“Today, I will pick up Jayden” I informed William.
“Why?” He asked, puzzled by the sudden change in our routine.
“Because it’s my day off today” I explained.
Marvin has opened a new branch, expanding his firm. So tonight he is throwing a party for that. Be gave leave to his current employees for today.
“You could accompany me” William suggested.
“Uh, please, Wiliam, just go out with Mia ” I insisted.
William had evening shifts at his office, making it convenient for him to pick up Jayden, whereas Mia had morning shifts. Due to their work schedules, they rarely had the opportunity to spend quality time together. Today, Mia had also taken a day off, and I wanted them to enjoy some quality time away from the stresses of work and family.
It would be wrong from my side if I waste his time when I myself could pick up Jayden.
“You are not going alone to pick Jayden” he declared.
From the last one month, since I have encountered Ansell again on the streets, William is picking him up. He is doing this to keep me away from Ansell but he doesn’t know that no matter what he still cross my path whatever I go.
I know longer see any point in bothering William every time.
“I am fine now” I told him, “Please, just go with Mia, than you wil have your work shift. You won’t get much time together”
Mia’s eyes showed that she also wanted to go with William, but she wasn’t able to say it openly. I didn’t want to burden them with the problems of my life.
“I will, after… “William began, but I cut him off.
“William!” I said firmly. “Just go. I want to pick up Jayden today, and I am going alone. You can continue fulfilling your role as an uncle starting tomorrow ”
“Fine ” he sighed when he realised I wouldn’t change my mind. “Just call me if you need help, okay?”
I nodded, and Mia smiled, thanking me with her eyes for giving them the opportunity to spend time together. I winked at her.
Picking up the car keys, I headed out to pick up my son from school. My mood was light, and I hummed along to the song playing on the radio as I drove. Soon, I arrived at Jayden’s school.
“Momaa!” Jayden exclaimed with delight when he spotted me.
Sitting down on my knees, I spread my arms wide for him. Jayden’s teacher gave him permission to leave, and he dashed straight into my waiting arms. I adore the moment as his tiny legs carried him toward me.
My heart flushed with pure happiness when he was in my arms. I always feel complete when he is with me. I don’t need anything or anyone else than him.
“How was your day?” I inquired, pulling back slightly and tousling his already messy hair which I always love to do.
“It was good, and Jayden didn’t fight with anyone” his little lips pouted , and I planted a kiss on his cheek.
“You are such a good boy now. Momma loves Jayden” I said, kissing his forehead.
“And Jayden loves Mama ” he replied, planting a tiny on my nose and then breaking into giggles.
“Jayden got something today” he said with excitement, his eyes shinning with bubbles of joy.
“What is it? Show me”
I helped him with the bag and held it as he opened it and brought out two large packets of dark chocolates from it. They were Jayden’s favourites.
“From where did you get it?” I asked, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
“Mr. Hero”
“Mr. Hero?” I didn’t understand. As far as knew, he didn’t have a teacher with that name.
He nodded, his eyes shinning and fixed on the chocolates. I could tell he couldn’t wait to have them and he is planning to finish them way back to home so that he could skip his meal.
“Could you please tell me more about i’ I asked, and his eyes shifted to me.
He looking a bit impatient and he was sure that he would have to tell me everything before he could have them. So he opened his mouth and told me everything in his broken baby voice.
“Yesterday, Matson’s father came to pick him up. He brought lots of chocolates for him. I was just staring at them, hoping that I could get some too, and today I got them” he giggled, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“But who gave them to you?” I persisted.
“Mr. Hero” he replied, his body slightly tilting to the right.
I had a feeling that he was referring to Ansell as Mr. Hero Because the first time he had heard his name from my mouth, that was the term he had used to address him.
I could feel sure rage running through my veins as I understood the whole scenario. I couldn’t keep my anger back.
“You can’t have it” I sternly snatched the chocolates away from him. ” I have told you multiple times not to take anything from strangers” my voice was firm, more rude than I expected.
Tears welled up in his eyes, and his little arms reached out for the chocolates.
