Beyond Captivity

Choice

Nerissa’s Pov

I usually don't allow him to stay up so late but I was too disoriented last night to care. So now I'm suffering the repercussions of it because my toddler's grumpy. 

My twins have already been fed while Leo just woke up right when it's time for breakfast. On the brighter side we can eat with everyone today. 

As usual someone came to help me get my kids downstairs. Today it was Nikos and Andreas. But as we entered the dining room, I stopped looking at the absurdity in front of my eyes.  

Two green hats. Worn by my father and grandfather. 

Leo squealed seeing them and ran to his grandpa. Alexandros didn't waste a second before leaning down to him so he could touch the shiny green hat. 

“Mama, look!” He jumped in excitement pointing to the hat on his grandpa. 

“Do you want one?” My father asked with a grin. 

Leo excitedly nodded and Alexandros grabbed a smaller one off the table while muttering to me, “Couldn't risk taking mine off.” 

A smile grazed my face as I looked at them. It's adorable how they're trying their best to bond with my kids. Even grandpa —who Leo hasn't paid a single regard to— is putting in efforts for him. 

“Look Leo, I've got an identical one.” Demetrius mentioned pointing to the hat on his head. 

But Leo already had his own and nothing else mattered anymore. As Alexandros secured the band of the hat around Leo’s chin, he ran back to my side waiting to be fed. 

Nikos sat Landan down on his chair while Lily stayed in my arms. When Akira entered the dining room with her husband, she instantly walked towards my seat. 

“Morning Rissa.” She said with her beautiful smile then tickled Lily on her belly. “Morning Lily.” 

Lily let out a whine and rubbed her face on my shoulder in irritation. When Akira tried to take her from me, I stopped her. “She's sick. She won't come to you.” 

Akira's face dropped and a worry appeared on her features. “What happened? Does she have a fever?” She asked, touching my daughter's forehead. 

Lily pulled her face away in clear annoyance. I gently removed Akira’s hand from my child and caressed her head to calm her down. 

“Don't worry, Akira. I gave her medicine this morning. She'll be fine.” 

But Akira wasn't relieved by the information. Instead, she now looked pissed. “What medicine? You can't just give her whatever you feel is right, Rissa. You should’ve asked me first! I'm a pediatrician, I know best.” 

I was taken aback by the tone of her words and the authority it held. Looking at the reaction of our family they weren't expecting this either. 

“I've given all my kids the same syrup when they get a fever, Akira. I didn't feel the need to ask someone when I know it works.” 

I feared I'd come across as rude. But when it comes to my kids, only I have the last say. 

“But-” Christos cuts her off. 

“Drop it Akira. She knows how to raise her kids.” 

It bothers me how he has to always interject between us. I don't know why Akira tries to argue with me unnecessarily but whenever Christos takes my side, it further proves that my discomfort isn't uncalled-for.  

Akira glares at her husband. But when her eyes came back to my daughter, they softened. She gently caressed Lily's cheek while she sits in my lap but the seemingly sweet moment soon flipped.