"Weee, Mom look hahaha Im flying!"
"Hehehe!"
I let out a deep sigh as I watched the three of them—laughing, smiling, completely lost in their own little world of fun.
I still couldn't quite believe it. Alpheus had somehow managed to win over the twins so quickly.
The girls were usually cautious around strangers—especially Paris. She was the more reserved one, always a little aloof, far more mature for her age.
And yet… here she was, giggling as Alpheus tossed her into the air and caught her with ease, just like he'd done with her sister.
It was hard to believe this was the same Paris who normally kept people at arm's length.
Still, as I stood there taking it all in, I felt a gentle wave of relief wash over me.
They were happy. They were enjoying themselves.
And for the first time, I realized that maybe—just maybe—even Paris, with all her thoughtful silences and careful words, was still a child at heart. A little girl who just wanted to feel free and light and playful sometimes.
Hayss...
Alpheus really figured them out already.
Apparently, all it took to win them over—especially Paris—was a little skyward toss and the promise of safe arms to catch them.
"Alright, that's enough, kids!" I called out, stepping in at last.
"Can't you see how tired Alpheus is from lifting you both over and over? You're not exactly featherweights, you know."
Egypt immediately pouted, clearly not ready for the fun to end.
"Are you tired, Mr. Alpheus?" she asked sadly, her big eyes full of worry.
I couldn't help but sigh again. One glance at Alpheus and it was obvious—he was exhausted.
Sweat beaded at his forehead, and though he tried to smile through it, he was definitely at his limit.
"Hahaha… no, I'm not tired yet.." Alpheus said with a sheepish grin, even though the exhaustion was clearly written all over his face.
"See, Mommy? Mr. Alpheus isn't tired yet!"
Egypt chimed in proudly, then immediately turned her eager gaze back to him.
"Mr. Alpheuuusss! I want more!" she whined playfully, bouncing in place with outstretched arms.
Alpheus hesitated for a moment, clearly starting to feel the strain.
His eyes briefly flicked over to me, as if silently begging for help—for me to step in and call Egypt off. But instead of responding, I turned my back on him and pretended not to notice.
That's what you get.
You could've left earlier, but no—now deal with those two little whirlwinds yourself, I muttered in my head, directing it at Alpheus with a wicked smirk only I knew about.
"Ahaha… you're not tired yet, Egypt?" he asked with an awkward chuckle, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Nope! I want some more!" she exclaimed, full of uncontainable energy.
With no other choice, Alpheus sighed in surrender, then picked Egypt up once more and gently tossed her into the air. Her delighted squeal echoed around us as he caught her again.
She twirled in excitement the moment her feet touched the ground, dizzy with joy and ready to go again.
I couldn't help but chuckle as I watched Alpheus, clearly exhausted after being relentlessly hounded by my daughters.
They hadn't given him a single break—not until he was completely worn out from lifting and tossing them over and over again.
Even I, their own mother, couldn't carry both of them for more than a few minutes—they were heavy!
No wonder the two were so eager to be carried and thrown in the air like that. They weren't used to anyone doing that for them.
"Mr. Alpheus, that was sooo much fun! Hehe… you have to come back again, okay?" Egypt said cheerfully, still beaming with excitement.
Alpheus turned to look at me after Egypt's innocent request, clearly waiting to see what I would say—perhaps hoping for a warm invitation to return.
But no—I would never let him near my daughters again.
"Egypt, don't bother Mr. Alpheus. He's a very busy man, and every hour of his day is important. He doesn't have time to waste on unnecessary things."
Alpheus's face faltered for a moment, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes at my words.
"N-no, it's okay," he said quickly, offering a reassuring smile. "I can make time for the kids. And besides, things have slowed down lately—I've already finished most of my important work."
He looked back at me as if trying to say—I'm willing to make time for your children… and maybe even for you.
"Really, Uncle Alpheus?" Egypt chimed in excitedly, still full of energy.
"Yes," Alpheus replied with a chuckle. "And actually, you don't have to call me Mr. Alpheus anymore. Just call me Uncle. You and Paris aren't strangers to me."
The moment I heard that, I shot him a dagger-like glare.
Not strangers? What was that supposed to mean? That carried a completely different implication for me—and I didn't like it one bit.
"You're so nice, Uncle Alpheus!"
Egypt beamed, completely unfazed and clearly loving the new nickname.
"Why are you so kind to us, Uncle?" Paris suddenly asked.
Paris was back by my side, and the joyful sparkle she had while playing earlier was now gone and replaced by her usual serious, guarded expression.
"Does there really have to be a reason to be kind to you two?" Alpheus said, smiling warmly at them.
"But if you need one… I guess it's because I genuinely like you both. I have nieces your age, and you're just as adorable as they are."
"Wow! So you really are an uncle now! Maybe you'll become a dad someday too!" Egypt said innocently, making Alpheus laugh out loud.
"Maybe I will… and hopefully, he can be your playmate too." he said playfully, giving her a wink that made Egypt giggle.
Then he turned to Paris. "So, Paris, is that a good enough reason for me to want to be close to cute kids like you?"
But Paris didn't respond. She simply looked up at him quietly, then turned and wrapped her arms around my waist, burying her face against me.
"Hehe, Uncle Alpheus, Paris is just shy—but she likes you too!"
Egypt grinned, swaying slightly with pride as if she had just shared a very important secret.
Alpheus let out a soft chuckle and reached over to gently ruffle her hair, his smile warm and genuine.
"Is that so?" he murmured fondly. "Hmm… she's just like someone I know very well."
His gaze shifted subtly—almost playfully—until it landed on me. And there it was again. That look.
That familiar smirk paired with a knowing glance, like he was teasing me.
Ugh, he's starting to get annoying!