“But, mommy, he is not a boogeyman. Heis the one who saved Jayden on the streets, the one with the same eyes as Jayden’s. He is very handsome” Jayden tried to justify himself, but his words made it clear he was referring to one other than Ansell.
“He is a boogeyman!” I declared firmly. “For you, he is, and you will not accept anything from him”
“Okay, mommy, but please let Jayden have them” he requested, his lower lips puckering up.
“NO means NO! Don’t you understand?” I insisted.
His arms dropped down and he became silent, not arguing anymore.
Standing up I threw away the chocolates. In my anger I didn’t realized that I have actually hurt my baby in all this. Jayden fell silent, and I could see the hurt in his eyes. Lifting him up, I made him sit in the passenger seat, fastening his seatbelt and tossed his bag and bottle to the back seat. I closed the door and was about to move around to the driver’s seat when Ansell stepped in my way.
My anger flared immediately upon seeing him. I couldn’t understand why he kept interfering in my life over and over again. Couldn’t he see that we wanted nothing to do with him?
I desperately wanted to ignore him and mind my own business, but he was blocking my path. At the same time, I didn’t want to create a scene in front of Jayden by pushing him away because there will surely be his reaction of my actions.
“Don’t you think you are being too hard on him?” Ansell’s voice was calm as he directly came to the point.
I am sure he must have heard our conversation. He is keeping an eye on us all the time. I was relieved that Jayden was safely inside the car and couldn’t hear this conversation. I crossed my arms over my chest, my anger not subsiding.
“He is my child. I will raise him the way I see fit. You have no right to tell me otherwise. I can’t simply allow him to accept things from strangers” I replied firmly.
“But I am not stranger. I am his father ”
I turned around to check that the windows were closed, ensuring Jayden couldn’t hear a word.
“Father!” I mocked him. “Thanks Ansell, I don’t want to repeat the history and give my child a father like yours. I don’t want to give the world another Ansell. I don’t want another girl to suffer”
He stayed silent, unmoved from his place. His eyes were telling that he was guilty of whatever he did and he was deeply hurt by my words but he didn’t say anything in return.
“And don’t you have anything else to do? Why are you always around us?’
He used to be busy before, but lately, it feels like all he is doing is stalking us.
“I believe that as his father, it’s my duty to be around him when his mother is working so hard to provide him with a bright future and everything he needs in the present. The least I can do is ensure his safety, so no one can harm him” he explained.
“So the one who poses the biggest harm, or I should say threat, will protect my child?” I retorted, my words sharp.
He flinched, and I could see a shadow of sadness in his eyes. But I didn’t care.
He could get hurt all he wants. He has hurt me more than this physically and emotionally in the past.
“You also how much I respect relations. I will do anything but will never harm my child” his voice came out hoarse as he tried to prove his point but his emotions betrayed him.
“My child… He is only mine” I corrected him and looked away, not wanting myself to sway away by his fake guilt and remorse.
“You can believe whenever makes you happy but you cannot change the fact Nara”
Closing my eyes I drew a deep breath. I was in such a good mood and he spoiled it. I was going to enjoy my holiday with my son but his presence ruined everything.
“Leave my way, I have many things to attend to” I said.
My jaw clenched and his body loosened up.
“If you want this” he stepped aside giving me space. “Just be calm and drive safely”
I walked around when he was out of way knowing really well that he might have given me way for now but I am soon going to face him again.
As I sat inside the car all I met was silence. My baby who always chirps and stays happy was sitting silently and it tugged my heart.
He didn’t even look up when I grabbed the steering wheel. His head was hung low, his hands were resting on his lap and his body was resting. His lips were tightly pressed. This happens rarely else his body keeps on moving all the time.
I realised that I actually went a bit harsh on him. I shouldn’t have talked to him like that. I lost my temper and in the heat of the moment all that happened!
Now I have to talk to him and it doesn’t seems like he is going to get back is actual self soon. This is very rare that he actually gets angry with me.
I let out a sigh.
How could I let out all the frustration of Ansell on my son?