Chapter 4
1804 Words
When I arrived at the school, I was greeted by the principal, who looked stern but concerned. "Miss Williams, thank you for coming. Your daughter is in my office, waiting for you."
I took a deep breath and entered the office, Rosemary was sitting in a chair, looking like a tiny, tearful version of me. Her big green eyes were red from crying, and her curly black hair was messy from the commotion. But despite her tears, she still had a determined look in her face.
I was surprised when I saw three other bigger boys opposite her, looking much worse than my daughter. They had bite marks and bruises, and one of them had a bloody lip. I felt a surge of pride and worry as I knelt down beside Rosemary and hugged her tightly.
"What happened, sweetie? Why were you fighting?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.
Rosemary sniffled and looked up at me, her expression unrepentant. "They were picking on me, Mommy. I didn't like it."
I stroked her hair, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, baby. We'll figure it out."
Rosemary nodded, still looking fierce. I couldn't help but smile, proud of my little girl for standing up for herself.
The principal's office was a blur of concerned expressions and stern tones. I sat beside Rosemary, holding her hand, as Principal Thompson explained the school's zero-tolerance policy on violence.
"...understandably, we can't condone fighting, no matter the circumstances," Principal Thompson said, her voice firm but sympathetic.
I nodded, expecting the worst. But then she turned to Rosemary.
"However, Rosemary, the witnesses and the other children involved have corroborated your story. It seems you were defending yourself against bullying."
Rosemary looked up, her eyes still flashing with defiance.
Principal Thompson smiled. "While we encourage our students to resolve conflicts peacefully, we also understand that sometimes self-defense is necessary."
She leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
"Between you and me, Rosemary, those boys have been causing trouble for a while now. I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself."
I felt a surge of relief as Principal Thompson continued.
"Considering the circumstances, we're letting you off with a warning this time, Rosemary. But next time, let's try to find a less... physical solution, okay?"
Rosemary nodded vigorously, a grin spreading across her face.
"Thank you!" she exclaimed.
As we left the office, I squeezed Rosemary's hand.
"Proud of you, kiddo," I whispered.
I thought all was settled but surprisingly as soon as Rosemary entered my car, her face scrunched up and she let out a loud wail. "WAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
She burst into tears, her small body shaking with sobs. "WHYYYYY don't I have a daddy WAAAAAAAHHHHH!!"
I was taken aback by the way she cried. I pulled her into a hug, trying to comfort her.
"Oh, sweetie, that's not true," I said, trying to reassure her. "Your daddy loves you, but he's not able to be with us right now."
Rosemary pulled back, her face red and puffy, her eyes streaming with tears. "BUT WHYYYYYY?! WAAAAAAAHHHHH!! Josh said my daddy wouldn't want an ugly girl like me"
I stared at her shock,I had finally figured out the reason why my gentle daughter would get in a fight,the kids in school were picking on her for not having a father.
She wailed again, her tiny fists clenched and her body shaking. I held her close, trying to calm her down.
"No, baby, you are my perfect little Rose, anyone would want you."
Rosemary's cries slowly subsided, replaced by sniffles and hiccups. "I-I want my daddy... Waaaahhh..."
I held Rosemary close and said, "You know what? We're going to forget about today and do something super fun! How about we get ice cream and watch a movie? Your favorite, Frozen!"
Rosemary's tears slowed, and she looked up at me with a hint of a smile. "Really, Mommy?"
I nodded. "Really! And we'll even set up a special movie theater in the living room with blankets and pillows."
Rosemary's smile grew wider. "Yay!"
I continued, "And after the movie, we'll have a dance party and sing 'Let It Go' at the top of our lungs!"
Rosemary giggled and hugged me. "I love you, Mommy!"
I hugged her back. "I love you too, sweetie. Now, let's go get that ice cream!"
Rosemary's face lit up, and she bounced up and down in her seat. "Can I get sprinkles? And whipped cream? And a cherry on top?"
I laughed. "Of course, baby! You can get anything you want."
As we drove to the ice cream shop, Rosemary chattered excitedly about her favorite flavors and toppings. I listened, smiling, grateful to see her sadness lift.
----------------Night time-----------------
As bedtime approached, I tucked Rosemary into bed and pulled out her favorite book, "Goodnight Moon". She snuggled under the blankets, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Mommy, read it with the voices!" she requested, her voice sleepy but eager.I smiled and began to read.
