Chapter 21

Becky stood behind Fosbein, her one hand steadying his small shoulder while the other guided the comb gently through his soft hair. Each stroke was slow and careful.

“Mommy’s little boy’s hair smells so good,” she murmured fondly, finishing the last stroke before leaning down to press a soft kiss on Fosbein’s forehead.

Fosbein smiled.

“Mommy,” Fahnareeh’s voice chimed in impatiently, her legs swinging as she sat on the couch, “I want Frozen hair.”

Becky chuckled. “Wait a minute, Fahnareeh. Mommy wants to comb Tian’s hair first.”

She turned to Fastian, ruffling his hair slightly before picking up the comb again. “My little troublemaker,your hair is getting long.”

Fastian frowned immediately and took a step back. “I don’t want to cut my hair. That sounding tool is scary.”

Becky softened her voice. “We can ask them to use scissors only,” she persuaded gently, meeting his eyes.

“You can ask Daddy to cut it,” Fosbein suggested casually. “Like our friend. He asked his daddy,” he said while he sit beside Fahnareeh.

Becky paused for a second, then said calmly, “Ask your daddy later.” She then sat on the floor. “Come here, Nareeh.”

Fahnareeh scooted closer obediently.

“Do you want to be Elsa?” Becky asked while separating strands of her hair carefully.

Fahnareeh nodded enthusiastically. “I want to be beautiful Elsa.”

Just then, Freen’s voice came from the dining area. “Breakfast is done.”

Becky and the triplets all looked up at her at the same time.

“Let’s go have a breakfast.”

“Mommy,” Fahnareeh protested, “you forgot to make my Frozen hair.”

“We can do it at the table. Come, have breakfast first.”

Fahnareeh shook her head stubbornly. She stand up quickly. Fastian and Fosbein stand up too and quickly standing beside her.

“Maybe they want you to cook their breakfast,” said Freen.

“I won’t cook it,” said Becky  and shot the three of them a sharp look. “Your daddy can cook even if she makes some mistakes. If three of you still don’t want to eat, Mommy won’t persuade the three of you again. Don’t blame Mommy if your stomach starts growling.”

With that, she walked toward the dining table, leaving the triplets and Freen behind.

Fahnareeh hesitated, then quickly trotted after her.

“Does Nareeh want to eat or not?” Becky asked, already pulling out a chair.

“I want to eat,” Fahnareeh answered softly, climbing onto her seat. She forced herself.

Now only Fastian and Fosbein remained.

Fosbein looked up at Freen, who was still standing patiently. “Daddy, if you can’t cook, don’t force it. Not everyone can cook. For example, me, Fastian, and Fahnareeh.”

Freen laughed quietly. “Wouldn’t you two like to try Daddy’s cooking first? If it really isn’t delicious, Daddy promises not to cook again.”

“Pinky promise,” Fosbein said seriously, raising his little finger.

“Pinky promise,” Freen replied, hooking her finger with Fosbein’s.

Fastian turned his face away. He walked to the table but stopped beside Becky. He patting her thigh gently.

“Mommy, I want your cooking.”

“Tian,” Becky said calmly, “try it first. If it really doesn’t taste the way you want, then Mommy will cook. It’s such a waste if you don’t eat what your daddy cooks.”

“But, Mommy…”

Becky leaned closer and whispered, “Do you want your daddy to be sad? Your daddy try hard to make this breakfast.”

Fastian shook his head quickly.

“Then, let’s eat.”

They all sat down together. The triplets stared at the food for a moment, not touching it at all.

Becky picked up her spoon and started eating first.

Only after watching her reaction did the triplets finally begin to eat.

“How is it?” Becky asked. “Is the food okay?”

The triplets nodded in unison.

“Finish it,” Becky said firmly.

They ate quietly while Becky continued braiding Fahnareeh’s hair at the table, her fingers never stopping.

Suddenly, Fastian looked up at Freen with curious eyes.

“Daddy, can you cut my hair tomorrow?” Fastian requested.

Freen glanced at Becky.

“His hair is quite long. If you’re good at cutting hair, please cut it for him,” explained Becky.

“I can,” Freen replied confidently.

“Are you serious?” Becky asked narrowing her eyes. “If you cannot, don’t force yourself.”

“I can, Becky.”

“Fine.”

“I want to cut my hair too,” Fosbein added quickly as if afraid he’d miss the chance.

“Daddy will,” Freen said warmly. “Tomorrow morning. Just tell Daddy which style.”

“Just do a children’s style, Freen,” Becky warned, not even looking up. She tied the last braid neatly. “We’re going out after this.”

Fastian looked up immediately. “Mommy, are you going to the fun place with us?,”

Becky raised her eyebrows at Freen.

“Of course,your mommy go with us,” said Freen.