In a moment of exasperation, I seized the eco-friendly bag from Ivan and swiftly closed the apartment door to prevent him from entering. Thankfully, he refrained from knocking or ringing the doorbell; otherwise, I would have felt compelled to report his intrusion to security.
Lucinda, already alert and poised to question, received a silent signal from me in the form of a raised eyebrow. Despite her inclination towards natural curiosity and gossip, she couldn’t resist the temptation to inquire further.
“He came here last night and pleaded with me to let him in. Of course, I told him it wasn’t possible because you would get angry,” she pouted.
“It’s a good thing you didn’t let him in,” I remarked as I unpacked the contents of the eco-bag. I’ll start cooking because Heather will wake up in a few moments.
“Will you not forgive him?” she inquired. I turned away and directed my attention to the stove, heating the pan.
“Didn’t he tell you he loves you? Didn’t you dream of him loving you?” she persisted.
“That was in the past, Lucinda. Several years have passed, and I’ve moved on.”
“Moved on? But why can’t you consider someone else?”
I sighed. “Why would I consider someone else? Heather is my priority. I’m occupied with the business, and I have dreams of buying an island and establishing a resort.”
“Tss!” She let out an exasperated sound and rolled her eyes. “The reason lingers in your heart, doesn’t it? Therefore, if it’s not him, why not simply let it go?”
“Whatever, Lucinda! Just go to Heather’s room as she might be awake by now. This won’t take long; we’ll eat soon.”
I had just finished arranging the food on the table when Lucinda and Heather entered. Heather had no smile on her face; sadness was evident in her eyes. She was truly affected by what happened last night.
I embraced her tightly, offering a comforting hold. “Good morning, baby.”
“Morning, Mommy,” she replied weakly before burying her face in my chest.
“Are you okay?”
She didn’t respond.
“Mommy won’t leave today…”
“I’m okay, Mommy. You can go to your meeting.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes…”
After the meal, my daughter and I showered together. I repeatedly asked her if she wanted me to stay in the apartment, but she insisted that she was fine.
I gave Lucinda clear instructions and left them some cash so they could order the food they wanted.
Upon opening the door, a man greeted me with a broad smile, holding a bouquet, a paper bag filled with toys, and a large chocolate bar tucked under his arm. Glancing back at Heather, I noticed Lucinda carrying her, as they had planned to escort me to the elevator.
“I don’t like flowers!” Heather exclaimed, her face reddening. It was evident that her anger toward her father hadn’t diminished.
Ivan scratched his head and lowered his gaze. “I don’t like toys, I don’t like chocolates. They’ll ruin my teeth!”
Ivan appeared hurt. I didn’t want my child to speak to him in such a manner, but I was unsure how to address Heather, especially not with Ivan standing in front of us. I didn’t want Ivan to perceive that I was defending him, and I also didn’t want Heather to think I was siding with her father.
“The flowers are for your mommy,” Lucinda whispered to her.
“Mommy doesn’t like flowers!”
I sighed and glanced at Ivan. He was speechless and pained.
“Heather, Daddy is sorry. Please forgive Daddy…”
“I don’t want you anymore. I don’t want you anymore!”
“Ivan…” He looked at me, and I shook my head slightly. I wanted him to give Heather some time because she’s really upset right now and needs space.
He understood and nodded. Setting down what he was carrying, he placed it on the side.
“Sorry, Heather. I wish you could give Daddy a chance to explain.”
Heather turned away, burying her face in Lucinda’s neck. Ivan left, and I waited until the elevator doors closed before I followed suit and left.
***
I consistently sought updates from Lucinda because Ivan had apparently returned. He made frequent visits, presenting various things to Heather. According to Lucinda, my daughter was still upset but no longer yelling. She maintained a silence that seemed accompanied by an effort to hold back tears.
I hope Ivan can reconcile with her. However, what comes next is uncertain, and I’ll leave it to fate.
If Maureen becomes a problem, I may need to consider filing a restraining order. Fortunately, we are on the brink of returning to the island. Our family life will soon regain its tranquility. I just hope these recent events won’t leave a lasting impact on my child.
Ivan also sent several text messages, but I chose to ignore them. What am I supposed to reply to his messages?
‘Hi.’
‘How are you?’
‘Where are you?’
‘Have you had lunch? Don’t go hungry.’
‘Here, I’m just about to eat, but I have no appetite.’
Do as you please, Ivan.
I texted Lucinda again at two in the afternoon. Since she didn’t respond immediately, I decided to give her a call.
“Heather is asleep, babe. Ivan hasn’t returned yet.”
“Ah, okay. I should be home around six. Take care there.”
“You take care on your way home. I’ll text you the items Heather wants you to buy. She prefers you to get them instead of her dad.”
“Sure, babe.”
I considered that Ivan might already be at his office, and this thought reassured me. It allowed me to concentrate more effectively on my work, which was crucial, given that I was engaged in a conversation with the CEO regarding my plans to invest money.
Before six, our meeting concluded. I received just one text message from Lucinda; Heather wanted acrylic paint.
Feeling tired and eager to go home, I had to fulfill my child’s request. I also purchased the food items she had asked for.
As the elevator opened on the floor where my rented unit was located, I took a glance around.
