Chapter Twelve: Daddy's Day
https://i.imgur.com/K8IswiR.png?1
With Mai sleeping through the night, Brianne was able to get some rest herself. She woke at her usual time and had a good breakfast in preparation for another long shift at the hospital, eating while criticizing a rerun of some old medical drama. She hoped she would earn another promotion soon, wanting to reach the top of her career.
https://i.imgur.com/n8N7L5o.png?1
By the itme Viviana and Taro emerged fromt heir rooms and plopped down with their own breakfasts to enjoy early morning cartoons before school, Brianne had finished her meal and went into the bathroom after a brief conversation.
Emerging, Brianne discovered she had just enough time for a quick game of chess before she left.
"Don't forget to do your homework today, Vivi," she called across the room.
"I know, Mom. I won't," Viviana assured her with a put-upon sigh.
https://i.imgur.com/n20cGq0.png?1
Taro finished eating first and went into Mai's room to do his homework, wanting to be near his little sister. At least she wasn't bossy, unlike Viviana. Not yet anyway. He also felt closer to his Great-Aunt Jessica in this room and a little envious that he hadn't seen her ghost. Then again, that sounded scary when Viviana told him about her experience.
https://i.imgur.com/y8t6k36.png?1
Finshed with her breakfast and the cartoons, Viviana moved to the kitchen table to do her homework, bending over the text with an intent frown.
https://i.imgur.com/u4FMUPN.png?1
https://i.imgur.com/w8E2ibq.png?1
Harry prepared a plate of eggs and toast for Mai and brought it to her in her room before he got his own breakfast.
Finiding Viviana still there finishing his homework, he greeted her with a joke.
"That's so lame," Viviana objected, trying to hide a smile.
"Sorry, give your old man a chance," he replied.
Viviana snorted. "You're not that old. Anyway, can you help me with this?"
"Sure, what's the problem?" Harry got up and moved around to her otherside so he could get a better look.
https://i.imgur.com/4bGhcFt.png?3
While Harry cleaned up after breakfast, Mai emerged from her room and toddled over to the stereo, which had been left on earlier. She bobbed to the music, though she couldn't have understood the lyrics to the tween pop song.
https://i.imgur.com/O9Jqvwv.png?2
Growing tired of dancing, Mai noticed Selma's presence and turned her attention to the dog, patting her snout. "Love 'elma. Kissy," she babbled happily. Selma obliged by kissing her hand and cheek, causing Mai to giggle in response.
https://i.imgur.com/TXxaLzH.png?1
When Selma left her alone to go in search of her favorite chew toy, Mai wandered into Viviana's room. Discovering her older sister's mirror, she babbled at it, staring at her own reflection.
https://i.imgur.com/zqlYXBu.png?1
Harry found Mai just in time to get her on the potty before she could use her diaper.
Unfortunately, the session didn't go well, leaving a mess behind.
"Oops. Accidents happen, you'll be okay," Harry said, reaching for Mai.
"Hug. Me sad," Mai informed him, clinging to him.
https://i.imgur.com/WXUPEPB.png?1
Deciding both of them needed some cheering up and time outside, Harry suggested, "Let's go play outside."
After some initial resistance, Mai went with him and was soon laughing and enjoyin herself. "Wheee! Fun! Do 'gain!"
She shouted.
https://i.imgur.com/dfG4jEL.png?2
Eventually Harry put a stop to their play. "Daddy needs a break, sweetie. We'll do that again another time," he promised, leading Mai back inside.
He started working wiht her on her manners, and was still at it when Viviana returned.
"Vivi, it's your turn to give Selma her bath," he reminded gently.
"I'll do that now," Viviana promised, smelling the dog. "Come on, girl, it's time for your bath," she called to the dog.
https://i.imgur.com/EnRtbM5.png?1
When Brianne returned not long after, she went straight for the kitchen in search of dinner not having had time to take a lunch break at work.
https://i.imgur.com/EoGKg7B.png?1
Vivaina finished bathing Selma and came back downstairs. She grabbed the last bowl of chili and brought it into the living room to watch tv whie she ate, not about to start her homework with an empty stomach.
https://i.imgur.com/IAr5jFH.png?1
The day's lesson in manners and saying sorry over, Mai sat down with a book and pretended to read it to herself, fascinated by the pictures.
Harry watched for a few minutes, smiling. he wondered if she'd be a big reader like Viviana. "Time for bed, Mai," he said, noticing the toddler could barely keep her eyes open.
https://i.imgur.com/IAr5jFH.png?1
After putting Mai to sleep, Harry continued Selma's fetch training. At the end of their session, he praised her and gave her a treat. "Good job, girl. I knew you'd catch on eventually," he said, smiling, petting her.
https://i.imgur.com/OdhxU4r.png?1
Taro meant to get an early start on his Medieval Castel Diorama, but he quickly grew too hungry and tired to concentrate, so he decided to stop working for the night. He could always finish it later, maybe on the weekend.
https://i.imgur.com/iCyIRWF.png?1
Inside, Taro chatted with Harry as he ate, glad to have his father's attention. He hadn't' had much time with him lately, given Harry's hours, for one thing.
"Want to hear a joke?"
"What is it? Viviana doesn't think I know any good jokes, maybe you can help me," Harry said lightly.
Taro grinned, launching into his joke. "VIviana doens't know that one either," he added.
"Oh, I'm glad you told me first then." Harry chuckled.
https://i.imgur.com/Ybaf49S.png?1
Brianne laughed at the joke on her way past to check on Mai, who had woken up from yet another nightmare. "How about a story before you go back to sleep?" Brianne suggested, wincing as a tiny hand tangled itself in her short ponytail.
"Story," Mai agreed sleepily, though she didn't let her mother go.
Not minding, Brianne lifted her up, thinking she really needed to get back into shape. Maybe she should spend her next day off at the gym instead of at home...it was something to think about anyway. Later.
First, she had to get Mai calmed down and tucked back in.
https://i.imgur.com/hmoLT7q.png?1
All three children asleep, the two adults snuck out to the hot tub in the backyard, which they rarely got to use. It was the perfect end to the day, and just what the doctor orderd.
