The next morning.
The melody of birdsong and the cacophony of barking dogs shattered the peaceful sleep that bound Dion and Ellie. Sunlight, like an unwelcome guest, squeezed through tiny gaps in the blinds, illuminating the clock on the nightstand.
Ellie's eyes fluttered open, met with the cruel reality of the early hour.
"Ellie: Ugh, way too early~"
She muttered, the curse word barely a whisper.
Three days into her new job, and mornings already felt like the enemy.
This wasn't a "good morning," it was a personal assault of sunlight, birds, barking dogs, all conspiring to yank her from the comfort of sleep.
Ellie couldn't help but wonder if anyone truly understood the universal misery of mornings.
As if sensing her distress, Dion stirred beside her. A sleepy yawn escaped his lips before his arm instinctively reached out, searching for her warmth.
With a sigh, Ellie snuggled closer, seeking refuge in his embrace and hoping to steal a few more precious minutes of sleep before surrendering to the indignity of this entirely-too-normal morning.
A soft rustle stirs Ellie awake. She feels Dion shift beside her, and instinctively reaches for him, clutching his shirt a little tighter. Burrowing her face into his chest, she inhales the familiar scent of him, a comforting anchor in the morning haze.
A muffled rumble vibrates through him.
"Dion: Morning."
Dion mumbles, voice thick with sleep.
"Dion: It's morning, Ellie."
He repeats a beat later, slightly louder as if nudging her gently awake.
Ellie nuzzles deeper, the soft fabric a welcome sensation against her cheek.
"Ellie: I know, Papi~"
She murmurs, her voice still laced with sleep.
A low rumble tickled Ellie's ear, a chuckle she recognized before the mortifying truth hit her. Her cheeks flamed crimson as she realized what had just slipped from her lips.
"Dion: Did you just call me 'Papi'?"
Dion's voice, amusement laced with surprise, washed over her.
"Dion: That's a first-"
He cut himself off, reaching around her to pull her even closer.
A smooth maneuver and a gentle roll later, Ellie found herself pressed against Dion's chest, his smile warming her like the sun.
His hand dipped to her stomach, sending a thrill through her as his fingers skimmed the sensitive skin.
Biting her lip, she couldn't help but notice the smudges of black lipstick staining his lips and cheek a playful reminder of the night's events.
"Ellie: Yes~"
Ellie admitted, voice barely a whisper.
"Ellie: Yes, I did, Papi~"
She teased, the endearment rolling playfully off her tongue.
"Ellie: Do you like the idea? Being more than just friends?"
Their kiss deepened, a lingering promise hanging heavy in the air. It wasn't the frantic passion of new lovers, but a comfortable intimacy that spoke of shared secrets and whispered desires.
Dion, a wide grin splitting his face, surveyed the playful chaos they'd created in his room. Maybe Ellie was right, maybe they did need that stolen moment. Thankfully, Danielle remained blissfully sleeping throughout the night in her crib.
Cuddling close, a pang of responsibility jolted Dion back to reality. Breakfast awaited for him, Danielle, and his parents.
With a quick kiss for Ellie, he slipped out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
Ellie, still drowsy, followed, her arms wrapping around him from behind like a contented kitten. Dion chuckled, the sound muffled by toothpaste foam.
"Dion: Need something, sleepyhead?"
Dion rinsed his mouth vigorously, a grimace on his face as he spat the minty toothpaste into the sink.
"Dion: Speaking of proper etiquette."
He said, a touch of amusement in his voice,
"Dion: I was pretty surprised when you suggested we share a bed."
Ellie chuckled, leaning in to plant a kiss on his back.
"Ellie: Let me guess~"
She teased.
"Ellie: Because you thought the chivalrous host offers their guest the bed?"
Dion grinned, nodding in agreement.
With a swirl of minty liquid, Dion ejected the mouthwash and turned to face Ellie. He leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. He then retreated towards the bed, clothes in hand, ready for a change.
"Dion: Yep!"
Dion called out.
"Dion: There's that, and technically, we've only known each other for, what? Three weeks?"
Ellie's laughter echoed as she rose on her toes, capturing Dion's lips in a quick kiss.
She darted back to the bathroom, grabbed her toothbrush, and began brushing with a flourish.
"Ellie: Because I love you."
Ellie declared, toothpaste frothing at the corners of her mouth.
