An hour later, we arrived on campus, and I was grateful to have survived the drive without any major incidents. Now, I faced the daunting task of finding childcare before I wrote my last paper. I had my hand on my waist as I stood in the middle of the parking lot, staring into space.
“Why the hell did I lie that I had someone who could help me watch the kids! Now I’m stuck with three tiny terrors and a looming deadline,” I muttered to myself as I glanced around, hoping to spot a miracle solution, perhaps Helen, who I had called earlier and somewhat explained my situation. I hoped she would come to my aid.
I watched as students rushed to class, some studying in groups. Lucky them.
Meanwhile, the kids, sensing my frustration, began to get restless.
“Sarah, I’m hungry!” Elizabeth complained, tugging on my hand.
“Me too!” Hayden and Harper chimed in, their voices rising in unison.
Now my sanity was hanging by a thread!
My face turned beet red as I turned to the three of them. “YOU ALL JUST ATE!” I yelled, earning the attention of all the students around us. They’ll be wondering how I got all these children or if I was their mother or any naughty thoughts.
As we walked, I mentally calculated the costs of hiring a last-minute babysitter versus begging a friend for help. Neither option seemed viable.
Just then, as if seeking a way to suppress their sudden hunger, Elizabeth started singing “Let It Go” from *Frozen* at the top of her lungs, Hayden began doing an impromptu breakdance, and Harper shouted, “I’m bored!”
I massaged my temples and leaned against the car momentarily, letting my mind settle from all the stress and tension.
As I stood there, feeling like I was losing control, a gentle voice interrupted my chaos.
“Need a hand?”
I turned to see a very familiar student, Lucy, a friend of Helen’s and mine. She had a wide smile on her face, which I could tell was a mocking one, although I was too thankful to be bothered by it.
“Please, be my guest,” I replied, exasperated. “I’m desperate.” But before I could say anything else, an exuberant voice cut through from behind.
“Sarah, let’s go study for a while before the exam starts…” It was Helen, just stepping out of her car. She winked at me and quickly understood the hint she must have talked Lucy into it.
Thank goodness!
“Thanks, Lucy, Helen. You guys are my saving grace.” I said and sighed.
Helen’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in the chaotic scene before her. “Whoa, Sarah, you’ve got your hands full,” she chuckled, and I rolled my eyes, relieved.
“You have no idea.”
Lucy chuckled, stepping forward and crouching down for the children. “Hey kids, let me be your nanny for two hours. Do you like that?”
I gruffed, “You don’t have to ask them for permission. Just get this over with.”
****
“You might want to start telling me what’s going on,” Helen said as we walked toward the exam hall. “Who are those kids? ‘Cause I never saw you pregnant.” She teased, and I exhaled deeply, knowing there was no escaping this. I hadn’t really been sincere about my relationship with Mr. Clinton, although I had briefly told her the whole story.
“The sugar daddy I told you about-his wife dumped those kids at our doorstep in a massive box,” I replied, and Helen stopped in her tracks, staring at me with wide eyes.
“You can’t be serious,” she mused, and I shook my head.
“Oh, well, I am dead serious.” I went on and explained in detail, of course skipping some irrelevant parts. Helen was intrigued and at the same time empathizing with me. Thankfully, she didn’t talk me out of my relationship with Mr. Clinton, which I didn’t expect.
“You should stay with him if he really loves you,” Helen said, her tone gentle. “However, ask yourself: Are you happy? Truly happy? Or are you settling out of fear, obligation, or convenience? Especially with the kids.”
“I love him, Helen, and I have no choice. I have to stick with him.” I replied, a soft smile spreading across my face. “Anyways, I can’t leave him alone to watch those kids. They are chaos.”
Helen and I burst into laughter as we finally entered the exam hall and took our seats, still chuckling. “Thanks for saving me, Helen.”
Helen grinned. “Anytime, Sarah. Now, let’s focus on acing this exam.” She said, handing me a water bottle. “You’re going to need this.”
I smiled, feeling grateful for my friend. “You have no idea.”
The exam began, and I dove into the questions, determined to finish in time and get back to those kids so Lucy could prepare for her exams, which was the next paper.
After finishing, we met up with Lucy, who had taken the kids to the campus playground.
“How were they?” I asked, bracing myself.
Lucy laughed. “They’re adorable, but handfuls! I see why you call them chaos.”
I crossed my arms and frowned at the kids, but they just flashed me fake smiles instead. The twins, to be exact, they are the chaos-not even Elizabeth.
Helen chuckled as she noticed the looks the kids and I exchanged. “We hope you survive this, Sarah.”
Lucy burst out laughing, and the twins chimed in, their eyes sparkling with mischief.
Yeah, they never miss the chance to ridicule me.
We parted ways with Lucy, and Helen whispered, “Keep evaluating your situation with Mr. Clinton and prioritize your happiness.”
I nodded, knowing she was right. Come to think of it, it seemed Helen was getting more mature; she even gave me relationship advice.
“Thanks,” I smiled, and we waved our goodbyes.
The drive home was quieter; the kids were exhausted from their little adventure, which gave me enough peace and quiet to reflect on my situation with Mr. Clinton and the unexpected turn my life had taken.
The reality of being a temporary mother to three energetic kids was overwhelming yet strangely rewarding in a way. If I stayed with Xavier and the kids, it kind of made our relationship feel more authentic, like a real family.
It would take on a new level, transforming from a convenient arrangement to a true partnership.
Yeah, maybe I shouldn’t think that way, but I couldn’t help it. Whether I liked it or not, I needed to accept the situation if I truly loved him the way I claimed to.