shuhaige
Stressed
Layla and Nolan climbed down the stairs with Nolan in his arms. She was fully dressed for school.
“Noelle, what took you so long?” Keisha’s daughter, Kira asked the moment she saw Noelle.
Noelle shrugged. “I was just taking my time,” she said with a grin.
” How are you, Malcolm?” Layla asked Malcolm who was patiently waiting for the two girls.
” I’m good. Good morning.. ” he greeted.
” What about you Kira?” She smiled at Kira, who smiled back at her.
” I’m fine Aunt Layla..” she responded.
“Noelle, you should get going. You’re already late. You’ll have your breakfast in school. I’ll send words to your teacher..” Layla informed as Nolan dropped Noelle on the ground as she ran to join her friends.
“Okay Mommy..” she replied.
“Bye, dear. Have fun..” Layla waved, planting a kiss on her forehead.NôvelDrama.Org © content.
“I wish I would..” she uttered with sarcasm.
” I love you sweetheart” Layla threw a kiss at her.
“I love you too..” she retorted with a firm face as their Nanny led all of them to the car.
“Bye Aunt Layla!!” Kira and Malcolm waved as they went out of sight.
“Phew..” Layla found herself breathing in relief. There was going to be at least seven hours of peace before they came back from school again.
She loved having them around but she loved her peace as well.
Keisha left early in the morning to take care of something.
“You looked stressed,” Nolan reasoned as Layla buried herself in his arms.
Of course, she was. She was heavily pregnant and still had to give Noelle an earful before she listened to her.
Nolan and Layla were already expecting their second child.
“Of course I am..” she frowned, breaking off from the hug as she walked over to a sofa, slumping on it tiredly.
Nolan sat down next to her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“It’s okay to feel stressed out,” he said, his voice soothing.
“Being pregnant is hard work. And then there’s Noelle to deal with on top of that. I don’t blame you for feeling overwhelmed.”
“Thank you for understanding,” Layla muttered, leaning into his embrace.
“I just feel like I can’t do anything right lately. Noelle is always acting out, and I’m always tired” she complained.
” You should take it easy with her..” Nolan voiced out.
Noelle was a handful, he knew that.
” Well, I’m trying to. But she’s just so stubborn and does things on her own accord. Take, for instance, she wants to automatically turn herself into a boy. She does not act like a girl or a princess at all. She’s always seen around boys. You know Kira is the only female friend she has right?” Layla grilled as her eyes met Nolan’s.
She was still sure Noelle wouldn’t have made friends with Kira if not for the fact they both grew up together.
Nolan sighed.
“I know it’s hard to see your daughter acting so differently from how you expected,” he stated.
“But I think it’s important to remember that Noelle is her person, and she has the right to express herself however she wants. She might not be the girliest girl, but that doesn’t make her any less special or any less worthy of love.”
” I know and I love her like that. It’s just that she’s taking it too far.. ”
” You would not believe that she picked up scissors to cut off her hair… ” Layla reported.
Noelle came out of the bathroom one day with short hair. She cut off her hair saying long hairs were lame and she preferred short ones.
Nolan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “She cut off her hair?” he asked, his voice incredulous. He thought Layla did that herself.
“That’s quite a drastic move. Did you ask her why she did it?”
“She said long hair was boring and short hair was more exciting,” Layla responded still in disbelief.
“I tried to explain to her that she could have gotten a haircut if she wanted and she didn’t need to cut her hair herself. She just wouldn’t listen.”
“That sounds like Noelle,” Nolan said, shaking his head. “I think she’s just going through a phase. She’ll grow out of it… ” Nolan assured, patting Layla’s shoulders.
“Kids would always be kids. No need to stress yourself over it… ” he added.
Layla took a deep breath and nodded. “You’re right,” she said, letting out a small laugh. “I’m probably making too big a deal out of it. It’s just hair, after all.”
“Exactly,” Nolan said, smiling at her. “And besides, I think she looks pretty cute with short hair, and you too..” Nolan laughed, reminding Layla that she also had short hair.
“Yeah, I guess she does,” Layla admitted. “She looks like a little pixie.”
They both laughed, the tension in the room dissipating.
“So you can calm your nerves now right?” Nolan asked, raising a brow at her.
“Yeah, I think I’m feeling better,” Layla said, smiling at him.
“Thanks for talking me down from the ledge.”
“That’s what I’m here for,” Nolan said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“You can always come to me when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. I’ll be your rock.”
Layla felt her heart melt at his words as she blushed.
“You’re the best,” she said, feeling grateful for his support.
“I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“That’s why I’m the best partner you can always ask for..” Nolan uttered feeling all pompous.
Layla laughed. “Oh, now you’re getting cocky,” she teased, poking him in the ribs. “But I have to admit, you’re pretty great.”
“I know I am,” Nolan said with a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“But I’m only great because I have you to keep me in line.”
“Aww, you’re so sweet,” Layla cooed, leaning in for a kiss.
” Come on, I’ll make you breakfast… ” Nolan offered as Layla laughed. His cooking had gotten better over the years. He took it upon himself to make food for his daughter.
Noelle on the other hand wouldn’t eat food made by the maids sometimes and would request for the one her father or Layla made. She was also very picky.
“Breakfast would be lovely,” Layla said, getting up from the couch as they both walked to the kitchen looking all happy and fulfilled.