The Life She Had Always Dreamed Of

Six Years Later...

Sunlight streamed through the wide windows of the Hart home, catching on Nathaniel’s dark brown curls as he leaned over a small laptop on the living room table. His hazel eyes, warm, touched with green and gold mirrored his mother Alina’s. His clear, soft skin and calm, thoughtful look showed the quiet strength he inherited from her.

At only five years old, he was already unusually good with computers, tapping commands and running simple programs with careful, steady hands.

Charlotte stayed close beside him, her chestnut hair dark and smooth like Sebastian’s. Her bright blue eyes and small, sharp features were a clear reflection of her father. She moved with careful steps, watching where she placed her feet so she wouldn’t trip on the edge of the rug.

“Nate, can I see?” she asked in a small voice, curiosity shining through as she leaned in a little, trying not to disturb him but eager to be part of whatever he was doing.

Nathaniel didn't look up right away. He typed a few keys, then looked at her calmly. "I'll be done soon. Then you can watch. We have to do it right," he said, sounding calmly confident like his father.

Charlotte smiled, moving closer with careful steps. "Okay, but then I get to pick the next game," she added, her voice filled with determination.

Alina stood in the doorway, smiling. She was still amazed that Nathaniel had her careful nature mixed with Sebastian's strong leadership, and Charlotte’s soft but lively energy filled the room like sun. Her heart was full watching the children they had become.

Her mind drifted back to the night Charlotte was born.

Two weeks after her baby shower, the first pains of labor had come. Wilfred, Agnes, and Regina rushed her to the hospital. Nathaniel was born first, healthy and smooth, crying loud and strong. But when it was Charlotte’s turn, Dr. Lila had noticed something was wrong. The umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck, and an emergency C-section was needed. Alina had nearly lost her daughter. Charlotte was born small, weak and delicate. Those hard first moments became a quiet part of who she was.

Nathaniel had instantly become her protector from the start, gentle yet firm, caring beyond his age. That quiet watchfulness became part of him, his careful, commanding nature, his kindness, and his wish to shield his little sister. Charlotte, though more delicate, had her mother's fighting spirit. Even as a child, she met the world with gentle curiosity and careful watching.

“Mom!” Charlotte called softly, holding up a drawing covered in bright crayon colors. “Look what I made.”

Alina crouched to her daughter's height. "Wow, that's beautiful, baby. Did Nate help?"

Nathaniel shook his head, a small proud smile on his lips. “Just a little,” he said, still keeping an eye on Charlotte.

Charlotte moved closer to Nathaniel, balancing herself as she peeked at his laptop screen. “I like your game. Can I try the next part?”

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, then grinned. “You can, but we do it step by step,” he said, guiding her with gentle firmness.

Alina laughed, shaking her head. "He's right, baby. Nate just wants to protect you," she said softly, reaching out to smooth Charlotte's hair.

Agnes came in, carrying a tray of juice and snacks, her eyes lighting up when she saw the twins. Charlotte stood close to her, touching her lightly as she looked at the snacks. Nathaniel put a hand on her back, keeping her steady as she took it all in.

“Nana Agnes, can I have all the chocolate?” Charlotte asked, eyes wide.

Agnes chuckled. “One at a time, sweetheart.”

Charlotte pouted. "Just one? That's not fair!"

Nathaniel crossed his arms, wagging a finger. "Charlotte, you can't have too many. Your tummy is sensitive, and too much sugar will give you a toothache and turn your teeth black from cavities!"

Charlotte stuck out her tongue. “Fine… but can I have a tiny extra brownie?”

Agnes smiled. "Okay, but only a little. You have to share with Nathaniel too."

Charlotte giggled. "Okay, but I get first pick!"

Agnes messed up her hair. "Not too much, sweetheart. Nate is right."

Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully. “Ugh, he’s always the fun police. But okay… I’ll behave. Mostly.”

Nathaniel smirked, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Mostly is good enough for me."

Alina watched quietly, loving the bond her children shared with Agnes.

Later, Nathaniel finally closed his laptop and stood, slightly taller than Charlotte. "Okay, now we can play. But we stick to the rules this time," he said, his voice firm but gentle.

Charlotte smiled, nodding carefully. "Fine, Captain Nate," she said, pretending to salute while walking carefully around the blocks they were using.

Nathaniel smirked. "First officer, you'll follow orders," he replied, pointing to a small area on the floor as if giving commands.

Charlotte laughed softly and carefully added a few pieces to their block fort. "Yes, sir. But I get to make the magic bridge," she said, her excitement quiet but clear.

Nathaniel knelt to help Charlotte plan her next move in their pretend game, using small blocks to build a fort. His focus on details, careful planning, and quiet command pulled Charlotte fully into the game, even as she added fun, imaginative touches.

"You see," he said, pointing to a small archway in their structure, "if we put the walls here, the dragon can't get in."

Charlotte made a face but carefully placed a few blocks. "Okay," she said, smiling softly.

Alina watched the morning light filter through their home. Nathaniel's intelligence and quiet authority, his protective care for his sister, Charlotte's strength despite her early struggles, cautious but lively energy, and Wilfred and Agnes' constant love, they all fit together like a perfect puzzle. Even in the quiet, she felt a quiet pride.

For the first time in years, Alina felt truly peaceful. The quiet hum of the Hart home, the gentle chatter and careful laughter of her children, reminded her that this was her home, her family, and the life she had always dreamed of.