The unexpected confession sent a jolt through Dion. He nearly crumpled to his knees, mirroring her expulsion of the minty paste moments earlier.
Dion's brow furrowed in confusion. Disbelief flickered in his eyes.
"Dion: D-did you just say you...?"
His voice trailed off as he stared at Ellie, a blush blooming across her cheeks.
She took a step closer, her hand reaching out to clasp his.
Clad only in a sports bra and shorts, she seemed vulnerable yet determined.
"Ellie: Yes~"
She whispered, her voice husky.
"Ellie: Yes, I did. And I meant it, Dion. I love you."
Ellie's past had been poisoned by her stepfather's prejudice.
He'd painted a picture of people from less fortunate neighborhoods as those who wasted their potential in this chromed up world.
But Dion, with his kindness and love for his own daughter, shattered that twisted image.
The years of negativity her stepfather tried to inject into her and her sisters had dissolved faster than Ellie ever imagined.
Now, a simple question from a man named Dion.
"Dion: Hey, are you mixed? You look nothing like your mother?"
This held a strange sense of validation.
Ellie listened intently, the weight of her past lifting a little with each word. It was true, she didn't resemble her mother. But in Dion's innocent inquiry, a new truth bloomed: maybe that was okay. Maybe it meant she was destined for something different, something unexpected.
A warmth spread through her as she considered this possibility. Falling for someone so quickly felt strange, yet there was an undeniable rightness to it. Perhaps this new chapter, free from the shadows of the past, was where love was meant to find her.
The warmth of his parental instinct, radiating from him like sunshine as he came back holding a sleeping Danielle, filled Ellie as she watched him with his daughter. It was a sight that melted away her usual anxieties.
Secretly, Ellie had always been drawn to nerdy guys, especially those with a touch of mystery. But societal expectations had held her back, fearing the disapproval of her peers. This time, however, something felt different.
"Ellie: By the way."
Ellie began, stepping closer as he cooked the ground meat.
"Ellie: I'm mixed-race. My biological mom is Native American, and my dad was a blend of Mexican, Cuban, and Colombian. But I'm glad you enjoyed meeting my adopted mom though. Oh, and about the old man, he's not my dad, more like a step-father to all of us. Married our mom when I was 1 and he's been a pain in my ass since."
Ellie wrapped a towel tighter around herself and cradled Danielle in her arms.
They went downstairs to the kitchen.
Witnessing Dion cook for her was more than just a kind gesture; it was a display of care that ignited a spark within her. He continued until everything was sizzling and perfect.
With a grateful smile, Ellie pulled him into a hug with one arm. Dion then switched on the TV, putting on his favorite show for Danielle before settling her on the couch. With practiced ease, he prepared separate bowls for Danielle, himself, and Ellie.
Laughter filled the air as Ellie, Dion, and Danielle munched on their food, cuddled together on the couch like a cozy little family.
Ellie's voice broke the comfortable silence.
"Ellie: Hey Dion."
She said, her tone turning serious.
"Ellie: We can't breathe a word of what happened today to anyone. Not your dad, not the old man, not a soul. If they find out, things will get ugly. The old man will go ballistic, and trust me, you don't want to see him on demon timing."
Ellie's gaze met Dion's, her eyes filled with unspoken emotions.
"Dion: Don't worry."
Dion reassured her, a secret smile playing on his lips.
"Dion: Your secret's safe with me. My lips are sealed tighter than a drum."
Unaware of the earlier tension, Danielle polished off her meal with a contented sigh. Dion, a wide grin splitting his face, bounced up to grab another helping.
"Dion: This little girl can demolish a plate of food faster than most of the kids back home!"
He declared, grabbing a bowl for himself too.
"Dion: Truth be told, so can I!"
He wasn't wrong. Both daughter and father devoured their second bowls with impressive speed.
Ellie watched them, her laughter bubbling up until she covered her mouth. They exchanged glances, then Danielle found herself hoisted into Dion's arms as he made a beeline for a third round.
Ellie gaped. Two bowls apiece? That was impressive, but seeing a two-year-old keeping pace with her twenty-two-year-old father was mind-boggling. It was a truly unforgettable sight.
Dion watched a drowsy smile flicker across Danielle's face. Relief washed over him as he carefully carried her upstairs and tucked her into her crib.