I glanced toward the door. Fortunately, Ivan wasn’t there. I hesitated, considering the possibility that Lucinda might have let him in. However, upon entering, he was nowhere to be found. Heather observed, clutching a pillow, and her sorrowful expression was evident.
“Heather…” Her face brightened upon hearing my voice.
“Mommy!”
She hugged me. “I miss you, mommy…”
“I miss you too. How’s your day?”
She sighed. “Da- He is so annoying.”
I chuckled. “Well, he’s trying to win you, baby. That’s why he’s doing everything he thought could make you happy and make you forgive him.”
She didn’t respond to that.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I want to eat.”
“Sure, let me change quick, and then we can eat. I have plenty of takeout food.”
“Ivan brought a lot earlier,” Lucinda interjected.
“It’s in the kitchen. I’m slowly finishing it because I know you and Heather won’t eat it.”
I nonchalantly shrugged; discarding it would be a waste, after all.
“Is this your favorite?” Lucinda asked, looking at the food Ivan brought.
“Don’t eat that, mommy!”
“Okay, mommy won’t eat it.”
Lucinda chuckled and said, “The little one knows how to throw a tantrum. It’s quite intimidating. Well, it’s okay. Intimidate your daddy so that when the time comes for him and your mommy to get back together, he won’t entertain any mischievous ideas.”
If reconciliation ever happens.
Since I hadn’t eaten properly all day, I was eager to enjoy our meal. However, the doorbell rang, interrupting our dinner.
We exchanged glances, all thinking the same thing-I could tell it was Ivan at the door.
One ring, two rings, and it continued until the third ring before Lucinda stood up.
When the woman returned to the kitchen, it took aback me to find Ivan trailing behind her. My child and I deliberately avoided making eye contact, behaving as though we hadn’t noticed him and proceeded with our meal. However, I couldn’t resist acknowledging the man when he spoke.
“I would like to request some milk for my coffee,” he said.
I furrowed my forehead at the mug he held, already filled with coffee. It was black coffee, the way he always preferred it. When did you start adding milk to your coffee? I wanted to ask, but I refrained, not wanting to stroke his ego.
“I’ll fetch it from the fridge, alright?”
I remained silent. Heather, on the other hand, tracked him with her gaze.
“Do you not have money to buy milk?” I couldn’t hold back any longer.
“I just need a little,” he said. He opened the fridge and took out fresh milk, putting a few drops in his coffee. Milk was just his excuse to enter. He never really puts milk in his coffee.
“Can I borrow a spoon too?”
I rolled my eyes.
“Don’t you have spoons at home?” Heather interjected; her eyebrows raised. Lucinda and I suppressed our laughter.
Ivan pouted. “None. We ran out, baby.”
I scoffed and scolded him in Spanish.
“Le estás mintiendo a la niña.” (You’re lying to the child.)
“Mentira piadosa.” (White lie.)
“What did you say, Mommy?” my daughter asked curiously.
“I said he can go home now.”
“Le estás mintiendo a la niña.” Ivan said.
“Mentira piadosa,” I replied with a smirk.
Ivan grinned, and just when I thought he would leave after getting the milk, he sat down beside me.
His child glanced disapprovingly at him.
“I’ll just finish my coffee, then I’ll head home later,” he explained to our child, who was giving him a stern look.
While eating, Heather observed him like a hawk, continually shifting her gaze between us and her daddy.
Ivan maintained his stare at me as I concentrated on my meal.
It was irritating, but I opted not to confront him. He might find it amusing that I noticed and engaged in conversation with him.
We finished eating before he could even finish his coffee.
“I’ll take care of the dishes,” he offered.
“Sure!” Lucinda responded promptly. She picked up Heather and left the kitchen ahead.
“Can you lend a hand?” Ivan asked with a smile.
“Weren’t you the one offering to wash? Stick to it.”
I followed them to the living room. Heather looked around, probably wondering what her daddy was doing in the kitchen.
Lucinda smiled, and I reflected. I didn’t want Heather to hold any resentment toward her father. Ivan is her dad. I want her to respect him. She has nothing to do with the issues between her dad and me.
After finishing washing up, Ivan said his goodbyes, expressing a desire to sleep on the sofa.
“Can I sleep here, even just on the sofa?”
I shook my head.
“Okay.” He let out a heavy sigh and added, “Goodnight, Mommy…”
My nostrils flared, but I remained silent.
“Goodnight, baby…”
He waved before stepping out.
Heather continued to gaze at the door through which her father had exited.
“Do you want him to sleep here?” I inquired, as it appeared she was deeply engrossed in thought. I know she’s truly excited about being with her daddy. Everything would have been fine if Maureen hadn’t stirred up trouble.
Heather promptly shook her head. “No, Mommy.”
“Then why do you wear that expression?”
“Maybe he’ll go back to his girlfriend.”
I grew serious. Heather glanced at me for a moment. I sighed as I saw her nose redden, attempting to suppress tears.
“Baby…” I embraced her.
“Do you want me to go after him?” Lucinda inquired.
“No! No!” She began sobbing and buried her face in my chest. Despite her resistance, I gently stroked her hair to soothe her.
“Hush, baby… What do you want? Tell mommy…”
“Nothing, Mommy. Let’s sleep…”