Chapter 169 - One Hundred And Sixty-nine: Motherly Affection (1/2)

Maya's point of view

After the awkward episode between Niklaus and his girlfriend Tina, plus Judy's departure, the kids and I were left alone to bond at last.

I must say, it was quite comforting and fun having both of them around, though Isabella always found a way of taunting Anabelle.

At first, I found Isabella's bullying cruel and unfair but taking a good look at it, I found out it was Isabella's special way of showing her affection - yeah, you heard me.

Isabella had problems with conveying her emotions, so torturing people was her way of showing and drawing attention - I just had to make sure she doesn't go over the limit.

There was nothing we could do save gossiping and until we were exhausted did Anabelle take a glance at my fingers, suggesting they paint it.

”Count me out, that's so lame” Isabella, of course, rejected the idea right away.

Anabelle and I gave her a dirty look, ”What's so lame about it ?” The little girl inquired out of curiosity.

”Sitting and watching paints get plastered on your nails, how boring can it get?” She clicked her tongue.

”Painting is an act, a reflection of our personality”

”Yeah, yeah, your inner personality is so striking” Isabella deadpanned, eliciting a glare from me.

”Fine then, since you think it is childish, let's see who's going to paint Maya's nails better - I take the right hand, you take the left” She challenged Isabella.

”Deal” the thrill-seeker acknowledged as usual.

”Whoah, whoah, what the hell is going on here?” I asked in confusion.

The kids started a competition before I could even comprehend what was going on.

”Whose nail are you both about to experiment on?”

Both cast their intense gaze on me, their stare was so intimidating. When did both of them begin to be in cahoots?

”I'm not trying to be a party pooper” I defended myself, ”But you have no apparatus, so nail challenge? Off! ”

I was so happy about the turn of events, my nails were one of my beloved body parts. I treasured it so much that I wouldn't allow it to be a tool for these devils to gamble on.

”Oh don't worry, leave that to me” Anabelle assured me with a smile that made me anxious.

Right before me, Anabelle made a call, requesting nail painting materials.

I went pale, these kids were not kidding.

An amused snort made me turn around only to spot Isabella's smug expression, she understood my hesitation - that I was doomed.

I suddenly wished at that moment that these kids were not some rich brat, rather normal children from average homes - but wishes weren't horses.

It didn't reach up to twenty minutes before Anabelle's request was delivered. Aish! This was so annoying.

They helped set up the supplies: professional tissues, q-tips, nail polish remover, nail clippers, nail file, cuticle stick, and numerous nail polishes in diverse shade.

I felt like crying when I saw those expensive items about to be wasted, my collection wasn't even half the number nor quality.

”Shall we begin?” Anabelle tested Isabella's readiness.

Take a good look at these kids, what about my readiness? My fingernails were about to be sacrificed for their contest - my precious nails* tears* that took years to be treated to this level -  yet no one's asking about my mental well-being; I was about to break down.

”I was born ready” Isabella replied, a fire of determination burning in her orbs.

”I'm not ready” I cried internally, these kids don't even have an idea of what to do, my poor nails *sob*sob*

”Go!”

The moment both kids started, I shut my eyes tight, unwilling to witness the destruction of my chelae. Though occasionally, I did steal sneak peeks at their handiworks.

I was impressed, the kids were something else - their fathers should be proud of them.

Isabella had a serious look on her face as she filed my nails with a glass file starting from the side to the middle and giving my nail a square finish.

To be honest, a look at Izzy with the way her lips were pressed together and eyes focused on the task, one would think she was working on an important project for the president of the country.

Anabelle on the other hand was relaxed and had an excited glint in her eyes with a smile tugging at her lips. She took off an excessive nail polish on a finger and was careful not to smudge it.

The difference was clear between both youngsters. Isabella was hell-bent on winning the prize without savoring the feeling of doing something productive, unlike Anabelle who clearly enjoyed what she was doing with the prize still in mind.

Above all, I was stunned.

All this while, I was worried about the safety of my nails for nothing - the kids were amazing.