Episode 25 – Obvious

A diamond encrusted ring sparkles by the rays of the morning sun. Sitting pretty in its red velvet box. Taeyeon stares at it for a while then puts it on her middle finger. She walks in her twins’ nursery. Aiden has woken up and smiling happily when her mother came in. 

“Good morning, my baby boy.” Taeyeon kisses Aiden’s forehead. The little boy lifts her up, grips the the edge and stood up. Wobbling on his feet. This baby boy of hers is always full of energy. Then she looks over to Angela’s crib. Her baby girl’s still asleep. She decided to get Aiden for a bath. Walking out of the room carrying Aiden, a noise from the kitchen diverted her steps from the bathroom. She saw her eldest skilfully spread the blueberry jam on her toast. 

“Owh you’re making breakfast, sweetheart? Have you had your bath?” 

“Yes, I have. You want some?” Irene offered her toast.

Taeyeon nods and kisses Irene’s temple. “One blueberry jam coming right up!” The little girl takes her order.

Life as a single mother wasn’t easy. Taeyeon adjusted her life to suit the needs of her children. Especially when the twins required her utmost attention at this age. Taeyeon was busy trying to get Aiden ready for the day. Her son is a playful baby. More robust than his twin. He wants to explore every nook and cranny of this house and grab anything in sight. Bath time is no exception, of course. Splashes and giggles filled the bathroom as he takes on a journey through his sailor’s adventures with his red tugboat and yellow duckie. Angela’s cry was heard but not long after it died down. She quickly finishes rinsing Aiden’s soapy body and wraps the boy with her baby blue Mickey Mouse towel.  

Taeyeon almost choke on her tears with the sight in the twin’s nursery. There she was, her eldest, firmly holding Angela in her arms. Cooing and rocking her baby sister side to side. Times such as this that she felt grateful to have a wonderful daughter but at the same time feeling guilty. She forgotten that Irene too needs her attention. When Taeyeon and Tiffany talked to her about their divorce, the little girl was obviously upset but it ended up the parents were the ones crying their hearts out because somehow she assured the adults that she understood. They were expecting a tantrum or any kind of outburst from Irene but it seems she’s more mature than her age gives credit.

“Umma, I think Angie wants milk.” Irene’s voice got her attention and she quickly blink away her tears that were almost falling. Taeyeon puts Aiden on his crib and took Angela from Irene. She thanked Irene and the family gets ready for the day. They’re going to the Tower to look at the preparations for the twins birthday party.

Taeyeon remembered she told Jessica that she wanted the birthday party to be simple. Only friends and family but it seemed the way she designed or planned it looks like a birthday celebration for a royal family. It was lavish with the waiters and waitresses rehearsing their roles. When she saw the tentative programme, her eyes rounded as the schedule were packed with celebrity guests performing for the night. 

“Sica, are you serious?” Taeyeon said. Overwhelmed with the level of preparations.

“Huh?” Jessica raised an eyebrow. “Of course, I’m serious.”

“Twice and Exo?” Taeyeon marveled on the names. It seems so far fetched to have a top kpop group to be attending and performing for a private event.

Thinking that Taeyeon may not like the selections, Jessica suggested 2 other famous group. “Owh would you prefer to have Blackpink and BTS instead?”

Taeyeon quickly shakes her head. “No, that’s not what I meant. I’m flattered and grateful. I really am but to have these famous celebrities...won’t it cost you a lot of money?” A sudden heavy feeling lingers in her. To think that she didn’t even contribute anything in preparing this party.

“You don’t have to worry bout that, Taengoo. I got plenty of it. A little bit of spending is not gonna make me bankrupt tomorrow.” Jessica smiled looking unbothered. 

“Now, let’s go to the next station. I have a space where the children can go play and have a good time.” Jessica points at a banner saying ‘Kids Corner’. “Just simple games. I figure Irene won’t be so bored if she plays with the other guests’ kids too.” Taeyeon follows behind pushing the twins in their strollers.

“You wanna try playing?” Jessica asked the little girl. Irene nods looking curious at the game. 

“Hey, is it okay if we play this?” Jessica asked one of the worker.

“Sure, boss.” The worker gave Irene a ball. 

“If you knock all