AVA
I was driving to the place where I could get a new identity. I don't want to gain any form of attention from people just because of my name. Besides, since Ryan hates me so much for no reason, He wouldn't care. I'll rather it remain that way than being taunted by him or his family.
Looking at my daughter from the rear view mirror, I noticed how close she had been to falling off the chair, "Lissa, just lie down on the chair if you're feeling sleepy." I told her.
She nodded her head with a little yawn, and did as I said. Soon I heard her soft snores confirming how sleepy she had been. I think I can really give myself an accolade for being the best mom and dad to her.
I drove for thirty minutes straight before I finally arrived at my destination. The compound was vast. The building was a two story building, painted white with beautiful flowers surrounding it. The national flag in front of it could be seen many miles away as it was raised very high, reaching the last floor of the building.
The parking lot was filled with numerous types of cars. I was lucky to find a good spot to park my car. Stepping out of the vehicle, I opened the passenger's seat to carry a sleeping Melissa.
Thankfully, I was put on flat shoes which made it easier to carry Melissa comfortably without missing steps.
I got into the building and was asked by the receptionist to sit with ten other people, as they were all here for the same purpose as me.
Why would all ten of you decide to get an ID today?
Melissa, whom I'd been carrying in my arms, stirred in her sleep. It seems she was going to pee anytime soon, she wasn't even wearing a diaper. I had totally forgotten to tell Isabelle to put at most two diapers in the bag she packed for us. Dear God, help me before she rains on me.
Immediately after noticing, I stood up from the chair carrying Melissa. I told the lady sitting beside me that I needed to use the restroom, and asked her to save my seat. The lady smiled kindly and nodded. I smiled back before going off to ask the receptionist where the ladies room actually was.
I was in the rest room for a good ten minutes trying to wake Melissa so she could pee. She finally did wake up, looking rather confused..
Returning from the restroom and walking towards the waiting area, I noticed five people were left before it was my turn. I was about to breathe a sigh of relief when I noticed my seat was occupied by a lady. I grabbed onto Melissa's hand tightly, and made powerful strides to my seat. Nobody dares mess with me, not even in public.
"Excuse me Miss, I am actually the occupant of this seat." She eyed me head to toe before looking away as though I had said nothing.
I glared at her, wishing it could make her move. I was clearly losing it. How can people be so rude, especially when they are the ones who were wrong?
"It's either you stand up peacefully or we do it the hard way" She shrugged, giving me a look that asked me to do my worst.
"You asked for it." I said
Removing my hand from Lissa's, I bent down and dragged the shoes off the lady and flung them down the hall with as much force as I could muster. This happens to be the language she understood, because she turned around looking at me with wide eyes.
"You bitch!!" She yelled, standing up from the chair while I linked my hand with Lissa's and smiled.
Wild laughter erupted around us from those who had been watching including the receptionist. I even heard a whistle and mentally congratulated myself.
"Mama, what is bitch?" Asked a confused Lissa.
"Uhmmm, that..." I started, looking around for any kind of distraction I could use so I could avoid telling her.
As if on cue, my name was called, saving me from the awkward situation with my daughter that I had no idea how to get myself out of. I followed the receptionist to the office, taking Melissa with me.
"Ava Ryan Howard, what would you like to change your name to and why?" The middle aged man asked after I had attempted to make myself comfortable on a very uncomfortable chair.
With all due respect Sir, I'm not in the mood for an interrogation over a simple ID. So just give me the damn ID and I'll give you a good hair treatment to appease the bald part of your head. I wanted to say.
What does he think I'd be changing my name for, murder? Mentally rolling my eyes, I spoke.
"I'm a divorcee, this is my child. Her dad wants nothing to do with her." I replied, playing with Melissa's fingers to distract her from the conversation.
"Dada?" She asked looking up at me with wide eyes. I nodded my head, leaning her head on my chest while she played with my fingers.
"Is he aware of the child?" The man asked me.
I didn't know which answer to give, If I said yes, he may not change Melissa's name, and if I said no... Well let's find out
"No, we were divorced before I had her. He had no idea I was pregnant, neither did I." He gave me a look like he was finding it hard to believe me, that's his business anyway, everyone has the right to believe what they want, when they want.
"So what name would it be then?" Baldie finally asked, giving me some time to think
"My dad's middle name, Randolph. Ava Randolph for me while hers, Melissa Randolph." I told him the moment I made up my mind.
He typed on his computer and signed a few papers. He turned those same papers towards me, asking me to sign some of them. Then, he gave me a temporary ID card while I wrote down my address for the original to be delivered to me. We left his office with a newly found happiness and a bright smile plastered on my face.
I drove us home, in a great mood. After I got home I practically skipped into my house, a giggling Lissa trailing behind me. I think Isabelle could feel the happiness radiating from me as she kept on stealing glances my way.
She made me my usual night coffee before retiring to her room.
Turning on the television set, I sat on the couch sipping my coffee.
I don't know how long I sat there because the next thing I know, I drifted off to sleep on the couch.
