I can’t believe that I did it. I cracked the first business deal of my life. It all seems like a sweet dream, but I pinched my hand just in case and guess what, all of this is real, and I really did successfully crack my first business deal. I’m so happy that I want to bounce up and down and all around the conference room from joy, like a child. And thank the person behind my success.
All this happened because one person trusted me even when I doubted my ability on stuff like this. But now, when I look at his face, all I can see is the happy and proud expression. And It’s not just me who is pleased with my first achievement, but Jason is, too.
A warm smile spread on my face, looking at the satisfied faces of clients that are now one by one, leaving the conference room with everyone else, leaving just me and Jason inside, all alone. And at that moment of solitude, I don’t know what got in my mind or into me, but finding us both alone. I ran with my arms open and jumped towards Jason, clinging to his body tightly to mine.
My act not only surprised me, but Jason, too. I don’t know why I reacted this way, but I don’t mind and don’t think Jason minds it either, because he too snuggled his body tightly on me, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tight.
“Congrats,” said Jason, looking at me with a bright, cheerful smile on his face. “Your excellence of work even surprised me,”
“Really?” I asked, and Jason nodded his head, with a big smile on his face.
“Thank you,” I replied, with my face gleaming. “The credits go to you. It’s because of you, I can present such a good presentation in front of so many people.”
Out of a sudden, Jason’s face turned stern, hearing my words, “You shouldn’t thank me for your achievement. I’m the reason for your pain, after all.” Jason turns his face to the opposite side, hiding from me.
“No one reason for no one’s pain. Sometimes things are far beyond us to take control,” I responded, looking at Jason. “Like, see, how the guy that once I hated so much now cared for me so much more than I can even imagine?”
My words brought back the smile on Jason’s face. “I’m lucky to have you in my life, Kiera.”
“Really?” Jason nodded his head at my response. “Good, because I’m not leaving you anytime soon.”
“Never leave me, you the ray of light Kiera that’s leading me away from my dark past.”
“Hmm,” the word stuck in my mouth upon hearing Jason’s response. The environment between us suddenly turned from happy to something serious.
“I’m hungry. How about we eat something?” I said, to change the subject and divert my mind to something other than my negative thoughts about the past.
“It’s almost dinnertime,” said Jason, looking at his wristwatch. “Let’s go home. Today’s work finish, and I miss my daughter.”
“Me too,”
Jason took my hand in his, leading the way, walking us out of the office from the back so no one could see us leaving together.
******
“Mama,” Aria runs like a lightning bolt speed seeing both of us coming through the door, and jumps in my arms, hugging me tightly.
“How is my cutie pie?” I said, brushing her hair off her face gently. “Did you miss mamma?”
“Yes…,” Aria said, nodding her head enthusiastically with a big smile on her face.
“What about daddy, don’t you miss me?” Asked Jason, acting sad at his daughter’s ignorance.
“Aria, miss daddy too,” Arai said, jumping from my arms to Jason and planting a gentle kiss on both his cheeks.
“She was waiting for both of you sitting like this. She didn’t even have her lunch today,” said Mrs. Clinton with a sigh. “All day Mama, Daddy… she is very attached to both of you.”
Both Jason and I looked at each other, hearing Mrs. Clinton’s response. I know, right now, both Jason and I are thinking the same thing, how things will work out if I moved out here.
Sooner or later, I have to leave them, and it’s not good for either of us to be together under the same roof. What if one Jason has a girlfriend in the future? What would she think, seeing us together and Aria calling Mama? It’s good if I’m so attached to them; And looking at Aria for how she reacted just because of a few separations. I don’t know what the future holds for all three of us. But I can’t also help myself on being to them. I don’t, but somehow staying here made me feel important, made me a part of a family, a family that I can’t even call mine.