Page 18 of The Family Man

I hear the porch door creak as it opens. Glancing to the side I see Nikil stark blue eyes flitting from his sister to me as he closes the door behind him.

Nikhil walks by me and for the first time ever I get a stink eye from my son.

He taps her shoulder, she wipes her eyes, and they hug. I feel locked out.

I guess this is what twin power looks like.

“I’m okay,” she says, pulling away slowly. Nikhil wipes her eyes with the palm of his hand.

The conversation I had with Camella before she left covered their bath and bedtimes, allergies, education levels. Jessica taught them French. I don’t even speak English properly, but my kids speak French.

My immediate concern was Nikhil, after the trauma of finding his mom dead at home. He stopped talking.

I will pay a million dollars just to hear him say, “Dad or Zac.”

“Hey, I promise I will try to be the best dad in the whole wide world.”

They both look at me.

“You pwomise to be a good daddy?” she asks, and she rends my heart in two.

“Yes, princess, I promise.” I’m dying for them to hug me.

She nods, and her brother holds her hand, and they both walk back inside.

I wish Camella had stayed, but her schedule is too hectic. Thankfully, Daire is staying for the night. My brother is a ready-made dad waiting to happen.

Sage’s poop theatrics made Poppy laugh. I find myself liking the sound of my daughter’s laugh. Knowing that their mom died, I think it’s my duty to make the children extra happy. Poppy doesn’t know it yet, but I am going to give her and her brother everything they want and need.

I may not have a guidebook to being a great parent, but I will figure it out as I go. Pressing down on the chair, I get up and make my way into the house.

Nikhil and Poppy are both curled up on the couch watching TV with Daire.

“It's 7:30. Come on, it’s time for bed,” I say as I close the door behind me.

They both watch at Daire like they need his permission. What the hell am I missing?

“I promise to be here to make you breakfast.” My son hugs Daire. He and his sister walk up the stairs.

I walk behind them, trying to make my steps softer.

Thankfully, Camella gave them a bath before she left. They both stop at Nikhil’s door. They hold hands tightly.

“You don’t have to sleep in your own rooms. You guys can share.”

They walk to the bed. I pull back the sheets, and Poppy climbs in first, then Nikhil.

I don’t recall much about their mother, but it’s clear that she was raising two great children. Nikhil looks after his sister with great care, and she in turn takes care of him.

I turn on the Batman night light, tuck them in, and I leave the door open.

“Good night.”

They say nothing. They just stare at me. I do the only thing possible, and walk away.

I run down the stairs and head straight for my fridge. I need a beer.

“Don’t drink. You have children who may need you tonight,” Daire says as he watches the TV.

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