*Andrea*
Five years later.
I ran around the room, trying to get hold of Austin. “You’re too slow; you won’t ever get me.” He says, giggling.
“Come here,” I leaped and tried to get him, but he moved aside, and I fell on the sofa. He stood a few feet away from me, one hand on his waist as he laughed.
That sound has become my favorite. I didn’t go after him anymore; we just stood there laughing.
On the table was a lunch box. “I told you I’m a big boy now, momma, and you don’t need to pack food for me and treat me like a baby.”
I stood and walked towards him. He didn’t move this time, “what can momma do? You’ll always be her baby.” I said, pinching his cheeks playfully.
“No. I don’t want to be a baby, I want to grow up.” He said.
I lifted him up and then held him to myself so he met my height. “You want to be as tall as this?” I asked.
It was his turn to pinch my cheeks. “Of course. I’ll grow even taller, become the smartest child you’ve ever known, and earn a lot. I’ll protect and take care of you.” I held him closer to me.
My son, my world.
“Then you’ll have to study hard,” I said. I picked up the lunch box and started towards the door.
“I do study hard.” He said.
“So you’ll need to reload your energy to study more.” I said.
“I do drink lots of water.” He said. This boy, he’d always want to have the last word. As young as he is, he’ll never back down.
“Then you’ll need food.” I said, and before he could counter me, I continued, “That’s why momma packed food for you.” I said and lifted the box.
I locked the door. We walked to the car.
“If you have to wake up very early and cook, it’s stressful for you, momma. I don’t want that.” My heart melted immediately; he was very smart for his age.
If I don’t cook for him, who else would I cook for?
“That is why you should eat.” I opened the door, placed him in the passenger seat, and then walked around to sit behind the steering wheel.
“I went through so much to make food for you, and you won’t even have a bite.” I feign sadness.
“Fine, fine. I’ll take it.” He said. I ignited the car engine, ready to drive off.
“Seat belt,” he reminded me. I stopped and draped the seat belt around both of us.
I’ve been living in Los Angeles for over five years, and I’d say it wasn’t the best five years of my life, but then, I’ve been so grateful.
It may not be the best, but I was given the best gift-a son.
Austin.
Austin was my life-the very essence of my existence. When I left everything behind and came down here, I was scared.
Scared of what the future holds for me. I was young, and I was pregnant.
I had no family, and Alejandro would not want his son.
The beginning was hard. So hard that I could have given up. I had reasons to give up. I had no job, and it was really difficult to afford the necessities of life.
I had to rely on Alison. She was with me for the first two years, but she had to leave for Chicago, where she started a small company that was doing fine.
And then there was Dave, who has become a friend and Godfather to Austin.
I kissed Austin on the cheeks and watched him run inside with his lunchbox.
I was already late and couldn’t take him inside today. But my son was the most understanding son any mother could ask for.
“You are late. Do you have any idea what the time is?” Harper said as I walked to sit behind my cubicle next to hers. Her hair was tied in a bun, and she had mild makeup on it.
“I’m so sorry, I was stuck in traffic after dropping Austin off,” I said.
After I gave birth to Austin, I was given a month’s break from work. During that period, Harper had visited regularly, always bearing gifts and gossip from the office.
“Well, you aren’t so lucky today. Mrs. Shane is here already, and she noticed your absence.” My eyes widened at her words.
After Marian Gold was fired, she was replaced by Mrs. Shane, who I would say is not so different from her.
“You mean the iron lady is here?” Sweat began to form in my head.
Harper nodded, sending me a pitiful glance. Did I say my life was going well? Yes!
And my job? Yes! But….
I still have one problem with this job, and that was the chief editor. She was typically called Iron Lady by all in the office.
Of course, that was behind her back.
She was strict, too strict that it could sometimes be mistaken for wickedness.
“And she demands your presence in her office,” Harper said.
I was in for some shit today. Harper tapped my shoulders.
“You’ll be fine,” she said. I gave her a puppy look. I can’t help you with this.” She removed her hands and turned her gaze away from me.
I inhaled sharply and stood, mentally preparing myself for what was to come.
I walked towards the office. I stopped in front of her door.
I knocked twice on the door. After a few seconds, I was asked to come in.
I stepped into the office finely furnished office. Mrs. Shane was in front of her shelf, stacking some books on the rack.
I took unsteady steps toward her; standing a few feet away from her, I said, “You called for me.”
“Is that a question?” She asked without turning.
I didn’t dare say yes. I fiddled with the edge of my blouse.
