Chapter 7

“My love, finish your food, okay? Don’t waste anything,” I gently reminded my son, Madrid, as he took his seat at the table. Look at him, so eager and ready for school. My boy is now ten years old. He's bright, handsome, and, most importantly, full of love for me.

“Yes, mommy. I’ll eat a lot,” he answered, flashing his wide, cheerful smile. I couldn’t help but smile in return every time I looked at him. He was simply too adorable. Clearly, he got that from me.

I handed him a glass of milk to boost his strength and immunity. I didn’t want him getting sick, especially when I wasn’t around. It’s not that I neglect him, but if I don’t work, who else will provide for all his needs? It’s just me and, of course, his uncle and grandmother.

While we were finishing breakfast, I heard a car pull up outside the house. A few seconds later, there was a knock on the door, and it slowly opened.

“Good morning,” Charlie greeted with his usual bright smile.

“Uncle Charlie!” Madrid exclaimed joyfully, running to him. The kid was always happy to see Charlie.

“Come eat with us,” I offered, but Charlie politely waved his hand.

“No, I’m good. I already had breakfast. I just dropped by to drive you both to school and work. How about that, Madrid?” he said, turning to my son. Madrid nodded eagerly, his grin reaching his ears.

“Huh? But won’t you be late for work? We’re still eating,” I asked, a bit concerned.

“No, it’s fine. My shift starts later anyway,” he replied casually before sitting down and gently patting Madrid’s hair. A soft smile formed on his face as he looked at my boy.

“You’ve grown so much, Madrid! How old are you now?” he asked. Madrid held up nine fingers in response. “Feels like just yesterday you were a baby. You’re still cute though. Who did you get that from?” Charlie teased, and Madrid pointed at him.

“Hey, I’m the one who gave birth to you! You should be pointing at me,” I joked. Madrid simply made a peace sign, and both Charlie and I burst out laughing.

Aside from mom and Matthew, Charlie was also one of the first people to see Madrid when he was still a baby. He had been my loyal online selling customer back then. Since then, he often visited me, bringing food. Sometimes, the very ones I had been craving. It felt like having a guardian angel whenever I was in need.

Just like before, even now, Charlie wanted to step into the role of a father figure for Madrid. He still courted me, persistently, even after all these years. Yet, I couldn’t give him an answer... not yet. Sometimes, I felt guilty, as if I were giving him false hope. It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate him, I just hadn’t felt that kind of love again. Still, I hoped that maybe one day, when the right time came, I could learn to love him back.

“Madrid, don’t you think your mom should finally say yes to me? That way, you’ll have a dad,” Charlie teased playfully.

Wow. Really? He had to say that out loud.

"Madrid, what did I tell you?" I said with a half-smile.

"Don't get involved in adults' conversations," my son replied politely. I gave Charlie a triumphant look, proud of my smart boy.

“Oh? Okay. Fair enough,” Charlie said, chuckling.

“Let Mama decide for herself. M-Madrid doesn’t want to decide for her. I’m... I’m still young,” my son added with such innocence that Charlie couldn’t help but laugh again.

“See? My son’s clever, isn’t he? He gets that from me,” I said proudly. Madrid nodded, then went back to finishing his breakfast.

“By the way, Mathia,” Charlie said after a while, “I just remembered, I’m restocking soon. I already sent the list of new orders through message. Could you check them later?”

“Sure,” I replied with a nod.

When Madrid and I were done eating, I unplugged all the appliances, locked the door, and got into Charlie’s car. He offered to drive us. First, to Madrid’s school, then to my workplace.

The school wasn’t too far away. Normally, Madrid and I would just take a jeepney. It only took ten minutes at most. But since we had Charlie’s car today, it would probably take just five minutes, depending on the traffic.

As soon as we arrived at the school gate, Madrid moves out of the car. He gave both me and Charlie a kiss on the cheek before heading inside.

I couldn’t help smiling as I watched him walk through the gate. The feeling that washed over me, it was strange. It was like a mix of happiness, pride, and something that made my heart flutter.

“Tears of joy?” Charlie asked suddenly. That’s when I realized, tears had already started streaming down my cheeks. I hadn’t even noticed.

He started the car again, driving toward the mall where I worked.

“I’m just... happy,” I said softly. “It’s like I suddenly remembered everything I went through since Madrid came into my life. You know that feeling when your strength just refills itself? That’s exactly how I feel. Even after all these years, that feeling never left.”

“I really admire you, you know,” Charlie said sincerely. “Just imagine, since your pregnancy, up until now that Madrid’s already nine, you’ve managed everything. That’s amazing.”

“Thank you,” I said, smiling faintly. “But honestly, it’s also because of mom and Matthew's help. If I didn’t have them by my side while raising my son, I don’t think I could’ve done it alone.”

Charlie smiled warmly, his eyes soft with quiet admiration, before focusing back on the road ahead.