A soft kiss on her forehead and a gentle click of the door later, he finally allowed himself to exhale.
His little girl was finally settled in their new home, drifting off to sleep peacefully.
But downstairs, another pair of sleepy eyes awaited him.
Ellie, looking like a dazed green-eyed kitten, wobbled towards him, her voice thick with exhaustion. Before she could crumple to the floor, Dion was there to catch her.
A small smile tugged at his lips. He scooped her up and carried her, not to his room, but to the guest room.
He'd scrubbed every surface until it gleamed, the discarded sheets a testament to his thoroughness. For a while, a peaceful evening's sleep awaited everyone under his roof.
He meticulously returned each toy, determined the house would be even tidier than when Ellie first stepped through the door.
Ellie, now nestled close with her head on his shoulder, couldn't help but notice a newfound calmness in Dion.
But their moment of tranquility was shattered as headlights pierced the driveway â€" his parents, returning earlier than announced.
It was a test, no doubt. A trial by fire to assess her readiness, a gamble on whether they'd find her composure shaken by...well, by whatever their paranoid minds could cook up. A valuable lesson, she decided, a secret weapon tucked away for future skirmishes.
"Ellie: Dion!"
She hissed, a low urgency in her voice.
"Ellie: Dion, your parents! Remember the plan. Not a word about today, to anyone. We can't let them know, not yet."
She locked eyes with him, conveying the weight of their pact with a single, sharp look.
He met her gaze, a slow understanding dawning. Then, with a confident nod and a thumbs-up, he grinned.
"Dion: Don't sweat it, Ellie. Your secret's safe with me. Besides."
He added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Dion: I wouldn't give my old man any more ammunition to use against me once Dani's old enough-"
A flicker of amusement danced across Ellie's face. Rising on her tiptoes, she met Dion's gaze. The air crackled with unspoken emotions. Then, leaning in, she captured his lips in a deep, grateful kiss. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, a silent promise that transcended words.
Finally, she pulled away, her emerald eyes sparkling as they met his sunlit ones.
"Ellie: Good~"
She murmured, her voice husky with emotion.
"Ellie: We aren't letting this end, Dion. I'll be back. Papi~"
The sound of the door opening brought them back to reality. Deshawn and Bianca entered, relief washing over their faces as they saw the peaceful scene.
Bianca made a beeline for her granddaughter upstairs, showering her with questions.
"Bianca: How was your day? Did you miss your maw-maw?"
Ellie was curled up on the couch, Danielle nestled happily in her crib. In the kitchen, the clink of pots and pans signaled Dion's culinary efforts.
"Danielle: Yes, maw-maw!"
Danielle giggled, throwing her arms around Bianca for a hug.
Deshawn's playful ruffle of his granddaughter's hair was followed by a tender kiss on her forehead. The picture of love filled the room with a quiet joy.
"Deshawn: Alright, you two, spill the beans."
Deshawn said with a grin, turning to Ellie who tried her best to appear nonchalant. While feigning boundless energy, her face practically radiated bliss.
Cloud nine wouldn't even begin to describe her state, she was practically orbiting Neptune after securing Dion's affections.
"Ellie: Oh, Dani was a dream!"
Ellie exclaimed, her hand tightly gripping Dion's arm, where she could almost feel his heart doing a happy dance. A sly smile played on her lips as she addressed Deshawn and Bianca.
"Ellie: Games galore â€" tag, hide-and-seek, the whole nine yards. Even whipped up some mac and cheese and gave her a bath. It was a blast, haha!"
Dion, momentarily lost in the afterglow of breakfast prep (for himself, Danielle, his parents, and the ever-helpful Ellie), was snapped back to reality by the sound of his daughter's cries from upstairs. He shot out of his seat, leaving Ellie to bask in the glow of Bianca's next words.
"Bianca: Honey, we can't thank you enough for helping D!"
Bianca said, her voice laced with gratitude.
"Bianca: We, well, I mean, Dion definitely owes you one. Speaking of which, D, pay the girl!"
Laughter echoed downstairs as Dion descended, Danielle nestled comfortably in his arms. His mother's voice, laced with a hint of amusement, drifted through the air.
He burst into the room, a playful grin splitting his face.
"Dion: Ma! Here she is!"
Dion announced, placing Danielle on his hip.
"Thanks a bunch for watching her, Ellie."
