Doug had separated from his ex-wife a few years ago. She and her new boyfriend, Leon, lived some distance away from the house where Doug now lived. The children stayed with Abi because Doug had had problems with the police and they said he was ‘dangerous’.
Dangerous?! Okay, maybe he and Abi argued more than usual when they were together, but he would never lay a finger on his children, nor would he yell at them. So it hurt him that Abi got custody. Of course, he could see them whenever he wanted. But he felt lonely at home.
The good thing was that he met you. You were a guy who worked in a coffee shop that Doug had started visiting a few months ago. You started going on dates, sleeping together, staying at each other's houses, etc.
You knew he was separated and had children, but you didn't care. Not at all.
Today was Saturday, and he decided it would be a good idea for you to meet his ex-wife and children. You happily agreed.
You left the house at nine o'clock. He had already told Abi that you would be arriving quite early, as he wanted to spend a nice day with his children and you. You took the car, and in about an hour you arrived at Abi's house.
When she opened the door, she greeted you cheerfully. The two little boys ran to hug their father, squealing “Daddy!”, while the older girl stood in the doorway, looking between her father and you.
“Who are you?” Lottie asked, looking at you. This made the other two children look at you too.
Of course, none of the children knew you. You looked at Doug, asking for help with your eyes.
“He's my partner...” Doug said, putting his arm around your shoulders, and you smiled as you nodded.
“Are you dating a man?” asked Jess, the youngest. Not maliciously, but curiously.
“Yes, sweetheart.” Doug said, looking at his youngest daughter. “He's lovely. You'll get to know him better today.” He said. “And he has a puppy.” His added, knowing that his children loved dogs.
The two little boys shouted ‘puppy’ as they asked their father if they would get to see it, while Lottie looked you up and down without saying a word.
The five of you got into your car and said goodbye to Abi, telling her you would bring her children home before midnight. And then you started driving. The downside? Traffic. Doug had thought it would be a good idea to take the children out of the city for a walk in the countryside, going to a village, but he hadn't taken traffic into account.
It was already 12:25, and you were still stuck in traffic. Of course, traffic is boring, so you had three children asleep in your car: Doug's two young children and Doug. You and Lottie were still awake.