~~~Lesson in Life~~~

A wise man sat in the audience and cracked a joke.

Everybody laughs like crazy.

After a moment he cracked the same joke again.

This times, less people laughed.

Have cracked the same joke again and again.

When there is no laughter in the crowd, he smiled and said:

"You can't laugh at the same joke again and again, but why do you keep crying over the same thing again and again?"

                                             -Unknown

Stop crying over things! Instead, use that strength to get over things.

- Yani <3

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bryce P.O.V.

I laid in bed staring at the ceiling while rewinding everything that happened in the past 24 hours in my mind.

My mother is in the hospital!

I need to find out who Vania is!

And I am the father to a set of triplets!

And Tomar has been crying ever since Raelynn handed her back to me!

After Raelynn begged me not to take the children away I didn’t know I had, I just felt like I couldn’t look at her.

The triplets kept complaining that they were hungry so Raelynn told me that we could set up a time and discuss this situation.

So I just let her leave, but not before really looking at each child etching their features into my memory, or should I say my own features. 

The look in her eyes were killing me.

She made me feel like my father.

A self serving, uncaring bastard incapable of love.

I am not my father.

I spent so many years believing that I would grow up to be like him because like they say “like father, like son” or better yet “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. 

Well I can stand and correct whoever invented those.

At least now I can, before, not so much.

I groaned, rolling over and burying my face in the pillow.

Who can really blame her for not telling me?

I mean I am mad at her for keeping me absent from all those years of their lives, but I am more mad at myself for whatever I did to make her see me as a monster.

I need to fix this! But how?

How am I to even feel about three children?

For crying out loud, I’m only 23 years old.

Then imagine how she feels you idiot. 18 years old with three children.

Fuck!

I have a hard enough time trying to be home to spend time with Tomar because of all the corporations I run.

I try to make sure that she see’s me before I leave for work and before she goes to sleep and we have our bonding days on sundays, some saturdays if I don’t have an important meeting or have to travel.  I try to be the best possible father I can to her, even though sometimes it doesn’t feel like its enough.

She needs her mother, there’s no question about it, she’s a little girl, and I was a mama’s boy growing up, I can’t even imagine not having my mother.

If only I could change the circumstances for her.

The baby monitor comes on and I hear Tomar’s cry. 

Its 6 am. I guess she’s just as restless as I am. She keeps waking up every 2 hours.

I walk to her room and see her standing in her crib holding on to the rails, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“Hey babygirl!” I pick her up and walk downstairs to the kitchen as she continues to cry softly.

I take a bottle out the fridge that I made last night when we came home. But she doesn't want it.

I decide to try again. She must be hungry why she keeps waking up. I warmed it up.

Its sunday. The nanny has the day off, guess it’s just me and baby girl today since my mom was still in the hospital.

I put the bottle to her mouth and she pushes it away once again.

That’s strange, she should be hungry because she didn’t eat a lot yesterday.

“What’s wrong angel?” I asked her.

“Mama!” She screams as her cries start to get louder.

Did I forget to mention that yesterday when Raelynn left Tomar had fallen asleep in her arms.

When Tomar woke up, she looked all around my mother’s hospital room and started screaming “Mama!”.

I thought she was crying for my mom, so I brought her closer and tried to lay her next to her but she only squirmed to get out of my arm. 

I put her down to see what it was that she wanted, only for her to run out the door looking in every direction before throwing herself on the floor screaming “mama”.

That’s when I realized she was looking for Raelynn.

It literally tore at my heart.

I was so heart broken for her.

I guess with the triplets calling Raelynn mom and me leaving her with Raelynn, she developed a connection and just felt that Raelynn’s her mom.

How do you tell a two year old that, that is not their mom?

Because, trust me I treid.

It's like trying to say Elmo is not real.

I rocked her, sang to her, not to mention I can’t sing, changed her, and tried to feed her.

Nothing, the constant cries for ‘Mama’ could still be heard throughout the penthouse.

Fuck it.

I don’t know who I am kidding, I want mama just as much.

I don’t know how Raelynn will react to Tomar calling her “mama”, it’s kind of a lot for someone elses child to call you mom but I am really hoping she won’t react negatively, because as of right now, she seems to be the only one who can sooth Tomar, which is really weird.

I walk to my bedroom and got dressed then, went to Tomar’s room and got her dressed. I grabbed my keys on the way out and got into the penthouse elevator, pushing the button for the parking garage.

“Ok babygirl, we’re going to mama!” I said to her.

It felt so strange saying that, but the thought of seeing Raelynn and my kids tugged at my heart.

I have a family!

I smiled.

My brand new land rover range rover that I had delivered last night after finding out about the triplets was parked by the door.

