Surprise

Just as planned, Nate woke up before Lara. He turned her alarm off and sneaked out of bed. He had to take a cold shower before officially starting the day, and it was better if Lara slept while he organised the rest.

It took him shorter than forecasted to get ready, and he walked into Scarlet's room first. His little girl would always need more time than Jaden to wake up completely, even though both twins were amusingly slow.

«Scarlet,» he whispered, touching her shoulder. «It's time.»

«No, daddy, not yeeet,» she complained, covering her head with the blanket. «I wanna zweep!»

«You can sleep in the car later or at school in the afternoon. Now we have something to do.»

She pouted but followed him out to Jaden's room. She held her daddy's hand for better balance and to avoid the need to think about where she had to walk.

With her brother, things went easier.

«Jaden, it's morning,» Nate said.