Illicit Cravings

COMING TOGETHER.

Four years since she lost everything.

Four years since Mia moved to the countryside.

Four years since she had experienced the journey of motherhood.

And in those four years, she had learned, relearned and unlearned. She had learnt to be herself. She had always loved baking, wanted to become a renowned baker but her parents wouldn't let her do it then. She had studied business administration to please them, because they believe she would take over the family businesses someday but not anymore.

With the savings she owned, she finally learned baking and opened a small bakery in the local market.

The birth of her son—who is a complete replica of Jayden—fuelled her determination and she did everything herself—the exhaustion was able to help her take her mind off Jayden and everyone else in the city. From creating recipes, to sourcing out the ingredients, baking, packaging and then taking them to sell at a local market.

It was never easy. From several sleepless nights, rejection from the local buyers who thinks her products are to expensive to soaking her pillows with her tears but she never gave up. Anytime she wanted to, she would remember her son and the desire to give him a good life.

Now, the bakery—Bake Lab has became a household name—with thousands of consumers daily and almost an hundred staff

Today, inside her extravagant office, she stood by the glass window, staring at the bustling streets. She saw a teenage girl trying to sell her fruit to the locals and a small smile spread across her face as she remembered how she also started.

“I'm rooting for you, girl,” she whispered. “If I can do it, then you can too.“

Then the door of her office creaked open. Jayden came in with her son, Bryan in his arms.

After Mia told Jayden not to visit anymore, he couldn't stay away no matter how hard he tried. So in order not to piss her off, he came over to the countryside, four times weekly and watches her from afar. He was even at the hospital the day she birth their child.

Jayden had thought Mia didn't know, but the truth is that she could see him from the corners of her eyes anytime he trailed behind him while she took a stroll to the garden. She knows how he he had flowers and notes delivered to her anytime she was having a rough day. She even knows that he's the anonymous investor who had invested in her bakery when she first started.

One day while she hawk around the market to sell her baked goods, a young lady came over and brought everything. She did it three consecutive times and that made Mia suspicious. The next time she brought it, Mia followed her secretly only to realise Jayden was the one who asked her to buy it and then paid the lady.

“Why did you do it?“ She asked, her voice a bit hard.

She didn't know why she felt bad. Maybe because he broke their promise? Or maybe because she wanted to earn her success by herself?

Jayden glanced at her, his expression was unreadable. “I loved your baked goods,” he said smoothly. Then he opened one of the muffins and ate from it. “See. The muffins is the best.“

“Liar,” Mia spat. “I know you're allergic to eggs.“

True. When Jayden cooks for her in the past, she could still remembered how he doesn't eat eggs yet he prepares it so well.

Jayden mouth hung open. He's being caught.

“I don't want you here, Jayden. So please leave,” she says and walked away.

Jayden's stomach sank.

The moment she stepped inside the living room, Mrs. Hartley could sense that something was wrong with her from her crumpled face.

She asked Mia, who hesistated at first but after pressing harder, she explained everything to Mrs. Hartley.

Of course, Mrs. Hartley knows about jayden's frequent visits and the way he had supported Mia from afar.

“So, why won't you let him help you?“ Mrs. Hartley asked.

Mia's eyes furrowed. She couldn't understand what the woman was saying. “I don't need him.“

“Hmmmm.“ Mrs. Hartley pressed her lips together, nodding. “But your heart needs him. Your son needs him.“

Mia's throat tightened. She opened her mouth to talk but no words came out.

True.

A part of her heart still longs for him but she would remind herself that they can't be together no matter what.

Bryan was just two years at the time but he was smarter than most kids of his age. Often times, he would ask why he doesn't have a papa like every other kids in the nursery.

Mia would tell him, it's because he's a special one.

Mrs. Hartley closed the distance between them on the couch, took her hand in hers. “See Mia, I understand you perfectly. I understand that you still think that you don't deserve happiness. But the truth is, the deed is already done. So stop sulking and start acting.“

Mia's eyes was filled with unshed tears.

Mrs. Hartley brushed a strand of stray hair from her face. “Give him a chance, my darling. Let him help you. Don't be so selfish to deny Bryan of his father's existence. For how long do you think he would believe the stories you often tell him. Soon, he would grow up and when he finds out the truth, he would hate you.“

Mia snapped her head towards the woman, tears streamed down her cheeks. Her heart raced. She wouldn't want her son to hate her. Never. Not after everything they've been through together.

