Chapter 5:"New Beginning"
1376 Words
It was around 5 p.m. that same day. I was sitting alone by the roadside, lost in my thoughts when the watch rang. It was a call from Olivia.
“Hey Mom! This is Olivia,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you for saving me today. My dad wanted to say thank you too. Can you visit us at our place? Please! I’d really love for you to come. Are you still at the same place I saw you? My dad will come and pick you up. Please don't say no.”
I hesitated, my heart heavy. “Oh… never mind, I’m okay,” I replied quietly, even though the truth was—I had nowhere to stay.
But she wouldn’t give up. “I already said you shouldn’t say no. Please!”
I smiled faintly. “Okay, it’s fine. I agree. I’m still at the same place you saw me.”
About twenty minutes later, a deep blue Range Rover pulled in front of me. I watched as a young man stepped out of the car. He was tall, with broad shoulders and a strong jawline, probably in his mid-thirties. He wore a slightly rumpled black top and a pair of pale jeans. As I took a quick glance at him, I couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was, though I found his dressing a bit off-putting.
“Hey, beautiful!” he said with a warm smile. “Are you the one that helped Olivia? I’m Jack—Olivia’s father. I’m here to pick you up.”
“Oh! Yeah, I’m Vivian. Thank you for coming to pick me up.” We shook hands.
“You are so beautiful,” he said, giving me a once-over with his eyes that didn’t go unnoticed.
“Thank you for the compliment,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “You are not bad yourself.”
“What do you do, if I may ask?” I inquired.
“I’m a mechanic,” he said casually.
“Oh! Okay.”
“This Jeep isn’t mine,” he added quickly. “It belongs to one of my customers. I just thought it would be best to come pick you up with it.” He walked over, took my box, and placed it gently in the boot. Then he opened the front door for me in a gentlemanly gesture.
“Thank you,” I said softly, stepping into the car.
He got into the driver’s seat and started the engine. For a moment, there was silence—comfortable, but curious.
“So… Olivia calls you ‘Mom’?” he said, glancing at me with a smile as he pulled onto the road.
“Yeah,” I replied, smiling a little myself. “It just sort of happened today. She’s sweet.”
“She hasn’t stopped talking about you since she got home,” he chuckled. “You really made an impression.”
I looked out the window, a small ache tugging at my chest. “She made one on me too.”
There was another pause. Then he added, “Thank you for helping her.”
“You’re welcome.”
He glanced at me again, this time with something softer in his eyes. “I’m glad you agreed to come. I hope you feel… welcomed.
I turned to him, unsure of what to say, but nodded.
He smiled, eyes on the road. “Good.”
He drove me to the house. When we arrived, I looked around in awe.
“This place is so beautiful,” I said, stepping out of the car. The exterior of the house was modern design, sleek lines, soft lights glowing from inside. Several luxury cars were parked.
“Wow…. Your house is amazing. It looks really expensive,” I added, almost in a whisper.
Jack gave me a quick smile. “It's not mine,” he said sharply. “It belongs to a friend of mine in Washington D.C. He asked me to watch over it while he's away on a business trip.
“Oh,” I replied, trying not to sound disappointed.
He led me into the living room. The interior was even more breathtaking than the outside—tasteful decor, soft lighting, and elegant vases with fresh flowers placed on the tables. Everything was warm and inviting.
“Mom!” Olivia suddenly burst out from a room opposite the living room and ran into my arms. She hugged me tightly. “Thank you for coming and thank you for saving me too!”
I hugged her back, smiling. “It's okay, sweetheart. I'm glad you're alright.”
Then turning to Jack with a frown, Olivia blurted out, “Dad, why are you dressed like this?”
Jack gave a knowing look and turned to her. “Your dad's a mechanic, remember? Just got back from a long day at work,” he said, blinking meaningfully at Olivia, hoping she'd catch on.
“Oh! Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Olivia nodded quickly, giggling as she took my hand. “Let's have a dinner date tonight—just the three of us!”
Jack chuckled as he picked up my box. “Okay, as you please,” he said, carrying it into a room just off the living area. “You know what? Freshen up. Take a shower. Dinner is already set.
When I came back out, the table was beautifully arranged. A variety of dishes were laid out—everything looked delicious. I couldn't remember the last time I had such a well-prepared and luxurious meal.
“Thank you for coming,” Olivia said with a sweet smile.
“It's nothing, my darling,” I replied, touched by her warmth. Then I turned to Jack, “Where's her mom?”
He hesitated. “She doesn't have a mom,” he said quietly.
“Yes,” Olivia added quickly, “I don't have a mom. That's why I want you to become my mom.
There was a long pause.
“Dad, please can you marry her so she could become my mom?” she said, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes. “Please, Dad!”
Jack looked stunned. “What do you mean, Olivia?”
“I know what I'm saying,” she replied firmly. “She saved me. I know she'll take care of me. She already does.”
Jack opened his mouth to respond, but Olivia cut in again.
“Dad, you're always busy. Please, marry Auntie Vivian so she can be my mom. Please, Dad!”
Jack rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “C’mon, Olivia…. Just eat your food.”
But Olivia wasn't done. “Please, Dad. Do this for me. I really want a mom…. and I want her.”
Jack looked at her for a long moment, then slowly turned to me. His expression was serious now, but there was something soft in his eyes.
“Okay,” he said finally. “I've heard you.”
Then, turned finally to face me, he asked, “Vivian….. will you marry me? Just for Olivia.”
My heart skipped. For a moment, I couldn't speak. Inside, my thoughts were racing. I don't have anywhere to go. This… this is an opportunity. A roof over my head, a warm meal, a place where someone actually wants me. This could be my chance.
I looked at Olivia—her face beaming with joy—and then at Jack. My voice came out steady, clear.
“Yes, I will marry you…. for the sake of Olivia.”
“Thank you, Mummy!!” Olivia squealed, her whole face lighting up. She threw her arms around me, holding my hands tightly. “I'm so happy!”
Jack gave a small, surprised chuckle and looked down at the table. “Well then,” he said, smiling as he reached for his fork. “Let's enjoy our meal—as one family.”
And just like that, we all burst into laughter. The awkwardness melted away, replaced by something new. Something warm. Something real.
In that moment, over a table full of food and with a little girl’s joy lighting up the room, I didn't feel lost anymore. I felt... home.
- Writer
