When Love visits Again

The Suprise Email

I woke up with a start, my arm thrashing against the bedside table, causing the lavender-scented diffuser to fall to the floor. I muttered to myself as I squinted at the cube alarm clock—5:00 a.m.—before shutting it off.

My poor sleeping habits were taking their toll, but I needed to finish my work projects to support my little family. I struggled to shake off the grogginess as the dim light in the room and the lingering lavender scent kept me in a sleepy haze.

After several minutes of fighting the urge to drift back to sleep, I stumbled out of bed and into the bathroom. My reflection was quite the sight—my hair was a mess, my eyes were puffy, and a pillow crease marked my cheek. Sighing, I started getting ready for the day.

After a quick shower, I sprawled on the floor for my daily yoga exercises to energize my body and mind. That was all I needed, it worked wonders on my body. About 30 minutes later, I catwalked to the kitchen in tune with Jhené Aiko's "Bed Peace". Time to make breakfast for my little daughter Annie.

I poured the batter into a hot non-stick pan, shaping each pancake into a Minnie Mouse silhouette. Bananas cut into tiny cubes and plump grapes adorned the top, along with a side of sausages and scrambled eggs. The smell of the brown pancakes and the sizzling of the sausages filled the air, melting my taste buds.

The door to Annie's bedroom creaked open, and her sleepy head poked out. "Good morning, baby!" I called out, eager to surprise her with the breakfast I prepared. I walked up to her so we could share our daily hug before helping her into a chair. Her eyes lit up as she took in the sight of the Minnie Mouse pancakes.

Wow, Mommy, you made my favorite breakfast!" Annie clapped her little hands excitedly. "Mommy you are the best!"

I laughed, pouring her a glass of mango juice. "Good kids deserve only the best my little princess," I said. It was funny how it took only a little effort to make my daughter happy.

"Are you ready for school?"

Annie nodded eagerly, stabbing a sausage with her fork. "Let's eat first, Mommy. I'm so hungry, I could eat ten plates!”

I laughed as Annie dug into her pancakes, quickly devouring them, I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. She had such a huge appetite for a four year old.

"Don't forget your yummy fruity, princess," I reminded her, as she reached for the grapes.

"Yes, Mommy," she said between mouthfuls. "Good, good, fruits are good for you? Yes-yes-yes, I love them, Wow!" she delightfully sang the usual nursery song.

"That's right, my dear," I said, pouring myself a cup of juice. "Also don't forget, Annie it's time to get cleaned up.”I sang another bath time baby song. This time around she smiled as she hummed the song before gulping down her juice.

After Annie finished her breakfast, I helped her clean up. She completed her bath routine, and I combed her hair into a cute ponytail. I then dressed her in a pink princess dress adorned with shiny, colorful beads.

"Good morning, Princess Annie," I said, curtsying in front of her.

"Mommy, do I look like a real princess?" Annie asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"You sure do, honey," I said, admiring her outfit. "You look like a real princess.”

"Mommy, can we go to the park after school?" Annie asked, her eyes shining with excitement. "Princesses needs to be closer to fresh air too, you know."

"No problem , we'll see the park later baby," I said. "But first, you need to get to school, late coming is a bad habit.

As we gathered Annie's backpack and lunchbox, I couldn't help but reflect on how much she had grown. My little girl, so full of life and adventure, was quickly becoming her own person, getting more and more independent.

Not wanting to waste any more time, I quickly drove Annie to her school, which was just a few miles away.

"I love you, baby," I said, walking her to her class and giving her a hug.

"I love you too, Mommy," Annie replied, a smile lighting up her face. "I'll see you later!"

With those parting words, Annie skipped off to join her classmates, and I waved goodbye, feeling a mixture of pride and sadness.

Getting back to my home office, I quickly started the coffee maker. The rich aroma of freshly ground beans filled the air, a familiar and comforting scent that helped to keep me focused.

With the coffee brewing, I scanned through the new emails on my laptop. Suddenly, one message labelled "important", caught my eye.

"Kiara, you won't believe it!" the subject line read.

I clicked open the email and read the words with growing excitement and a touch of anxiety. Blaq Olive had agreed to an interview, however he would only do it in Manu, my hometown.

As I stared at the email, my mind racing and my heart pounding. Why Manu of all places? I stood and paced around my small office, trying to calm down.

I weighed my options. Returning to Manu meant confronting my past, including Aron, my daughter's father, and my strict family who had turned their backs on me. How could parents be so quick to trust the words of a stranger over their own child? What further lies had Aron spread about me? How many people had he turned against me in this small town?

Manu was a place where everyone knew everyone else's business. I couldn't help but wonder if even my childhood friend, Mike, had heard the rumors. He had always believed in me, thought I was an elegant girl with a brighter future.

My eyes welled as memories forced me back to the day Aron broke my heart.