When Love visits Again

Elle is back!

Impostor syndrome was getting the better of me as I prepared for the interview with Blaq Olive. Would it be a success, as my publisher had predicted? Or would he behave like other big celebs, avoiding direct answers and dancing around the questions? I certainly hoped not. And I knew I had to get the interview questions ready on time, sending them to my publisher for a second opinion before the big day.

On top of that, I was worried about Mike living up to his promises for the Christmas party. He had joined us for dinner last week, but we haven't spoken to or seen him ever since. I mean, I know I have his number, but I don't want to look like a desperate single mama. What if he has his own family that he's focusing on now?

The party was only a day away, and Annie had been asking about Mike all week. I can't bear the thought of her being disappointed. Yet, as much as I want to dwell on the issue, I know I have to focus on the interview preparation. I have a few hours before I have to pick up Annie from school and drive to the airport to pick up my friend Elle.

Knowing Elle, she's going to want to take us out for dinner and then spend the night here with us, which means I wouldn't have any time to myself. And tomorrow, all my attention would need to be on Annie's Christmas party.

I sighed and shook my head, trying to clear away the anxiety that was threatening to overwhelm me. "Focus, Kiara," I murmur to myself. "There's no time for distractions. You have a job to do."

With renewed determination, I sat down at my desk and began refining the questions for the interview, ignoring the nagging doubts that still lurked in the back of my mind. Time was precious, and I knew I needed to make the most of it if I was going to succeed.

As the clock ticked onward, I focused on my work, pouring over the questions and seeking to craft the perfect line of inquiry. Each word and each detail felt vital, and I lost myself in the challenge of polishing the interview.

Finally, with a small sense of accomplishment, I leaned back in my chair and let out a deep breath. This will do for now. I mean they are not as ready as wish them to be. I only hope they will be well received by my publisher and, more importantly, by Blaq Olive himself. I'll have to wake up extra early tomorrow morning to finish them up and send them to my publisher.

Then I stood up and stretched, feeling the aches and tension of the day settle into my lower back. It was time to change my schedule, and focus on the next task at hand - picking up Annie and Elle.

But as I gathered my purse and keys, my thoughts strayed back to Mike. Where was he? Was he planning to attend the Christmas party, or was he going to let Annie down? A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach, but I forced myself to push it aside. There was no use worrying about what might happen.

The drive to the school passed in a blur, my mind caught in a tangle of worries and thoughts. But when I saw Annie skipping out of her class to meet me halfway, her face lighting up with a smile, the worries faded. At that moment, all that mattered was her happiness. I waved at Ms Rivers and the other teacher before focusing on my daughter.

"Mommy!" she cried, throwing her arms around me. "I can't wait for the party tomorrow! Did Mike call?"

I smiled, holding her close. "I'm not sure, honey," I said, choosing my words carefully. "But I'm sure it will be a great party regardless.”

“But I want him to come,” Annie replied sadly.

“Yeah, I know baby. I guess we should wait for tomorrow to be sure. Enough about Mike, let's rush to pick up Aunt Elle from the airport. Didn't you miss her?”

That seemed to lift Annie's spirits again, as she screamed, "Yay! Aunt Elle is finally back from her trip!

Annie did her signature Moana-inspired dance, twisting her little waist as she moved to the car. I laughed and opened the door for her before buckling her into the backseat.

As we made our way to the airport, Annie kept me busy, recounting their last-minute preparations for the party - from her favourite rehearsal moments to the flops made by her classmates. To top it off, she broke into a Christmas carol that she was supposed to perform at the party, her voice very angelic and mesmerizing.

I teared up as I listened, glancing at her through the rearview mirror.

"Baby, your voice is so angelic. You are so talented," I said. "I'm so proud of you for memorizing that song perfectly. But remember, it's supposed to be a surprise for Elle and everyone at the party tomorrow, so don't spoil it, okay?"

Annie giggled and mimicked zipping her lips shut. "I won't tell anyone else, Mommy," she promised. "I can't wait for tomorrow!"

I smiled and changed the subject before she could mention Mike again.

"Hey, how about we stop for an ice cream before we pick up Elle?" I suggested as I saw an ice cream parlour nearby.

Annie's face lit up. "That would be amazing, Mom! Can I get one with sprinkles all over?"

"Of course, anything for my talented star," I said, pulling into a nearby ice cream parlour.

The cool, creamy sweetness of our treats lifted our spirits even higher, and by the time we arrived at the airport, we were both very happy.

We saw Elle coming from the airport terminal, her purple hair and bubbly personality unmistakable. Trust Elle to stand out. Annie dashed over to her, practically tackling her with a hug.

"Oh, Annie, you're getting so big and beautiful!" Elle exclaimed, scooping her up for a twirl. "It's been too long."

"You have to see my dance moves, Aunt Elle!" Annie gushed. "Mommy said I'm going to make you proud tomorrow.”

Elle laughed and gave me a knowing look.

"Sounds like you've been practising hard, Annie," Elle said. "I can't wait to see your moves." She then turned to me. "Kiara, it's so good to see you again. You look stunning, as always."

I blushed at the compliment, giving her a quick hug. "You look perfect, Elle," I said. " And what inspired the new hairdo during the work trip?” I asked as I admired her.

“Work was frustrating, and you know, if I can't change my problems I change my hair colour.” She winked at me.

I chuckled and helped her with her luggage as we went to the car, where I drove us back to the house, eager to catch up and relax before dinner.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Elle exclaimed as I drove away from the airport. "Guess what I got you guys while I was away?"

I smiled, already anticipating her gift-giving tendencies.

“Another beautiful princess dress or some make-up brushes similar to yours?” Annie asked as she looked at Elle expectantly.

“Wow, how did you guess that Annie? I got you another luxurious dress, I couldn't help it when I saw it. I so got you a new Barbie doll. I'll buy the make-up items some other time.” Elle replied as Annie screamed joyfully. She scrambled through the bags and gave Annie the doll which started singing when Annie pressed it.

“It's your turn to guess Kiara,” Elle turned to me.

"Well, let's see... a pair of expensive high heels from the fanciest shop in the city that I'll probably never wear because they're too high to walk in?"

"Very funny!" Gabrielle retorted, clearly enjoying our exchange."You're close, but not quite there," she teased. "I got you... a sexy lingerie!"

I frowned, confused. "A lingerie? What for?"

"Ah, but this isn't just any lingerie. It's a charm," she replied, her voice taking on a mysterious tone.

I laughed, shaking my head.

“I told you I was serious about getting you settled. And you're not going to stop me.” She replied before I could say anything else.

“I don't trust your type, Elle. I can do that on my own when I'm ready. I don't even have time for a blind date now.” I replied to her.

"Speaking of blind dates, the handsome, filthy rich man I set you up with turned my invitation down last week," Elle sighed. "He said something about having found his soul mate."

I gave her a teasing smile. "What made you think that this seemingly perfect guy would drop everything and come running to date your bookworm friend?"

Elle rolled her eyes. "Well, the fact that my bookworm friend is a talented writer, pure-hearted, and very gorgeous, for starters.

"And the guy seemed pretty decent," Elle continued. "He didn't entertain any of the women who threw themselves at him, and I knew you deserved someone like that. But don't worry, I'll start making decrees and declarations for your love life, Sis."

We both laughed, and the mood lightened as we reached home. As Annie settled in with her doll, Elle and I continued to catch up about her trip. The house was filled with warmth and laughter, and for a moment, I could almost forget about my worries.