Mommy For Daniel

Campus

Around 10 a.m., Natasha brought Daniel with her to campus. She planned to drop him off at the on-campus daycare. A facility specifically for the children of professors and married students.

She parked her car—or more accurately, Henry’s car—in the lot near the daycare. As soon as she stepped out, every student in sight immediately turned to look. They were used to seeing Natasha arrive in Henry’s car, after all, everyone knew she was the professor’s personal assistant as well as his favorite student. But today, what shocked them was the sight of a toddler in her arms.

“Hey, isn’t that Natasha? Whose kid is she carrying?”

“Dang… she’s gorgeous, smart, top of the class… and she’s totally got that mom vibe. Total dream girl.”

“Dream girl? Geez. Probably got herself into trouble.”

“She’s Mr. Harrington’s assistant, right? Don’t tell me … that’s their kid?”

“Pretty face, but knocked up before marriage? What a waste.”

“Hey! Watch your mouth!”

All the way to the daycare, Natasha could hear the cutting remarks from fellow students. Daniel, clearly uncomfortable with all the stares, tightened his hold around her neck.

“Uh … Mommy…” he whispered.

“Shhh… it’s okay, Sweetie. Don’t be scared, they’re all Mommy’s friends,” Natasha soothed him, patting his back gently.

When she arrived at the daycare, she went straight inside and approached a woman in her thirties.

“Excuse me,” Natasha greeted.

“Yes? How can I help you?” the woman replied with a warm smile.

“Um, well … I, uh … I’d like to leave my bro—uh, no … I mean … my child here.”

The staff looked back and forth between Natasha and Daniel with a puzzled expression, "your child? Is this really your child? Aren’t you … a first-year student?”

Natasha gave a sheepish smile, "hehe … not exactly. I’m a second-year law student. And actually … he’s not my biological child.”

“Huh? Then … is he adopted?”

“No, not that either.”

“Then whose child is he?” Bu Lili’s confusion only grew.

“He’s mine!” Natasha blurted, taking a deep breath before explaining, "okay, here’s the thing, Ma'am. His name is Daniel. I found him at the airport yesterday. When the police tried to take him, he clung to me and refused to let go. So I ended up taking him home. Legally, he’s not my adopted son, but … I already think of him as my own.”

The staff blinked several times, processing the long explanation.

“So, Ma'am, I was hoping I could leave Daniel here while I’m in class. Is that okay?” Natasha asked.

The woman gave a gentle smile, "of course, that’s fine. Um … what’s your name again?”

“Natasha Fernandez, Faculty of Law,” Natasha mentally kicked herself for not introducing herself earlier.

“All right, Natasha. So what time will you be picking him up?”

“Three o’clock, Ma'am. I have two classes today.”

“Okay then,” the staff turned her attention to Daniel, “hello, Daniel!”

Daniel looked up, “eung?”

“Aww … you’re so adorable,” the staff said fondly.

Natasha smiled, "okay, Baby, stay here with this lady, okay? Mommy has to go to school.”

Daniel shook his head slightly, “don’t want to … I want mommy.”

“Daniel, mommy needs to study. If mommy doesn’t study, mommy will get all silly,” Natasha said with a little grin, hoping to coax him.

“Right, Daniel,” the staff chimed in, "stay here with me for a while. You can play with the other kids. Look! over there,” she pointed toward the play area.

Daniel’s eyes lit up with interest at the sight of all the toys and children.

“See? It’s nice here. You’ll have fun. Mommy will come back to get you later, okay?” Natasha said.

“Promise?” Daniel asked softly, looking straight at her.

Natasha nodded, "yes, promise.”

Finally, he allowed himself to be set down. After saying goodbye, the staff took his hand and led him toward the play area. Daniel kept glancing back at Natasha every few steps. She felt guilty leaving him, but she couldn’t skip her classes.

***

When she entered the classroom, every head turned toward her. Some looked curious, others downright disgusted. Though Natasha was sociable, she had always kept her classmates at arm’s length. They were classmates, nothing more.

'Huh. Classic. They don’t know a damn thing, but oh boy, do they love jumping to the worst conclusion,' she thought bitterly.

She slid into her seat next to Alan, who had been watching her with a questioning look.

“So?”

Natasha glanced at him and huffed, "he’s not my kid.”

Alan let out a relieved sigh, "phew… I knew you weren’t that kind of girl. But seriously, whose kid is he? As far as I know, you don’t have any family around.”

“I found him at the airport yesterday,” Natasha said with a shrug.

“Pfft, come on, be serious!” Alan scoffed.

“I am serious,” she replied with a straight face.

And then she told him the whole story, from beginning to end. By the time the lecturer arrived, they were still whispering back and forth.

“Man … poor little kid,” Alan murmured. “I’m coming with you when you pick him up later.”

Natasha just nodded and smiled, then turned her attention to the lecture.

***

Alan kept his word and went with her to pick up Daniel from the daycare. He had never set foot inside before. By the time they arrived, only a few children were still there. It was already late in the afternoon.

“Daniel,” Natasha called.

The boy, who had been playing alone, looked up, "Mommy!!!”

Natasha crouched down with open arms, catching him as he ran toward her.

Gripp!

“Ugh! Did you miss Mommy?” she asked as she lifted him up.

Daniel nodded enthusiastically.

“Did you have fun here?” she asked again.

Daniel nodded once more, "I'm happy. Lots of toys here.”

“He enjoyed playing,” the staff said while walking over, "but he’s still having a bit of trouble making friends with the other kids.”

Natasha felt a pang of sadness, “I see. Thank you for taking care of him today, Ma'am. I’ve already transferred the payment on your bank account, you can check.”

The staff smiled, "yes, I’ve seen it. Thank you, Natasha. Now, I’ll get back to the other children.”

With that, she returned to the play area, leaving only Natasha, Alan, and Daniel.

“Uh … hi, Daniel,” Alan greeted.

Daniel turned to him with a confused little frown.

“This is Uncle Alan,” Natasha introduced.

“Uncle? Seriously?” Alan protested, then smiled again at Daniel, "just call me Alan, Buddy.”

“Alan?” Daniel repeated, eyes wide.

“Aww~ so cute,” Alan grinned, squishing Daniel’s cheeks.

“Aaah! Hurts!!” Daniel whined.

Smack!

Alan winced, rubbing his hand where Natasha had smacked him. He thought about protesting but stopped when he saw her sharp glare.

“Hehe … can’t help it. Those cheeks are begging to be squished,” Alan said sheepishly.

Natasha rolled her eyes. She then shifted Daniel onto her hip and headed for the door. She had to get to the police station. They were expecting her to discuss Daniel’s case.