Chapter 4 Luke's Pre-Birthday Celebration

Chapter 4

"Why did Lucy cry? What did she see?" Luke asked when the girls left with Cody's mom.

"Please don't tell anybody ok," Cody began.

"I promise, I won't tell," Luke said.

"My-my dad, hits my mom...a lot. They don't know that Lekki and I know but we know. We hear them always arguing when we're suppose to be asleep or playing in our room. It's mostly my dad yelling and hitting my mom. He calls her mean names and talks about her all the time. It makes me angry because I can't do nothing for her. She is the best mom any kid could ever have," Cody said wiping his eyes.

"I didn't know it was that bad. Why don't you guys leave or something?" Luke asked.

"We don't have anywhere to go. That's why we are still here. My dad doesn't make that much money as yours and he blames us for him not being rich with a bigger house and better car," Cody said tidying up his already clean room.

"Man, that sucks," Luke said shaking his head.

"Tell me about it," Cody said sadly and placed Lekki's backpack in her designated purple crate.

"You guys don't have any family that could help m?" Luke asked wanting to help his friend with his dilemma .

"We have one uncle and a grandmother I believe. He is in college and lives somewhere far. Momma doesn't talk about our grandmother much so I'm not sure if she's alive or not. We get a birthday card every holiday. Anyway come on, let's go see if we can play outside," Cody said and looked out of the door and tipped toe out of the room quietly.

Luke walked out and was about to ask Cody a question. Cody placed his pointer finger against his lips to shush him until they made it to his mom. They went outside because they heard their sisters laughing and playing. Once outside Luke questioned him.

"Why did we have to be quiet until we made it outside?" Luke questioned.

"It's a rule. My dad doesn't like loud noises. To keep him in his office and to not yell at us that's what we have to do," Cody explained.

'Man, his dad sucks. I sometimes don't like my dad but at least mine is fun to be around. Glad my dad doesn't have these dumb rules,' Luke thought and began to play tag with the other children.

::: :::

"Maddy, Babe! I'm leaving. Don't wait up for me. Cody, Lekki get over here now!" Lester yelled from inside of the house.

Cody and Lekki stopped running around immediately and quickly ran towards their dad standing on the porch. They stopped a few feet away from him and had their heads bowed to not look him in the eye. He bent down and motioned them to come to him so he could hug them.

"Get over here. Be good and listen to your mother. I love you and I will be gone a couple of days," he kissed each of them on the forehead and picked them up in his arms.

The children didn't know how to react to how their father was showing them a sliver of affection...he never did before.

"Hug your father back and tell him you love him," Madeline coached her children.

"Bye Daddy, we can love you," the children said in unison almost robotic and awkwardly one arm hugged him.

He kissed them again then let them down. He left to go back inside of the house without giving his family another glance.

The children ran to the side of their house heading to the front to wave goodbye to their dad. They stopped in their tracks when they saw their dad kissing the lady and slapping her on the butt. They were embarrassed at what they witnessed and the lady looked at them and grinned. The lady whispered in Lester's ear and he turned around. He looked behind himself and saw his kids looking down in disappointment.

He brushed them off as if he didn't care what they thought. It was time for him to have fun and take part in some adult type games. The two got in the woman's car that was parked across the street. Madeline saw the whole thing and looked down at her wedding band. She took it off and placed the ring in her white jean pants pocket.

"Cody, Lekki, come to me," Madeline said and the children turned around and followed their mother's voice back to the side of the house where she was. They walked to her and she wrapped her arms around both of her children's shoulders and hugged them to her body. She kissed them both on the forehead.

"Food is almost done being prepped and ready for the grill. Plus we still have to make the ice cream. So no more crying ok. I know it's hard but it's still Luke's pre-birthday celebration. I also have something for you to play with the Callaghans," Madeline said trying to get them back happy.

"If I haven't told you I love you today, I love you. Both of you. You are both special and I am honored to be your mother. Come on we are putting a damper on Luke's pre-birthday celebration," Madeline whispered and brought out water guns that she had on the side of the house.

The kids smirked and pumped the water guns.

"OOOOhhhhh Luuuukkkke!" Cody shouted.

"Yea!" Luke shouted back while sitting on the waiting for Lsteps heading back to the .

