STAY WITH ME

THE STRUGGLE

Startled by her father's voice, she stood still. Jayden walks gently towards her and hugs her from behind.He carries her in his arms and hugs her tightly.

" How are you, dear?" He asked.

.

"I am elated Dad, I passed my test" she said happily. He gently placed her down and helped with her backpack.

That's my girl. Thank you for making me a proud dad". He said and placed a kiss on her forehead. You know what......? Let's go do some grocery shopping.

Shopping is the right thing for him to do now as he needs to clear his head, he thinks. He places her on the floor and heads to his showroom to pick up his car key. The solemn music from the radio sparked a sad mood for Maria. Jayden didn't even notice this as he was filled with mixed emotions. She searched for her bag and took out a drawing which she had sketched in class. The drawing has a sketch of the family portrait.

" I miss you mom." Maria held the drawing tight to her chest with her eyes closed. In green shorts and white T-shirt, Jayden returned feeling refreshed. He moves closer to his daughter, who is lost in memories of her Mom. He sat close to her and noticed tears rolling over his daughter's eyes.

“Oh dear, dear!! What is the problem? Have I done anything wrong?" He asked, looking worried about his daughter's change of emotion. He leaned forward to her, held her hand, his brown eyes watery, he struggled like a father financially and emotionally, trying to balance his emotions; he held her hands so tight.

She tries to hold back the tears." I miss her, Dad, she shouldn't have left us in this situation. Mom abandoned us". She cries like a baby that she is.

"Oh no, not again," Jayden muttered under his breath. As a struggling single father, he got confused about what to do. At last, he was able to utter some words stuttering.

“My angel, do not think about mom, she did what is best for her. I am here for you ".

"Dad, I know you are in pain about everything too, you keep sweeping your emotions under the carpet whenever I'm around. This act saddens me". She wiped her tears and hugged her dad. A bit relieved that his young daughter understood the situation, he forced a smile on her.

“Hum…. Maria, I don't want you to bother about me, our current situation or your mom, very soon, things will be back to normal" he said, patting her back. He carried her on his back to his old truck. "Let's go get some goodies" he said firmly as he ignited the engine of the truck, holding the steering wheel tightly trying to erase memories of what had happened.

The blue sky gave way to the sun's rays. It was a silent drive to the mall. Maria glanced at her father as they drove to the mall. A few blocks away from the mall, Jayden sighted his best friend James. James, a real estate agent and friend to Jayden, stood in front of a building dressed in a black suit. Swiftly, Jayden parks his car close to the building.

“This isn't the mall, Dad." Maria asked, eager to know why the sudden parking. Jayden rubs his hands on his daughter's blonde hair and makes eye contact with her.

“I need to have a brief conversation with a friend.” He said, nodding.

"Okay, then, but your conversation with Mr James isn't always brief." With a side smile, she turned away and took out a tablet to keep herself busy. Jayden smiled back and turned to leave the car.

"Hey James!” he said, walking towards James. James, with his wide mouth open, couldn't believe his sight.

“Hey buddy, it's so good to see you," James replied, stretching his neck to see who was in the truck.

"Hey buddy" what are you doing here?" Jayden asked, stretching his hand to handshake his friend.

I just closed a deal man; this apartment is sold out," James said with a broad smile.

Oh really! This is good news". Now we have a new neighbor". James nodded his head in response.

"Are you going to the art exhibition tomorrow", James asked his friend Jayden. "Yes buddy, I really need this deal."

"I trust you buddy, give in your best tomorrow, everything will go smoothly". James places his arm over Jayden's shoulder.

"Okay buddy, that's enough about me. How about you coming over to my place for dinner".

"Hmmm, hmmm, well that's no problem for me". Please, I would like to eat some sauced veggies with barbecue chicken".

Jayden glared at James. "You are so funny; however, but I will be expecting you."Jayden said, adjusting his shirt.

"I've got to go, buddy, please keep this key for me" James said, handling a key to his friend Jayden.

"Okay, see you soon” Jayden walked over to his truck.

“You had a brief conversation! Dad?” Maria said, teasing her dad.

"I am sorry dear, Dad just needs to speak with his friend," he shrugged his shoulders and drove to the grocery shop.

As their truck drove past a building, Jayden noticed a young lady wearing a red top and trousers dragging a travelling bag and walking towards the new house.

"This can't be....he mutters under his breath. Could this be Jessica? “His heart skips a beat.