As I read the final page, Rosemary's eyes drifted shut, a peaceful smile on her face. I closed the book and gently kissed her forehead.
"Goodnight, my little Rose," I whispered. "Sweet dreams."
Rosemary's voice was barely audible as she replied, "Wuv you, Mommy..."
I smiled and turned out the light, and closed the door.
I poured myself a glass of wine and sat down on the couch, thinking about the day's events. My mind kept wandering back to Rosemary's tears, her small body shaking with sobs as she cried.
I took a sip of wine, feeling a pang of sadness. I hated seeing my daughter hurt like that. I thought about how I could protect her from the pain of not having a father. How was I supposed to tell her that I didn't know anything her father except for his name. How was I supposed to tell her that I only slept with her father to heal my broken heart.
Just as I was lost in thought, I heard a knock at the door. I got up to answer it, expecting it to be a neighbor or maybe a delivery. But to my surprise, it was Rachel.
Rachel followed me into the living room, "How's Rosemary doing?"
I sighed, taking a seat next to her on the couch. "She's okay. Just struggling with some tough questions about her dad. She even fought some kids because of it"
"You are gonna have to tell her something later?" Rachel said as she poured herself a glass of wine.
I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "I know, I know. I just don't know what to say. I can't tell I don't even know anything about her dad except his name. And I can't exactly tell her that he was just a one-night stand"
Rachel nodded sympathetically. "I get it. But eventually, she's going to want to know more. You're going to have to come up with something."
I sighed, feeling overwhelmed. "I know. I just wish I had some answers for her."
Rachel grinned mischievously. "I've got some news that might take your mind off things. I've been on the phone with the organizers of that charity event. Apart from us being the designers at the event, guess what?"
I raised an eyebrow, wary. "What?"
Rachel paused for dramatic effect. "You're going to New York in for three months .They want you to be a guest speaker at the event."
I shook my head immediately. "Rachel, I don't think so. I can't just leave Rosemary like that."
Rachel nodded understandingly. "I thought of that too. But I already asked, and they said it's fine for you to bring her along. They'll even provide childcare services during the event."
I hesitated, feeling a sense of unease. New York brought back too many memories, memories I'd rather forget. "I don't know, Rachel. It's not just about Rosemary. I don't think I can handle going back to New York."
Rachel nodded, understanding. "Okay, I get it. But it's been five years anna. You can't let your past keep defining you, Anna."
I shook my head. "I'm not going,"
Rachel looked at me with concern, "Okay, Anna. I get it. But can I ask, is it because of him? Is it because of what happened with Jack?"
I felt a pang in my chest at the mention of his name, the man who had broken my heart and left me with scars that still lingered.
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "No , it's just not because of him. I don't want to go back to that place, Rachel. I don't want to remember. I have a good life here and I don't want to complicate things"
Rachel nodded and reached out to hug me. "I understand, Anna. I really do. But sometimes, facing your fears is the only way to move on. Also think about it, it's an opportunity for you to find Rosemary's dad"
Rachel's words struck a chord, but I shook my head, unwilling to budge. "No, Rachel, I mean it. I've worked too hard to leave that part of my life behind. Facing my fears sounds great in theory, but what if it sends me backward? What if seeing Jack again, seeing that place, brings it all flooding back?"
Rachel's expression softened. "Anna, you're stronger now. You've grown so much. And think about Rosemary – don't you want to give her the chance to know her father?"
I stiffened, my defenses rising. "We've done just fine without him, Rachel. We don't need him. And besides, what if he doesn't even want to know her? What if he's moved on and doesn't care?"
Rachel's voice took on a gentle persistence. "But what if he does, Anna? What if he's been searching for you both? You'll never know unless you try."
I crossed my arms, my mind racing with excuses. "I have a business to run, Rachel. I can't just drop everything. And what about Rosemary's school ?She can't miss her exams."
Rachel's eyes locked onto mine, her voice filled with empathy. "Anna, I understand your fears, I really do. But sometimes, the things that scare us the most are the things that set us free."
I shook my head, my defenses still up. "I don't know, Rachel. I just can't."
Rachel nodded slowly. "I'm not asking you to make a decision right now. Just think about it, Anna. Really think about it. For Rosemary's sake, if not your own."
Rachel paused, her gaze gentle. She smiled softly. "That's all I'm asking. Just think about it."
She stood up, breaking the intense moment. "Now, pour me some more wine, will you? I think we both need a glass."
I nodded, grateful for the distraction, and headed to the kitchen.
- Writer
