NOVEL NEXT Chapter 466: Homework
Jaden and Scarlet went home with their eyes shining, excited. Nate knew their good mood would disappear once they heard they were going to leave their mommy to him, but he was also curious for the reason of their excitement.
«What is going on?» he inquired while opening the car door. Lara had gone home earlier to study, so she was likely waiting for them in the apartment.
«Nothing,» the twins replied, in sync.
Holding one each hand, they walked into the building.
«Why are you so happy?» he tried again.
«For no reason,» said Jaden.
«We are not happy,» was Scarlet's reply.
«Something happened,» Nate said. «I'm just curious to hear what.»
«Nothing happened.»
When they opened the door of the apartment, the scent of food hit all of three. Nate gulped, taken by surprise. Lara was supposed to focus on studying, not cooking for them! But he was also glad he would have a delicious meal cooked by his mate.
«You're finally back!» they heard from the kitchen.
Lara had just finished setting the table and was cutting the roast for her family.
«Weren't you supposed to study?» Nate asked. Even if it was against his interests... He didn't want his mate to overwork.
«I took a break,» was the reply.
Jaden and Scarlet had already gone to the bathroom to wash their hands. Nate was being slower, too focused on Lara to leave.
«Don't push yourself too hard,» he said. «I know how tiring it can be. Studying is a job, Lara. You don't need to do everything by yourself, okay?»
«Does it mean you don't want to eat what I cook?» she said, stepping in his direction until stopping in front of him.
He shook his head, confused and worried about her reaction.
«No, it doesn't mean that,» he said, just to be sure.
«Good,» she replied before standing on tiptoe and pecking his cheek. «Regardless, I will study afterwards. But someone needs to do the dishes... Will you?»
Nate had no other choice but to accept. And, just like that, he was stuck with dishes while his family was in the living room in front of some books. He peeked at them from the door. Read new chapters at empire
He had a mountain of dishes to wash. Lara had spared no effort for the dinner. No surprise she didn't want to wash that huge amount of plates, pans, utensils and who knows what else.
The pups were sitting next to her, one on each side, and all three of them were on the floor. Nate had changed carpet before his family moved in, ordering one as soft as to feel like a cushion.
The lower table made of glass had been replaced with one of wood, lighter and less pointy. There were a lot of small changes in his apartment, and he didn't miss any piece of his old furniture.
His kids' safety came first.
However, when he saw Lara and the twins sitting on the floor and observing each other's books, he was even more glad for the carpet.
«Look, mommy!» Jaden said. «We have homework!»
That was a new word. He had heard it on TV, but he had never actually encountered something similar in his short life. But now, finally, the teacher had told them to do something at home. He had the chance to do what most students did, and he was happy about it.
«Mommy's cubs are growing up,» Lara said, caressing his head.
Jaden closed his eyes and enjoyed her care, forgetting about his excitement in favour of his mommy's love.
Scarlet was a little less excited about having to work, but she also was happy. Her mommy was studying, so they could do it together!
«We have to draw summer,» she said. «The teacher said to think about it a little and then draw what we think is summer.»
«And what will you draw?»
«I don't know,» Scarlet moaned. «I think I will draw an ice cream.»
«That's good,» Lara chuckled. «And you, Jaden?»
«I will draw mommy at the beach,» he said. «Even if maybe it was not summer...»
«It was late spring, but no one will know it,» she said, blinking.
«And you, mommy? Do you have homework too?»
«I need to study. I want to go to university.»
«W-what is a uni-severity?» Scarlet inquired, pursing her lisp. Yet another complex word. But her mommy seemed to like it.
«It's a place where adults study.»
«Like you and daddy?»
«Your daddy already went to university and finished.»
«So, only you?»
«Yes.»
Scarlet tilted her head, no sure whether to be relieved Lara wouldn't be with Nate or worried. He would protect her, after all.
A place with many adults, potentially dangerous. She didn't like that thought.
«And why?»
«Your mother will have a better job when she's done,» Nate exclaimed from the kitchen. Even without being close, he could hear their conversation. He had started with the dishes, doing the cutlery first. He would leave the most difficult pans for last.
«She will become even more important in the company and have a better pay,» he added.
Knowing his kids, he had to ensure they wouldn't try convincing Lara not to attend. It was the first thing she did for herself in a long while; it would be a pity if she decided to retreat because her pups were territorial.
«Can we do our homework together?» Scarlet asked, still unsure.
«We can do that,» Lara said. «But it means to be silent and work very hard. Are you sure you can do it, Scarlet?»
«I want to study with mommy! And go to the uni-severity when I grow up! Will we also go there?»
«If you wish, you will,» Lara said.
«Oh, yes! Yes, mommy! We will be good and do our homework every day!»
«No, Scarlet. Just when the teacher tells you to.»
Jaden was also curious, but he didn't cover his mommy with questions. She needed silence to study, after all.