He reached for his wallet, pulling out cash. Ellie's gaze lingered on him a beat too long, a silent message flickering in her eyes, even with his parents present.
Deshawn, his father, spoke up before Dion could hand Ellie the money.
"Deshawn: Yo D."
Dion shifted his attention, turning towards his dad with Danielle securely held.
"Dion: Yeah, Pop?"
He replied, a hint of curiosity lacing his voice.
Deshawn raised a fist to his son. Dion, unsure of the meaning, returned the gesture with a smile. Deshawn's overnight shift with Bianca had clearly painted a picture. The messy bed hair Dion shared with Ellie was a giveaway, even if nothing happened. Deshawn's gaze then shifted to Ellie.
"Deshawn: Yo, D, yuh think Ellie fi come back di same time nex' week? Cause yuh know seh di game a go tek longer fi finish."
Dion pondered this, glancing at Ellie who seemed eager to return.
"Dion: Yeah, maybe even tomorrow."
He replied.
"Dion: I just need another day to code the final bits before launching Jumpstarter. Plus, I'm sure Danielle wouldn't mind, right Dani?"
Danielle offered a nod, met by a grateful smile from Ellie. She planted a kiss on Danielle's forehead before squeezing Bianca and Deshawn in a hug.
With a lingering gaze at Dion that spoke volumes, Ellie grabbed her things and waved goodbye.
"Danielle: Bye Ellie!"
Danielle called out.
Dion held Danielle as the father and daughter waved back.
Several weeks later.
Weeks flew by as Ellie became a fixture at the McDaniels' house. Weekdays were filled with caring for Danielle, a task that turned surprisingly delightful. Ellie had grown attached to the "little angel," and spending time with her felt almost maternal, a dream she'd held since 19.
Evenings offered a different kind of joy. Once Danielle was tucked in, Ellie and Dion would unwind. These shared moments fueled a growing connection.
Ellie savored every conversation, learning more about Dion with each passing day. Their bond deepened, and a happiness bloomed within her. Not only did she have a potential boyfriend in Dion, but she also got to experience a nurturing role she'd always craved.
This newfound happiness eclipsed even her college days with friends. While some evenings found her lost in thoughts of Dion and their future, the bigger picture was clear: babysitting wasn't just a job, it was the gateway to a life that felt more fulfilling than she could've imagined. With every passing week, the desire to make Dion a permanent part of her life grew stronger, urging her to ask the question on everyone's mind: would he be her boyfriend?
Ellie looked back on her past relationships. None compared to the warmth she felt with Dion and Danielle. Even though she wasn't Danielle's biological mother or Dion's girlfriend, being around them brought a joy she hadn't experienced before.
It felt like coming home. But the more time she spent with Dion, the deeper her feelings grew. Every fiber of her being wanted him as her boyfriend. No man before had ever made her heart race the way Dion did.
Then, one unexpected evening, something extraordinary happened. As Ellie tucked Danielle into bed, something Danielle said sent a wave of fluttering emotions unlike anything Dion had caused that day.
"Danielle: Ellie ish my mama!"
Ellie's heart brimmed with an overwhelming love. It was a feeling so intense, it felt like a kaleidoscope of butterflies about to take flight from her chest.
A little voice, like the sweetest melody, pierced the air.
"Danielle: Mama!"
Danielle called out, her cherubic face splitting into a wide grin. Ellie scooped her up in a hug, her own cheeks flushing a vibrant red.
"Ellie: That's right, Danielle, I'm your mama!"
Ellie replied, the little girl clinging to her.
In that moment, holding Danielle, Ellie felt a sense of completion unlike anything she'd ever known. In her twenty one years, she'd accomplished so much, and now, with college on the horizon, it felt like the final puzzle piece had clicked into place. She was whole.
Later that day, Dion finished work and entered Danielle's room. He was greeted by the sight of Ellie and Danielle fast asleep, nestled together. A smile bloomed on his face.
This was a nightly occurrence now. While he poured his heart into his game development, these two would drift off to sleep in each other's arms, a sight that brought him more joy than he ever thought possible.
Witnessing his daughter blossom under Ellie's care was truly special. Danielle, usually withdrawn around others, had taken to Ellie with remarkable ease. It filled Dion with a sense of wonder.
