CHAPTER 139: AMUSEMENT PARK

At the Amusement Park....

"Mommy, let’s ride the Ferris wheel! I want to ride the Ferris wheel!" Egypt exclaimed excitedly, jumping up and down as her eyes sparkled with delight.

I couldn’t help but smile at her high energy. "Okay, sweetheart," I said, laughing softly as I fixed her hair that had gotten a bit messy from all her bouncing. "But first, let’s ride the carousel, Egypt. We’ll go to the Ferris wheel after, promise."

Her lips formed a playful pout, but the moment she saw the colorful carousel spinning nearby with cheerful music playing, her eyes widened again in wonder. "Fine! But I want the white horse, Mommy! The one with the golden mane!"

"Alright, the white horse it is" I chuckled, holding her tiny hand before glancing at Cairo, who was holding my other hand and looking around the place with wide, curious eyes.

"How about you, sweetheart? Do you also want to ride the carousel?"

"C-can I?" he asked softly.

I nodded reassuringly. "Of course! Don’t worry, I called your doctor earlier—he said it’s fine for you to ride the carousel. You can ride one just like your sisters."

"R-really? Then... can I ride a lion?"

I smiled and nodded approvingly. "The lion suits you, my brave boy."

"How about you, Paris? Which one do you want to ride?"

"I’ll take the carriage one, Mommy," Paris said, pointing at the ornate seat shaped like a pumpkin carriage.

"That’s perfect for you, my little princess," I said warmly before glancing at Cairo again, who was quietly walking beside me while holding a small balloon. "Are you excited, my baby boy?"

He looked up at me, his sleepy eyes now bright with curiosity. "Yes, Mommy. Really," he murmured, a small smile forming on his lips.

As the carousel began to spin and the lights flickered in a soft golden glow, their laughter filled the air.

Egypt waved her hand excitedly every time she passed by me, Paris held onto the carriage rail with a graceful smile, and Cairo sat proudly on his lion, his face glowing with quiet happiness.

"Mommy, look! We’re spinning! Wiiiih!"

Egypt squealed in delight, raising both her hands high into the air as the carousel twirled around and around.

I couldn’t help but laugh softly, watching her hair flutter in the breeze. "Egypt, hold on to the rail, sweetheart!"

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Cairo trying to copy her—his small hands letting go of the pole as he giggled, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Cairo! You too, hold on tight! Don’t copy your sister!" I called out, trying to sound stern but failing as laughter escaped my lips.

"But Mommy, it’s fun!" Egypt shouted back between giggles, still waving her hands in the air.

"I know, honey," I said, shaking my head with a fond smile. "But Mommy will get scared if you fall, okay?"

"Okay!" she replied cheerfully, grabbing the golden pole again just as the carousel passed by me.

When the ride began to slow, Egypt stretched her hand out toward me, her cheeks flushed from excitement.

"Mommy, it’s the Ferris wheel next, right? You promised!" she said eagerly as soon as her horse came to a stop.

"Yes, I did," I replied with a warm laugh, reaching out to smooth her hair. "But let’s eat and drink some water first, alright? It’s still a long day ahead to enjoy."

Paris gracefully stepped down from her carriage and helped Cairo off the lion. He stumbled a little as his feet touched the ground, still dizzy from the spinning, but his face glowed with pure joy.

"That was fun, Mommy," Cairo said softly, his voice filled with wonder. "I’ve never ridden anything like that before."

My heart melted at his words. I bent down and kissed his cheek gently. "I’m so glad you liked it, sweetheart. You did amazing."

Cairo’s shy smile widened, and Egypt quickly took his hand. "See? It’s fun, right? Next, we’ll ride the roller coaster—and then the Ferris wheel after we eat!"

"Egypt, you’re still too young to ride a roller coaster," I reminded her with a laugh. "For now, let’s stick to the kiddie rides, okay?"

Egypt pouted dramatically, crossing her arms. "Okay... but promise me, we’ll ride a roller coaster when I’m a teenager!"

"Haha, of course, I promise," I said, smiling as I ruffled her hair. "Now come on, let’s eat first before we go on more rides."

The three of them followed me toward a nearby picnic area. I laid out the small packed meals I had prepared earlier while the kids excitedly chatted about their favorite rides so far.