"Happy pre-birthday! I hope you can get wet in your clothes because you are going to get soaked," Cody shouted and ran from the corner of the house and started shooting Luke and Lucy with the water guns. Lucy shrieked and Luke started to laugh running away from Cody.

Lucy ran to Lekki and Madeline for safety. .

Madeline handed her a water gun and both girls went to get Luke for being Bossy and for his birthdaywent out and shot Luke screaming "happy birthday!".

Luke was soaked from head to toe but was having a blast. Madeline changed her pants To dark shorts and a tank top. She had the girls help her make water balloons and the siblings divided into girls versus boys. Madeline made sure to make the grill area a no splash zone. She flipped the burgers and used the cutting board to start buttering then buns. She had the fries in the air fryer to cut the cooking time down.

One Hour Later

Hamburgers and fries were finally done and ice cream was freezing to make firmer. Madeline was inside the house cutting up some tomatoes, lettuce, onions and cheese to put on the hamburgers. She took a quick wipe off and changed into black lounging pants, a loose purple short sleeve shirt and her black house slippers. She called for the kids to finish up their game of freeze tag to get changed for dinner and dessert. The kids ran in laughing but was instantly cold from the AC hitting their wet skin and hair. The girls took a shower in Madeline's room while the boys were in the second bathroom taking turns showering so they would be clean and dry.

Ding Dong Ding Dong

Madeline checked the clock. It was 7:30. She figured it was Scott to get his kids before they ate dinner. Madeline answered the door and it was Scott in black docker pants, a red and black plaid button down, and some brown Sperry shoes.

"Hey, I'm here to get Luke and Lucy for dinner," Scott said with his hands in his pockets.

"I just got done making hamburgers and fries. If it's alright you can join us. My husband isn't here so there should be peace tonight," Madeline said.

"Are you sure because I made some spaghetti last night for them to eat. I thought you was on a no carb, no meat, no sweets, only vegetable diet?" Scott asked.

"Whoever told you that? Anyway you can bring that over and we can have a potluck," Madeline smiled at Scott.

"Hey Mrs. Madeline , is the food almost done. Oh hey Daddy! Can we please stay over and eat the hamburgers Mrs. Madeline had made? I helped and Lekki did too! " Lucy said excitedly.

"Sweetpea, there's still spaghetti and meatballs from last night you guys hardly ate," Scott said and picked up his daughter.

"Oh we weren't that hungry. But please Daddy! It was so much fun! I want to try them," Lucy said trying to put her puppy dog eyes on him.

"I guess so, let me cut the stove off and I will be right back," Scott said giving in.

"Yes!" Lucy said then kissed him on his cheek .

She wiggled out of his arms and ran back to the siblings' room.

"Are you sure it's okay? Because they don't eat a lot but I do," Scott said patting his flat stomach.

"I made over twenty burgers and we have homemade ice cream. Plus we have your spaghetti as well. I think we will be fine," Madeline said.

Scott shook his head and left to go next door to his house. Moments later he was back empty handed. The door was left unlocked for him and everyone was sitting in the dining room ready to eat.

Scott sat in Lester's spot and Madeline had to bring out two more seats for Luke and Lucy. Madeline walked around and handed everyone a plate and cup. She went back to the kitchen and gave each person a pre-made hamburger.

"Is there anything else I can help you with?" Scott asked getting up.

"Oh no, you are the guest. I'm fine, I do this everyday. Thanks though," Madeline went back to her kitchen and brought out the different spreads and fixings she had prepared.

She left again and brought out a pitcher of water and then a pitcher of lemonade. Her kids' eyes lit up while the Callaghan kids' looked at the food not looking or smelling weird. Madeline poured her children a cup of water and herself as well.

"Do you want a cup of water or lemonade?" Madeline asked Luke and Lucy.

"Lemonade please," they both said.

She poured them lemonade and asked Scott the same thing. He wanted lemonade.

Everyone ooh and aww ed the food that was prepared. Scott's eyebrows were raised when his kids went for a second helping of the meaty burgers.

Cody and Lekki, he noticed didn't talk much unlike his children. Madeline got up again and Scott followed her to the kitchen.

"Are your children always that quiet?" Scott asked gathering the bowls and spoons for dessert.

