Zayn tore off a generously large sheet and wiped his arm, as well as the drenched cheeks and lips of Venus, who was still fast asleep.
He tossed the soaked wad over into the bin not far away, landing perfectly with one try.
After all was said and done, he exhaled in relief again. It was hard work to care for a child.
How did Carla do it all those years?
One is bad enough, but three…Thud. Something fell over.
Zayn turned and caught sight of Josh's gun on the floor by his bed. He jumped in his sleep and rolled off the bed.
Zayn shot out his leg to intercept Josh. He fell onto it and clung on like a koala bear.
Currently, Zayn's left arm and right leg were occupied by one child each. He was forced to remain frozen, limbs stretched out in opposite directions, like a grotesque performer of sorts.
Zayn attempted to retract his leg, but at the slightest hint of movement, Josh clung on harder.
He did the same with his arm. Venus held on as well.
Well, this is great. Both are stuck on me.
Zayn pondered on his current predicament. He prided himself on his ability to solve problems. However, that day was the first time he'd doubted himself. They're just children, how hard could it be?
A minute passed. Five more. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes was gone.
Zayn did not feel a thing. However, at the one-hour mark, his leg began to seize up.
Benard was prepared to come in and assist, but as he was about to, he caught sight of Randy being wide awake, staring at Zayn unblinkingly.
That was a gaze of admiration from the little fellow!
Zayn was not aware that he was being watched. He was deeply focused on maintaining his balance. He was doing well and nearly forgot about the cramp in his thigh until Josh who had his butt towards Zayn let out a fart.
Poof.
Zayn shut his eyes and held his breath.
Oh, God! Please have mercy on me! What creature is this?
I don't even mind that they use my arms and legs as bolsters.
But to drool and to fart on me!
"It's stinky! It's stinky!" Randy couldn't bear it any longer. "Josh must have had baked potatoes yesterday." He fanned the air with his hands.
"Stinky!" screamed Dori the parrot on the side of Josh's bed, and flapped its wings.
Venus turned over and started to sob again. She let go of Zayn's arm and rubbed her tear-stained eyes.
"What's wrong?" Zayn asked gently, fearing that he had made her uncomfortable.
"Ignore her. She has a temper, " Randy said, poking Laila awake.
Laila was horrified. She ran over in a panic and pried Josh away from him. "Mr. Giblo, are you alright?" she asked nervously.
"I'm fine, " Zayn responded, trying to stand upright before realizing that he was cramped all over.
Aware that Randy was still watching him, he strode out of there, desperate to cling on to some dignity.
"Uncle Zay, " Randy called just as he reached the door.
"Yes?" he turned back to address the boy.
"Thank you!" said Randy softly. It wasn't much, but for Randy to transform from suspicious and mistrusting to warm and grateful, meant the world to Zayn.
"You're welcome." Zayn smiled with genuine pleasure. "Rest well!"
With that, he went through the door. As soon as he closed it, his face contorted with pain. He slapped his thighs gently to get some blood flowing again.
"Mr. Giblo, are you all right?" Benard rushed over to support him.
"I'm fine, " Zayn replied curtly, too proud to display weakness. "When am I ever not fine?"
"Not easy raising kids, huh?" Benard grinned. "Especially three at once."
"What's not easy about it?" Zayn was surly. "Three little rascals—easy peasy."
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