I groaned as the sound of the bell pierced through my sleep, dragging me from the depths of dreams into the harsh reality of another day. I glanced at the clock groggily, noting the early hour. Dawn was just breaking, casting a soft glow through the curtains. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes as I stumbled out of bed, my body protesting the early hour. If this is one of my daughter's stupid matches, I will confiscate her iPad for the whole week.
"Aoife!" I called her name, my voice filled with a mix of annoyance and exhaustion. The thought of dealing with her antics before I even had a chance to fully wake up was almost too much to bear.
Aoife had made it her mission to find me love, believing that I deserved happiness just as much as she did with her iPad. And so, every morning, I greeted these strangers at my doorstep with a fake smile plastered on my face and my heart heavy with the knowledge that I would have to endure another day of awkward conversations and forced connections.
At first, I was angry with her because she was letting anyone come to our house. The men tried to drive me to work. I don't know where she found them. What if the man she picks to go to our house is a bad person? And also, I don't need a man to have happiness. I am content with her and my work.
I have been a single mother for 9 years since her father passed away—I mean, left us. It was a drunken mistake. I partied on my cousin's birthday that time, and all I can remember is that jerk flirting with me, and then waking up naked in my cousin's room. He was my best friend's boyfriend at the time, and I did not mean to ruin their relationship at that time.
I became a moron for letting that night be repeated, and for being his fuck buddy. I broke a relationship and my friendship just for temporary happiness. Now, I am left to raise my daughter on my own and pick up the pieces of the mess I created. It's been a difficult journey, but I am determined to make things right and provide a stable life for my child.
"Aoife, where are you?" I called her again, and as I made my way downstairs, I couldn't help but wonder who Aoife had chosen for me this time. Would he be kind, with gentle eyes and a warm smile? Or would he be like the others before him, fleeting and forgettable?
Aoife's father was a kind person, even though he had a different attitude toward others. He was the person who would grab your attention when you saw him at first glance. His presence was a magnet for curiosity, drawing gazes like moths to a flame.
I don't even bother to fix myself, brush my teeth, or whatever because I don't want to enter a new relationship with someone who might not be worth my time.
As I opened the door with a polite smile plastered on my face, I greeted today's visitor. He smiled back, all charm and charisma, but I saw through the facade. These encounters were nothing more than scripted performances, orchestrated by Aoife in her well-intentioned quest to find me a companion.
"Hi?" The man greeted me unsurely, maybe wondering if I was the girl he should see.
"Are you Mollie Porter?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. I nodded, knowing that this meeting would likely end like all the others—with a polite exchange and a quick exit.
"Hi, I'm Ryan Wallace," he introduces himself.
He scratches his forehead. "I'm sorry if this seems awkward, but I'm just a friend of the one in that red car," he says, pointing to the red car in front of our house.
"He just wants to know the person he matches on the dating app." I chuckled, realizing the mix-up.
What dating up is he talking about? I glanced at the red car, noticing a man inside who seemed to be looking in our direction.
"Oh, I think there's been a misunderstanding," I replied with a smile.
"I think you have the wrong Mollie Porter," I replied with a smile. "But nice to meet you, Ryan."
I was about to close the door when he stopped me. "Wait?" Ryan said sheepishly, looking at the car and me.
I nodded, feeling a bit awkward but trying to be polite. "Yes, really, because I'm not on any dating apps," I said before finally closing the door and walking away.
I called my daughter again one more time, but she did not answer. She must have eaten the cereal in the box while hiding in the kitchen pantry. I chuckled to myself, knowing my daughter's sneaky habits all too well. As I walked back to the kitchen, I couldn't help but wonder what other mischief she might be getting into.
I decided to check the pantry, and sure enough, I found her there with an empty cereal box.
"I caught you red-handed," I teased, making her jump in surprise. She sheepishly grinned back at me, knowing she had been caught in the act. The cereals were all over her face, pants, and floor.
