When Love visits Again

Where is my Dad?

After the lengthy phone call with Elle, I got back into my usual workaholic routine, whipping up my favourite snack - a mixed fruit smoothie, before settling down to work on my projects. As a freelance writer, I had a variety of assignments to tend to, looking at my daily schedule.

I knew that today I had to start with blog posts for the new client I was working with. The day flew by in a whirlwind of words and deadlines.

Though I had to do a bit of research here and there, I completed a few blog posts and articles with relative ease, the words flowing smoothly from my fingertips. When it came to my novel, I found myself lost in the world of my own imagination, the hours melting away unnoticed.

It wasn't until the afternoon light began to fade and my stomach started grumbling that I realized how much time had passed. With a yawn, I stretched my arms and glanced at the clock.

The hours had flown by, and it was time to collect my adorable baby from school once again. I often get carried away in my work and lose track of time.

As I drove to her school, my mind wandered back to my upcoming trip, I couldn't help but wonder if I was ever going to work to their satisfaction. I really need to start getting prepared ASAP, I silently gave myself a mental note as I manoeuvred the busy London streets.

Perhaps this new trip could be the key to a brighter, happier future for me and Annie. I just need to manifest it with faith, right? With a sigh, I turned on the radio to distract me from my thoughts.

As I pulled up to the school and made my way inside, I caught a glimpse of Annie in front of the classroom, her little legs bouncing as she skipped around with her friends. I couldn't help but smile. She was the only good thing going on in my life, my whole world. And it was for her that I would do anything and everything to make sure she was safe, happy, and loved.

When I reached her classroom, Annie's face lit up with joy at the sight of me, and she ran into my arms, nearly knocking me over with the force of her hug.

"Mommy!" she exclaimed, squeezing me tightly. "Look what I made for you!" She held up a colourful paper collage with glitter and glue, the words "I Love You Mommy" scrawled across the top in pink crayon.

I smiled, my heart swelling with love. "Wow, It's beautiful, Annie. You're so talented." I glanced up at her teacher, who gave me a warm smile and a nod of approval.

"How are you, Ms. Rivers?" I asked, making small talk. "Any trouble with these energetic little ones today?”

"Not at all," Ms. Rivers replied with a smile. "I kept their little hands busy the whole day. They hardly had a chance for their usual shenanigans."

"Well, that's good to hear," I replied. "I know Annie can be a handful sometimes."

"Oh, she's a delight," Ms. Rivers assured me. "By the way, I've given the class a home project to design something with a Christmas theme. They'll submit their designs next week Friday during the parents-students Christmas party."

"Sounds like a fun project," I replied. "And I haven't forgotten about the party. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Rivers.”

After bidding Ms. Rivers farewell, I turned to Annie, taking her hand. "Come on, sweetheart," I said. "Let's go home and have some dinner. Maybe we can have pizza tonight. What do you think?"

Annie's eyes lit up at the mention of pizza. "Yey! That's awesome, Mom. Can I have chicken and mushroom as usual?" she asked excitedly.

"Of course, dear," I replied with a smile. "Anything for my sweet little Designer.”

As we walked to the car, Annie skipped happily by my side. "Wow, today is a great day. I'm very happy.”

I'm glad to hear that baby, what made you happy today?” I asked as I unlocked the car.

I did my favourite activities today, we sang, we practised for the Christmas party and I got to design and design beautiful art for you. And now we gonna have pizzaaa! She sang while twirling around.

And Mom, you also promised to take me to the park after school," she said, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "You haven't changed plans, have you?"

I laughed and shook my head. "No baby, I'll never," I reassured her. "I just want to get you home, eat some lunch, and then we'll walk to the park. Deal?"

Annie's face broke into a grin as she settled in her seat. "Deal!" she exclaimed.

With Annie safely buckled in, I drove home, trying to keep up with Annie's updates about her day at school. My baby was truly happy. I couldn't wait to see her performances at the Christmas party next week.

As we pulled into the driveway, I turned to Annie. "Alright, sweetheart," I said, opening the car door. "Let's get some lunch and then we'll head to the park, just like I promised.”

Annie bounded out of the car and into the house, still chattering excitedly about her day at school. I followed behind, a warm smile on my face as I watched my daughter find her way through our small but cosy London home.

As Annie ran off to change into her comfortable clothes, I headed to the kitchen to whip up a quick Alfredo pasta for lunch. As she returned to the kitchen, eagerly awaiting her serving, she made me pause to review the dance routine that she had been rehearsing at school.

I clapped hands for her, encouraging her to keep on learning more so that we could later do some tick-tock challenges. We quickly enjoyed our lunch and hurried off to the park holding hands while singing our favorite nursery rhymes.

At the gate, I bought some ice cream for us. And we decided to settle by the swings while we finished up the ice creams. A man came over carrying his little boy and girl, about Annie's age and he asked if they could use the swings first as the other ones were occupied. I agreed though I could see that Annie was watching them sadly.

Out of nowhere, Annie asked, "Mom, don't I have a Dad?"

Startled by the unexpected question, I nearly choked on my ice cream. " Baby, Why do you ask all of a sudden?" I managed to say after regaining my composure.

"Well," Annie replied, her eyes fixed on the little family in front of us, "it's just that everyone at school is always talking about their superhero dads and they always get picked up by them after school. Look at those kids having fun with their dad. But for me, it's just you and me, and Aunt Elle sometimes." She looked up at me, a hint of sadness in her voice.

I swallowed hard, feeling my heart ache at her words. "Annie," I said, reaching out to touch her hand, "you are my entire world. A lot happened, and I promise I'll explain better when you are older. Your father... well, he's not in our lives anymore.”

"But why not, Mom?" Annie asked, her eyes searching mine for answers. "Doesn't he love me?"

I sighed, wondering how to explain the complexities of adult relationships to a four-year-old. "He does love you, Annie, but sometimes grown-ups don't always make the best choices. It wasn't anything you did, sweetheart. Your father and I just couldn't make it work."

Annie's brows furrowed as she processed my words. "Does that mean I'll never get to meet him?”

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "I can't promise that, Annie," I replied softly. It wasn't safe to be with your father at that time, that's why he's not here. "But I can promise you this: I will always love you, and I will always do everything in my power to make sure you're happy and safe. You'll never be alone.

Annie's lower lip trembled slightly, but she nodded in understanding. "Okay, Mommy," she whispered, her voice small. "I love you too."

I pulled her into a tight hug, my heart aching for the pain and confusion my daughter must feel.

“Can't I at least get a stepdad like my friend Jake? His stepdad is super cool and he makes the best cookies at his bakery.”

Well, that took me by surprise. “I'll think about that baby, don't worry about a thing.”