~18~

Love is a two-way street, constantly under construction," Carrol Bryant.

***

"I miss him," Louise groaned. It has been a week since she saw Cyrus. "I shouldn't have agreed to that stupid rule," she sighed.

"Aren't you faithful?" Kate rolled her eyes. "Ditching your best friend after you found a man."

"Baby, you know that's not true," she hugged Kate. "But why are you here with Willa?"

"Since you love me so much, can Willa spend a week with you?"

"A week?"

"Mmh! I am going to Jamaica. Robert's mom died last week."

"I am sorry, how is he?" Louise asked concerningly. "I also want to go. She's my distant cousin."

"Your father is going to show respect; you don't need to show up. I know, and Robert also knows you care. He's okay. Robert knew about mom's incurable disease. Which is why it isn't affecting him so much."

"What about Marc?" Louise asked, taking Willa from Kate. "You're so cute."

"He's already in Jamaica."

"I am sorry I can't go with you," Louise said. "But how are you?"

"She was a nice mother-in-law," Kate sniffed. "She treated me like I was her real daughter every time we visited her. I wanted her to at least meet Willa. She was a wonderful mother."

"I am sorry," Louise hugged her friend. "But, you just need me here to stay with Willa, had it not been so, you would have already dragged me to Jamaica."

"You already know that; why ask?"

She's shameless!

~~~

"Darling, you have to help me with Willa," Louise pleaded. "Come on. You can sleep in one of the guest rooms. I promise I won't bother you."

"I know. I've already talked to Kate. I'll come by after work," Cyrus said.

~~~

"Willa! You are a gift from God. He won't avoid me any more," Louise smirked.

~~~

"Son, where are you going?" Mrs. Smith asked Cyrus, seeing that he was packing clothes. "There's someone I'd like you to meet."

"Who?"

"Her name's Mina—was it Mira? I am getting old!"

"I don't want to go. I am going to stay with my girlfriend for some time."

"You have a girlfriend?"

"You've met her," Cyrus said. "She accompanied me to the funeral."

"Kate's best friend? Are you talking about that tall, handsome lady?"

"Tall, handsome lady?" He laughed. "But, yeah. I am dating her."

"Wow! You're dating Suman's granddaughter. Good for you," Mrs.Smith smiled. "I don't know her, personally. I've only seen her in pictures, that's why I didn't recognize her when she came for you last time. I heard she's very rough, and her personality is fierce."

"Cahir?" Cyrus raised a brow. "She's nothing like that. She's warm, gentle, considerate, affectionate, caring—the list goes on. Anyway, none of them are true. Did you see it on social media?"

"Social media? What? Is she like famous or something?"

"She models for her father's brand. Loulou's also Kate's company CEO and biggest shareholder," he said boastfully.

"Ah!" His mother smiled, "Look at you boasting about your successful girlfriend."

"Well, she's cool, right?" Cyrus grinned.

Oh, Larson, how I wish you had the chance to see your son, his happy dating life.

"Let me meet her when she's comfortable. I'll tell my friend to forget about your meeting—I don't remember the name."

"Mmh! I'm off. Take care of the kids for me—wait, are you going to be here?"

"Go! I won't go back to France anymore."

"Thanks, mom!" Cyrus smiled.

~~~

Mrs. Smith smiled at her friends with the kids following.

"Who are these kids?" Daniella asked with a smile. She was one of Evangeline's closest friends.

"They are my kids," she said. "Say hello, guys. They are my best friends."

"Hello, I'm Timothy, he's my twin brother, Tyler, and our little sister Tara," Tim said. "It's nice to meet you finally; mom always talks about how good you are to her. We appreciate it," he smiled.

'He's so mature.' Adele smiled at them, then complimented Tara. "You're beautiful, Tara! Nice to meet you, kids!"

"Thank you," said Tara, sitting across Daniella.

"Hi, nice to meet you," Daniella said, "But, where's your husband's son?"

"Why? Are you interested in him?" Mrs. Smith laughed. "Cyrus's with his girlfriend."

"Pity!"

"Is that his daughter?" Adele asked, staring at Tara.

Though Cyrus resembled his biological father, his siblings looked a lot like him, especially Tara, which is why people often mistook them as father and daughter when together.

