Mako POV: Age - 63
I watch with my son how Arezo enjoys the garden with her aunts. I look at Neil and his entire being radiates with happiness and joy. I bump his shoulder gently to get his attention.
-Hey.
Neil-What?
-Do you like paternity?
Neil-I love it. Even the bad moments such as this morning.
-You handled that quite well. Is a bit hard to admit but you're all grown up and very capable.
Neil-Dad, you're.............why is it hard?
-Well, because I wanted you to stay as the boy that always needs me.
Neil-Well, I still need you and I always will. You know that.
-Hmm. How about her? Have you thought about her blindness?
Neil-We have been getting donors but they're not compatible with her so it goes to the next compatible one. And besides, her blindness is more a strength than an impediment.
-She's going to stay blind?
Neil-I feel that she can stay blind and stop waiting for a donor but also I would like for her to see. She's already asking how I look physically and things like that.
-She asked you how you look?
Neil-She did and I already have an idea on how she can know that.
-Good.
Neil-Anyhow, have you known of Nash and Niko? How are they?
-They're both very busy. Nash is expecting his fourth child. He's excited because is his first son. Adaobi is a preteen and he's stressing out expecting her to ask the female questions to him.
Neil-Oh really. I think he's going to be born in September or October.
-Somewhere in September.
Neil-Niko.
-Of him I know less. I know his career is successful by watching his shows but of his personal life I'm not sure. Last I saw he had two daughters. They're two or about to turn two. I hope he gets some time to come.
Neil-When did his last novel started. I think he might be coming soon. Is been a while and maybe the project is near the end.
I shrug and our conversation ends as he's called by his daughter and so he goes with her. I just have to wait until the time comes.
Five months later
December 31 - 11:00 p.m. - Nash's house
Mako POV: Age - 63
I smile as I watch my eldest son Nash cooing with his three month old son. His wife speaks with his brother Neil and all the four girls play together on the floor a bit to the side, apart from us the adults. Adaobi, as the eldest, is the one that makes the games and helps all of them play along with her. Is a bit of a while but we are all stunned when we hear the doorbell ring.
Kelly-We're not expecting anyone, right?
Nash-And at this hour. Dad, can you get it please.
-Sure. I'll be right back.
I stand to go to the door and opening the door I smile as is Niko and his family. I greet my granddaughter first as I pick her up in my arms.
-Hey Nani. What do you want?
Nani-Sleep.
-Go on. Sleep. I'll hold you.
I let her cuddle herself on me and she falls asleep immediately. I look at Niko and smile.
-She's such a darling.
Niko-She was eager to come but, as you can tell, she ran out of energy, they all did.
-Come. Come on inside.
They follow me and they are all surprised to see him here.
Nash & Neil-Niko.
Niko-Better late than never?
Neil-Definitely.
Niko-Where can we leave the girls to sleep?
Nash-This way.
Nash takes him to the second floor and I follow with Nani sleeping on my arms.
Nash-Nani can sleep here with Evie and the twins can sleep here with Izna. I can assure you, they got enough room for all of them.
Niko-Thanks for that Nash.
Nash-Is no problem. We can talk and play with the girls tomorrow.
They leave the girls as I do as well and so we go back downstairs.

Neil POV: Age - 32
I sit between my brothers together on the couch and we share looks.
-Is been a long time since we have been together.
Niko-It has been.
Nash-Since Niko's twins were born. Can you tell them apart?
Niko-Of course I can. I'm their father.
-They're cute.
Niko-Nash, we got some stuff for the baby. You.....
Nina-Niko.
He turns just in time as he raises his hand and catches what she throws to him.
Nina-Stop that thought and pay up.
Niko-Really?
Nina-Go on. Shoo.
He laughs and goes away. He comes back later with a dish of cookies and a glass of milk. He sits with her this time around holding the things for her as she eats and drinks.
-She's got her own slave.
Niko-Sorry for just taking this.
Nash-As if. Don't worry and take what you need.
-Anyhow, how are things for you? In work and life.
Niko-We're good. Sometimes things get very crazy and a whole bunch of complicated but we manage. The girls are good and work is, hectic.
-How were things? I mean, you managed to come.
Niko-I did and it was a shame we couldn't come sooner.
His gaze lands on Jamal and he smiles fondly.
Niko-How did you name him?
Nash-Jamal.
Niko-Good name.
Mako-So, how long are you going to stay with us?
Niko-Only three days. Work demands us to be there on the fifth.
Nash-And what is this next project going to be?
Niko-Is actually two projects of the same thing. Some meetings, interviews, galas, walks. You know, all that.
Mako-So, are you taking the girls or leaving them?
Niko-You really want to babysit them, don't you?
-We all want to babysit and spend time with those girls.
Nani-Niko. It can be like I told you.
Niko-I know. I know.
He sighs and after a moment he speaks.
Niko-They're going to stay with their mother. She's going to stay but I would like you to help her...............
He interrupts himself looking at us doubtfully.
Nash-Say it once and for all!
Niko-You really don't change. Now you'll have to find out eventually because I'm not telling you. I'm out of here.
With that he stands and so he goes outside. Nina follows him and as she leaves I slap Nash on the head.
-Two years without him and that's the first thing you do. Really? You have zero consideration.
I slap him a few more times until dad stops me holding my wrist tightly.
Mako-That is enough. Nash, he's right, how can you treat him like you just did after so long? Neil, that's still no reason to hit him.
I roll my eyes but I'm still upset. I get my wrist free and speak.
-I'll be back tomorrow.
I get to the girls that have fallen asleep on the cushions and I grab my daughter up in my arms and so I leave. They don't stop me and outside I see how my brother and his wife speak. I walk closer and speak for their attention.
-Niko.
Niko-You too?
-No but just listen.
He makes a face but with a touch from his wife he sighs.
Niko-I'm listening.
-Well, he was right asking you to speak but the way he asked was wrong. Just, don't worry about it or stress too much about it. He's always like this and, well, is too late to change him.
He smiles softly and shrugs before he speaks.
Niko-Well, enough about that and more of this.
He stands helping her up with him.
Niko-Don't tell anyone yet but she's pregnant. We're expecting our next baby in eight months.
-That's why she's staying back.
Niko-Yes.
-Well, you can count with my help for everything.
Niko-I'm going to try and come as much as I can and I'm going to call to keep informed.
-Do you want to come with me? I'm going home.
Niko-Really?
-You can sleep in my room.
Niko-Sorry, our daughters are here.
-I get it. I wouldn't leave my daughter far from me either. Well, see you tomorrow then.
Niko-See you tomorrow.
With that I give them a brief hug before I leave and go home.