Dion, a dedicated father whenever possible, harbored a secret. He dreamt of his daughter, exceeding his own achievements, living a life fuller than his own.
While Ellie reminisced about her past, Dion held his tongue about their unconventional bond.
His parents, ever cautious, probed about Ellie's behavior, searching for any red flags. Dion, however, brushed them off, painting a picture of a perfect caregiver.
He understood his relationship with Ellie might be frowned upon, particularly by her stepfather. Trouble loomed if the truth surfaced, potentially leading to Ellie's ostracization.
Determined to protect Ellie, Dion maintained a facade. No slip of the tongue could reveal their secret, whatever label it deserved. One Wednesday afternoon, as Danielle enjoyed a TV show with the two adults, Rosa, Ellie's colleague, prepared for a date with her boyfriend, Ashton.
Frustration
Sliding into the driver's seat, Rosa primed the engine.
But instead of the familiar purr, a sputter and groan erupted from under the hood. Defeat settled on her shoulders. A new car? Maybe this was a blessing in disguise, a breakdown at home rather than stranded on the highway to college.
Pulling out her phone, she dialed her stepdad's number.
"Rosa: Ayo, old man."
She started, voice laced with exasperation.
"Rosa: The car's dead. I'm stuck at home."
As she spoke, Rosa popped the hood, more out of habit than mechanical knowledge.
A sigh traveled through the phone.
"Samuel: Rosa."
her stepdad began, a hint of disapproval in his tone.
"Samuel: Didn't I mention taking care of the check engine light?"
Rosa bristled.
"Rosa: That light's always on! You never told me anything like that-"
Rosa's deceit hung heavy in the air. Glancing across the street, she saw Dion shirtless in his window, his body etched with scars.
"Samuel: Looks like someone neglected their car's warnings."
Samuel said, rubbing his tired eyes. The new neighbors and Rosa's coldness were already wearing him thin. But at least this breakdown meant he could finally move back from his parents' house.
"Rosa: Thanks."
Rosa mumbled, her gaze fixed on Dion. Desire flickered in her eyes as she watched him move.
"Samuel: It's okay sweetie, I'm just glad you weren't on the road when this happened. I gotta go now though, I love you."
He said with a rather salty but happy tone.
"Rosa: Love you too. Mwah!"
She gave him a virtual kiss goodbye before hanging up.
Samuel hurried off, the weight of his strained home life pressing down on him.
Getting out of the car and heading back inside to take a different car instead.
"Rosa: Mama, can I take your car? Mine is busted and I gotta get going for my date."
Purse clutched in hand, Rebecca double-checked its contents with a practiced efficiency in her movements. A momentary glance acknowledged her daughter's plea, a flicker of apology crossing her face.
"Rebecca: Sweetheart, I wish I could stay."
Rebecca said, her voice laced with regret.
"Rebecca: But the HOA meeting can't wait. Why don't you borrow Ellie's car? It's right there."
She gestured towards the driveway, where her eldest daughter's vehicle sat gleaming in the afternoon sun.
Rosa's face fell.
"Rosa: Ugh, but then I have to walk all the way to it? Like, eighty whole feet?"
Her exaggerated protest came complete with a childish pout. Rebecca met it with a firm but knowing stare, hands resting on her hips.
The pout morphed into a defeated frown.
"Rosa: Fineeeeee!"
Rosa mumbled, resignation coloring her tone.
"Rosa: It's not like Ellie's going anywhere, stuck babysitting the little chocolate chip."
With a dramatic turn, she headed for the door, her defiance masking a hint of underlying compliance. She crossed the street, the screen door slamming shut behind her with a decisive click.
In Dion's private bathroom upstairs, Ellie luxuriated in a hot bath, a sigh of contentment escaping her lips. Downstairs, Dion was engrossed in his ZT5 system, he fought in a game of Vortex Fighta.
The tranquil scene shattered with a sharp doorbell ring, slicing through Ellie's moment of relaxation. Both froze, a tense silence hanging in the air.
"Ellie: Damn it!"
Ellie hissed, her voice barely a whisper. Panic clouded her judgment. She scrambled out of the bathtub, the urge to answer the door overriding all other thoughts.
But halfway down the stairs, a horrifying realization struck, she was completely naked. A blush flooded her cheeks as she sprinted back upstairs, grabbing the first clothes she saw: a fresh bra, a crop top, panties, and a pair of bike shorts.