"Uhm, yeah pretty much. We don't talk at the dinner table. It's something that my husband had ingrained into them for a long time. Just give them a moment they will warm up," Madeline said reaching up to in the cabinet to get some chocolate syrup.

Scott watched her stand on her tippy toes reaching for something. He was entranced by her smooth skin and how her backside jumped up and down when she was reaching up. Scott shook his head and tapped her shoulder.

"May I?" Scott asked.

She giggled and pulled down her shirt.

"Thank you kind sir," Madeline said and moved out of the way.

"Anything else?" Scott asked while handing the syrup to her.

"No,I believe that's all thank you," Madeline said and placed the chocolate syrup and the rest of the condiments on the silver serving tray along with the ice cream and bowls.

"Oh, I was wondering what do you do for Luke in the morning for his birthday?" Madeline asked turning around to face Scott.

"Uhm, nothing planned. I have to stop by the office for an hour or two then we are going off to Discovery Pizza. Come home then have them play outside, watch some movies, play some board games, and sleep,"Scott said scratching his head.

"Would you mind if I made him my birthday special pancakes?" Madeline asked grinning about it.

"Birthday Special Pancakes?" Scott questioned.

"Yea, it's extra special and it's a secret. You just have to be awake. What time do you have to be at work?" Madeline asked and decided to serve the ice cream already in the bowls.

"I was planning to leave at 8 but I can go in later," Scott said grabbing a ziplock bag and pouring the contents in the bowl.

"Ok, be prepared at 8:30 in the morning. This is going to be so much fun," Madeline said and put the bowls back on the silver tray.

Madeline went to pick up the tray but Scott grabbed it from her and walked towards the door. Madeline blushed a bit because her husband first of all would have never helped her like Scott did.

'Maddy , girl , don't get your panties all soaking wet. He is just being nice and a gentlemen. But he does have a cute butt,' Madeline thought and got some sparkling candles.

Madeline and Scott came through the kitchen door and the children had stopped whispering.

"What were you guys talking about?" Scott asked as Madeline placed a bowl in front of everyone along with a sparkling candle.

"Uhm, nothing," the children said in unison.

She lit the candles and the children started to giggle. Once the candles went out Madeline told everyone to dig in.

Few Hours Later

The combined family played UNO, monopoly, Life, Goldfish, Hide n Seek and decided to play a movie at the Callaghan house since they had a bigger size tv and couch.

The house was well lived in and needed a quick clean. The Callaghans shuffled some of the junk around and made pallets in front of the t.v.

Madeline popped some popcorn and looked inside the spaghetti pot out of curiosity. Lucy came in the kitchen at the same time. Madeline closed back the lid and turned slightly green.

"What in the world is that?" Madeline asked fanning the fumes.

"That would have been dinner if we didn't eat with you guys," Lucy said standing on a step stool to get some water from the faucet.

"He feeds this stuff to you guys on purpose? What do you eat for lunch at school?" Madeline asked and walked to the refrigerator.

It was a mess inside.

'We are definitely going to purge this fridge. Everything must go!' Madeline thought and closed the door.

"Cody and Lekki share their lunch with Lucky and me. If not, then we have to eat the leftovers or a burnt lettuce and tomato sandwich. He won't let us eat the school lunch. It's pretty bad isn't it Mrs.Madeline ,"Lucy said and finished drinking her water. Madeline walked to the entrance and peered in.

Lucy returned back to the living room and sat back down with Lekki on the air mattress to finish the movie on the big screen tv. Cody and Luke were sleeping on either side of a sleeping Scott. Madeline giggled and the girls turned towards her. She put her finger to her lips and told the girls to come to her.

"Momma, are we staying here or going back home?" Lekki asked after she yawned.

"You guys can stay here, I have nowhere to sleep," Madeline said and picked up her daughter.

"You can stay in my room Mrs. Madeline . Lekki and I can share a bed. I have a bunk bed!" Lucy said.

"Please Momma!" Lekki begged and put her puppy dog eyes on her.

Lucy clasped her hands together and did the same thing.

"Oh alright. Let's get the boys to bed shall we," Madeline said and walked back to the living room.

She carried Luke first to his room with the guidance of Lucy. Madeline took his shoes and socks off and placed him on the top bunk once she got to his room.

"Thanks Mommy. Good night," Luke said sleepily and turned on his side.