AVAMelissa has been asking for Ice cream while I drove. It was very, very difficult to concentrate with her persistent whining so I parked my car in the nearest Ice cream parlour and carried her out of the car, walking to the entrance of the parlour."Just one Ice cream Lissa, and you promise not to disturb me till we get home?" I asked her while walking, she just nodded her head and pouted. I couldn't help but smile at how adorable she is.The door of the parlour was opened by a young man who I assumed worked here. He must have noticed how tired I was while carrying Melissa.I smiled admiring his kind gesture, "Thank you."He followed us to our seat, standing beside the t
AVA I've been very moody throughout today, so moody that I think Isabelle noticed. I was just not in the mood for anything. I didn't even say a word to Melissa, but thanks to Isabelle I didn't have to deal with her much. "Dinner is served!" Isabelle announced after returning from tucking Lissa into bed. "Thank you so much Isabelle, you may leave" She just stood there. It looked like she was trying to make her mind up on what I'd said "Ma, I'll like you to see me as not just your cook but, but I'm -, your friend too, if there's something bothering you, you can let me know." she pleaded with a sad smile. Hello Miss, just leave her alone, Snapped a voice in my head She stood there staring intently at me, a smile played
AVA"I am Ava Ryan Howard. Heiress to Forever Events with Randolph." I announced.The look on Mr. Jayson's face was priceless.I mean who would have expected the nerdy looking job applicant to be the sophisticated heiress of the company. I wouldn't even believe it if I were him but that's who I am, isn't it?It's take over time, I thought.Taking off my glasses, I dialed Tracy's number while removing the band that held my hair in a tight bun, allowing my black hair fall effortlessly on my shoulder while I watched Jayson cringe in his seat."Ava." Tracy's voice came up on the phone"Tracy, can you come to the manager's office with his letter of termination and all the account details from the company to his account within an hour?""Sure, I'll be on my way." She answered. I didn't miss the excitement
AVAI've been working restlessly in the company ever since I took responsibility.The part that annoys me the most is how close the former manager had been to wrecking this company. I have had to fix so much.If I hadn't intervened, my dad's sweat would have crumpled in the hands of one of his most trusted staff.Sitting in the office all day, my mind keeps going back to my daughter. These days I barely have time for her and it hurts me so much.I don't want to be the kind of mother that neglects her daughter because of her work. I want to be actively present in her life, I hate to admit it but I'm almost becoming a workaholic mother. I miss Lissa.Ever since she came into my life, I've never gone a whole day without her until I start
RYAN"Hey, Ry." The blonde I came home with last night called me.Why can't most of these ladies understand the meaning behind a one night stand?She was rubbing her hands on my chest, when I peeled them off in disgust.Ever since my divorce with that evil wretch, I have found it hard to feel anything for any woman. I'd go to strip clubs thrice every week and pay for the best among the girls to go home with me.I'm usually rough with them. There is a reason it's called having sex not making love. The reason behind it was to ease off pent up energy, no strings. I always make it clear to the girls before they come home with me. I don't want them developing useless, worthless, pointless feelings.My attention was brought back to the blonde beside me. She wasn't even that good and here she is acting all lovey-dovey around me. I hate it when they become clin
AVA It was Friday today, Isabelle was off duty today and was just about to leave Melissa and I. I planned on going shopping with Lissa as I noticed she has outgrown most of her clothes. It has been a while since when last we both went out to spend quality time. I don't even remember the last time I took her to the park, I've been so busy with work. We were in the sitting room, on a couch with her between my legs, watching some kids show as I tried tying her hair up in a bun. "Mama?" "Yes, Lissa, Mama's listening," I said, finally succeeding in tying her hair up in a loose bun. Smiling, she said, "Me want cake!" I smiled back at her, nodding my head, I understood why she craved it. I rarely baked anything but for her I'm willing to go back to my old self. I never got the chance t
AVA I've been finding it quite difficult to sleep at night especially this night. I guess my irregular sleep routine was gradually having an effect on me. Walking into the kitchen, I decided to make coffee and take it with the few cookies Isabelle left in a plate near the sink, when I saw a black bag in the sink. I can't remember putting any black bag in the sink, besides no bag was used during my baking session earlier today. I walked to the sink and tore the bag open to reveal packs of different kinds of contraceptives. My breath became heavy and my mind hazy. Whoever put it there must be aware of the reasons behind my broken marriage, this being one. The night my marriage with Ryan began to crumple. FLASHBACK THREE YEARS
AVAI woke up this morning with a malicious headache.You know the type that makes you feel as though you've been hit on the head and when you try to move your head, the pain is transferred to the other side of your head, making you shut your eyes and hold your head.Slowly, I searched for the aspirin in the first aid kit that I keep in one of the cupboards in the kitchen.After I had taken the medicine, I began making breakfast. I decided on eggs for Melissa and pancakes for Helena and I.Thinking of Helena, I really needed to keep my cool if she asks me about Melissa."Good morning, Ava" Helena greets me, moving towards the kitchen."How was your night?" I asked her, smiling."Better than ever, your bed was soft and comfy." She said, yawingSmiling at her, I nod my head and faced the food