Chapter Nine-Pangs Of Jealousy

Hazel West

Arriving at the school, I spotted Zion chatting animatedly with William, his newfound friend. She smiled, feeling grateful for the small joys in her life amidst the complexities of her work. Zion's happiness was a constant source of motivation for her.

"Hey, buddy!" I called out as Zion approached the car. "How was your day at school?"

"It was awesome, Mom!" Zion exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "William and I had so much fun

William and Zion both took turns to give me a hug

"Can we go now" I said opening the door for Zion

"No, mommy. Uncle Dunlop isn't here yet. I can't leave William her alone by himself" Zion said showing so much care bout his

friend

I haveto admit that the kid had a point.

We lingered around for hours waiting for Dunlop, I took them to get ice-cream and watched them play at the playground and Dunlop wasn't still here. It was getting late and Jacob was calling

"Zion sweetheart, let's just take William home and then we'll call his daddy to come pick him up" I said

"ok, yayyyyy, William you're coming home with me" Zion excitedly told William and William smiled and jumped excitedly

It was so heartwarming to see how happy they were together. I opened the car door for them and they both got in the backseat and chitchatted all the way back home. On the way back home, I couldn't help but wonder why Dunlop didn't come to pick his son up from school. Was he usually that irresponsible? I made a mental note to scold him if he didn't have any good reasons for not picking up his son

We arrived at the house and the duo got out of the car continued chitchatting endlessly till they got into the house. I locked the car and walked to the house to see that Jacob was already back and was making dinner

"What happened, why did you take so long?" he asked

"Dunlop didn't come to get William, so we had to wait for him. when he didn't arrive, I just took the kid home" I explained

"Ok, it's fine. you look stressed as fuck. Go upstairs and freshen up and come eat dinner" Jacob said and my heart melted

"Hey boys how was your day?" he asked the boys

"It was awesome" Zion replied

"It was great" William replied

Both of them still very active and vibrant

"Ok, then, you will tell me all about during dinner. Now go freshen up. Zion show William your bathroom and give him some of

your clothes so he can change out of his school uniform"

They both agreed and rushed upstairs with me. Before they left, Jacob took Dunlop's number from William and placed a call.

"What are you doing?" I asked, curiously

"I'm going to call Dunlop and find out what's going on," Jacob replied, his expression serious.

I nodded in agreement, grateful for Jacob's proactive approach. I watched as he dialed Dunlop's number, my heart pounding for some reason

After a few rings, the call went to voicemail, and Jacob left a message, his voice firm but polite.

"Hey, Dunlop. It's Jacob. I wanted to let you know that William is here with us. Hazel brought him home after you didn't show up to

pick him up from school. Give me a call back when you get this message.

I went upstairs to freshen up and I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with Dunlop. After taking a warm relaxing shower, I

came out and put on some house clothes and checked on Zion William in their rooms. the two of them were still deciding on what to wear so I let them be and headed downstairs.

As I was approaching the living room, I heard sounds of laughter coming from there. I hastened my steps and reached downstairs to

see Jacob and Dunlop already eating without us and laughing about something. when they notice my presence, they stop laughing

"oh hi, hazel" Dunlop greeted and I gave him the sting eyes. we weren't that close yet

I didn't reply to him and simply walked over and took a seat beside Jacob

"when did he get here?" I asked Jacob dishing out food and serving myself

"a few minutes ago," Jacob answered

"uhmm, where are the boys" Dunlop asked

"uhm, you mean where is William, since all of a sudden you seem to care" I said not making eye contact with him

"I’m sorry, I didn't arrive early to pick William. I sent my driver but he got caught up in traffic. By the time he got there, you already

left with William "he said, trying to explain

"Save your explanation for yourself" I said rudely, stuffing my mouth with food

Jacob kicked my legs under the table and gave me the 'be nice' look but I ignored him and continued eating

"you haven't changed a bit, still fiery, just like I remember" Dunlop said and I nearly choked

"wait, she hasn't changed a bit? do you too know each other before now?" Jacob asked and I quickly looked around hoping to change the subject

the kids arrived at just the perfect time "ok look the kids are here" I said drawing everyone off from that topic

"uncle Dunlop, you're here" Zion screamed and ran to give him a big hug and Dunlop stood up and carried him up and I felt a slight pang of jealousy

"here comes the tornado" Dunlop said and turned Zion round and round in the air while he laughed so excitedly

he also carried William and did the same thing. they sat excitedly next to him, eating and chattering all about their day to him

then suddenly Zion asked "mommy can William stay over today?" he said with puppy eyes that I couldn't resist

"well, that depends on if William wants to stay and if his dad agrees" I said

"I want to stay" William said elated "daddy, can I?" he turned to Dunlop

"please uncle Dunlop" Zion also begged

"okay, okay, of course you can stay" Dunlop said to William and they both screamed and jumped in excitement

I noticed that Jacob slipped his hands under the table to touch my legs and probably hoping that he could get back at me. I laughed and stood up

"it's not going to be that easy" I said laughing and I noticed a slight change in Dunlop’s face

Was that jealousy?