Chapter 6
A new day was on the roll.
The sun streamed in through the curtains, casting a cozy warmth on Thalassa’s face as she slowly woke up Peeking her eyes open, she found her adorable little munchkins sprawled all over the place next to her.
Atticus, being the cool cat he was, slept in military precision, flat on his back with his little hands folded neatly under his pillow
Dorian, on the other hand, was a ball of energy even in sleep. He was sprawled out, and his chubby little feet were resting on Atticus, with one foot effectively blocking Atticus nostrils.
Clearly, Atticus was having a rough time even while sleeping. His young brows furrowed and looking none too pleased, breathing through his mouth.
Thalassa chuckled at the sight, gently moving Dorian’s foot off of Atticus.
Dorian’s lips moved slightly, as if aware of the disturbance, but he just shifted positions and continued his snooze, undeterred.
Turning her gaze to the side, she spotted Sophia lying at the edge of the bed. Her short hair was boyish, her cherubic face was squished by the bedsheet, and her rosy cheeks were sticking out, smooth as a silk.
Thalassa couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
Sophia was the youngest of the bunch and one of the two girls. Normally the youngest kid got the most attention, was the most pampered, and knew all the tricks to be cute. But in her household, it was quite the opposite. Clowen, the older of the two girls, was the one who was all sugar and spice and everything nice
Sophia, though, was more of a tomboy. She loved playing it cool, hated braiding her hair, and preferred rocking a short hairdo with a baseball cap, just like her brothers.
Suddenly, Thalassa had a mini heart attack. Oh crap, where was the fourth one?
She hurriedly got off the bed to look around, when a soft little body on the floor caught her attention. Who else could it be but Elowen?
She was wrapped in a blanket. She had fallen off the bed, slept like a little kitten, and was drooling on the wooden floor, occasionally moving her mouth.
Thalassa laughed and walked over, gently picking Elowen up and carefully placing her back on the bed. Elowen rolled a bit on the bed, then continued her dreamland journey. This little girl was just too cute; her cheeks were round and soft. Thalassa was dying to give her a big smooch.
Unable to resist the urge, she leaned down, intending to plant a big one, but worried about waking her, she just lightly kissed each of her little ones Elowen, Sophia, Dorian, and Atticus.
Their cheeks were soft and sweet, smelling almost milky.
Ah… waking up every day to see her four little treasures, their adorable sleeping faces… was pure bliss!
Life had its ups and downs, but the happiness these four brought could conquer any obstacle.
Thalassa turned her face towards the sun. Her face was beaming, as she silently cheering herself on. Life was beautiful. Another day full of zest!
After freshening up, she headed to the kitchen to make breakfast.
“Wow, that smell is making my mouth water. Thalassa, what are you cooking that smells so good?”
When Evelyn walked in, she glanced at the kitchen and saw Thalassa prepping pasta, so she walked over to help.
“Wow, are we having pasta today? It smells amazing.” Evelyn grinned, her favorite was the scent of beef Bolognese.
Thalassa glanced at her, noting the dark circles under her eyes. Clearly, she was up all night.
With concern, she said, “Mom, where were you last night? You can’t keep doing this. You’re not getting any younger. What if you damage your health by staying up late?”
“Okay, okay, I got it. You’re just a kid, and you’re already nagging like an old grandma.” Evelyn avoided her gaze, looking annoyed on the surface, but actually feeling a bit guilty.
She carried a plate over to the dining table.
“Mommy, I’m hungry.” Elowen, who just woke up, mumbled sleepily at the bedroom door.
Thalassa just stepped out of the kitchen and saw Elowen in her diaper with her chubby little legs, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
Seeing this, Thalássa’s heart was filled with love. Her daughter was just too adorable, like a little angel
“Elowen, you’re awake, it’s time for breakfast, Evelyn called out and started eating.
Thalassa put down the plate, walked quickly over to her daughter and picked her up. “Let’s get dressed and clean up first, then we can have breakfast.”
“Mommy, did you make pasta? The smell was so good, I couldn’t sleep. The little girl’s sparkling eyes looked at Thalassa, full of anticipation.
Thalassa was both amused and amazed at her daughter’s love for food. Just by the smell, she could guess what it was.
Thalassa affectionately pinched her face. “Sweetie, your nose is really sharp. You guessed it right.”
“Mommy, I want to get dressed quickly. I really want to eat Elowen eagerly started dressing herself.
The other kids woke up too. Thalassa handed them their clothes and let them dress themselves.
Soon, all four kids were seated at the dining table, digging into their pasta
Elowen ate quickly “Mommy, I want another one!”
Thalassa laughed and went to serve her more.
The family of six sat at the dining table, enjoying their delicious breakfast.
Thalassa looked at the jackets the kids were wearing and said, “Mom, transfer me $500. I’m taking the kids to a clothing store to buy them each a new thick jacket. Fall is right around the corner, and it’s going to get cold
‘Aren’t last year’s jackets still wearable?” Evelyn didn’t look up from her food.
“Last year’s jackels were bought the year before. They were already a bit small last year, and we just squeezed by This year, they definitely won’t fit.” Thalassa knew her mom was frugal, but that didn’t mean she had to skimp on the kids‘ clothes.
Evelyn hesitated. “Well, it hasn’t gotten cold yet. You could find a job and buy them after you get your paycheck”
Seeing her evasive demeanor, Thalassa understood what she meant. She put down her fork and asked sternly. “Mom, did you go gambling last night?”
Evelyn silently continued eating her pasta, not saying a word.
Thalassa suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of dread, “Did you lose all the money I made yesterday?”
Even though she asked, she already knew the answer. She sure did!
“Thalassa, I’m really sorry I saw how hard our family was struggling and thought I could make a quick buck to lighten the load. I didn’t expect to lose it all
She lost it all! Thalassa felt like she’d been hit in the chest by a rock, leaving her breathless. That was the money she had planned to use to buy clothes and food for the kids!
All of it was gone in one night!
What was she supposed to do? Were her kids going to go hungry?
Just as Thalassa felt lost and helpless, the phone rang.
“Hello, this is the HR manager from the Sinclair Group. I was wondering if you would be available for an interview today?” said a formal female voice on the other end of the line.