---

Meanwhile...

Rome arrived at Sylvia’s house, only to find it quiet and empty.

He had been planning to surprise the kids with gifts for their birthday, two large boxes stacked neatly in his arms, wrapped in bright Barbie-designed paper and tied with ribbons.

But what he didn’t expect was to see Alpheus also standing just outside the gate, holding a paper bag and smiling as if he had been waiting for him.

Rome’s brows furrowed instantly. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, bro! I’m glad to see you here too," Alpheus greeted cheerfully. "Do you also know that it’s the twins’ birthday today?"

Rome didn’t even bother to answer. He knew Alpheus well, maybe he had already expected him to visit. His brows only drew tighter together, irritation flickering in his eyes.

"I’m their father, of course I’m here. But you—why are you here?"

Alpheus didn’t lose his smile. He raised the paper bag as if showing proof. "Me? I’m their principal... and their uncle. I came to greet them a happy birthday and to give them these gifts."

Rome’s jaw tightened. "Tsk."

Rome looked away, annoyed. He didn’t want to see Alpheus or any of his friends on his twins’ special day. The kids were already closer to them than to him, and he didn’t want to share their attention—not today.

"Uh, are you looking for Sylvia and the kids?"

Both of them turned their heads toward the voice that came from Tess, Sylvia’s kind neighbor, who was smiling brightly while watering her plants.

Rome turned to her and gave a polite nod. "Ah, yes. Are Sylvia and the kids home?"

Tess shook her head lightly as she set her watering can down. "You must be close to them if you didn’t know, it’s the twins’ birthday today. But they’re not here."

Rome blinked in surprise, his gaze dropping to the pile of presents in his arms. "They’re not?"

"No," Tess replied with a gentle chuckle. "They always celebrate the twins’ birthday somewhere outside. Sylvia likes to make it special every year."

"I see..." Rome murmured softly, a faint smile pulling at his lips. "They’re not here."

Tess noticed the hesitation in his eyes and added kindly. "Ah—but if you really want to see them, try checking the amusement park. That’s usually where she takes the kids on their birthdays."

Rome’s head lifted immediately. "The amusement park?"

She nodded, wiping her hands with a towel. "Yes, the one near the bay area. They’ve been going there every year since the twins turned three."

A small, genuine smile spread across his face. "Thank you."

"No problem," she said warmly, waving lightly. "Tell the kids happy birthday for me when you see them!"

"Will do.." Rome replied with a nod.

After saying goodbye to Sylvia’s kind neighbor, he turned and started walking toward his car. But then he noticed Alpheus leaning against it, still wearing that calm, teasing grin.

"Looks like we’re heading to the same place." Alpheus said with a smirk.

Rome gave him a flat, unamused stare. "Stay out of my way" he muttered before getting into his car.

However, Alpheus quickly slipped into the passenger seat before Rome could stop him.

"What are you doing? Get out." Rome said flatly.

"Oh, bro, don’t look at me like that," Alpheus replied with an easy grin. "I didn’t bring my car today, so I was hoping to hitch a ride. Besides, it’d be a waste not to give these gifts to the twins, right?" He lifted the paper bag and flashed a mischievous smile.

"Tsk. Did you already expect me to come? Is that why you didn’t bring your car?" Rome asked, brows knitting together.

"Haha, come on, bro. Don’t overthink it. I didn’t plan this, believe me. I just happened to be taking a walk and passed by Sylvia’s house. Since I already had the twins’ gifts with me, I decided to drop by. That’s all." Alpheus leaned back comfortably in his seat as if he belonged there.

Rome shot him a look of disbelief. "You really expect me to believe that?"

"Oh, don’t look at me like that—it’s true! Why do you always look like you don’t trust me?"

"Tsk." That was all Rome muttered before starting the engine.

Moments later, when they arrived at the amusement park, Rome’s eyes darkened. His jaw clenched as he glared at Alpheus, who immediately looked away.

From where they parked, Rome could already see the line of familiar cars outside the amusement park, cars that belonged to his other friends.

Of course. They were all here too.

His irritation deepened, but he said nothing. Alpheus only scratched the back of his head awkwardly, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

"Well... looks like the whole gang’s here." Alpheus said lightly earning a sharp glare from Rome.