"Oh, hi Matthew. You're here too", Carla said with a smile, "Come have a seat".
Matthew: Hello Mrs.Robinson, hope you're doing well.
Carla: Never been better.
Owen: Uncle Matthew sit with me!
Matthew smiled at Owen and looked at Olivia who was still hanging onto Alex's neck, "seems like Olivia doesn't like me anymore, now that she found Mr.Robinson", said Matthew mockingly.
Olivia: No Uncle Matthew, I still like you!"
Olivia ran to Matthew, "Are you doing well uncle?"
Matthew patted her head, "now that I've seen you, I'm all better!"
Olivia blushed, "your words are always sugar coated!"
Matthew: your words are now just like your mom.
Cindy: Oh stop it Matthew! Not in front of kids!
Matthew: Okay, okay.
Alex sat there silently, he didn't wanna be there in front of his ex wife and her new husband.
Cindy: So let's order fast, I don't have much time.
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After a while, the food arrived.
Cindy: Olivia, now keep the drawing book away. You can sketch later.
Olivia was learning art techniques from Alex, "but mom, I can't meet Uncle Alex everyday.."
Cindy wondered, 'it took Olivia a year to get close to Matthew for her reserved personality.. how is she so close Alex?'
Carla: Uncle Alex can teach you anytime you want, just give him a call okay honey?
Olivia looked at Alex with glistening eyes, her face showed how happy she was hearing it, "really uncle Alex!!?"
Alex: mhm, just give me a call. I'll teach you everything about art.
Cindy clenched her fist, she didn't want any of her children to get close to Alex but she couldn't stop it. On the other side, Owen was clinging on to Matthew. Seeing her messy life, Cindy sighed grabbing everyone's attention in the table.
'Sh*t it's so embarrassing'.
Cindy: I.. I was...
Cindy couldn't think of any excuse.
Everyone: ?
Cindy: I was thinking about how much in pressure I'll be this week.
Matthew: No need to worry so much, you'll get everything done in no time.
Alex rolled his eyes which Carla noticed, making her choke on water. Kids hurried to her, "Grandma are you alright?"
Carla: I'm fine, I'm fine. I just recalled a funny moment. Alex looked away in embarrassment.
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Cindy: Aunt, I'm gonna go to YL records, take care of yourself okay?
Carla: Oh really? Let Alex drop you off.
Cindy: Actually I—
Alex interrupted, "I can't, I got many pending files to check."
Cindy thought, 'As if I would've tagged you along with me'.
Carla: It's just a matter of few hours son.
Cindy: Aunt it's alright, I'm going with Matthew.
Carla: Oh..
Matthew: Don't worry aunt, I'll keep her safe.
Carla: That's first time you're calling me Aunt.
Matthew: Really? Then.. may I call you Aunt from now on?
Carla smiled, "No".
Matthew: Ugh fine! Don't worry Mrs. Robinson, your daughter is safe with me.
Carla: I'm counting on you, do not disappoint me young man.
Matthew: I won't, I'm not like certain someone.
Matthew winked at Carla.
Carla fake laughed, "you should go now, my daughter is getting late".
Cindy wondered, 'Does Aunt Carla don't like Matthew?'
Alex: Mom, I'll drop you.
Carla: It's alright, you're busy. Don't worry, your mom is still strong and independent.
Alex mockingly replied, "saved me some time".
Cindy: I'll get going then.
She hugged the kids, "don't bother Grandma too much okay?"
They nodded obediently.
She kissed their forehead, " Bye everyone".
Kids waved, "Bye mom, uncle Matthew".
Alex: I'll get going too.
Olivia hugged Alexander's legs, "Remember the promise Uncle!"
Alex smiled, "ofcourse I will little princess".
Owen straightened his back, "it was nice spending time with you uncle. Thank you."
Alex chuckled and patted his head, "It was nice spending time with you too champ".
Alex looked at Carla, "Sure you don't need me to drop you off?"
Carla: yes, I'm sure.
Alex: Alright then see you later. Bye kids.
Kids waved at him, "Bye Uncle!"
Carla: okay now kids, let's go home!
***