The single mom and her boss

Chapter three - School shopping

Jasmine's POV:

Chloe starts school soon. I have saved money from my last three salaries. She should have everything she needs. I'll make sure of that. I won't work on the weekend. This is when we'll go out. I can go on the first day of school, but everyone will do their shopping then. It's better if we are alone. It will save us time. Also, we won't bump into people. I have planned to get her new clothes. She doesn't need them, but I want her to have something new. I wonder when I can do this for myself. Let's be real. She will always be a priority. I don't care if I look poor or have nothing to eat. All I want to know is that she is good. I don't care about myself that much. The other thing is that I don't need many things to feel good. I'm fine. Since I moved out, I took responsibility for her. My parents told me to stay with them, but I knew it wasn't possible. I have told Chloe the truth about her dad. I'm not sure if she understands what it means. Well, she started asking about her dad. The other kids from the kindergarten were taken home by both parents. I was always alone. I had to tell her. That doesn't mean she has to hate him. I don't even know where he is. Maybe that way is better. I don't need him in my life right now. I hope that I will be a good role model for her.

Chloe and I have to go shopping. She needs new things for school. Why are first-graders so expensive? I don't mind it, but they don't use half of the things the school wants them to have. At least their textbooks are free. I don't have to pay for that. I don't remember much from my first day of school. That was a long time ago. I know my parents used to help me with my homework. I had trouble learning how to write some of the letters. Reading was easier. My job is to do the same for Chloe.

Chloe and I had breakfast an hour ago. I want us to go to the stores a bit early. I have to cook in the afternoon. We might eat lunch outside. It depends on how long we'll stay outside. We went to one of the biggest bookstores in town. Except for books, they sell school supplies. She is not greedy, which is good. I want her to value money. It doesn't grow on trees. I let her pick whatever she wanted. If it was too expensive, I made her choose something else.

- You need pens and a pencil case. Go and choose the case. I'll search for the pens.

- Ok. I'll be back soon.

- Let's see. Excuse me, do you have durable pens?

- It depends on what meaning you put behind this.

- I need pens that will last longer.

- We have more expensive and cheaper. All is based on how long you write with it.

- It's for a first-grader.

- I'll suggest these. Each pen is for one-time use, but there are ten in a pack for five dollars.

- That sounds good. I'll take three packs.

- I want this case. - Chloe said

- Sweetie, do you want me to show you where the ones with pictures are?

- There are more?

- Yes. Look here.

- These are pretty. Mommy, can I get the pink one?

- How much is this?

- The one she holds is five dollars, and the pink one is twenty.

- I see. Whatever. You can give me the pink one.

- Thank you.

- Is there anything else that you need?

- I think we got everything.

- How about water paints? She might need this in first grade.

- In first grade, teachers didn't care about this. - I said, and the cashier laughed

- Times have changed. I'll offer you these. Ten dollars for ten colors.

- They are in a heart shape. - Chloe said

- Yes, they are. I'll take them. I'll need brushes and a container for the water.

- You can choose one of each in the display or get this set with five.

- I'll get the set.

- Is there anything else?

- I don't know. I bought too many things.

- Shopping for a first-grader is never easy. I spent hours with my first kid. I got tired faster than her.

- I understand. That will be for now. If I have missed something, I'll come back.

- Ok, then. The total of everything is two hundred forty-seven dollars and fifty-three cents. Cash or card?

- Card, please. I don't want to carry much money with me.

- Correct. You can enter your PIN. That's it.

- Thanks.

- Bye.

- Chloe, let's go for lunch. My feet hurt.

- Should I carry you?

- I wish you could.

Chloe and I went for food. Later, I promised to bring her to my parents' house for the afternoon. I have some chores to do in the afternoon. The other reason is that my mom insisted on it. She loves taking care of her granddaughter. It's not like I mind, but I'm the one who should do it. Well, I appreciate the help. Sometimes, I need it, even if I'll never admit it. I carried Chloe's things because it was too heavy for her. I might stay with my parents for coffee before I leave.

- Hey, mom. We are here.

- Come in. Hi, Chloe. How was your shopping?

- Mommy is tired. Her feet hurt.

- Thanks for saying this unnecessary information. - I said

- I'm sorry.

- It's ok. Later, you can show your grandma and grandpa what you got.

- Honey, do you want coffee?

- I won't deny one.

- At least you don't have to work today.

