As we step inside the grand foyer of the Statham mansion, Candy whispers in awe…
"Wow, this place is incredible."
I can't help but agree, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Zayn's mother approaches us with a warm smile, welcoming us into their home.
"Welcome, it's lovely to finally meet you all."
She says graciously. Zayn's siblings, bustling around, greet us enthusiastically, making us feel instantly at ease. Zayn takes my hand reassuringly as we follow his family further into the magnificent mansion.
Zayn leads us into the spacious living room, where his family is gathered.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Kattie, Candy, Madison, and Avery."
He announces proudly. His parents greet us warmly, his mother's eyes twinkling with warmth as she embraces me. His siblings offer warm smiles and friendly hellos, making us feel like part of the family already.
As Zayn introduces his family to me, Candy, and the twins, there's a mix of silence, awkwardness and nervousness in the air. Zayn's father, who he just introduced as Richard, offers a warm smile and a firm handshake, welcoming us into their home.
Eleanor, Zayn's mother, seems a bit taken aback at the sight of the children but manages a polite greeting. Christopher, Zayn's brother, gives a casual nod, his expression unreadable. Finally, Billy and Becky, Zayn's twin sisters, exchange curious glances but remain mostly quiet.
Zayn stands by my side, offering reassurance with a gentle squeeze of my hand. The atmosphere is polite but tinged with an underlying tension as everyone tries to find their footing in this new and unexpected situation.
As we settle around the table, I can feel the tension in the air. Madison and Avery exchange uncertain glances with Ellary and Hudson, the newfound cousins. Ellary is apparently Billy's daughter , while Hudson is Becky's son.
Billy and Becky watch with a mix of surprise and curiosity. Candy and I share a knowing look, silently acknowledging the complexity of the situation. Zayn takes charge, trying to ease the tension with his usual charm and ease.
The kids seem to relax a bit, drawn into the excitement of meeting a new family, while I navigate the unspoken questions and uncertainties with polite conversation and a forced smile.
"So , how old are your beautiful twins, Candy?"
Oh no , she didn't! My poor friend chokes on her food. I have a feeling that Zayn's mother is asking like this on purpose. I see Zayn trying to speak but I squeeze his thigh , indicating that "I got this one."
Eleanor's question hangs in the air like a heavy cloud, casting a pall over the once jovial atmosphere. I can feel the tension crackling, and Candy's discomfort is palpable as she fumbles for a response.
Before she can gather her thoughts, I jump in, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning within me.
"They're mine."
I interject firmly, hoping to deflect the scrutiny away from Candy. But my attempt at shielding her only seems to stoke Eleanor's ire further. Her eyes narrow, and her voice drips with disdain as she addresses Zayn.
"So you not only like them ordinary, Zayn, you like them as another man's leftovers with kids?"
Her words cut through the air like a knife, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I feel a surge of anger and indignation rising within me, but I swallow it down, determined to maintain my composure in the face of such blatant hostility.
This was supposed to be a joyous occasion, a chance to bond with Zayn's family, but instead, it feels like we've stumbled into a minefield of judgment and prejudice. I look over at the small table where the kids are at and I see my children laughing , getting along with the other kids just fine.
This sight is exactly what I need right now. My kids always give me strength. But not today. I will not let the devil test me.
"Mom , that's not a way to speak to my guest. She's my love, I don't appreciate you making her this uncomfortable, dad , say something please."
Zayn seems to be speaking on deaf ears as his mother doesn't back down…her accusatory gaze pierces through me, her next question lands like a sucker punch to the gut.
"And where is the father of these babies?"
Her tone is laced with thinly veiled contempt, and I feel a familiar pang of guilt clawing at my insides. My mind races, scrambling for a response, but my practiced facade remains steadfast.
"He's... not in the picture."
I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. It's a lie I've grown accustomed to, a shield to protect myself and my children from the harsh judgments of others. But as the weight of Eleanor's scrutiny bears down on me, I can't help but wonder how much longer I can keep up this charade.