Six months later
Neil POV: Age - 33
I arrive home and I'm glad when I see the cars there because that means they're home. Is early still so they might not be all awake. I go in the house and after checking the rooms I'm glad when they're all asleep so I start cooking breakfast for them. I cook for everyone but for my wife I make it slightly more special and taking it I go towards the room. I put the food tray on the bed table and sitting on the bed slightly I wake her.
-Nina. Hey, baby, wake up.
I kiss her face a few times. She turns and twists slightly before she wakes up slightly smiling when she sees me.
Nina-Niko?
-Not dreaming. You want me to help you up?
Nina-Please. Thank you.
I help her sit up and I just admire her as she wakes up completely.
-How are you feeling?
Nina-I'm good.
-The girls?
Nina-They're happy. Your family is so good. The girls forget everything as they keep playing all around.
-The pregnancy?
Nina-Is going good. Hey. Can I tell you something?
-Go on.
Nina-You know, we're having a boy growing in here.
-A boy? A boy.
Nina-He's going to be born in two months. I want you to name him for me.
I answer without hesitation.
-Akon. That's his name.
Nina-Of course it will be.
-Hey, do you think we can have a moment for ourselves? I already know that everything's going well and I still have time. We can do it. The choice is yours.
Nina-The girls are going to sleep until late so we got time and we can.
She says that seductively as she starts undressing me.
-I promise you're going to enjoy this as much as I will.
Holding her hands still I kiss her deeply and undressing each other we let our love become physical. It amazes me how horny she is even with being seven months pregnant. We end up taking more time than we thought and as a result we have to stop because I have to leave for work.
-Fuck.
Nina-You're running late.
-Quite late. Crap. Tell the girls I love them.
Nina-I will.
-I'll be back as soon as I can. Hopefully is soon.
Nina-Take your time. I know how that work is.
-Remember that I love you.
Nina-I love you too. Hmm. What are you missing?
-I'm forgetting something.
Nina-This maybe.
She holds the keys and I sigh. I grab her face and pull her into a deep kiss before I take the keys from her.
-See you soon.
Nina-Bye.
With one more kiss I rush and so I leave for work again.

Six months later
Mako POV: Age - 65
I smile as I replace my daughter in law in the kitchen as she goes with her four month old son Akon to calm him. The girls are playing on the living room together. Taking a glimpse of them I see they're now playing at the school with Nani being the teacher and the twins being her students. I laugh as I keep cooking, they don't know much but they make do with what they do know.
Nani-I swear, Akon is so demanding already. He reminds me of his father.
-They do have a strong physical resemblance but his attitude is that of his uncle Nash.
Nani-Hopefully not.
-Oh don't worry, he's still a baby and so he can learn how to use that temper effectively. Better than his uncle.
Nani-I'm sure Niko will make sure of that.
She sighs and I turn to face her.
-Hey, don't worry, he'll come.
Nani-I know. Is just, I miss him. We've never been apart for so long. At least he keeps busy with work and I with you all and the kids.
-Can I?
I reach out holding Akon's hand and she smiles.
Nani-Sure. He likes you.
She hands him to me and I coo him playfully. Niko doesn't arrive today and that makes her sad even though she tries to hide it I know.

To be continued.............................