"No—"

"I had the worse client today, sorry, I am late," Laura, one of their friends, said as she sat across Tyler. "Why are you babysitting other people's brats?" She asked, glancing at the menu.

'Babysitting? Ah, this woman!' Adele rolled her eyes.

"They are her kids. Watch your mouth!" Daniella informed.

"'What's wrong with you? Do you think adopting poor children will make you a mother? Why are you presenting people's kids yours?" Laura mocked.

"Laura, what's wrong with you?" Daniella asked, offering an apologetic smile.

"Am I wrong?" She rolled her eyes. "She's sterile." No matter how hard she tries, she can never have Larson's kids.

Tyler was a quiet person, but he couldn't stand this lady insulting his mom like that. Tyler knew that Mrs.Smith wasn't his biological mother, but she adopted him and his siblings, reunited their older brother with his father, and took great care of them.

"That's enough!" Tyler said he didn't raise his voice or shouted. He was calmed and composed as he stared at Laura.

"Who are you?"

"I am her son. Why?"

"Don't talk to me like you're on the same level as me. You're somebody because that mule took you in. Don't act big," Laura said, staring him down.

"Aren't you ashamed, Laura, saying this to a kid?" Adele asked, feeling embarrassed. "Don't mind her!"

"I respect my elders and everyone, but I won't let anyone insult my mother like that," Tim said, scrutinizing his mother's friends, especially Laura. "Yes, she's sterile. Do you know that feeling? You don't know. I don't know it, but we're old enough to know that she doesn't want and need us to remind her."

"Yes, we were no one. We know that. We'll be forever grateful to mom. You didn't do anything for us; who are you to look down on us?" Unlike her brothers, Tara didn't mind offending Laura, who seemed not to value her relationship with Mrs. Smith.

"You know Cyrus became Larson Inc. co-owner," Tara said. "That's your biggest client, right?" She smiled devilishly. "I can have him fire you anytime. Don't be obnoxious."

"Who will represent you? I am one of the biggest and competent law firms around here," Laura said, clenching her fists.

"There are other outstanding law firms out there that will gladly represent us. Stop being a distasteful human being before I tell my brother to fire you."

"I am sorry, Evangeline. I don't know why she became like this," Daniella said, feeling disconcerted and apologetic.

"Lau, I thought we were friends," Mrs. Smith said in a faint voice as her angelic eyes sought for any signs of regret in her friend's eyes. She sighed, "I guess you never acknowledged me."

"Let's go, mom," Tara said, pulling a teary Mrs. Smith up.

~~~

"Mom, I am sorry," Tara apologized to Mrs. Smith, "I couldn't stand it—"

"I am not mad," she smiled. "But, it feels so good to have your kids protecting you."

"No matter what people say, you're our mother," Tim said. "Don't let other people make you feel like you don't deserve the title. You have earned it."

Mrs. Smith laughed softly. How can I be blessed with such lovely kids?

"I am hungry," Tyler said as he tried to ease up her mood.

"I'll cook for you. What do you want?" Mrs. Smith smiled brightly at her son.

"Anything. We're not picky eaters," Tara said.

"Thank you, mom."

"For what?"

"We've never thanked you for what you did. I hope you live a long life so we can repay you," Tim said.

"I'll have a long life," she laughed.

~~~

Cyrus and Willa fell asleep in Louise's room. He arranged a few pillows to prevent her from falling off the bed if she were to roll over.

Louise picked up Willa, gently putting her in the crib.

"I am sorry I fell asleep," Cyrus yawned.

"I know you're tired," Louise said, running her fingers through his hair. "Are you hungry?"

"No. I am tired," Cyrus said, rubbing his eyes.

"Okay! Sleep in any room you want. I am going to work," she said, putting her hair up, a pencil behind her ear. "Don't worry about Willa. I'll know if she wakes up," Louise said.

She leaned down and kissed Cyrus's forehead. "Sleep well!"

Cyrus opened his eyes and stared at Louise. How can someone make you love them so damn much? When did he start to love her? It was the little things that got him. The kisses on the forehead, the tender peck on the lips, and even though she appears as an aloof and arrogant person to others, Cyrus knew that Louise was an affectionate, passionate, and compassionate woman.

"What? Is there something on my face?" Asked Louise

"No," Cyrus got up and placed a small kiss on her lips, "Thanks!"

