The single mom and her boss

Chapter nine - Parent meeting

Jasmine's POV:

My first parent meeting is soon. It has been almost a month since Chloe started school. I'm trying to help her with her homework. On the weekends, we practice every subject. I have bought her some notebooks filled with math problems and all the letters of the alphabet. We studied for two hours for the two days. I use this time to make dinner and wash the clothes. I let her free during the week. It's enough that she deals with this all day. I would love to take her home, but no one can watch her. Also, teachers will help her understand the lessons. It's not like I can't do it, but not in the same way as them. After our study session, I took her out. She loves to play in the park. Some of the kids from the kindergarten were there. Sadly, none of them are in her class. I'm sure she will make more friends. We passed this stage where Chloe wanted me to go inside with her. I appreciate that she wants to be with me, but I can't do it. My first paycheck is coming, and I'm excited about this. Finally, I will have a decent salary. I would love to spoil her a little bit. I used to do this rarely because I didn't have that much money. Not much is left me after I pay the bills and get us groceries. The other thing is that I was trying to save. I hope that our life will start getting better.

Today, I have a parent meeting. I'll ask my mom to go and pick up Chloe. It's at 6 pm. I have enough time to arrive, but someone has to watch her. It will be for an hour. I don't think the teachers will keep us for long. Mom said she could cook dinner at home. I have some leftovers from yesterday. I'm trying to cook more often but don't have time. That doesn't mean Chloe won't have lunch. I will never allow this. I might not eat anything, but she won't starve. It won't happen.

I came to the office a bit early today. My boss wasn't here yet. Neither was his assistant. I picked up the mail and sorted it. Later, I checked the plan for the collection. I like the design. The PR boxes were shipped yesterday. I don't know when the official launch is. I went to Kelsey's desk to check her work. I have learned a few things. I can help her. After all, she is doing a lot for me. She came when I finished her tasks. Well, the main ones. There is always a lot of work.

- You are an early bird. - Kelsey said

- Yes, I came a bit early today.

- What is all this on my desk?

- I finished the mail and decided to help you. Do you mind?

- I love you so much. Where have you been until now?

- In the restaurant on Washington Street.

- You were there? I haven't seen you.

- I have shifts. Maybe you were there when I wasn't.

- Probably. Since you helped me today, I'll take you out for lunch.

- You don't have to do it. I planned to eat here.

- Why? Don't you have money for lunch?

- I have more than enough, but I plan to stay inside.

- Life is so colorful. Enjoy it while you can.

- Why do you say it?

- All I will say is that after I met my boyfriend, everything changed. I found a new side of myself that I never thought existed. Are you dating someone?

- No, I don't. Currently, I don't have time for this.

- How do you not have time for this? What are you doing in your free time?

- It's better if you don't know.

- No matter how many chores you have, you should always have time for yourself.

- I have other priorities.

- Are they more important than you?

- Yes.

- Oh, ok. You know what is best for you.

- I do.

- Look, I didn't want to upset you.

- You didn't. I have too many things in my head.

- I think you need a rest. I mean, a mental one.

- My life is not as easy as you think. I have a lot of work at home.

- Can't you postpone it?

- No, but I'm happy about this.

- I won't ask anything. You won't tell me.

- Let's say that I received a lot of negativism about it. That's why I keep it to myself.

- Is it that bad?

- Not at all, but people underestimate me.

- Why do you care? People will always talk.

- I don't, but I don't want someone else to hear it.

- Oh, who is he?

- There is no he. It's something different.

Nothing else was said. I don't want to hide Chloe, but I'm afraid the comments will return. I can't let her hear all these things about me. I know it upsets her. She has told me this before. More than anything, I want to keep her away from this environment. I kept working until lunchtime. Kelsey went out to eat. She invited me to go with her, but I refused. I'm not hungry. I'll have dinner with Chloe. Honestly, I'm eating only because of her. I lost my appetite a long time ago. I was thinking about her when my boss came in. I'm sure he is not here because of me.

- Jasmine? Won't you go for lunch?

- I ate a lot for breakfast.

- Tell Kelsey that I left her this.

- Sure.

- Are you ok? You don't see much in the mood.

- I'm fine.

- You can tell me. Consider me your friend.

- Thanks, but you don't need to worry about anything.

- When was the last time you went out with someone? I mean, a friend.

- Why are you asking?

- Because I think this is what you need. Do you have plans for tonight?