All my cars were two seaters or coupes, so I had to have a truck delivered just incase Raelynn let me take the kids out or I wanted to have a day with them.

I buckled Tomar in her seat I had my guards install. I hopped in my car and took off into the direction of Raelynn’s house, hoping for the best.

Thirty-five minutes later and I pulled up into the driveway behind and very old Ford SUV that looked like it had had the color burned out of the green paint and was about to kick the bucket anytime now.

I frowned.

That thing does not look safe.

I cannot have the mother of my children and my kids riding around in a death trap.

Another thing on my list of things to fix.

I got out of the truck and got Tomar. It was now 7 am. I hope shes up, its kind of early still.

I rang the doorbell and waited.  I wonder if she will let me inside or slam the door in my face again. I should have a better chance of getting in since Tomar is here, like who could close a door in this cute tear streaked face. 

After waiting for what felt like five minutes, I rang the doorbell again.

I was about to push the button again but the door opened revealing a tired looking Raelynn.

She groaned after seeing that it was me.

“Bryce I told you I would call you and set up a time to..” She mumbled sleepy until Tomar cut her off.

“Mama!” She squaled and reached her arms to Raelynn.

I didn’t know what to do. 

Maybe I should have thought this through, but I really wanted to see her and the kids and Tomar would not stop crying and damn, I just didn't know what to do anymore.

Raelynn stood shock looking at me while Tomar kept trying to reach for her.

I saw the conflict in her eyes.

I was about to apologize and leave but then she did the unexpected, she smiled, reached for Tomar and cradled her in her arms.

"Hey Tomar!" She cooed in a motherly voice and kissed her cheek.

All the tears ceased.

Am I missing something here? What did Rae do to her for the short amount of time she had her yesterday, she has never even took this much of a liking to the Nanny who cares for her on daily basis.

I would have expected her to call the nanny “mama” before anybody else.

Raelynn turned around and walked back inside leaving the door open.

I stood there like an idiot with my hands in my pocket rocking back and forth on my heels. If anyone in the business world saw me right now they would never take me seriously again. I looked like a nervous little boy.

I actually felt like it.

I don't want to mess up with her again, I really wanted to fix us and our family.

"Are you a vampire? Do I actually need to invite you in for you to cross the threshold?" I looked up and saw her looking at me with the same nervousness I felt.

She walked off again and this time I followed her since she actually invited me in.

"Are the kids still asleep?" I asked her, feeling anxious to get to know my little clones.

"Yeah, only Ryder is up, he woke up when I got up but may have fallen back to sleep by now. Why are you here Bryce?" She asked still rocking Tomar and rubbing her back.

She didn't even seem like she realized that she was still doing it, it didn't look forced, it just looked so natural.

I felt I needed to explain.

"Well, Let's start with yesterday. My mom saw our daughter." It felt unusual saying that but I felt so damn proud knowing I made such a beautiful being with Raelynn. "She kept calling her Vania! Do you know who Vania is?" I asked and she shook her head. " Well after she saw the other two, she passed out, maybe it was just the shock of how much they look just like me. Anyways, after you left the hospital and Tomar woke up, she kept kept looking for you and has been crying for mama ever since. I can't even get her to take her bottle, I show her the full bottle of milk in my hand." I explained.

"Why is she calling me mama? Where is her mother Bryce? Don't you think you should have taken her to her mom instead of me?" She questioned skeptically.

"Her mom is not around. That's long story for another time. We have bigger issues to deal with such as me becoming apart of the triplets lives? When do you plan on telling them that I am their father? Did you ever plan to Rae?" I asked somberly.

Imagine I just met them, but at this point I couldn't imagine my life without them.

She eased up off the kitchen counter that she had her back pressed against as she walked towards me. She sat in the chair next to mine.

"Give me her bottle, I think she's sleepy." She told me.

I took the top off and handed her the bottle. She placed it on Tomar's lip and she immediately latched onto it.

"Traitor!" I mumbled.

Raelynn laughed.

Her laugh was so beautiful, just like her. I took in her attire and noticed she had on a long t-shirt that barely covered her thighs. Her nipples were peeking through the material, and her face bare of make-up with her bedhead, only enhanced her natural beauty. The sight of her did things to me, disturbing things.

I groaned and shifted so my lower half was hidden under the table.

"What's wrong with you?" She asked.

"Nothing, oh nothing at all!" I waved her off trying to mask the discomfort of my friend below.

It's been too long.

Too long since I had her.

Too long since I had anyone.

"I did plan on telling you Bryce. I was hurt and confused, but mostly hurt. I let my pride get in the way of the best interest for my children.." I stopped her.

"Our children!" I growled.

She rolled her eyes but went back to being serious.