She threw them on in a flurry before racing back downstairs to the living room.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Dion cursed under his breath.
"Dion: Shit?!"
He muttered, dropping the controller.
"Dion: Are those my parents? We might be okay, but still..."
Dion stood as the door swung open with a bang. Ellie stumbled in, drenched and barely dressed, a flustered look on her face.
She'd rushed downstairs, oblivious to her state of disarray. As she hurried past him towards the peephole, a flash of toned muscle caught Dion's eye. Her athletic build was evident. She had the proportions of someone who stayed in shape; wide hips that gave her a pleasantly pear-shaped body, and thighs that looked like they were used to straining against whatever they were put in.
As she turned to him, her sudden movements sent a ripple through her body, and his eyes naturally followed it down past her shoulders, through her chest.
Her crop top wasn't as stretched as her shorts were, but it was stretched enough and was white, it was taught enough that he had been able to see her black bra beneath. It felt like a good sign.
He suddenly worried that he might have made his averting of his eyes more obvious than his staring.
Regardless, his gaze continued to roam; through her midriff, where brown freckles were spattered over her lightly tanned skin, betraying how often she left it bare.
It was clear that she enjoyed showing herself off from all the outfits she wore over. Or, perhaps, disliked being covered.
Either gave Dion a flutter in his heart. The ripples continued, pulling his eyes along with it past her waistband and towards her thighs.
Each tantalizing moment passed by as Ellie assessed the situation.
"Ellie: No, no, if it was urgent, they would have just barged in. Let me go check on Danielle and ensure she's still asleep."
She decided.
Locking eyes with Dion, Ellie detected his wandering gaze, causing her cheeks to flush even more as she called out his name, prompting him to hastily redirect his attention to her face.
With a quick adjustment of her hair, Ellie turned to ascend the stairs to fetch Danielle, only to be interrupted by the impatient chime of the doorbell.
"Dion: I'm coming!"
Dion's voice rang out, a familiar refrain in the household, but now tinged with a new significance.
As Dion reached for the doorknob, he narrowly sidestepped the swinging door, his heart skipping a beat at the unexpected sight of Ellie's younger sister standing on the doorstep.
"Ellie: Rosa? What brings you here?"
Ellie's astonishment was evident, mindful not to speak too loudly as she cradled a sleeping Danielle in her arms.
"Rosa: Hey, I needed to ask you about-"
Rosa's sentence trailed off as she observed Ellie, steam practically emanating from her body, holding Danielle while Dion strolled past with a powercore in hand and a headset on.
Taking in the scene, Rosa noted her sister's glistening skin, likely from sweat, as she realized she was carrying a peacefully sleeping Danielle.
"Rosa: Wow, didn't realize Danielle had you working this hard. But hey, since the little girl's asleep, I guess it all worked out!"
Rosa quipped, while Dion, wearing a smile, approached Ellie and gently took Danielle from her arms, allowing her to converse with her sister.
"Ellie: What? Oh, yeah- she's fine I was just getting ready to make dinner for me and Dion while Danielle slept."
Rosa teased, her laughter bubbling up.
"Rosa: Oh, really? I didn't realize my sweet older sister was so accommodating~"
Without missing a beat, Ellie retorted with the first thing that came to mind.
"Ellie: Stop it, Rosa. What do you need?"
Ellie's breath steadied as she glanced back up the stairs, watching Dion carry Danielle back to his room and tuck their baby boy into bed.
"Rosa: Right, so my car's kaput, can't use Mom's either. Thought I'd borrow your's. Since, well... you're tied up with babysitting duties."
Rosa chuckled, trying to stifle her amusement, but Ellie's expression remained unamused.
"Ellie: Fine, just to get you out of here. I'll grab my keys. Stay put, please."
Ellie muttered under her breath as she headed to retrieve her keys.
"Rosa: Can't I wait in the comfort of the air-conditioned house?"
Rosa teased, stepping halfway through the doorway.
"Ellie: Rosa?"
Ellie called her sister's name.
"Rosa: Yeah?"
Rosa responded quickly.
"Ellie: Shut up."
Ellie's voice was sharp as she snapped at Rosa, her impatience evident in her tone.
As Ellie hurriedly searched for her keys, her urgency to expedite Rosa's departure only served to impede her efforts in locating the essential item.