“No, ma. I was just…” She turned, and I stopped talking. She had finished arranging the books. She walked around her table, her heels clicking sharply on the floor.
She sat, her square-rimmed glasses on the bridge of her nose, “Miss Andrea Wilson, are you the boss of this company?” She asked as she entwined her hands together, her eyes focused on me.
“No, ma,” I said softly.
“Then why are you just coming?” She asked. “What is your time?” She asked before I could answer.
I wasn’t wearing a wristwatch and had left my phone on my back in the office.
“Well,” my eyes searched the wall for the clock.
“It’s almost 10 am.” She answered her question.
Sigh.
“I’m sorry ma, I had to take Austin to school,” I said, bowing slightly.
“Austin, Austin, Austin.” She said, twisting her mouth as if the name tasted bitter on her tongue. “He is always your excuse for your incompetence and laziness.” this wasn’t the first time I had come late.
The truth is that since Alison left, I have been finding it difficult to wake up early. I know I was at fault and had to change, but change is not really easy, and I was still working on it.
“You are not the only mother in this company so stop acting like you are.” She said, her voice a bit over the top. My head sank further lower.
“I’m sorry, ma,” I said.
“I’ll let this slide again, just this once. After today, you’ll have to make up the time with your break…” she concluded her statement.
She gave me a file.
“Go over that and submit in an hour.” She said.
I apologized once more as she dismissed me. I wasn’t sure what I was apologizing for.
I tried not to let her words get to me. After all, though she had been married for over two years, she didn’t have a child, so she probably doesn’t understand how it works.
I ended up spending my lunch break on my table. Harper bought a sandwich for me while returning from the cafeteria.
It was time to close soon. I also had to go pick up Austin, who stayed over for extra class, because I was always at work and didn’t trust any nanny to take care of my son.
I brushed my hair with my hands as I entered my car. My bag was thrown into the back seat. I ignited the car and headed for Austin’s school.
By the time I arrived, they were almost close, and only a few teachers were in school. He must have been waiting for me. I hated that he had to stay and wait for me. He must have felt bad watching other parents take their kids home.
I walked down the hallway to pick him up in his class. My steps were slowed by the words I heard.
“You can’t blame the poor boy. He is the only one in class now because his mother is busy.”
“And you think that gives her the right to make me wait?” The lady with blonde hair said. I stood by the door which was slightly ajar and listened to her.
“If only he had a father, that would be nice; at least the mother would not have gone to work. I heard his mother doesn’t even know the man who impregnated her.” The lady continued.
My heart shattered. How could they say that in front of a little boy? Anger surged through me.
I was about to push open the door when someone beat me to it.
I moved aside, giving space for Dave. He entered the classroom.
His eyes were red with anger.
“Who gives you the right to be the judge?” He asked.
“Who said you had a say in it? I see you are tired of this job; that is why you have the leisure to spread rumors and tell lies about my son being fatherless.” He said.
“Well, sir, I…” Austin stood and walked to me when he caught sight of me.
“You don’t need to come to work anymore. That way, no one would keep you waiting.” He said. “How can you be so senseless?”
He dipped his hand into his pocket and placed a call across someone. The woman knelt on the floor, holding his legs.
“Please, don’t, please this is the only job that provides for my family.” She pleaded.
“Are you alright?” I asked Austin. His eyes were red and I could see he was holding himself back from crying and that broke my heart.
Austin nodded. I hugged him.
After a while, he pulled away from the hug and walked towards Dave. He tapped him.
“Let’s go. I’m hungry.” He said.
I knew he didn’t want her to be fired.
Dave, who was in the middle of his call, looked down at him and ended the call. He bent to meet his eyes and ruffled his hair.
Austin quickly straightened his hair, “don’t ruin my hair.” He said.
Dave stood.
“The same kid you spoke of is the same kid who has saved your job. You are at his mercy. One more stupid or senseless speech from you, and your job is gone, and trust me, you won’t get anyone else where,” he said.
The other lady in the classroom had her mouth opened in surprise. She didn’t say a word, but she didn’t need to.
Dave held Austin, and we walked out together.
I thanked him. “You didn’t tell me you were coming,” I said.
“Well, I figured I should pick Austin up since it has been a while,” he said.
My phone rang at that moment. A call from Alison.
“Hey, girl.” We got into the car, and Dave drove into the busy street.
“I’m coming to L. A. Tomorrow; make sure to come pick me up and bring my little prince when coming.