*NICO*

So Matthias insisted I go with him this morning to pick up his kids.  You know it’s hard to say no to him when he has his mind set on something.  This should be interesting and awkward.  I love kids so I have to admit that though I’m nervous I’m also really excited.

So here I am getting out of the car at this stranger’s house.

“Good morning Matthais.”

“Good morning Jamie, this is my friend Nico.  Are the boys up?”

“They are watching cartoons in the living room, go right on through.”

“So Nico… interesting name.”  Jamie says making conversation.  She looks me up and down getting a good look at everything.  Why is it everyone I meet gives me these looks? They make me uncomfortable.  I mean I know I’m cute and all but come on!  Besides I’m taken.  Get your own man, or woman, whichever.

“Uh yeah, my mom was Greek or something like that.  I don’t really know.”

“Really?  That’s cool.”

Come on Matthias hurry up.  I know kids can take a while to get ready, but save me from this awkwardness.

“Mamma, mamma.  Elijah and Zainey are leaving?”  A little boy comes in pouting, clinging to another little boy.  Awe, how cute.  The other one must be one of the twins.

“Yes, Peter.”

“But, but, I don’t want them to go.  I want them to stay, please, please?”  If possible it looks like he’s clinging even tighter to the twin.

“Yeah, I don’t wanna weave Peter.”

“I know you might not want to go Elijah, but don’t you want to spend time with your dad and his friend?”

“Yes, daddy!”  Wow I’d forgotten how easily distracted some kids got.

“Come on Peter, they need some time with their dad.  You don’t want Elijah to see you sad do you?”

“No mamma.”

“Then cheer up.”

Matthias then comes in with both boys.  The twin from earlier, Elijah, is bouncing up and down all around him, while the other one clings to his leg.

“You ready to go Nico?”

I nod, but try not to seem too eager.  It looks like the twins just seemed to notice me there.

“Hi, I’m Elijah and this is my brother Zainey!”   Elijah announces as he comes running up to me.

“Who are you?”

“I’m Nico, a friend of your daddy’s”

Zainey looks around from his dad’s leg, and glares.

“What are you doing here?”

“Zainey, be nice.”

“But daddy, this is our time and he’ll be there.”

“I thought it would be nice for you to get to know him, now go to the car, I’ll be out in a second.”

“But daddy.”  This time both boys protest, Elijah looking over at Peter and pouting.

“No buts, now say good-bye to Peter and his mom and go get in the car.”

“Okay.”  They sigh and do what he says.

“Sorry about that Nico, sometimes I think Zainey is too smart for his own good.  That and a little attached to me.”

I laugh at that.

“It’s fine they’re kids.  Come on let’s go.”

“Later Jamie, thanks for watching the boys.  Tell Serena that I’ll bring them by here later tonight.”

“Okay, have fun.  Nice meeting you Nico.”

“Nice meeting you too Jamie.”

With that we head out the door and into the car.

“Okay, let’s get this show on the road!”  Matthias shouts from the driver’s seat to the cheers of his boys.