Chapter 28 Straight Shooter: A Guy's Perspective

"Andy, are you okay? I called out to you twice, but you didn't answer. Are you upset about something? I've been feeling a bit down too, since Mommy has been so busy with work and hasn't had much time to play with us." Andy shook his head. "No, it's not that. I was just thinking about how you're going to answer Ms. Poemomo's questions in class tomorrow." Lilya looked surprised and a bit anxious. She didn't catch on to things in class as quickly as Andy, often needing to review the material several times. The thought of facing Carol's questions made her nervous, and it showed on her usually cheerful face. "What am I going to do? You have to help me out tomorrow, Andy. I don't want to get in trouble with Ms. Poemomo." Andy tried to comfort her. "Next time, just pay a bit more attention in class. And Ms. Poemomo's punishments aren't too bad, it's just extra writing. She does it to help you learn." The difference between boys like Andy and girls like Lilya was evident even at a young age. While Lilya wished Andy would help her cheat a little by giving her hints during Carol's questions, Andy believed in learning the material properly, so she wouldn't have to be scared in the future. Lilya really wanted to do well in her studies, but she had a hard time remembering things. She wondered if, when they were born, her mother had given all the smarts to Andy, leaving her to grapple with her studies. "I knew you wouldn't help me, Andy." With that, she threw her toy aside and headed upstairs to study. She was determined to impress Carol and not fall behind anymore. "Where are you going?" "To study." Andy mistakenly thought she was upset with him. But hearing her resolve to study made him feel a sense of pride and relief. Meanwhile, Luke whispered to Charlotte, "Are you really mad?" Charlotte was busy cleaning a fish and brushed off his offer to help. Luke looked sincerely apologetic. "I should've told you. I was wrong." "Let's not talk about it now. There are people around." Sensing her discomfort, Luke chose to remain silent, not wanting to make things worse. "Why don't you go outside and watch the kids? I've got this covered here." Luke really wanted to help in the kitchen, but since he had never cooked, he didn't know where to start. He just enjoyed watching Charlotte cook; she always looked so beautiful doing it. Charlotte, already experienced with kids, found household chores easy. She hadn't known much at first, but learned for her kids' sake. It was tough initially, but she realized these tasks were essential life skills. Gradually, she adapted to them, finding joy and fulfillment in motherhood despite the tiredness. "Why are you still here?" Charlotte looked back at him. "I just want to watch you." After finishing her task, Charlotte nudged Luke out of the kitchen, encouraging him to bond with the kids. "You'll be in the way here. The kids need you more." Luke, a bit reluctant, went to join the kids. Andy called out tentatively, "Daddy?" Luke sat with him, giving him a hug. "What's up, buddy?" Andy shook his head. "Nothing. Is Mommy cooking?" "Yes, I tried to help, but she thought I'd be more trouble, so she sent me out." Andy nodded. "Mommy is probably worried you'll end up burning the kitchen like I did." Luke was surprised. "You burned the kitchen?" "Yeah, once when Mommy was out buying groceries, we wanted to help her out. We tried cooking something for her before she came back." Andy's voice got softer. "But we ended up setting the kitchen on fire. Thankfully, it wasn't a big fire and Mommy got back just in time. She was really mad and scolded us." Listening, Luke felt an increasing wave of sympathy. He wished he had met Charlotte sooner to prevent such struggles. "I promise, I'll never let you guys go through anything like that again." Lilya was munching on a grape, her voice muffled. "Really, Daddy?" "Absolutely." Luke realized his own challenges after leaving his parents' house and couldn't fathom the struggles Charlotte faced raising two kids alone. He thought deeply about their future in that moment. "Dinner is ready, wash up!" Charlotte took off her apron as she left the kitchen. Lilya and Andy, excited, dashed to the restroom to wash their hands. Their mother's meals were their favorite. Luke yearned to bring Charlotte into his life forever, envisioning their daily life together. He found this place more appealing than anywhere else. Luke's mansion in the city center, with its convenience and numerous servants, still felt cold and lifeless to him. It lacked the warmth of a home, something he had always envied in his parents' relationship. He believed finding a partner would complete his life, and fortunately, he met Charlotte. Watching Charlotte finish the meal and call them to eat, Luke felt this was the essence of a true home. Charlotte, noticing Luke still sitting, lost in thought, nudged him. "What are you doing sitting there? Aren't you hungry?" Luke was brought back to the moment. "I've been hungry." "Well, why don't you go wash your hands and eat?" Luke smiled and agreed, "Sure." At that moment, Sofia entered, immediately greeted by the delicious aroma of the meal, obviously Charlotte's cooking. "Looks like I returned just in time for dinner." Charlotte looked over at Sofia. "Ah, our busy bee is back?" Sofia caught the playful tone. "I know you're joking. I was really tied up with work today, that's why I'm late. I was planning to take you out, but you've already cooked." "Go out to eat? Okay." Charlotte was ready to store the food for another day. "I'm just kidding. Why go out when we have such a great meal here?" Charlotte laughed. "I just wanted to tease you a bit." Sofia knew she would have her chance for a comeback. "Fine, I'll treat you to lunch tomorrow."