- That is the good news.

- Hey, Jasmine. Chloe, do you want us to play in the backyard?

- Yes. Can I go?

- Sure. - I said, and she left

- What is going on with you? Lately, you work a lot. - my mom said

- I know. I'm looking for a new job. Hopefully, it will have a better schedule and salary.

- What are you looking for?

- Everything. I'll see what I can do about this. I have had interviews before, but they weren't what I expected.

- Choose something that will make you happy.

- I'm trying my best. It's not easy. Also, not every job offer is for me. I don't have solid experience in everything.

- University was a thought decision.

- I couldn't do both. There was no reason to continue. Chloe took too much time.

- But it was worth it.

- Hundred percent. She will always be my main priority.

I left Chloe at my parents' house and went back home. I managed to cook food for dinner and tomorrow. Later, I washed the clothes and cleaned the house a little bit. Chloe is not messy, but there is dust around. These are the chores I do every weekend. When Chloe starts going to school, I have to study with her. I went to throw out my trash when miss Stevens saw me. She invited me to her house. I don't go there often because I don't want to bother her.

- Come in. I have coffee.

- Thanks, but I had one at my parents' house. Also, it's a bit late.

- We can still talk. I believe Chloe is with your parents.

- Yes, I left her there. We went shopping today.

- I can't believe she will be in first grade soon. It's like yesterday when you two came here.

- Time flies fast.

- I'm sure you two will do great.

- I have to study with her on the weekends.

- There is a secret for you.

- Which is?

- One of my friends has a son who works in a company. The boss will put a job offer online soon. You should check this.

- What is the name? I can't work whatever it is.

- I will ask her about the details. It's not something complicated.

- I will see about that. Thank you.

- That is all I know so far. I can check if something comes up.

- You don't have to do that. I can take care of this.

- Yes, but I want to help you.

- I appreciate it.

- Are you sure you don't want anything? I have biscuits.

- Thanks, but you don't have to worry.

- You are doing a great job. Never forget that. Don't listen to what people tell you.

- I'm trying.

- You don't have to hide Chloe only because people talk about you.

- I don't want her to hear this.

- One day, she will find out. You can't keep her away from this.

I stayed with miss Stevens for a while. I had to pick up Chloe from my parents' house. I have made dinner, and we'll eat together. These are some of the things we do together. Honestly, I love spending time with her. I might be tired, but I won't let her see it. Our dinner was peaceful. Every Friday night, we eat pizza and watch Disney movies. I have watched them too many times, but it's like a small tradition that we have. Also, she loves it. My favorite thing is to do her hair.

- Chloe, what do you want us to do before bed?

- You can choose.

- How about we play with the kinetic sand your grandma got for your birthday?

- We can make a castle from it.

- Yes, we can. How big should it be?

- Tall like me.

- That's a big one.

- Can I play with this in school?

- I don't think the teachers will allow it. You will have other fun activities.

- Will you do them with me?

- We can do them at home. I can't come to school with you.

- Why? I want you to stay.

- I wasn't with you in kindergarten. You will be there only for a few hours.

- You will come to take me.

- Yes, I will. When I finish work, I will come to pick you up.

- Will you work during the weekend again?

- I hope not. I'll find a better job for you. - I said and tapped her nose

- I want us to play longer.

- I know, and I promise to find time for this. You have to wait a little bit.

- How little?

- Just a little bit.

- Where will you work?

- I don't know yet. You don't have to worry about this. It's my job.

- But I want you to have more free time. You can rest.

- I rest enough.

- Only when you sleep.

- That is not true. I rest enough. Should we make the top of the castle pink?

- Purple.

- It will be purple.

- We can make a pink crown for the princess.

- It will fall out if you put in the doll. It's sand.

- I will try.

- Ok, you can try.

- It fell.

- I told you. Sand won't stay on her head. How about you do something else? We have a mermaid mold.

- Purple mold.

- Yes, it can be this purple. Any color you want.

If you haven't guessed already, purple is her favorite color. Most of the things we bought for school were in this color. We played with this sand for two hours. Nowadays, kids have more toys than me when I was their age. I like playing with her. It's another activity we do together. I let her stay with the neighbors or my parents because I had no choice. Otherwise, I would never do it. I want to spend every minute with her. She is all I have. That is why I'm searching for a new job. I do everything because of her. The last thing I want is to let her down. I hope that my new job will be better.