Chapter 10- Her Sweet Little Panda

La Gustoso Restuarant:

Zain entered the restaurant and as usual, his presence garnered many people's attention. Women drooling over him. 

He went to the front desk and inquired about his reservation.

The restaurant manager guided him towards the exclusive VIP room.

"Have a nice meal Sir." The manager opened the door for him.

Zain nodded and entered the room. 

Susanna was waiting for him inside. 

She wore navy blue knee-length bodycon Dolce & Gabbana dress with black pumps. Her brown hair tied in a bun. She was looking sophisticated and pretty.

Seeing Zain, she graciously stood up and hugged him. She kissed him on the cheek. 

"Hello, darling!"

Zain nodded "Ciao Mio Amico, Let's settle ourselves and eat. Did you order already?"

Susanna nodded. 

She was used to his cold demeanor now. She felt a bit irritated waiting for him for so many years but she knew she had to be bit more patient. 

She tried her hard but Zain was still aloof and cold towards her. He never did anything wrong to hurt her. He was ideal boyfriend showering her with a lavish expensive gift from time to time, expensive meals once/twice a week, Unlimited shopping card, once a year trip to abroad. 

But he never allowed her to enter his heart. 

They were engaged for more than 3 years now but their relationship has not progressed a bit. 

Apart from holding hands for public appearance, they never had any close contact. 

Her face dint reveal any disappointment.  She masked her irritation and revealed a smile as bright as sunshine.

The door opened and the waiter came with food trolley and drinks.

 Zain signalled him to leave. 

He stood up and pour two glasses of wine. Offered one to Sussana, He swirled his glass and brought glass towards his nose. He sniffed and took a sip.

Sussana ordered Zain's favourite dish:

Casunziel all'Ampezzana

Pesce Alla griglia.

She gracefully served food to Zain like a dedicated wife serving her husband. 

They both were silent. 

After a while, Sussana asked nonchalantly.

"How's work going on? That issue resolved?"

Setting the glass on the table. "Work as usual. The issue is not resolved yet. I am working on it. Will figure something out. " He muttered as he sliced the fish and started eating.

"Ok. I know you definitely will." She placed her palms on his hand and slightly pressed affectionately. 

Zain gave her a courteous smile and pulled back his hand slowly and lifted a glass of wine with same hand to not embarrass Susanna.

 The rest of the meal was silent.

The waiter came and asked for desserts... 

Zain ordered strong black coffee without sugar. Susanna ordered restaurant special blueberry cheesecake.

"How's about you?" asked Zain taking a sip of his coffee.

"Mine is good. Am helping Dad and learning. He wants me to take over his position as soon as possible." Sussana explained savoring a bite of heavenly blueberry cheesecake.

"Hmm. That's good."

On the same morning in Springrock City:

The day dawned crisp and clear. 

The first rays of sunlight lit up the room. 

The little boy entered the room quietly and climbed the bed. 

Lying on the back of his mother, he gave quick sloppy kisses on her cheek.

"Mama…mama. Wake up. It's time to get up!"

The little boy was dressed in a blue pajama set and wore a beanie cap. His pair of jewel-like big green eyes curiously observing his mother's movement.

Rizi opened her eyes groggily. She rubbed her eyes and felt a soft small pair of hands hugging her. She pulled the soft little bun to her side and held him her embrace lovingly. She gently caressed his soft cheeks, his cute little pale white face, delicate and pointy pretty little nose, thin and crimson lips, his beautiful cleft chin. His green eyes curiously staring at her reminding her of certain someone. She quickly pushed those thoughts in the back of her mind.  

"Good morning baby"

Rizi squished him in a tight hug and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead and cheek.

"Ew.. mama.. you haven't brush your teeth yet!"

Rizi laughed. Her face became more gentle. "I am your mother, I can kiss you whenever and wherever I like. Don't you love me anymore?" She again placed quick kisses on his cheek, nose, eyes, forehead.

Leo giggled "Mama its tickles... ha ha ha"

His childish laughter echoed in the room-filling it with liveness and warmth. 

Rizi laughed and cuddled her son in her embrace.

This little 3-year-old, little piece of her heart has been her strength of living in past years. 

He has been her greatest blessing from heaven.

"Mama did you came back late again yesterday?"

"Sorry baby. Mama has to complete some work. But you know mama is not working today so mama and Leo will visit the amusement park."

Leo's eyes sparkled with excitement. He quickly cuddled more into his mother's embrace. "thank you mama..i love you."

"I love you too my baby.! Are you hungry? " Rizi muttered caressing his back.

"Yes mama I want to eat pancakes. Aunt Maria is making them." Leo answered.

"Let's get freshen up and then let's fill your tummy with yummy food."

Rizi carried Leo to the bathroom. She helped him shower and dressed him up in cute denim with a white T-shirt and matching denim blue cap. "Go and sit in the dining area with Aunt Maria. I will be there in 10 minutes. Okay?"

Leo nodded and ran quickly towards the dining area.

Rizi brushed and showered. She did her hair in a messy updo with a few loose strands framing her heart-shaped face. She wore a white T-shirt and denim blue shorts which were her matching pair of outfit with her son's.

She stared at herself in the mirror taking a final glance and strode towards the kitchen where she saw her cute little panda was sitting and eating pancakes served by Aunt Maria. 

The aroma of pancakes filled the entire room.

"Good morning Aunt Maria. He had his  'before meal medicine'?" inquired Rizi pouring herself a cup of coffee.

"Yes, mama. Aunt Maria already gave me." Leo chimed in before Aunt Maria could respond. 

"Good boy." Rizi patted his head proudly. 

She placed two slices of pancakes in her plate, pour some maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped strawberry, and sat next to Leo.

 Mother-son in matching outfit looked so adorably beautiful and happy.

"Mama, will Uncle Jason accompany us today to an amusement park?" asked Leo chewing a piece of pancake in his mouth.

"No baby. Uncle Jason is out of the country on a business trip. But he promised he will come to visit this weekend." Rizi answers with a sip of coffee.

"What about aunt Sara? She promised she will come." Leo exclaimed sadly. He loved his Aunt Sara and he wants to marry her when he grows up and become a handsome young man.

Rizi laughed. "Yes yes, your favorite Aunt Sara is coming. Now let's get going."

"Yayy... Let's go." Leo stood him his stool cheerfully.

Aunt Maria prepared a full day necessity and medicine bag for Leo and handed it to Rizi. She placed a bag in the trunk of her red Ferrari. She adjusted Leo on a booster seat and strapped his lap and shoulder properly. 

She climbed on the driver's side and drove towards the amusement park.

Baby's day out!