The Love From Vengeance

186: MEMORIES 3

ARIEL’S POV

[FLASHBACK CONTINUES]

My mornings are always a whirlwind of activity, especially when it comes to getting Lukel and Janice ready for school. As the sun peeked through the curtains, I gently nudged Lukel and Janice awake with a soft, “Good morning, my little sunshines.”

Lukel rubbed his eyes and yawned, while Janice, yawning as well, quickly jumped out of bed with at beautiful and wide smile right there. “Good morning, Mommy!” she chirped, her enthusiasm

infectious.

I guided Lukel to the bathroom first, where he brushed his teeth and washed his face. Meanwhile, Janice was already bouncing around the room, her excitement palpable. I managed to wrangle her long enough to get her teeth brushed too before the real challenge began–choosing their outfits for the day.

Lukel, ever the easygoing child, accepted whatever I picked out for him without protest. Janice, on the other hand, had her own ideas. “I want to wear my pink dress, Mommy!” she declared, pointing to the frilly garment hanging in her closet.

I smiled, knowing that negotiating with Janice would take some finesse. “How about we save the pink dress for the party this weekend, sweetheart? Let’s pick out something comfy for school today,” I suggested, hoping to steer Janice away from a potential tantrum.

After some negotiation and a few compromises, Janice settled on a cute pair of leggings and a colorful tunic top. Lukel, dressed in his favorite jeans and a superhero t–shirt, was all set. Next came the battle

of the shoes.

While Lukel slipped on his sneakers with ease, Janice insisted on wearing her sparkly silver flats. I helped her buckle them on, admiring my daughter’s determination even in the smallest decisions.

With their outfits finally sorted, I ushered the kids to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. Lukel opted for cereal, while Janice demanded her favorite pancakes with a side of fruit. I inanaged to whip up both in record time, my multitasking skills on full display.

As they finished their breakfast, I quickly packed their lunches, double–checking to make sure Lukel and Janice both had their favorite snacks. With their backpacks slung over their shoulders, Lukel and Janice lined up by the door, ready for another day at school.

I kneeled down to their eye level, smoothing down Lukel’s hair and fixing Janice’s ponytail. “Have a great day, my little stars. Learn lots, be kind, and remember that Mommy loves you very much,” I said, my voice filled with warmth and love.

out the door, their laughter echoing down the hallway. As I watched them go, a sense of pride

to turn around when Lukel walked back to me. “Mommy, can you please drive

school?”

my love. Hope in the car,” I replied with

Janice to

in the backseat, Lukel asked, “Can we

want to listen to first?” I asked, starting the car and pulling out of

driveway.

we start with the Moana soundtrack?” Janice chimed in, her

through my phone until I found the soundtrack and hit play.

Janice began to sing along at the top of their lungs. I joined in, feeling the warmth of their voices and the happiness

to “Circle of Life,” as we made our way to the school. I couldn’t help but smile at

the kids quickly gathered their backpacks and gave me a quick kiss before rushing off to their respective classrooms. I watched them go, feeling

but reflect on the journey we had been on. From the moment I found out I was pregnant with Lukel and Janice, to the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, to now seeing them grow and thrive every day,

and Janice’s laughter and love filled the air, made all the challenges worth it.

my children. And as I walked back into the house,

that awaited us.

content with being Ariel, the mother of two amazing

and I walked into one of the best salons in town, and his eyes widened at that very moment. The bright lights, the sound of scissors, and the smell of hair products filled the air. I could see his

there, young man! What can I do for you

haircut,” Lukel replied,

right place. My name is Joe, and I’ll make sure you leave here looking like

MEMORIES, I

Joe said, winking at

seemed determined to make this a fun experience for my