I couldn't help but laugh at her messy appearance, realizing she had truly enjoyed her secret snack."Get up; I will cook some breakfast, even if you already have one." I gently scolded her.
"Sorry, Mom," she said, still giggling as she got up from the floor. As I started making breakfast, I couldn't help but smile at the memory of her mischievous cereal escapade.
I cooked some omelets and French toast. I also brewed some coffee for myself. As we sat down to eat, my daughter's eyes lit up with excitement at the sight of the delicious breakfast spread before her. Despite her earlier sneaky snack, I couldn't stay mad at her infectious laughter and genuine joy. We were about to eat our breakfast when the doorbell rang again.
I quickly went to answer it, wondering who could be interrupting our morning. I opened the door with a smile, but as soon as I saw the person standing in front of me, his piercings shone from the sun, as did his smiling eyes and lips. My smile slowly faded, and I immediately went outside and closed the door.
"Why are you here?" I asked, trying to hide my annoyance. The person standing before me was someone I hadn't seen in years, and his unexpected appearance brought back memories I had tried to forget.
"We matched and talked on the dating app. I thought you had already forgiven me." I felt a surge of anger and betrayal at the mention of the dating app.
What have you done, Aoife?!
I could feel my heart rate increasing as I struggled to maintain my composure. Despite the flood of emotions rushing through me, I managed to respond, "I think it's best if you leave." He does not age; his face is still striking, with a rugged charm that draws attention wherever he goes. His deeply tanned skin speaks of days spent under the sun. He has an air of mystery about him, with piercing dark eyes that seem to hold a thousand untold stories. "Can we just talk for a minute?" he asked, pointing at the patio, where my mini table is. It was meant for Aoife playtime during the afternoon. There was a big name for Aoife on the table. She drew it when she was younger. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond to his unexpected appearance. His presence stirred up memories I had tried to bury deep within me. As much as I wanted to hear what he had to say, I knew it was a conversation best left in the past. "We have nothing to talk about," I said firmly. "I want to see my daughter," he c
A mother's duty was to care for her children, ensuring they were fed, clothed, and loved unconditionally. She also took on the responsibility of teaching them important life lessons and instilling values that would guide them through their lives. We are here again in the four-corner white room, with the familiar smell of antiseptics and the sound of machines beeping in the background.I don't want her here, but she has grown up here, and she needs to be here for her health and well-being. She was a little fighter from the moment she was born, overcoming every obstacle with a strength that amazed everyone around her.I immediately came closer to her when I saw her waking up, her eyes slowly fluttering open as she looked up at me with a small smile. I gently hold her hand. As she squeezed my hand, I knew she was going to be okay. The bond between us was unbreakable, and I would do anything to ensure her happiness and health."You are already late for your class," I jokingly said, trying
I got up and wiped my tears so she couldn't see that I had just cried. I went back inside and put on a brave face, determined to do whatever it took to support my daughter during this difficult time. I knew that I needed to stay strong for her, no matter how tough things might get."Aey, what do you want to eat?" I asked, trying to distract her from the sadness in my eyes. She looked up at me with a weak smile and whispered, "I want cereal." I nodded, determined to buy her favorite meal to bring a little bit of comfort during this challenging period.I brushed the hair that had fallen on her face and said, "Would you be full when you eat it?"She nodded, her eyes brightening slightly at the thought of her favorite cereal. "Yes!" she replied softly.I smiled back. "I'll just buy outside. Ma'am Nurse will take care of you while I'm gone, okay?" I said, kissing her forehead. She nodded, squeezing my hand in reassurance. "Thank you, Mommy," she whispered before closing her eyes to rest. I
