NovelEnglishAurelia gently laid Nova down in the crib, tucking her in with a soft, pastel blanket.
The children scurried over, eager to catch a glimpse of their new sister.
Mira bent down, her lips puckering to plant a kiss on Nova's cheek, but William tugged at her sleeve.
"No, Mira," he cautioned, "you can't kiss her. Her skin's super sensitive, and she can get sick real easy." He was the big brother, and it was his job to look out for his little sister Nova.
"Right on, William," Kane nodded in agreement, "Especially the grown-ups, they gotta steer clear of kissing the baby. If someone's got a cold or something worse, it could get passed right on to the baby." Mira shrank back, her eyes wide, "I'm not sick, but okay, | won't kiss her. She's too tiny, anyways." Nova stirred, her mouth twitching as if she might cry, but the sight of her eager siblings piqued her curiosity. Her big eyes locked onto them, unblinking.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWilliam gently touched her chubby hand, "Hey there, Nova. I'm William, your big bro." "And I'm Kane, your big cousin," Kane introduced himself.
"I'm your big cousin Nina, and Mira's your second cousin," Nina chimed in with a grin.
Nova kicked her little feet and waved her hands, cooing as if to join in the conversation.
Aurelia checked Nova's diaper, and it was tfor a change.
"Alright, boys, out you go. Diaper duty," she said with a hint of amusement.
Kane and William scampered out, waiting in the hallway.
Aurelia slipped off the soiled diaper and gently patted Nova's bottom with a layer of all-natural baby powder to prevent diaper rash, then fastened a fresh diaper in place.
She had asked Lisa to spend the day with Arnold, leaving the childcare to her.
"Coast is clear, boys," Aurelia called out.
Kane and William returned, each holding a deck of cards for a board game.
"Let's play Spyfall, shall we?" "Yeah, sure," Nina and Mira said in unison.
The kids were about to head out, not wanting to disturb Nova's sleep, but Nova had other plans. The moment they turned to leave, Nova's face crumpled, and she burst into tears.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAurelia scooped her up with a laugh, "Looks like Nova wants to play. Let's all go to the garden then. I'll watch over you guys." Kids needed their sunshine, and under the shade of a tree in the garden, they could bask in the warm glow without overheating.
Nova was nestled into her stroller, a mosquitodraped over it, while the older children each got a bug- repellent sachet to ward off pests.
Exiting the elevator, they bumped into Arnold and Lisa.
Aurelia smiled warmly, "Lisa, I'm taking Nova and the kids to the garden. She'll be hungry soon. Could you prepare her bottle and have Edith bring it over in about half an hour?" "Sure," Lisa nodded.
Arnold frowned slightly, "You can't take care of your own child and have to trouble Aurelia?" Lisa hung her head like a child caught in mischief.
Aurelia quickly interjected, "Arnold, that's unfair. Lisa's been cooped up taking care of Nova every day. It's rare that she gets to spend twith family. | offered to help so she could have a break." Arnold massaged his forehead, sighing in resignation. He didn't like how understanding and generous she was.
He secretly wished she'd show jealousy or frustration, and it would mean she still cared for him.
Aurelia patted his shoulder, "I've got the kids. Why don't you spend squality twith Lisa?" In the lobby, the aunts were deep into a gof cards.
Aunt Ethel glanced at Aurelia, sighing wistfully, "I'll be honest, Aurelia's graceful and kind. | have no idea what got into Leopold's head, divorcing her for a wild card Megan." Aunt Dorothea pursed her lips, "The grass is always greener, they say. Even a goddess would bore a man eventually." Aunt Harriet chuckled, "You know, the Coopers' boy has his eye on Aurelia. If she ends up as the Coopers" matriarch, | suppose that'll make the Coopers and the Stirlings relatives by marriage?"
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