Meanwhile, Rosa lingered impatiently by the open door, while Dion descended the stairs dressed in baggy shorts and a muscle tee.
Upon spotting him, Rosa greeted him with a smile and a wave, and Dion reciprocated, still holding onto his Powercore.
Having encountered Rosa before, Dion remembered her from the dinner when he first moved in, where she had flirted with him. Despite Ellie's frequent complaints about Rosa being "the biggest pain in my ass for 20 consecutive years," she had never portrayed her sister as a bad person.
Finally reaching the bottom of the stairs, Dion greeted Rosa more formally.
"Dion: Sorry for not saying hi earlier. How's it going?"
Dion's dreadlocks were neatly tied back in a ponytail, and his captivating golden eyes elicited a smile from Rosa as she reciprocated his greeting.
"Rosa: Oh, I'm doing great. And you, handsome?"
Rosa's sudden flirtation caught Dion off guard, but he managed to respond.
"Dion: Oh, I'm doing okay. Just working and planning to fix up my car. So, I'm all rightâ€""
Before Dion could finish his sentence, Rosa interrupted him excitedly.
"Rosa: YOU KNOW HOW TO FIX CARS?!?!?!"
Dion was taken aback by Rosa's enthusiasm, and Ellie, who had quickly appeared around the corner, was equally surprised by the turn of events.
As Rosa moved closer to Dion, she noticed his shock and also realized his gaze was fixated on her chest. However, she didn't mind the attention; in fact, she rather enjoyed it, knowing how it would irk Ashton when other men admired her.
"Rosa: Dion, I need a favor from you. And if you help me out, I'll make it worth your while~"
She teased, crossing her arms under her chest to accentuate her curves.
"Rosa: They're bigger than Ellie's, I know. That's why I have a subby boyfriend and she-"
Rosa's words were abruptly halted as her now infuriated and flushed sister returned, clutching her keys.
Observing Ellie's wrathful expression, Rosa struggled to stifle her laughter, knowing she had riled her up once again.
"Ellie: Here are the keys. Off you go to your simp of a boyfriend!"
Ellie interjected, positioning herself between her sister and Dion to prevent further escalation.
"Rosa: Thanks, El. You're the best! You and your slightly bigger but-"
Before Rosa could utter another word, Ellie interrupted her, her patience wearing thin.
"Ellie: Rosa?"
Despite her stern tone, Ellie's lips curled into a smile.
"Rosa: Understood!"
Rosa quickly conceded, realizing it was best to cease her teasing before she provoked her sister further.
She stepped back and waved goodbye to Dion.
"Rosa: See ya, big boy~ And don't forget you promised to help me with my car! Give your kid a hug for me!!"
Rosa shouted as she dashed toward her sister's car. Just before the door closed, she noticed something peculiar on Dion's body what appeared to be lipstick marks.
Dion waved back, offering a small, bemused smile.
"Dion: Hmm? She's quite the character, but also a handful."
He remarked as Ellie turned to him.
"Ellie: Yeah, a real comedian."
Ellie sighed, rolling her eyes as she glanced up at him.
"Ellie: Sorry for the interruption, Papi~ Let's get back to buying those movie tickets while we still have time~ I'll go get Danielle dressed~"
She added, as a wave of determination washed over her voice.
She said before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him; he reciprocated by embracing her waist.
They exchanged smiles as they heard Danielle crying upstairs. Ellie kissed him once more before swiftly heading upstairs to tend to Danielle.
Dion watched her disappear upstairs, scratching the back of his head as he fully processed the sudden change in circumstances. He was amazed by how quickly things had shifted.
Glancing up, he noticed a picture of a woman with dark brown skin, green eyes, and curly hair. He smiled at the picture before picking it up.
"Dion: Well, you were right, babe. You always are. Looks like I've found someone new, but no one will ever replace you, I promise. Love you."
He whispered, kissing the picture. It was Kya, Danielle's mother. Dion placed the picture back on the table before making his way upstairs.
Entering Danielle's room, he saw that Ellie had succeeded in calming her down and was now getting her ready for their movie outing.
"Dion: Dani, did Ellie manage to stop your tears?"
He said, planting a kiss on Danielle's forehead before leaning in to kiss Ellie again. Danielle giggled as Ellie helped her into one of the outfits Bianca had crafted for her before they moved in with Dion.