As I approached Aoife's hospital room, a heavy sense of guilt weighed on my shoulders like a leaden cloak. The memory of what had transpired with Sean lingered in the back of my mind, tainting every thought and action with a sense of shame.I feel like I'm so dirty that no matter how much I do to clean my body, the brutality of my sin will not go away.Pushing open the door, I stepped inside, my heart sinking at the sight of Aoife lying in her hospital bed, her small form pale and fragile against the crisp white sheets. She looked up as I entered, her eyes lighting up with a flicker of recognition and joy."Mommy!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.My heart clenched at the sight of her, my love for her mingling with the overwhelming sense of guilt that threatened to consume me. I had done this for her, to ensure her wellbeing and happiness, but at what cost?Setting down the box of cereal I had brought for her, I forced a smile onto my face, determined to shield her fro
Did I accidentally repeat our past mistake? I dive into a hole, and no one will rescue me. Lilia greeted her husband with a hug. Sean greeted me with a casual nod, and I felt a wave of conflicting emotions surge within me. How could he act as if everything was normal? He told me that no one would be mad, and I trusted him. I couldn't help but steal glances at him when he wasn't looking. He looked so happy with his wife, so at ease. I'm snitching on my best friend's husband, and I don't want to betray her trust again. I struggled to maintain my composure as I tried to push away the guilt and shame that threatened to consume me. This was a mistake that I couldn't afford to make again. Mollie, keep it together, I urged myself silently. There's no use dwelling on the past. But it was hard to shake off the memories that flooded my mind, threatening to overwhelm me. "Hey, Mollie," Sean said with a warm smile as if nothing had ever changed between us. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" I
I swallowed my dignity with each move he made. I saw my face in the mirror, crying for help, and the face of the devil from hell. He was enjoying every minute behind my back. The fear and helplessness consumed me as I realized the depth of his control over me. When I accept his money, all I think about is my daughter, not even thinking twice about myself. A loud knock interrupted our tense moment, causing us both to jump in surprise. I quickly wiped away my tears and composed myself, knowing that I needed to stay strong for my daughter's sake. Sean pinched me in the waist as he mouthed that I should speak. "It's occupied!" I shouted. I could feel Sean's eyes burning into me, silently warning me to keep quiet. The knock came again, more insistent this time, and I knew I had to keep up the facade of normalcy for my daughter's safety. "Mollie, are you there?" I heard Lilia's voice calling from outside the door. My heart sank as I realized the danger we were in if she found out the tr
My heart skipped a beat as I read the message, wondering who could be contacting me from an unknown number. I dialed the phone number from the message. It only rings twice, and someone picks it up. "Come here fast; I'm waiting," the voice from the other side said, his husky voice that sounded like he was impatiently waiting. I knew it was him—the devil from hell. Should I follow what he wants, or should I still go to my daughter? My phone vibrates again, and I see a text message from Sean. It was Sean who messaged me. I know his impatient voice. From: SeanDon't think of not going, because we have a deal. How did he know? I didn't have a choice. I walked to the hospital parking lot and saw his red car parked in the corner, where it was a dark and quiet place. I hesitated for a moment before getting in, knowing that my daughter's life was at stake. As I sat down in the passenger seat, Sean was already topless, with a cigarette hanging from his lips. His window was slightly open,
I went back inside the hospital after the thing I did in the parking lot. I did not agree with Sean's explanation for why he was cheating on her wife. Cheating is never justified, no matter the circumstances.I found Aoife peacefully sleeping in the hospital bed. I went to the bathroom first to wash my mouth after the sin I committed. I face myself in the mirror, and all I can see is the dirt from my body that only I can see."You are a stupid, dirty, and unfaithful friend, Mollie," I whispered to myself.I splashed some water on my face, trying to wash away the guilt and shame that had consumed me. I repeatedly did it when I realized that my clothes were wet from the water splashes. My eyes met my reflection once more, this time with tears streaming down my face, reflecting the pain and regret I felt when I accepted his money."Stupid!" I slapped my face hard enough to wake me up from the nightmare I had been living in."Bitch!" I slapped my face again. I should be the one who knows