What was that for?

~~~

Sometime later, Louise changed and fed Willa, putting her back in the crib. She didn't cry long until she fell asleep.

"Darling, wake up!"

"Leave me alone," Cyrus mumbled, shaking Louise's hand off of him. "Let me sleep, please, baby!"

"Go to your room!" It wasn't that he didn't want to get up, but he felt too tired. "Fine. I am sleepy. I can't bother with you," she said and checked on Willa. "How can you sleep so peacefully? I envy you," Louise said, rubbing Willa's small back.

~~~

"What the hell is this?" Cyrus was unable to get out of Louise's grip. How can she hold someone to sleep like this?

"Loulou! Let go," Cyrus wriggled his body. Louise had her feet in a tight lock around him while she pulled him close to her chest, her hands hugging Cyrus. "Now, I know why you told me to go to my room," he sighed. "Cahir—"

"I hear you. Stop moving around," Louise said as she released her hold on Cyrus, " I am sorry. Were you uncomfortable?"

"No!" Strange, it felt comfortable. "I am going to shower."

Willa sat up when she heard Louise's voice. She happily clapped her hands. "My beautiful baby, come here," Louise got out of bed and picked her up. "It isn't too early for a bath."

"Did your friends leave?" Cyrus asked, coming out of the bathroom. "I haven't seen them around."

"Ben went to visit his father in Florida. The others are—I don't know. They should be here."

"I'll make breakfast."

"Thanks!"

~~~

"What's wrong with you?" Cyrus asked.

"Me?"

"Is there anyone else here?"

"There's nothing. I feel bad," Louise lowered her head.

"What happened?" Cyrus asked. He put his food aside to listen to his girlfriend. "You want to talk about it?"

"About this morning!"

"What about it?"

"I am sorry. I can't change my sleeping habits—and—"

Cyrus laughed. "There's nothing wrong with it. You were beating yourself over this? Silly. Is that all that was bothering you?"

"If there's anything I do or say that you don't feel comfortable. You have to tell me, remember, our relationship is 200/100. We compromise for each other. We communicate with each other to figure out what's best for us—"

"I know, and there's nothing. Where is this coming—"

"I know you are a nice and quiet guy. You don't say much. I love everything about you. Sometimes, you have to tell me what you want. I love you, darling. But I am not a mind reader. I just want to remind you," Louise said, lovingly stroking his face.

"I know, I know," Cyrus nodded. 'Selfless!' "You—"

"Don't worry about me! If I want sex, I'll just tell you. I have no problem telling you what I want, do I?" Louise grinned.

'Brother! She'll set up a romantic atmosphere then ruin it herself—this woman. Cyrus smiled. But she's mine.'

~~~

"You were wrong. You were impolite to Evangeline," Daniella shouted. "How long have you known her? I know you don't like her. It's not her fault that Larson didn't marry you. He didn't love you. You have an amazing husband. Why are you still living in the past?"

"I have the right to hate her. Who are you to scold me?" Laura yelled.

"We're sorry. We got it all wrong. I thought we were friends, family," Adele laughed. "I don't even know you anymore."

"Apologize to Evangeline, Laura," Daniella encouraged. "She'll forgive you."

"Apologize? Why? Everything was true."

"Laura!!!"

"Are you going to be like this? Don't be arrogant. Evangeline will not fire you. But, if her precious children persist, she isn't going to stop them. It's because of her that you're living this lavish life. Your law firm would have been nothing if it weren't for her. Even though Evangeline is our friend, but she's still our boss, "Adele reminded her.

"Why do I need—"

Pak! A slap landed on Laura's cheek. "Daniella!"

"How old are you? Do you think our lives are a drama? It's embarrassing. Don't let your husband and children see this side of you. It's utterly sickening. I thought—"

"Don't say anymore," Adele said. "Let's go. Don't contact us if you don't apologize to her. It's not that we're standing up for her and going against you. You shouldn't have insulted her and her kids, adopted or not, they are hers."

Laura knew that she was in the wrong, but she couldn't admit it. She loved Larson, but he married Evangeline. Laura couldn't accept it, despite being friends for so many years.

'Is it worth it to lose those precious friends?

Evangeline did nothing wrong; why do I even treat her this way? Am I even human? She treated me so well all these years. What am I doing? My kids would indeed be disappointed in me.