Dion couldn't help but stifle a laugh when he saw his daughter in the outfit, her little face scrunched up in a pout. Ellie squealed with delight, adoring Danielle's ensemble, and nuzzled her affectionately as she continued to pout.
"Ellie: She's just SOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!! Bianca has to make more of these outfits for Danielle, she looks absolutely precious!"
Dion burst into laughter as Danielle maintained her pout, earning a scowl from Ellie before she redirected her attention to their daughter, peppering her with kisses on her cheeks. Meanwhile, Dion went to get dressed himself.
Returning to the living room after dressing, Dion held Danielle in his arms while Ellie had gone back home to prepare herself.
Dion was clad in a fitted black suit jacket over a crisp white dress shirt. His matching black pants and polished shoes completed the ensemble, accented by a slim dark purple tie.
Danielle was dressed in a coordinated black outfit, and Dion settled her comfortably on the couch as they awaited Ellie's arrival. It wasn't long before Ellie made her grand entrance.
As the door to the house swung open, Dion turned to behold Ellie, and her arrival proved to be well worth the wait.
Her raven-black and blue hair cascaded in stunning, naturally a style Dion had never seen her wear before. Her makeup, though simple and understated, was elevated by the striking blue lipstick she adorned.
And then there was her dress.
Oh, what a dress it was.
A mesmerizing shade of blue, it clung to Ellie's figure like a second skin before flaring out into a knee-length skirt. Her shoulders were gracefully exposed save for delicate straps, and she strutted in strappy blue stiletto heels.
Ellie entered the room with an air of regal confidence, surveying her surroundings as if appraising their worthiness to bask in her magnificence.
She had applied a touch more makeup than usual, her eye-shadow matching the bold hue of her lipstick. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail.
Dion stood speechless at the sight of her, his yellow eyes sparkling like the moon in the night sky.
Ellie couldn't help but smile at Dion's dumbfounded expression, letting out a soft giggle before biting her lip teasingly.
"Ellie: Like what you see, Papi~"
Her Spanish accent only added to the allure, captivating Dion as he stood there, unable to form words, entranced by her beauty. His gaze roamed over her entire form before settling on her face, which bore a sly smirk.
Closing the door behind her, Ellie approached Dion, her eyes scanning him as if he were a delectable meal and she was famished. Licking her lips, she kissed him deeply, eliciting giggles from Danielle. Breaking the kiss, Ellie scooped up Danielle.
"Ellie: How's my little cutie pie? All dressed up for movie night?"
She cooed, tickling Danielle as she reveled in her laughter. Dion finally regained his composure, standing up to meet Ellie's gaze. Their eyes locked, his golden orbs glowing as her emerald ones responded in kind.
With a smile, Dion kissed her again, ensuring it was a moment she'd remember throughout the night. Breaking the kiss, he left Ellie starstruck as he went to retrieve Danielle's car seat from storage. Ellie sat there, her cheeks flushed red with anticipation, knowing she was about to embark on a memorable evening. She made a silent vow to herself, ready to ask Dion to be her boyfriend, even if it meant breaking the promise she made with her sisters about each having a chance with him.
Before long, the trio emerged from the house and made their way to the awaiting car. With a gallant gesture, Dion opened the door for Ellie, allowing her to gracefully slide into the passenger seat. Once she was settled, he closed the door with care and moved to secure Danielle in her car seat.
As Dion deftly buckled his daughter into her seat, ensuring her safety, Ellie watched fondly from the front, her heart swelling with affection for the two newest most important people in her life. Once Danielle was securely fastened, Dion joined Ellie in the car.
With a turn of the key, the engine hummed to life with a soft almost quiet sound, and Dion smoothly maneuvered the vehicle out of the driveway, setting their course towards the local theater. The anticipation hung palpably in the air, a sense of excitement mingling with the warm bond shared between them.
As they journeyed towards their destination, laughter and chatter filled the car, blending with the soothing hum of the engine. The promise of an evening filled with shared moments and cherished memories lay ahead, a testament to the strength of their familial bond and the love that bound them together.
And so, their adventure to the movies began, a tale of family, love, and the magic of togetherness, waiting to unfold with each passing moment. But for now, the road stretched out before them, leading them towards the promise of an unforgettable night at the theater.
To be continued....