"Sweetheart, it's time to wake up," Hugh whispered while gazing at his still-slumbering son. As usual, he crouched by the bedside, watching the handsome face of his son. When Shawn opened his eyes, he saw his father looking at him with a smile. "Good morning, my angel."
"Good morning, Daddy," Shawn replied, smiling back at him. Hugh then climbed onto the bed and sat at its edge. Shawn woke up slowly, yawning. His hands were busy rubbing his still-heavy eyes.
"You didn't forget about today, did you?" Hugh asked. Shawn looked up, locking eyes with his father. "Today?" Shawn repeated it with a puzzled expression.
"You must have forgotten, right? Today, we plan to go and see your new school. Didn't Daddy mention it yesterday?"
"Oh! Right. I remember." Shawn smiled as he recalled Hugh's words from yesterday.
"Good that you remember. Now, let's get up and get ready. This morning, we also need to drop Mommy off at the office." Hugh gently stroked his son's head. Shawn nodded and got out of bed. He quickly went to get ready, while Hugh shifted to tidying up Shawn's bed and preparing the clothes for his son to wear.
*
Serena moved the plate of sandwiches she had just made onto the dining table. She also bought drinks for each of her family members. Once everything was done, Serena tried to check the agenda for today. There were several meetings she had to do online with some of her clients, while this morning she also had an important meeting at the client's office, which was now her priority.
"Good morning, mommy!" Serena's attention shifted when she heard Shawn's voice running up to her. Serena turned around to see Shawn, who had just been dropped off in Hugh's carrier, running towards her with his arms outstretched. Her son immediately gave her a hug and a good-morning kiss. Serena smiled as she returned his sweet gesture.
"Good morning, Sweetie. You're so handsome today, are you looking forward to seeing your school?" Serena looked at her son, who was now all dressed up. He looked very handsome.
"Yes, I really can't wait to see my new school. I wonder if my new school will be better than my old school or not." Shawn smiled excitedly.
"Haha, you'll find out once we get there." Hugh rubbed his head lightly.
"Even though you're excited, don't forget to eat breakfast. Now let's sit down. Mommy has prepared your favorite sandwich." Serena pulled out a nearby chair, so Shawn could sit down. Hugh quickly lifted his son's body and sat him on the chair. Shortly after, he took a seat in another chair opposite Serena's.
As usual, at every meal, Hugh would pay attention to Shawn. Making sure that his son ate properly. Occasionally, he would also engage Shawn in conversations that would make Shawn interested and unable to stop babbling. Serena, who saw the scene, couldn't help but smile. Hugh has the perfect fatherly side. No wonder Shawn loves him so much.
*
"Make sure everything is perfect; I don't want to disappoint Loui," Hailey instructed the servers preparing the dining table in front of her.
"Understood, madam. I'll ensure everything is as perfect as you expect," Maletta replied, redirecting her focus to the dishes on the table. Today was a very special day for Hailey as she awaited the arrival of her niece, Loui. She couldn't wait to pick her up from the airport and explore the beautiful places in Collisionity together.
Loui was the child of Hailey's sibling, residing in Cybertrone. They were planning to move due to the completion of their work there, and Hailey's sibling was a prime candidate to succeed their family business. The Alexandrina family was soon going to select a new leader for their business, prompting all family members to gather and address this matter.
Despite being one of the main candidates with a strong position, Hailey, the youngest daughter and a favorite of her father, often found herself underestimated by her older siblings. Rather than facing the same challenges as her siblings, Hailey received gentle treatment akin to that of a princess, earning her the nickname Princess of the Dark World.
Well, indeed. Hailey is the only daughter in the Alexandrina family, and her family has long been involved in the dark world. They are the second-strongest mafia in Pandora, so it's not surprising that she earned such a nickname.
"It's almost time," Hailey murmured, shifting her attention to the circular watch on her wrist. She got up to find Rhys and take him along. However, as she was about to climb the stairs to the second floor, Hailey stopped in her tracks when she saw Rhys descending, impeccably dressed.
