NEW BEGINNINGS

CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

It's been six months since they made it up. It's been a wild six months as Dylan was out of the country and she was left with Gabby. Trying to be a Mom to the kid was hectic and most times, she would change her mind about having a kid. Gabriel was a hand full. He did a lot for a two-year-old. He was going to be three in two months and she hoped that Dylan would be back by then. It's been six months of her mother asking her when she was going to get married, her sister talking about how great a mother she would be, and her brother doing a whole lot of running around because his wife was now pregnant. Deep down, Wanda did want to get married but Dylan had said nothing about a wedding. She concluded that he wasn't ready for that yet. They were both two busy people and there was no time for a kid or maybe two. With Gabby here with them, it took most of her time and strength. Now that Dylan was away, it was up to her to take him to daycare and pick him up. It was up to her to read to him at night and prepare his bath in the morning. Gabby was one lovable kid though. He was cute and he looked a whole lot like his father. Over the past six months, Gabby had grown to love Wanda and now he even called her 'mom'. Wanda had brought up the marriage issue with Gabriel and all Gabriel had said to her was to talk to Dylan about it. It's been six months of seeing Lucia now and then, especially since she found out that Lucia was in a relationship with Gabriel. She and Lucia had grown pretty close over time and Lucia was always coming over for the weekend or the entire week. Lucia being here was very helpful for her. Dylan called every time to check up on both of them. He had been gone for two months and a couple of days now. It was another Saturday in the house.

"Gabby!!!!" She screamed

To an extent, she missed her peaceful sweet life. She never had to rearrange the house or anything before, but now she did.

"Gabriel!" She yelled his full name

She heard him giggle from his room. She walked there and looked under the bed. She met his blue eyes and wide smile

"Come here you little squirrel. It's time to have your bath"

She said as she carried him. One couldn't help but fall in love with him. She carried him on her hip and the doorbell rang. Who could that be? She wondered. She went down with Gabby and opened the door. She saw her elder sister and her kids. She hugged her. Helen looked as bright as ever and her skin glowed

"Hey, I didn't know you were coming over," Wanda said as she hugged her
"It was supposed to be a surprise. The kids are on holiday now and Christmas is around the corner. With Richard away till next year, I was thinking we could crash at your place for the rest of the year"
"Sure, c'mon in"

Wanda said as she dropped Gabby on the floor and picked up Wally who was already crawling away. Tracy and Tristan were already out and about. They were eight now and they could find their way around now but Wanda guessed that they were in front of the tv. She took Helen to a guest room so she could get settled in

"I was just about to bathe Gabby. I've not made breakfast"
"You are really getting into motherhood"
"I am not getting into anything Helen. I'm just doing what I have to do"
"You treat him like he's your own Wanda"
"Because to an extent, he is"
"And what if Dylan breaks up again?"
"Stop being so negative"
"Well get married then!"
"That was the essence of your conversation?"
"Pretty much"
"Are you going to help with breakfast or not?"
"I would after you get married!"

Wanda rolled her eyes at her sister. She dropped Wally on the bed, beside Helen and went back to look for Gabby. She didn't need to look hard but she did need to reheat the tub. She bathed him and then cooked breakfast. That was her life now. It revolved around her work and Gabby and now, maybe her sister's kids too. Helen helped so much. Wanda knew she could leave home for work. After breakfast, She left Gabby with Wally and her sister then went up to her room to get some work done, so she told herself. She slept off. She felt someone touch her and she opened her eyes. She picked up her phone to see the time. It was almost six in the evening. She looked up to see who touched her. It was Dylan. He was back

"Hey, baby. Didn't mean to wake you up"
"Yeah, you did. When did you get back?"
"About an hour ago. I didn't go home, scoot over"

He said as he slid under her duvet and kissed her forehead after pulling her into a hug

"Hmmm... It's so good to have you back"

She said, burying her face in his chest

"It's so good to be back. I had to see you first so I came here from the airport"
"You could have called me to come to pick you up"
"And ruin the surprise? No way. Gabby was so happy to see me"
"I can imagine. He's been so restless since you left. He's a sweet kid though"
"I'm grateful you agreed to take care of him while I was away"
"I am too. He just has this soothing soul. I almost want to keep him forever"
"That's cute"
"Can he stay, just a little bit longer "
"But I'm back and I'll be going home soon "
"I know but you don't have to take him" she pleaded