A Beautiful Mistake

Chapter 1 - A Single Mom

Running after a bus this early in the morning wasn't my only exercise. Now I even have to use the staircase because the elevator is being repaired. While walking up the stairs I hear my phone, notifying me about a new message. I dig into my bag and get my phone. I read the text my mother sent me.

-" Can you buy KFC for dinner? Claire ranked 2nd in her school and wishes to eat KFC. I'll cook the rice no need to buy that. Don't forget it ok?"-

Climbing the last few steps, I try to catch my breath and head to my office table. I got pregnant at the age of 19 and her biological father decided to leave us right before I gave birth to Claire when I was 20. Martin explained that he wasn't ready to take responsibility and told me that I can give Claire up for adoption. I hated the idea of giving my baby away so I decided to keep her and told Martin that he can leave.

I wasn't ready either but I know that I can give my best to provide for my daughter. My mother and my relatives who raised me helped me raise my daughter. My friends were always one call away if I couldn't afford to buy her milk or anything needed. Even though I received support and help I always made sure to pay them back and work hard.

It can get tiring and by the time I come home its either my daughter is already sleeping or just getting ready. On the weekends though I make sure to have a bit of quality time with them. Take them out to the mall, buy groceries, eat out in our favorite restaurants and let Claire play in the huge playhouses for hours. She is always asleep by the time we go home but I know she had a lot fun.

When I was more stable, I decided to buy my own house. Its small but it was just right for us three. We sleep in a shared mattress, had enough space to storage Claire's beloved toys in the second floor which had a small balcony, our dirty kitchen wasn't often used but it also had a space to shower and lovely neighbors.

My mom stopped working and took care of Claire for me.

As for Martin he did visit once or twice to meet Claire, gave us some money and after while stopped coming by. As Claire grew up, she started to resemble him. Especially when she smiles, the way her eyes get smaller and her cheeks pulling up, it was a perfect replica.

Claire just turned 7 years old and as she gets older the more, she asks about Martin. So, I told her the truth from the start but not everything though like his name for instance. Although she doesn't understand much, I'm relieved that she isn't against me dating. In contrary she has welcomed all men I've dated so far. She even calls my boyfriend daddy Paul. He and her are very close. Every time we go out it's either he carries her on his back or we hold her hands. He buys Claire anything and spoils her too much. Sometimes I argue with him about it but he won't listen.

I'll probably skip lunch so I can finish earlier and buy KFC on the way. After getting a cup of coffee I continued working. I received a call by the time I finished my work. It was Paul calling me.

"Hey I just wanted to ask if you are free tonight?" - Paul asks

"Well, I'm going to leave work a bit early today. We're going to celebrate at home. I'm heading out to buy KFC now." - I replies

"What's the occasion?" - he asks

" Remember that Claire just had her final exams? She ranked 2nd! You're welcome to celebrate if you'd like?" - I reply, grinning feeling proud of my daughter

"Of course. I'll buy KFC I'm near one now." - he texts

"No that's fine I'll buy it"- I decline

"I insist. Plus, you can buy dessert."- he answers

"Fine." - I text back

I hope they've fixed that elevator. - I thought while walking out the office and for the love of God it was good to go. While waiting for the elevator I started thinking for dessert. My daughter loves Cookies & Cream ice cream but she always eats that. Maybe a cake? The triple chocolate cake from Red Ribbon is one of her favorites. My mother likes it too. Deciding on the cake I head to Red Ribbon. After taking the bus for a while I stop by Red Ribbon, buy my cake and head back home. On my way back I pass by a street vendor selling toys. I see a set of badminton and remember Claire asking me to buy her one since she loved playing with it at school. I check the price since I have a set budget. After I could reduce the price and come to an agreement with the street vendor, I pay for it and continue heading back home. By the time I came home I see Paul and Claire playing outside. Seems like he arrived earlier. Wanting to surprise Claire with her gift. I call Paul while hiding so he can lure Claire away from the house without seeing me. When I see them walk away and out of sight I hurry inside my house and hide the present. Mom took the cake from me and put it in the fridge while I text Paul telling him that they can come back to the front of the house.

I wanted to take a shower first to relax my muscles a bit. Luckily mom just heated up some water for me. After showering I wear a pair of shorts and a t-shirt then went out to see Claire.

As I came out, I see her counting by a post as her friends and Paul try to hide. I sneak behind her and when she turned around, she screamed and leaped into my arms excitedly.

"I thought you would come home late ma" -she admits

"And miss out on KFC? Definitely not." - I joked at her and she giggled

" I'm so proud of you. You didn't only ranked 2nd but you studied your butt off. So, tell me was the hard work worth it?" - I ask her

"Yeah, but I still couldn't place 1st. John got 1st place and he didn't even have to study so much" -she says disappointed

"But honey you shouldn't compare yourself to John. You gave it your best shot and it came out well. You did everything you could to reach your goal so you have nothing to regret. Remember that. You always have a next time, ok?" -I say trying to encourage her.

"Alright come on you two let's eat the rice is done. Chin up princess." - Paul calls us and encourages my daughter more.

While eating dinner Claire suddenly stood up and started playing a movie on our TV. We just let her watch seeing that she can eat and watch at the same time plus it's the weekend. After we finish our dinner, I help mom clean up and wash the dishes while Paul keeps Claire company while watching. Suddenly I hear a familiar voice calling outside the house. I dry my hands and walk to my door. I can't believe who is on the other side of the gate.

To be continued...