Calix, Leslie and Calliope’s visit to the kindergarten went smoothly. The little dumpling couldn’t wait to start schooling there, already envisioning the many new friends she would get.
"Poppy will bring many many candies for Poppy’s new friends!"
Calliope proudly declared during their ride ho, striking one fist into the air while the other hand hugging Mimo. Calix and Leslie laughed, amused by her enthusiasm.
Calliope missed her friends back in the orphanage but, Calix hadn’t had the ti to bring her there for a visit. His schedule might be open sowhere from mid to late autumn.
Madam Lin was very helpful. She brought the family of three to tour the kindergarten and took her ti explaining the facilities, school traditions and other important aspects.
Calix and Leslie were satisfied with the kindergarten despite still being worried about Calliope’s safety. He wouldn’t back down on the idea of having the bodyguards near the school to which she agreed.
"The new sester begins on September 1st, it’s on Friday."
Calliope wouldn’t really get the chance to befriend everyone because it was the one day of school before the weekend. Still, she might get along with one or two of her new classmates.
Both Calix and Leslie intended to send Calliope there but, with a little disguise.
The following week ca. As the family of three was preoccupied with their private schedule, the week was as peaceful as ever.
Then, Thursday ca.
"He should arrive anyti now. It’ll be seven soon."
Calix muttered as he glanced at his wristwatch. He was sitting casually on the couch with Leslie while Calliope was busy reading a story to Mimo on the floor.
"Does he co straight from the office?" asked Leslie, slightly curious about their guest.
"Perhaps," was what Calix answered, thinking it was the most likely possibility.
Xander would co for dinner at Graceville Manor tonight. It was Thursday, still the weekday yet, the heir of the Qin family told Calix that he could co.
Calix gave Xander a few dates to suit his friend’s hectic schedule. Still, he was thankful that Xander chose the weekday night instead of the weekend.
Calix hadn’t planned anything to do on the weekend but, it would be better to free up both days from any other arrangents not involving family stuff.
Who knew?
Maybe, on Saturday Calliope would blurt out wanting to play at the public park.
Or, perhaps on Sunday, Leslie craved so restaurant food she saw on the online videos.
Anyway, weekends should be reserved for his family. They were his priority.
"Oh, he’s here."
The low hum of an engine resounded from outside as a sedan moved speedily down the driveway. Without a doubt, it was Xander’s car.
"Poppy, co," Leslie smilingly looked at Calliope, "Put the book away. Your papa’s friend is here."
"Okay~"
Calliope obediently did as she was told. She closed the storybook before putting it under the table, inside a compartnt for her belongings.
Holding Mimo, Calliope was ready to greet the guests. She wore a light yellow sleeveless shirt, paired with mint green suspender shorts.
The little dumpling looked as adorable as always.
Calliope previously asked Calix if the guest was Ryken, implying how much she rembered and adored the playful man. She pouted when her papa told her it was not her Uncle Ryken.
"Let’s go. Co, sweetheart."
Calix held Leslie’s waist and hand, supporting her in standing up despite her regaining much more strength than before. She playfully pinched his arm, earning giggles from him.
The family of three headed to the entryway. The clock pointed to ten minutes before seven. Xander arrived a little earlier than the promised ti.
Calix gestured at Leslie and Calliope to wait at the entryway while he opened the door. The mother and daughter silently watched him approach the front entrance.
"Mama, no Uncle Ryken?"
Calliope poutily asked Leslie, still wishing to et that jovial friend of Calix’s.
Leslie chuckled in helplessness. Slightly bending down, she gently patted Leslie’s head.
"Your Uncle Ryken is busy. We’ll get to see him next ti."
"Oh... okay."
Calliope turned to look at the door again. She didn’t know that her conversation with Leslie reached Calix. The man had to bite his lips to avoid laughing out loud.
Reaching for the door, Calix pulled it open.
"Look! Who’s here!" exclaid Calix, followed by a mischievous sneer on his lips.
Xander appeared at the doorway, still clad in his pristine black suit. The man stared at the joyful Calix, refraining from grumbling.
"...hello, good evening. I brought so gifts."
Seeing Leslie and Calliope behind Calix, Xander stiffly greeted them before lifting one hand, showing a paper bag. The smooth red surface had silver marble-like prints, looking quite exclusive.
"Good evening, Mr. Qin. We hope you’ll enjoy the al with us."
Leslie returned the greeting, feeling a little amused at the sight of the anxious Xander. His current appearance differed greatly from how arrogant he usually was.
"Yes, Mrs. Xu. I hope so too," replied Xander, still sounding and behaving awkwardly.
Calix held back from teasing Xander. It was funny seeing his friend who was the epito of arrogance look nervous when facing Leslie.
"Anyway, a proper introduction ti," Calix chid in, emphasizing the word proper.
Xander stared at Calix, realizing how much his friend was gloating inside. He was unsure himself but, he had had quite cold feet right now.
Ignoring Xander’s stare, Calix proudly declared as he introduced Leslie and Calliope to the forr.
"Xander, this lovely lady is my wife, Charlene Xu but, you may call her Leslie. And, this adorable little girl is our daughter, Calliope Xu. You may call her Poppy."
"Hello, C-Char... I an, Leslie," Xander almost bit his tongue for mistaking the way to address Leslie, "I’m Xander Qin, Calix’s friend since childhood. You can just call by my na."
"I will, Xander," Leslie addressed Xander easily, showing no traces of awkwardness, unlike the man, "My husband has been talking about you and also the other two."
Xander curled up his lips, trying to smile yet, it felt so weird. He couldn’t help but wonder what kind of nonsense Calix had told Leslie about him.
"Hello, Poppy," Xander turned to Calliope, seeing the little dumpling hold Leslie’s skirt as her round eyes assessed him, "I’m your father’s friend. You can call Uncle Xander."
Calliope nodded but, her slightly furrowed brows indicated she was thinking of sothing that required her brain to overwork.
Recognizing the look on Calliope’s face, Calix inquired, "What is it, my buttercup? Do you have sothing to ask your Uncle Xander?"
Calliope blinked, looking from Calix to Leslie and finally Xander. Parting her lips, she asked, "Why Uncle Xander smile weird ah? Not like Uncle Ryken."
"..."
"Pfft!"
Calliope’s remarks stunned Xander while Calix almost burst out laughing.
"That, Poppy..." Leslie trailed off, holding back from laughing, "You can’t ask sothing like that to soone you’ve just t."
"Oh, Poppy can’t?" Calliope blinked, thinking of what Leslie had just told her, "Okay. Poppy won’t do it again."
Xander was still stiffened on his spot. He quietly looked at the family of three, who he sensed happiness and comfort from.
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