Strength After Him

Chapter 8 - A Dream Come True

“Are you sure you can handle this job? "Wouldn’t you find it stressful?” he asked, glancing at Ivy in the stroller. His voice carried a hint of concern, as though he wondered if I could take on such a big project while caring for a baby.

I nodded immediately, shaking my head. “No,” I said firmly. Only if he knew how much I had wanted this, nothing, not even Ivy, was going to stop me from chasing my dreams. He smiled warmly and walked out, leaving a sense of possibility lingering in the quiet restaurant.

I had to begin the project immediately. He had given me a strict timeframe to complete the job, and I knew I had to meet it. If I missed it, I would lose a lot. I didn't joke with the job. I poured all my energy into, working tirelessly day and night, the room filled with the smell of paint.

As I continued working on the project, I had already achieved a lot within the first week. My small room was quickly filled up with different pieces, colors and canvases stacked along every available surface.

I looked around, a smile spreading across my face, and said, “I think it’s time I got a studio. I need to take a shift.”

After the job was completed, I went out to make the delivery, and to my surprise, I got more contracts signed the very same day. He was truly impressed.

Weeks later, collaborations were proposed. My art became my voice, and slowly, my name began to carry weight in the art world. People spoke of me with admiration, my clients trusted my work, and I became financially stable.

Four years later, the young lady who had arrived in London with uncertainty, bags full of dreams, and a heart full of questions now walked with purpose, her steps steady and assured through the bustling streets.

Ivy, now a bright, quiet and curious little girl, was at the heart of my busy life. She attended one of the best schools and excelled in her classes, her spark of brilliance impressing everyone around her. I could provide for my daughter, ensuring she had everything she needed and more.

At that time of the year, we moved into our first home, got a large studio, and a new car. Everything seemed to be falling into place even sooner than I had expected.

The new studio is situated in a calm street corner that is neither too quiet nor too busy. It was a perfect balance for inspiration. It had wide windows with natural lights, high ceilings, and wide white walls. Everything echoed creativity,

The scent of fresh paint lingered in the air, brushes well arranged in their spaces.

A call from my mother made me long for home again. She felt like I had abandoned her. But I never did. I was waiting to return in strength and success, so she could see what I had become.

I knew it was time to start making plans to visit her. Lately, I have been so busy with work that it seemed to take up all my time, leaving little room for anything else. I had to start preparations now that I had a little space to travel. Maria offered to come along. She hadn’t been to California before, so she wanted to use the opportunity to do some sightseeing.

******

It was a bright and sunny Monday morning. Ivy had to go to school, and I needed to head to the studio to finish a painting that was due for delivery in two days.

After a satisfying breakfast, Ivy looked up at me. “Mom, are we going to my grandparents tomorrow?”

“Not tomorrow, my princess, but this weekend,” I replied. She was so excited she could hardly wait.

We headed to the car to start the day. I dropped Ivy off at school and then drove to the studio to continue my work.

I walked into the studio, where my receptionist was already at her desk, starting the day. She looked well composed, a sign that her mother’s health had improved. I went into my office, the soft background music filling the space, and got straight to work as inspiration settled in. By evening, after completing the piece, I gave instructions for it to be prepared for delivery before heading out.

The time for traveling came, and we had a safe flight before arriving in California. The streets looked the same, but I knew I had changed. I walked into the apartment, a simple, average home, nothing fancy, but with a comfortable feeling. It was the place I had been away from for years, filled with memories. I held my daughter’s hand as we stepped inside, my heart beating fast at the thought of my mother’s reaction.

The moment my mother saw us, she froze, as if she had seen a ghost. Tears welled in her eyes, and she pulled me into a hug that seemed to carry all the years of silence. My grandmother stood nearby, quietly watching. Then she stepped forward and wrapped me in a tight embrace. The hug was everything without a single word.

“Why did you leave us for so long? ""I wasn’t even expecting you,” she said, touching my face and holding my body gently, making sure I was okay.

I took a deep breath and replied, “I never meant to, Mom. A lot has happened.”

Ivy clung to Grandma as if they had known each other for years. Grandma smiled warmly at her, even though she didn’t really know who she was.

My mom looked at Ivy, pointing gently, and asked, “Who is this little angel?”

At first, I didn’t know how to respond to that question, so I gently nudged my daughter forward. “Say hello,” I said softly.

Ivy, full of excitement, jumped into my mom’s arms and said, “Grandma, hello!”

My mom froze for a moment, then slowly gave me a side look, her eyes filled with confusion as if to say she didn’t understand what was going on.

I quietly took a seat as the others settled around. Clearing my throat, I spoke softly, “Mom, meet Ivy, your granddaughter.” My voice trembled a little as I introduced her.

My mom turned to look at my grandma, then at Ivy, and finally at Ms. Maria before fixing her eyes on me.