Chapter 33: Uncle Piano Forever
Chapter 33
The car ride was quiet—yet exhilarating, the kind that comes after victory. Jasmine finally relaxed, her bubbly energy back, while Hanith leaned back into the seat, quiet as usual but the corner of his eyes twinkled with happiness. While Katherine... she had her arms crossed, body relaxed yet her eyes darting occasionally toward the back seat, staring at the kids.
Then Jasmine, never to be the one to be quiet, suddenly sat upright, her voice was high, dramatic and animated as she reiterated what happened.
"He said we didn’t have a dad..." she scrunched her nose in displeasure, throwing a glance at her brother like she needed him to confirm the tale.
Aaron’s eyes flicked up to the rearview mirror, looking at the kids while nodding at Jasmine’s words.
"...so I hit him with a pencil!" she said with excitement, her hand raised as she demonstrated.
A playful snort escaped Aaron before he could stop it. "That’s my little tiger," he chuckled heartfully, clearly proud as he glanced back at the twins through the mirror again as Katherine gave him a slow glare from the passenger seat, her brow arched.
His grin got wider. "Both of you did great today. I’m proud of you," he praised, his voice laced with sincerity. He really meant it.
Hanith ducked his head shyly, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth, while Jasmine, on the other hand, raised her tiny fist in the air like a champion.
"Next time, I’ll hit harder," she boasted, grinning cheekily.
"Yes, little tiger. Hit harder," he cheered, smiling. "If you can’t hit harder, you can bite also. I’m here for the consequences." he pipped in, tapping on the wheel.