Chapter 11— Peaceful Terms

Lena thought about what Henderson had said to her earlier this morning after their altercation and decided to let Trent keep the toys, she had to let Trent play a little. She concluded a little fun wasn't going to hurt and she wasn't ready to ruin his excitement. "Aunt Lena you promised to sit with us today, " Itzel mumbled looking up at Lena who turned to walk away. "Yes Mom, " Trent affirmed making Lena turn to face them. Who was she kidding when she thought she could escape this? "Well I would have to go grab a plate and a cutlery, " Lena muttered coming up with the only excuse she could think of. "Well you don't have to, Daddy already told the cooks to do that, they dished out your food already," Itzel said with a wide smile plastered on her face. She glanced at Henderson whose eyes had been on her all this while, a small smile formed on his lips when he saw her facial expression but the smile quickly disappeared as he kept a neutral face. "The kids reminded me that you said you were going to join us so I hearkened and told the cooks to dish out yours, " Henderson told her. He didn't know why but he felt he had to explain things to her, but he wasn't totally honest he never forgot about her saying she was going to join them for breakfast. In fact, he was looking forward to it, he couldn't wait to how she was going to act around him seeing how much she was trying to avoid him. "Thank you, " Lena mumbled drawing out a chair and then she sat down. Lena wasn't feeling very comfortable and even though she did try to hide it Henderson noticed so did the kids. "Aunt Lena, don't you like the food?" Itzel asked suddenly making Lena turn to her. Lena forced a smile when she saw Henderson's, Itzel's and Trent's eyes all fixed on her. "I like it, it's delicious," Lena mumbled and put a spoonful of the meal into her mouth. Lena barely spoke another word as she ate, Trent, Itzel and Henderson did the talking and the laughing. "I was thinking that we should have a movie day, Dad, " Itzel giggled turning to Henderson as she waited for his response. "Well that would be great as long as you don't make me choose the movie, " Henderson shrugged. "Of course not, I would never make you choose a movie. I'll rather just go to bed instead and it's not going to be a movie we'll be watching a cartoon, " Itzel beamed clapping her hands. "Ouch that's offensive and why would we be watching a cartoon?" A slight frown grew on Henderson's face. "Because cartoons are interesting there is this recent one that came out and it's so interesting. Everyone is talking about it, " Itzel raved dramatically. "I love cartoons can I watch too " Trent giggled smiling at Itzel who wore a tight-lipped smile and nodded. She hated the fact that Trent wanted to join them. She was only interested in watching the cartoon with her dad and Lena but she knew she couldn't say no to Trent her dad was going to scold her since he was so fond of Trent. Henderson saw Itzel's not-so-happy reaction and he didn't want Trent to feel bad so he smiled at him. "Cartoons are cool, we are going to have fun. You and I can play a game afterwards, right buddy?" Henderson winked and Trent bobbled his head with a face full of smiles. Itzel scoffed inwardly as she stared at Trent, he was starting to make her upset, because she was mad that he was trying to steal her dad from her and got all the attention. "Aunt Lena, You are going to join us right? We can also play a game, " Itzel mumbled peeking at Lena who seemed so lost in thoughts. "Mommy, Zel is talking to you," Trent called tapping her when he saw that she didn't answer Itzel. "What did you say, sweetie?" Lena jolted out of her thoughts and tacked her attention to Itzel. "Will you join us for the movie? Well, cartoon." Itzel asked with excitement. "Of course, " Lena nodded. "Are you okay?" Henderson asked fixing his eyes on her. "Yes, sir. I'm good thanks for asking, " Lena forced a small smile. "I'll go upstairs now, you guys enjoy yourselves," Henderson said as he straightened himself from his chair. "Dad, why do you have to leave?" Itzel pouted looking at Henderson. "I have to get ready, I need to go somewhere but I'll be back soon." Henderson smiled walking to Itzel. He kissed her cheeks and fist-bumped with Trent before heading upstairs. As Henderson descended the stairs he saw Lena and the kids laughing hard, just like he thought she was so uncomfortable earlier because of his presence. He wondered if she still saw him in the same light even after they agreed to let go of their sentiments towards each other. But he didn't blame her, he succeeded in making her see him as an arrogant, cold, playboy and an irresponsible father. "Daddy, you are set to go already," Itzel asked when she noticed her dad staring at them. Lena's laughter died down as she beheld Henderson. "Yes, I'm all set. But like I told you I will be back soon." Henderson uttered. "Ok then, bye Daddy, " Itzel rushed her words and in no time her attention was all on Lena. Well, that was new normally she would make a fuss about him not spending time with her since it was a Saturday but it almost seemed like she didn't care and even more surprising he got no hugs, just bye. These days Itzel was more interested in talking to Lena than him, it seemed like whenever Lena was around he became somewhat invisible. "Won't you give a hug to your Daddy, " Lena smiled at Itzel when she saw Henderson rooted in his spot. "But I want to listen to your story." Lena chuckled when she saw the pout on Itzel's face. "You can still do that and I can go on with the story, I'll be here remember." "Fine Aunt Lena, " Itzel sighed getting off her chair. She ambled to where Henderson was and a smile formed on her face. "Have fun Daddy." She muttered. Henderson crouched in front of her draping his arms around her. "I love you, Daddy, " she purred patting his back. "I love you Zel, " a smile grew on his lips and he planted a kiss on her cheeks as they broke the hug. "Bye Daddy, " Itzel waved and with that, she zoomed off back to Lena who continued telling the story once Itzel had taken her seat. Itzel didn't even turn in Henderson's direction and it did hurt him a bit. He smiled waving the thought away and decided to leave the room since his daughter appeared to have more important things to do.