Chapter 9
1067 Words
Two months later...
Donna
Things were going well. Every day I discover a new version of myself. Dominic has settled in well; he loves school and Dafne. My days have been quite hectic, but today I was invited to dinner at Ella's house with Dom, and I couldn't refuse or she'd hit me.
There are rumors that Mikhail and his fiancée broke up, but reconciled because she was pregnant. Honestly, I prefer to keep my son as he has always been, but it's so hard to have to lie. Dominic had just come home from school, and Dafne had some good news.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Hardin."
"No need for 'Ms.,' please. I'm neither that old nor that saintly." Dafne was a wonderful person, and anyone would be lucky to have a Dafne, a Jess, or an Ella—they are the best people I've ever met in my life.
"Okay, Donna! My boyfriend and I were invited to dinner at his house tonight, but if you need me, I can stay here, no problem." Her boyfriend also works at Cyndi, a responsible and good-hearted guy. He always drops her off before work or picks her up when needed.
"No need to bother; you can go. I'll be here now." She looked at me sadly, and I didn't understand why. Wasn't she going out with her boyfriend?
"It's just that... he invited me and Dom. Would you let him come with me? I promise to bring him back before ten." Her pleading look moved me; Dafne and Dom are like two peas in a pod, I've never seen anyone as patient as her.
"How can I say no?" Dom jumped with joy and hugged me.
"Thank you, Mom." His kiss afterward melted my heart; how could I say no to what makes my son happy? I couldn't!
"You're amazing, Donna!" Dafne smiled and picked Dom up, twirled him around, and then looked back at me. "Is something bothering you? I haven't seen you smile in a few days, and you seem nervous too."
I wanted a hug; I wanted to cry as much as I wanted to go back in time and avoid sleeping with that guy, but then I wouldn't have my son, and everything becomes even more confusing. Dafne's question made me cry silently, without any expression.
"I'm sorry; I've been feeling overwhelmed lately." I confessed in tears, and she hugged me without warning.
"I can imagine how you feel. It's not easy being away from your child for long; it's not easy having to endure those people all day, especially Cristina."
"I don't think I'm as strong as I thought. But I can't give up on my dreams, and that's what I dreamed of one day."
The idea that one day at school, teachers will ask about your father's profession and what you like most about it, and Dominic doesn't yet know that every child has a father; he may not be worth much, but he was there. Dafne looked at me thoughtfully and shared something very personal that I didn't know about her.
"I fell madly in love with a man who, at the time, I thought was 'the perfect guy for me' until one day I found out I was pregnant. He didn't want to be a father; the news made him angry, and he spent the day drinking. That day I went to work, with a heavy heart and a huge regret for letting this happen, but it had already happened, and I couldn't let him harm my baby. That night I packed my things and temporarily moved in with a friend. When I was eight months pregnant, he saw me on the street as I was coming back from work, and right there he approached me. There was no one on the street; he hit me until I passed out. I woke up in a hospital without my child in my belly and hooked up to machines. My child passed away; I lost a lot of blood, and to this day, I can't forgive myself for giving him that news. Today I could be with my son, living happily by his side. So, if Dominic's father is a man you know is worth introducing him to, don't wait. But if not, you can count on me." It was impossible to hold back tears when I saw her crying.
"Thank you for sharing that with me; I'll think about it and make the right decision. Thank you, Dafne; you're a great friend."
"Okay... now let me go get Dom's things, and let's get going. Enjoy your night; you deserve it. If you need anything, I can take him to school from my house tomorrow so you can enjoy a bit more."
"My God, are you an angel? Because I think I'm going to put you on an altar and keep you for myself. I have to thank you somehow." I held her hand, and she smiled; Dom jumped into the middle of us and grabbed us both by the neck.
"Don't separate this boy from me; that's all I need." Now go, Ella hates waiting, and the hours are passing. See you tomorrow, kisses, and have fun.
I took a deep breath after she left. Seeing my son happy is priceless; he's with Dafne as he was with Jess, and I miss her incredibly. I didn't have time to think too much now; I have a dinner to attend, and I know we'll have a great night tonight. I dressed appropriately, not too fancy or tacky. Ella was in her usual attire, clothes similar to geisha robes, and she looked beautiful in those perfect outfits that are rarely seen around here.
"Change of plans? We were going to have nachos for dinner."
"Dafne took him to sleep with her and forced me to have fun tonight. However... I don't know anything beyond the company and the hospital, and I have no idea how to have fun here in Russia or what your idea of fun is like."
"Lucky for you, you have a hot babe who knows everything, and that's why we're going to a great casino full of handsome guys. Are you ready to experience the perversities of Russia?"
"Please!" We chose not to drive, called a taxi, and there I was, going to venture into the good things in life.
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