Hailey smiled at her always-charming and charismatic husband. Rhys looked handsome as usual. "Good morning, dear. You didn't forget our plan for today, did you?" Hailey asked as Rhys arrived in front of her.
"Plan? Where are we going?" Rhys furrowed his brow.
"We have to go to the airport to pick up Aiden, remember?"
"Oh! Unfortunately, I can't. I have an important meeting with a client this morning. If I miss this meeting, they might cancel the project with my company."
"What? But didn't you say—"
"You can go on your own, right? Jack will accompany you as usual. I'm really in a hurry; otherwise, I might be late." Rhys shifted his attention to the tablet in his hand and walked away, leaving Hailey behind.
Hailey was left speechless by Rhys's words. She could only sigh heavily, trying to contain her emotions. "He's always like this!" she grumbled with a frustrated expression.
*
Hugh parks his car in front of a kindergarten building, and he steps out along with a joyful Shawn. The child widens his smile upon seeing his new school building, radiating with beauty. Serena, having just exited the car, joins Shawn and Hugh.
"So, this is my new school?" Shawn asks, looking at Hugh.
"Yup. This is your new school. What do you think?" Hugh smiles at him.
"I really like it! The school is bigger and nicer than my old one!"
"Great that you like it. Wait until we see the inside."
"I can't wait! I want to go in right away!" Shawn pulls Hugh's hand out, eager to enter. Hugh and Serena chuckle softly at Shawn's excitement. Hugh then lifts and carries his son as they step inside. Once inside, Serena and Hugh promptly meet the teacher to introduce Shawn. Initially, Shawn wanted to start school today, but Hugh and Serena thought it was best for him to have an extra day for preparation and adjustment. Hence, they decided Shawn would start tomorrow after meeting his teacher.
Shawn looks so delighted, eagerly anticipating his first day at school tomorrow.
After the tour and exploring the school grounds, Serena and Hugh decide to continue their journey. Serena has to go to the office, as she might be late.
"Where did you get information about this school?" Serena asks, directing her attention to Hugh.
"Sea helped me find this school."
"Sea? Oh! So, she assisted you in finding a school for Shawn."
"Yes. Do you still remember her?"
"Of course. By the way, I haven't seen her in a long time. How is she doing?"
"She's fine; she's just always busy with her work."
"I hope we can meet again. It feels like it's been so long since I last saw her."
"You'll meet again. Someday. When she's not busy with her work." Hugh starts the car, and along the way, Serena and Hugh continue chatting with Shawn. The child doesn't stop chattering about his eagerness to start at his new school. Serena and Hugh can only chuckle, responding to each of Shawn's adorable statements. Their conversation only comes to an end when Serena finally arrives at the office.
"Well then, I'm going in. Be careful on the road, both of you." Serena smiles at Hugh and Shawn.
"Focus on your work, too, and don't worry about anything else. If anything comes up, just contact me."
"Alright." Serena nods. Her attention then turns to Shawn, who is sitting in the back seat. "Sweetie, mommy has to work now. Be good and don't give Daddy a hard time, okay? Be a good boy."
"When did I ever get mischievous? Haven't I always been a good boy?" Shawn raises one eyebrow. He doesn't remember a time when he was mischievous, as both Serena and Hugh consistently praise him for being a well-behaved and obedient child. Hugh and Serena burst into laughter at his remark. "Yes, you are a good daddy's boy," says Hugh.
"Mommy's just reminding," Serena stops her laughter.
"I'll always be a good child, so mommy doesn't need to worry." Shawn smiles. Serena gently rubs his head and kisses his forehead.
"Remember to eat on time when mommy's not around."
"Okay! Mommy doesn't need to worry because Daddy will always look after me." Shawn returns Serena's kiss to his cheek. "I love you, Mom."
"Love you too, Sweetie."
After bidding farewell, Serena steps into the office, while Hugh and Shawn continue their journey. "Where are we going now, Daddy?" Shawn asks, looking at Hugh through the rearview mirror.
"We're going to have some fun. Where do you want to go? An amusement park?"
"Amusement park? I want to go there! Let's go, Daddy!"
"Okay, we're going to the amusement park!"
"Hooray!"
***