Mrs. Hartley was right. She was always right. One thing about the middle aged woman is that she would always speak the truth even when it's bitter or piercing.

Mrs. Hartley wiped her tears with her thumb and pulled her into a side embrace. “So my darling, you and your kid deserve the best person in your life.“

After the conversation ended, Mia decided that it was time for Bryan to know his father. But unfortunately, Jayden didn't come back to the countryside for a whole year until it was Bryan's third birthday; just to catch a glimpse of his son.

From afar, he watched as they sing him a birthday song and cut the cake. Just as he was about to leave, Mrs. Hartley's voice rang out.

“You should wish your son a happy birthday in person,” she says.

Her voice stopped him on his tracks. “It's fine, ma'am,” he says quietly. “I'm happy with watching him from afar.“

Mrs. Hartley stepped closer to him, grabbed his wrist. “Come with me.“

Jayden's heart raced. Mia wouldn't want to see him here. “No… ma'am. I have something important to attend to,” he lied.

Mrs. Hartley knew he was lying, so she fired, “What could be more important than your own son?“

Silence.

True.

Nothing in the world was more important than his son.

He allowed her to lead him into the living room.

The moment their eyes met, Mia's breath caught and slowly, a smile spread on her face.

Jayden smiled back, relieved.

Then she did something unexpected. She moved to the front, get a microphone from the DJ and started speaking.

“Bryan,” she called quietly.

“Yes, mama,” the young champ replied cheerfully.

“I have a gift for you.“ Then she stepped closer to Bryan, grabbed his wrists and led him towards where Jayden stood frozen. “Your papa.“

The little boy couldn't believe his ears. His gaze shifted from Jayden to Mia.

He thought his mother was kidding.

Isn't he a special child that doesn't have a Papa?

As much as he wants to ask why he suddenly has a Papa like the other kids, he was dumbstruck.

Jayden finally regained himself. He crouched lower. Looking at his replica. Same green eyes. Same small nose.

His eyes watered. He has never thought that a day like this would ever come, especially not so soon.

His throat tightened but he managed to speak. “Hi, Bryan,” he whispered, a tear rolled down his cheeks. “Papa is here.“

“Papa?” Bryan repeated.

His small hands reached out, caressing jayden's face as if trying to check if he was real—if this isn't a dream.

“Papa is here.“

He threw himself into jayden's chest, wrapping his short arms around him.

Jayden's hands trembled but he wrapped it around him. “Yes, papa is here.“

Jayden and Bryan hugged for a long moment. Tears streamed down Jayden's face. Mia joined them, tears also streaming down her own face.

Mrs. Hartley's heart was full with joy as tears streamed down her own face.

When they finally pulled away, Bryan jumped up with joy. “Yah, this is the best birthday ever. I love you Mama.“ He pressed his lips to her cheeks.

And that was it.

To be fully present in his son's life, Jayden sold everything he owned, moved to the countryside and opened a small clinic there.

Mia and Jayden decided to remain as friends, but then old feelings isn't so easy to bury, right?

During one of their late nights visit, something raw sparked between them and they made love. The next morning, they agreed that it was a mistake and shouldn't happen again. But they keep getting drawn to eachother and made love over and over again.

And now, they decided to get married. It was difficult to reach his conclusions, but Mia realised that she deserves happiness and Jayden makes her happy. Fulfilled.

“Mama,” Bryan screamed, getting down from Bryan's arms. He ran towards Mia.

Mia turned and lifted him off the ground. “How is school today?“ She asked, kissing him.

“School is fine,” he answered smoothly. Then he frowned. “Papa didn't want to get me my favourite ice cream.“

Jayden stepped closer and wrapped his hands around Mia's waist.

“It's winter, Bryan. Ice cream isn't good for you,” Jayden scolded. “Once it's summer, you can take as much ice cream as you want. I promise.“

Bryan nodded. He grinned and extended his pinky. “Deal.“

Jayden smiled before hooking his. “Deal.“ He ran a hand through his hair fondly.

They all laughed.

Then Bryan got down and ran off.

“What are you thinking about?“ Jayden whispered.

“I'm just wondering if they would come,” she answered.

“I hope so too.“