Alpha of Caldwell Hill

Another past due notice. I chuffled through my mail after Jameson, my thirteen year old middle child, handed it to me. "Where's your sisterJamie? She is supposed to have come home from school with you." "She got in the car with Krystal and Carter." He said, dropping his backpack on the floor beside the door and heading to our small kitchen. "What? She knows to come right home after school. Pick up your backpack and get your homework done before dinner." I said to his retrieving back. I walked into the kitchen and started pulling out the pan and ingredients for dinner. "Mommy, what are we having tonight?" My youngest Ariel tugged at my shirt. "Hamburger Helper baby." "Again, mommy." My four year old whined. "Yes, babe, again. I have to go grocery shopping on Saturday. Two more days, and I can get you something else." I reached down and kissed her forehead. "Ok, mommy." "Go find Jack Jack and watch your tablet for a little, ok?" "Yay, thanks, mom." Ariel ran off to grab her tablet and her stuffed rabbit. She is only allowed twenty minutes of screen time a day. Just then, Sara walked in and headed to her room in a hurry. "Stop right there, Sara." I said, stopping my sixteen year old in her tracks. "You were supposed to come home with Jameson. Not jump in the car with those friends of yours. Hand it over now." "I hate it here." Sara said, handing me her phone. "Me too, but I love you guys, and that's all that matters." I said, pocketing her phone. "Whatever," She said, taking off to her room and slamming the door. "No slamming doors." I yelled, turning back to the stove. Two years ago, my husband Daniel decided he wanted a divorce. I knew things between us were not perfect but nothing extreme enough for a divorce. We were an ordinary family. Daniel and a few of his friends started a tech company after college. We met through a mutual friend at one of their parties. Later, I became an assistant to him, and soon, our relationship grew, and we were married a year later. Then came my oldest two. Ariel came unexpectedly when the storm was brewing in my marriage.Things were perfect until they were not. There were lots of traveling and late night working. I never suspected that he were seeing someone else. The secret phone calls came later so we argued a lot. Especially about him not showing Ariel the attention she needed. He ignored her. She was the only one not upset about him leaving. I later found out about my replacement. A co-worker of his. Before the ink on our papers was dry, he was married again with another child on the way. That was disappointing because I thought maybe there was a little hope for us still with little counseling. But I was in denial and soon saw the light. He did leave me the house, but I couldn't afford the mortgage. The child support I'm getting for the kids handled utilities and the kids' needs. There was no spousal support after the first six months. He only paid a small amount each month. I've been unemployed for years and couldn't find a decent job. Being an only child, my grandmother/guardian died in my early twenties. I had no help. I did manage to get a job at the local grocery store and pulled as many shifts as i could. I did have my van, so later we had to let go of the house and got a tiny two bedroom apartment. The girls shared a room, and Jameson had his own. I slept in our living room on our pullout couch. My reminiscing was cut short by the smoke alarm. "Oh no, the toast." I said, pulling the burt bread from the toaster. The toaster is defected and I had to push the bread out when I thought it was done. I grabbed a knife and scraped off the burnt. Jameson hit the fire alarm button, shutting off the annoying sound. "Dinner is ready." I yelled, plating out food and setting the bowls on the counter. "Ugh. I'm not hungry."Sara said, pushing her bowl away. Taking off to her room. "Fine more for us." I said, putting the food back into the pan. Then, he helped Ariel onto her chair. "Thanks, mom." Ariel said grateful. She is always easy and mindful. I cherish every moment because soon the teen years would be here, and I already know what will come. "Mom, we had this yesterday."Jameson complained, taking a seat on the bar stool. "What, you guys do not eat it today. It will be dinner tomorrow." I took my seat and pretended that this was the best meal of my life. I admit to being tired of it also, but I got off late and didn't have much time to prepare anything else. And our other options were pp&j. A knock at the door interrupted dinner. I answered it but no one was there, only a letter taped to the door. I grabbed it and closed the door. Inside I opened the letter and read it. "Rent increase." I said aloud. "Give me a break." I'm barely making it as it. it's already late. Not to mention daycare and past due electric bill. This can't be life. There has to be more for us.