- Yes.

- Tomorrow night?

- I do.

- Next month? - he asked, chuckling

- Busy.

- Now you are making fun of me.

- I do have plans tonight. I won't tell you everything, but I get busy often.

- You can tell me if you want to go out with someone.

- Why do you want to go out with me?

- You are one of the few people close to my age. My friends and I became distant. Our interests changed.

- Sometimes, you are better alone.

- Are you sure? What if you want to have fun?

- I do it every day.

- My offer is still available if you decide to change your mind.

- I appreciate it, but you better ask someone else. Otherwise, you will be disappointed.

He didn't say anything else. I know what he wants, but I can't do it. First, he is my boss. No matter if it's a friend's offer, I can't let it pass. Second, I don't want him to think that something is possible. I kept working without paying any attention to him. When I finished work, I went to Chloe's school. The parent meeting should start soon. I saw my mom. I told her to come and take Chloe. I'll take her home when I finish here.

- Hello, everyone. I hope every parent is here. I think we can start. I'm miss Cheryl Morrison. I'm one of the teachers in this class. I mean, the main one. We do these initial parent meetings to let you know how the class is doing with the lessons and answer some questions. Some parents don't like the way we teach or want other things. I have to say the class is doing well. Everyone understands each other. We can see the practice some kids have. That's why we created these groups. Mostly, they are for kids who have no one else to watch them at home. Also, we help them with their homework.

- Can I ask something?

- Yes, miss?

- Jasmine. The work at home is needed. Right?

- Yes. We do what we can here. Sadly, we can't spend more time with every student. Otherwise, they should stay here a long time, and not every parent wants this.

- Since you can't afford to hire someone. - one woman said

- I prefer to trust the teachers instead of strangers.

- Excuse me. Did your parents send you to cover them? Typical.

- No. Does your kid have the same attitude?

- Since you have a seven-year-old, I can imagine what type of mom you are.

- I might be young, but at least I don't treat people like you.

- Excuse me? You should apologize. Right now!

- For what? I'm speaking the truth.

- Many young moms are doing great. You can't judge people like that. - one mom said

- Thanks.

I tried to avoid this woman for as long as possible. I'm afraid her child is in the same class as mine. Hopefully, the boy or girl is not like his mom. I don't want Chloe to get bullied because of me. The parent meeting was an hour long. These are the initial things every parent should know. When it finished, I went to my parents' house. Chloe probably had dinner. Mom won't leave her starving. I might eat something later. I'm not that hungry. This woman took all my energy. I don't want to see her ever again.

- How was the parents' meeting? - my mom asked

- It could've been worse.

- What happened?

- I had a beef with one mom. It's a long story.

- I have time. Chloe is playing with your dad.

- Mom, I don't want to talk about this. It's not that important.

- It is since you are so mad.

- I'm not.

- Honey, I can see it in your eyes.

- The same story is repeating. I tried to avoid it, but I couldn't.

- I have told you this before. You can't keep Chloe away from everyone. It doesn't matter how old you are. Your parenting skills are good. You are a great mom.

- But I don't want her to see all this. She will go to school with the kid of this mom.

- So?

- I don't want her to get bullied because of me.

- Why do you think this will happen? Maybe they will be friends.

- Are you kidding me? That will never happen. The mom won't allow it.

- You care too much about this. Let Chloe hang out with whoever she wants.

- I will, but it won't be that easy.

- Why don't you have friends? Chloe can do some things alone.

- I won't say anything.

- I don't think Chloe needs you that much. It's the opposite. I think you need her too much. She is not a baby anymore. Stop treating her like that.

- Can you let me do it the way I want?

- Yes, but it will affect her future. She will get used to being only with you. What if you start dating after some time? She won't even accept the guy because he will receive your attention.

- I never said that I would date.

- It will happen. At least, I'm hoping for that.

- Don't have high hopes. I'll crash them.

- I don't know what to do with you.

- Nothing.

Mom won't change me. I'll spend as much time with Chloe as I want. She is my kid. I might be young, but I know how to care for her. I'll make sure she has everything she needs. Now, my salary is better. We can afford more things. That is all I wanted for her. I don't want her to feel poor because of me. I didn't have high hopes for the parent meeting, but I didn't expect that. Well, it happens. I can't avoid it. Neither do I want to change someone's mind. It's their decision how they will treat people. I won't let this affect me too much. I hope that Chloe won't have problems at school.