Tension is the only feeling over any other feelings I'm feeling right now. I didn't expect all this. It now feels like I just came all the way here to get between this family.. Billy and Becky, Zayn's twin sisters, exchange a knowing glance before stepping into the fray, their voices rising in a chorus of defiance against their mother's condemnation.
"You're always judging, Mom. Don't you ever get tired?"
One of them retorts, her tone sharp with indignation. Don't ask me if it was Billy or Becky because I'm not sure myself. They are so identical, I can't tell them apart.The words hang between them, a stark reminder of the deep-seated rifts that lie beneath the surface of this seemingly perfect family.
Zayn's father, Richard, attempts to diffuse the tension with a strained smile, but the damage has been done, and the rift between mother and daughters widens with each passing moment. As the argument reaches its crescendo, I can't help but feel like an intruder in this fractured tableau, a silent witness to the unraveling of familial bonds.
Sensing the escalating tension, Zayn shifts the conversation with practiced ease, deftly steering it away from the uncomfortable topic at hand. With a charming smile, he introduces a lighthearted anecdote from his childhood, regaling us with tales of mischief and adventure that elicit laughter from around the table.
His words weave a temporary veil over the underlying discord, offering a brief respite from the palpable strain that hangs heavy in the air. As the conversation veers onto safer shores, I find myself grateful for Zayn's quick thinking, even as the shadow of Eleanor's judgment lingers in the back of my mind.
With one of the twins , we are washing dishes , Zayn ,his brother and dad are playing pool , the other twin is with the kids , offering them cookies. Oh and I'm with Billy as she told me. We are just having a general talk. I'm asking her how she got married to the same man as her sister.
She explains this thing of being one person on two different bodies with her sis and she explains it better than Zayn did , the last time I asked him more about it.
As we stand side by side, washing dishes in the warm glow of the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of freedom with Billy. She is a free spirit.
"So, how did you and your sister end up marrying the same man?"
I inquire, my curiosity piqued by the unusual arrangement. Billy chuckles softly, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and fondness.
"It's a bit unconventional, I know."
She begins, her voice tinged with warmth.
"But for us, it's always been about unity. We've always seen ourselves as two halves of the same whole, and marrying the same man felt like a natural extension of that bond."
As she shares her story, I'm struck by the depth of her conviction and the unwavering loyalty she holds for her sister. In her words, I find a sense of acceptance and understanding, and for a fleeting moment, I'm grateful for the opportunity to glimpse into her world.
"Do you love Zayn?"
Her question came so unexpectedly. But Let me just answer honestly.
"More than I've ever loved any other man."
"Good. then you should never let anything come between you two. I know Zayn , he loves you and your kids as well. That's rare , you should hold on to him. Don't let even my mother get to you."
And I didn't expect her to mention her mother in this conversation. But I'm glad she's kind of on my side. I came here with my best friend , where is she? Speak of the devil and she shall appear!
As I'm still talking to Billy , Candy comes through the kitchen like a lightning , she looks a mess , like she just saw a ghost.
'Kattie , we need to get out of here , now!"
Caught off guard by Candy's sudden urgency, I exchange a bewildered glance with Billy before turning my attention back to my friend.
"What's wrong, Candy? Why do we need to leave?"
I ask , my voice laced with concern. I'm worried. Candy's eyes dart around the room, her breaths coming in rapid succession as she struggles to find the right words.
"I'll explain later, but trust me, we need to go—now!"
She insists, her tone urgent and adamant. Sensing the gravity of the situation, I nod in silent agreement, my heart racing with apprehension. Hastily excusing ourselves from Billy's company, we make a beeline for the door, leaving behind a whirlwind of confusion and unanswered questions in our wake.
I reach Zayn and tell him that candy isn't feeling well , we have to leave. He hesitates , very late for him to do that , I've already called a cab. I gather my kids and we move along , headed for the gate , with him running after us.