"Like I was saying, I was hurt! After what you did to me, I just felt like I was protecting them from a lifetime of hurt. After that night, I just saw you as a selfish asshole who just takes what he wants and not care about others feelings. I thought since you didn't care about me, you would just take them away. I couldn't let you take them. They are all I have. Now I see I missed judged you, you're so good with her." She finished with a whisper, looking down at Tomar.

Damn this is a mess.

It was all a misunderstanding! I should have tried harder to explain back then, but I felt I was doing her a favor by not going after her. Now I see I was terribly wrong.

I was about to explain but my phone started to ring. I was about to ignore it but considering my mother was still in the hospital and it could be the doctor, I opted not to ignore it.

Luckily I didn't.

It was Evan. He took the shift of spending the night with mom since Tomar kept crying and I had to take her home and Ethan and Quinn had their own problems they couldn't wait to work out.

"Hey Bro. What's up? How's mom?" I answered.

"Mom is up and she's asking for you! I already called Ethan, he's on the way over." He responded.

"OK! I'll be right there, give me a couple minutes." I told him.

"OK. Cool!" He hung up.

I looked over and saw Rae looking at me intently with worry in her eyes.

"Is your mom OK?" She asked.

"I'm not sure, that was Evan, he said she just woke up and was asking for me. I'm going to head over there now and see what's going on!" I explained.

I looked down at Tomar and saw that she had fallen asleep in Rae's arm.

The emotion I felt seeing these two wasn't foreign to me, it was just missing for so long that it now felt new.

"I can keep her if you want me to? I mean since she's sleeping and you look tired and need to go deal with your mom."

This is the reason why this girl has forever held my heart.

What other woman would volunteer to keep another woman's child willingly unless they were getting paid and at the sametime treat the child like her own.

None. Not one that I have ever met apart from Rae.

I was going to try my hardest to make her mine.

We're going to be a family. She just doesn't know it yet.

"I would really appreciate it Rae, it's not easy being a single dad. I will be back as soon as my mother is situated and all is well at the hospital." I showed her my sincere appreciation.

Apart from my family and close friends, there is no real help unless it is paid for.

People only care to get close to me or help me because of who I am, not because they wanted to. The only thing they expected was something in return.

It's like a damn barter system.

Therefore, I maintain a small circle.

"I'll go put her to lay in my bed with Ryder, take my number, you can call when you're ready to come and get her and I will ensure we're home by then if we do go out." This woman is a blessing in disguise. I'm so fucking dumb for ever letting her walk away.

I took her number and thanked her again before walking out and heading to the hospital. My mother had some explaining to do.

I got to the hospital and took the elevator up to the second floor, then walked to room 206.

Evan was sitting on the couch, while Ethan paced in front of him.

What the fuck is his problem?

I looked at Evan and was about to approach Ethan, but Evan shook his head no, meaning I should leave E alone.

Whatever.

I don't have time for the bullshit. My priority is making sure that our mother is well.

I walk towards my mother bed and sat beside her in the chair. I took her hand in mine and saw her eyes flutter open, immediately tears sprung to her eyes.

"Oh Bryce hunny I am so sorry. I hope Tomar is OK! I am so sorry." She cried.

"Mom Tomar is fine. What happened though? Do you remember?" I asked wiping away her tears.

" I just saw the little girl and she looked so much like you, who looks so much like Vania, and I just thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but then I saw the other two....It can't be real! Tell me I'm not crazy?" She looked at Ethan and Evan who were now both standing next to me, before she looked back at me.

"Who is Vania mom?" Evan asked.

Her face paled and then she closed her eyes.

Do I need to get a nurse?

I was about to get up and go and see about getting the doctor in here when she spoke.

"Your sister." She whispered.

What the fuck? We don't have a sister!

OK everybody just keep dropping bombs on me. Like what the hell.

"Sister?" Ethan asked.

"We don't have a sister mom? How comes we never heard of her before or seen any pictures?" I asked.

"Mom?" Evan asked now seeming to be losing his patience. "What sister mom?".

"Evania Marie Radley! You're not twins, you're triplets, your sister died when she was four, I felt like I was reliving it again when I saw that little girl, then all three, it was unbelievable."  This time she broke out into uncontrollable sobs.

This family has more secrets than the fucking U.S. government, sad part is, I can't even judge them because I held the worst one, that could now possible break this family for ever.

~~~Author's Note~~~

This author promised this chapter yesterday and is just posting it now!!!!?

Gaspss!!

Want me to punch her for you? Lol

Oh man I got caught up watching Orange is the New Black yesterday (it's R rated) >_< but it's funny.

(I keep calling it the 'The New Orange is Black') ??? Yeah I'm crazy!

I can't wait for Game of Thrones tonight!!!!

Woohoooo TGIS! (Thank goodness its Sunday!)

Happy Sunday everyone! Hope you all are having an amazing day!

I will try to write another chapter tomorrow if I have time!

P.S. I wrote this chapter listening to Sai - Chandelier. I kept it on repeat!

Love that song!

I added it to the video section so you guys can check it out! you have to! The official video is different but so cool!

:)