"Good night Luke," Madeline whispered and kissed him on the forehead.

Madeline went back downstairs and got her son and did the same to him.

"Night, Momma, I love you,"Cody said and fell back to sleep.

Madeline walked to Lucy's room and the girls were already in bed sleep. She kissed them both on the forehead and walked out. Madeline went back downstairs to get the big kid off to bed as well.

"Scott, Scott, it's time to get up and go to bed," Madeline shook him a bit.

"10 more minutes and I will start dinner Lu," Scott said.

Madeline shuddered and shook him again until he opened his eyes to whine about leaving him alone.

"You're not my daughter," Scott said with sleep in his voice and one red eye open.

"Daddy! You don't recognise me?" Madeline played shocked and Scott chuckled then leaned back and stretched.

She saw his washboard abs peeking from underneath his shirt.

"Like what you see Madeline?"Scott smirked and stood up.

He walked to the stairs and turned.

"Where are the kids?" he asked after he yawned and scratched his stomach then head.

"They are all upstairs sleep. The girls are in Lucy's room and the boys are in Luke's room," Madeline said.

She smirked because she knew tiring them out after all that sugar was the key.

"Good, well come on to bed. I'm not that wild of a sleeper," Scott went and grabbed Madeline's hand and pulled her up the stairs.

"Wait can we talk about this?" Madeline asked as she walked up the stairs.

"In the morning," Scott said and opened his master bedroom.

The room seemed to take up most of the house. It was slightly messy but nothing too bad. He had a four poster King sized bed with steps in the middle. A cherry colored dresser and vanity.

She turned in the room and there was family pictures without the mother. Drawings from Lucy and some from Lekki in framed picture frames. Clay pots and statues. Architect blueprints, pencils, pens, matte, cardboard, and several xacto knives on the desk.

Scott came back damp with a towel over his head and no shirt with black cotton lounging pants.

"You can sleep in my shirt and I think I have some clean boxers in the dresser. Fresh linen is in the linen closet. I think she left some of her body washes in there as well if you don't like how Old Spice smell on your skin," Scott handed her the top to his black cotton pajama bottoms and some red boxers that came out of a package.

"You are not weirded out by this?" Madeline said as she gathered the clothes.

"Why should I? I'm exhausted and our kids are down the hall. The bed is basically two queen size beds put together. I wouldn't know if you were in the bed or not. Anyway the couch sucks and I doubt you want to sleep on a twin size bed. I wouldn't feel comfortable with you in your house by yourself. Then your kids might need you during the night. Believe me, I'm ok with it. I promise I won't try anything, you're safe, " Scott chuckled and threw his towel from his head to the dirty hamper close to the bay window.

"Ok, I'll be out in a moment," Madeline said and closed then locked the bathroom door.

The bathroom was heaven on earth. She wanted to move inside of the bathroom because it was her dream bathroom. She could tell great care and customization was put in the design of the bathroom. She loved the earth tone theme that was used. She sighed happily over the Roman style jet tub. There was a his and her black toilet and black sink, a make-up mirror and a 32in mounted plasma television on the dark brown tiled wall.

She cooed at the massive counter space and lit vanity and backless couch.

'Only thing missing is a refrigerator and microwave,' Madeline mused to herself.

She browsed through the walkin linen closet and saw the shelf of clear his and her body products. She quickly looked for some body wash and wasn't impressed. She didn't like floral scented body washes and stuck with the Old Spice.

1 hour later

Madeline exit out of the bathroom with steam coming from behind her. Scott was already asleep snoring lightly on his side of the mattress. Madeline quietly went to check on the kids again like she did every night before she went to bed.

She peered into Luke's room. She saw Cody's leg was outside of the covers hanging over. She crept inside being mindful not to fall or knock anything over. She bent his leg in and Cody turned his body and curled in a ball. Madeline giggled quietly to herself and stood up to check on Luke.

Luke was a wild sleeper and the covers were twisted.

She untangled him and heard him say, "Momma, you came back?" and resumed his soft snores.

She shook her head and saw the girls sleeping snug in the bed and she closed the door to head back to Scott's room.

She got in the bed and turned on her side. She stretched and looked at the clock. 12:56 a.m.

"Happy birthday Luke," Madeline whispered and then yawned melting into the cloud like pillow top mattress.

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