Thank you. Now release the kids. I know you're holding them bound in your office." Matt sighed.
Benita's eyes popped for a while as if caught right-handed. Then she put on a serious look. "I…. it's…. it's not that easy. The police are investigating and going to take them to the welfare—"
"No bloody civilian dare lay hands on my kids or I'm roasting the entire city down." Seb retaliated.
"Can you please keep it down?" Benita shook her head. "I was just kidding about the welfare thing."
Matt raised an eyebrow, "Benita?"
"What?" She shrugged and deep down, I'm grateful for my kids safety. All thanks to her. "Not my fault they were careless. I got to protect my godbabies from harm. Fine, they're in my office but you two needs to put yourself together before coming to see them and I swear, you'll have to apologise to them for being careless parents."
Seb stood up, straighten his coat. I didn't miss the relieved smile on his face. "Fine. If apology is what you want then I don't mind doing down on my knees to beg them."
Benita was going to lead the way when Seb suddenly snap his gaze at me, "Wait. Where's Jowita?"
"Your mom came over and she's with her." I walked pass Seb, so eager to see my kids.
Just by the entrance of the passage, we bumped into dad, strolling out with bandages and plasters cluster all over his head, chin, jaw, nose, and a big wrap from his neck to his arm. He was limping and a male nurse accompanied him.
The moment he saw us, he gave me an apology look.
A swift breeze past beside me followed by a solid fist and it was too late for me to realise it all came from Sebastian. He was now on the floor, on top of dad, punching him fiercely.
"You son of a bitch! How dare you tamper with my kids!?"
"Sebastian!" I could only scream in shock and fear of next anticipation.
Antoni and the others came running to stop the fight. Even the six of them put together couldn't take him off dad. He was giving it to dad war for war and dad was getting unconscious.
I was worried he doesn't kill him. What would I do then? How do I explain later?
I tried to pull Seb off dad but he was too strong for me. The others joined but Seb is like Samson in the bible. Too powerful.
I don't know how we managed to do it but his friends dragged him off dad and his breathing ragged.
Dad looked like a piece of meat on the floor, breathing heavily. His face brutally injured this time. All the stitches loosen and blood oozed out of the pores.
"The next time I see you anywhere close to my family, my property, my kids, my house, my gates or even my wife again? I'll slit your throat. Fucking bastard!" He spat before pulling me along with him to Benita's office.
Immediately we stepped into the office, we couldn't recognise it if it were Benita's or the waste bin. The kids were everywhere jumping on the mahogany desk, on the sofa, tearing papers and touching things.
My eyes popped to see Benita's fine office messed up by my kids handiwork. Seb was having the same expression as mine too. Embarrassment written on our faces on behalf of our kids.
Benita was laughing behind us. She didn't complain. "Hello, darlings." She made her way towards the kids and kissed their chubby cheeks. "Miss me?"
They nodded vigorously with bright smiles on their happy faces.
Liliana was on the desk, dancing and twerking her little butt.
Seb quickly snatched her into his arms and kissed her head, a big frown on his face, "Don't ever do that again, princess."
"Daddy, I was twerking!" She beamed in her happiest.
And Seb shushed her, "Don't! Daddy said don't and that's it. Next time you do that, you're gonna get your ass whipped."
Liliana popped her eyes and bite her little fingers.
I saw the weird sketches on Szymon's face when I carried him, "Honey, what's this?" I caressed his face.
He just drew something on his face with Benita's pen.
"It's a dragon, mommy. Like the one daddy has on his torso. Dominik helped me draw it. Like my tattoo?"
"No more tattoo words from your mouth anymore. Get that?" Seb scolded him and he gulped.
Benita carried Dominik who played with her earrings, "Please, let them be. I like their troubles." She laughed and kissed Dominik's cheek.
Flashback Ends
****
"Elizabeth?" My husband brought me out of my deep daze.
Jesus. How long did I space out?
His voice was calm but it almost sent me out of my skin.
I took a deep breath to refresh myself and my crazy memory. Seb was staring down at me quizzically.
"I've been calling you since. You seem lost. Is everything alright?"
I shook my head. "Yes, it is." I don't want to bother him too much. Today's stress was already enough.
He didn't say anything for a while as he studies me. "Are you sure?"
Seb is the kind of person that reads people no matter how hard you try to hide it, he'll find you suspicious.
"Honey, I'm fine." I sighed.
He turned his gaze at the road, keeping quiet for a while before buying into my words. "If you say so. I was just worried, maybe you spaced out into something or whatsoever."
What I basically need now is rest. I'm battling with sleep and my eyelashes from failing but just the reminder of making dinner later, makes me curse.
"I'm just tired. That's all." I finally concluded. Amelia crashing on my chest.
Seb shrugged as he skillfully maneuvered the SUV. "We'll be home soon. Be sure to get some rest once we arrive."
I sighed and nodded.
He's right. After all the stress the kids had put me through today, what I need now is a peaceful nap. And I hope I get one successfully. That is if Amelia doesn't pull my hair or Liliana doesn't come to my room laying reports and complaining about her brothers making fun of her nose.