Après (sequel to Arranged marriage with Adnan)

Chapter 16

"The cottage!"
"Ugh," I was struggling with brining in and the kids' bags, "Adnan, little help?" I asked feeling a bit pissed off.

The kids ran on inside to go play and what not. I dropped the bags at the steps of the door, right on the porch. I sat down on the set of chairs outside and the old wood creaked from underneath me. I ran my fingers along the smooth but rigid wood. Parts of the chair had been worn down, but others still it fairly good condition considering its age.

"Hey, my love, what's wrong?"
"Oh, now you come?! When I'm already up the driveway and at the door?!" I laughed towards the end since Adnan slinked his hands around my waist and connected our lips.
"Gosh I love you and this place, Scarlett."
"Brings back so many good memories, eh?"

I rested my head on his chest and inhaled deeply taking in his scent.

"It does..."

At this moment I just wanted to fall asleep in his arms. I wanted for him to hold me forever.

"Look at this," he laughed and pointed to a dent in the front door, "is that from Juan or when by accident I drove the stroller into the door."
I laughed then swallowed hard, "Juan... Juan did it."
"It's ok."
"I know, he's not a monster like he was on that day."

I shuddered from the thought of him trapping me between the wall and himself.

Adnan and I stepped inside our old home. It was refreshing to be back at the first home we both owned, together. From the moment we first met, up until our marriage, and until we had our second and third child. Now it functioned as a cottage sort of getaway home for us and the kids to go on a weekend type of thing. For example, this weekend was a small little get away. The kids were all dressed in cute outfits, Scotia wearing a jean skirt and white shirt. The boys wore matching outfits which were tan shorts and grey t-shirts.

It was a wonderful house, but it wouldn't suit us, a family of five. Adnan and I searched around Manchester shortly after the birth of our twins to find a house. We ended up building in stead to make sure we got exactly what we wanted and needed for us and the kids.

"Mummy, I need take of shoes," my younger twin, Adrian, said.

I bent down and assisted him with removing his shoes. Adnan and I stuck with the first letter thing for the names. Since they were both boys, they're names started with the letter "A", like their father. There was Arian and Adrian, the two Januzaj twins.

"Mummy, what am I supposed to do here?!" Scotia pouted. She sat down on the steps and crossed her arms and legs with attitude.

I sighed and moved beside my little girl. Adnan would take in the twins.

"Scotia," I tucked a strand of her hair behind her small ear, "why so upset?"
"There's nothing to do here, all my toys are at home."
"You used to love coming here, don't you remem-"
"No, no I don't remember!" She stopped her foot.
"Scotia..." I said, "Tell me what's wrong," she said nothing, "Scotia, I'm not leaving here until you use your words and tell me what's wrong."
"I have no one to play with, Adrian and Arian won't want to play what I want to play."
"Hmm..." I thought, "That's a shame."

Adnan had left the boys on the couch to share the iPad. I could see them sitting from down the hall. I'd assumed Adnan had gone outside.

"How about you do something with me?" I suggested.
"Like what?" Her head shot up.
"Well, come on up!"

Adnan came back inside from the garage once I was halfway up the stairs.

"Going somewhere?"
"Scotia," I answered.
"I'm going to take the boys out to play football."
I rolled my eyes, "Adnan they're so young."
"Hey, I started even younger," he protested.

I walked up the stairs and took Scotia's hand. I lead her to Adnan's spare room since mine had been completely changed and converted into a bedroom.

Some of my beanbags from years ago laid on the floor and Adnan's pictures on the walls were still intact. I sat her down in the chair and pulled out a notebook from one of the desk drawers.

"You've never been in this room, huh?"

My daughter shook her head.

"Here, you can draw with this. How about I also tell you a story?"

She nodded and began to draw.

"Do you know who used to live here?"
"Nope," she continued to scribble down pink petals on her flower.
"Mummy and daddy," she looked up to me, "A long, long time ago."
"How long?"
"I'm taking a long time ago, thousands of years ago!" I joked making her giggle, "This very room... Was Adnan's room!"
"What was it for?"
"A space for him to relax, see those pictures there?"
"They're football players?"
"They don't play football anymore, but when Adnan was younger they did. He had their pictures ever since. See, this is a poster of some of the best players I've seen, Messi and Ronaldo."
"I don't care," she proceeded to draw another flower.

I laughed at her. She had no interest in football whatsoever. It was funny, but also a bit sad. It'd be cute to see her play.

"Ok, ok," I smiled, "You know the bedroom?"
"Of course, we sleep there!"
"That used to be my room."
"Your room?"
"And auntie Rylee? We used to have sleepovers there!"
"You? Auntie Rylee?" I nodded, "Wow, really?!"
"But now it's for you and your brothers to sleepover in."
"Yeah..." She coloured in her second flower purple.

I watched her silently and let her finish up her drawing. Scotia is so precious. Our family is so special. It's unique, interesting, and you never know what to expect which keeps things real. We're not perfect and sometimes along the road things don't go smoothly, but in the end,

The Januzaj's are always there for each other.