Arianne's Path to Happiness

CHAPTER ONE

“Here you go; 3 warm blueberry waffles and a cappuccino.” I list off the items as I package them for Derek, a regular of mine. He collects it, and with the way his fingers brush mine and lingers for a while, I know it’s intentional.

He gives her a small smirk and expresses his gratitude, "Thank you, Mom." “There’s a new seafood restaurant down by Hilltop Crescent, I think you’ll like it.”

I click my tongue, as I make myself seem disappointed. "I'm confident I'd enjoy it, but Christopher isn't a fan of seafood."

Derek deflates a little at my obvious swerve at his hint and tries again. “We can go together. Me and you. A date.”

“Ah, so that’s what you meant?”I clench my hands together and my eyes widen in a moment of comprehension..“I’m sorry, can’t.”

I do not explain and I watch as he grows slowly disappointed. He sucks it up though and nods. “Right. I should take the hint.”

“Oh, Derek.” I chuckle a bit then pretend to get busy in preparation for the next customer.

“See you later then, mama.”

He raises his paper back at me in salute then turns and leaves, a gait in his step that always amused me.

Esme emerged from behind the serving counter, having been listening in on my conversation with Derek, and remarked, "Wow, he went for it this time!"

The young girl who had approached the counter was more polite than most tweens her age, requesting a frosted muffin and guava juice. Sometimes I break out in a little sweat thinking about how Christopher would turn out when he’s that age. It scares me.

“Esme was getting the girl's order ready, and I remarked, "He certainly deserves credit for his perseverance over such a long period." “I’m sorry but we’re out of guava juice, love.”

“Aw, I really wanted to try that,” The girl sighs, genuine disappointment on her little face. “My friend said it’s good.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” She scans the menu cardboard above us, faces scrunched up as she mentally makes a decision. “Hmm… strawberry milk then.”

“Here you go!"As I reach for the refrigerator, expressing my intent.

“But to be honest,” Esme says as I pass her the small carton of drink for packaging. “Maybe Derek’s persistence has a point.”

I don’t turn to Esme until we finish packaging the girl’s order and she’s on her way. “Has a point about what?”

“Look,” Esme begins in a way that tells she’s about to say either something absurd or meaningful. I’m thinking it’s the former. “It is essential to proceed with caution when re-entering the dating world"

“Mmh and we’re done.”

“Come on, Arianne!” Esme sounds frustrated but I don’t have to reply because at that moment, Christopher’s school car pulls in front of the shop and my whole world steps down, a ball of cheer waving goodbye to his schoolmates.

I don’t even realize I’m smiling until I feel my cheeks start to hurt, but that’s the effect Christopher has on me. He brightens up my world and doesn’t even have to do much.

“Mummy, come see this!” Christopher shouted as he hastened to a table in the corner of the cafe. He removed his backpack and started to search through it. I match his enthusiasm by gasping before I can even see what he’s showing me.

“What is it?” I inquired, taking a seat next to him as he spread out a piece of cardboard and adjusted his small circular glasses.

There are five colorful stick figures drawn on cardboard paper. The middle one, significantly smaller than the rest, had 2 bigger stick figures on each side; one with coils on her head and the other with a wavy mop of hair. On each side of them was a male and female stick figure.

“Mummy, Aunt Esme, Gamma, Ganpa, Chris!” Chris names off the characters, a proud look on his face. “Family.”

“What a smart couple we make.” Esme comments behind me and I jump a little, then smack her arm for that comment. “Dope art, Chris. Picasso got nothing on you!”

Chris beams at that comment then proceeds to shoo the both of us away so he can get to his homework. I prepare some frosted muffins and orange juice for him then get back behind the counter.

Esme remarks casually and I give her a stern look. She's implying that the kid views me as a second parent. “Maybe this is another sign?”

“Esme, I'm starting to get frustrated," I say, taking a seat on a stool while she helps out a customer. “Get off this topic. I’m not getting back into the dating pool.”

“Ever?” Esme looks in my way and I respond with an indifferent eye roll. She exhales heavily. “Arianne, you need to understand that you deserve love, and if you’re pushing it away because of Chris–”

“Is that so wrong of a decision to stick to?” I keep my voice at a low level, just loud enough to be heard from behind the counter. "I am very proud of the parenting I have given to Chris since he was 5 - I believe I have done an exemplary job.!" It’s not been easy, but I did it, still doing it. Without a man's assistance...”

“Yes, you’ve been doing an amazing job, Ari.” Esme softens her voice, coming to sit beside me. “A damn good job, I promise you. And it’s evident in how much of a little gentleman Christopher turned out to be.”

I chuckle at that and Esme joins in. “He’s more of a gentleman than any man would ever dream to be, yes.”

“It may be beneficial to permit yourself to experience more pleasure.”

I stare at Christopher through the open counter doorway, where he’s focusing all his attention on the workbook spread out in front of him, glasses slipping down his nose and the sides of his mouth messy with chocolate frosting.

“Christopher is the only shade of happiness I need.”

However, those words, as true as every bit of it is, are soon to be questioned. And every resolve of mine tested.