AVA   "Melissa! Melissa!!" I called the name of my two year old daughter as I frantically opened the doors of every room in the house.   I trotted down the stairs as fast as my legs would take me. I walked towards the kitchen to find a small human seated on the floor with her back to me.   "Lissa, you scared Mama" I tsked, approaching her.   She giggled, glancing at me before looking back at what she was doing.    Her magical, dark blue eyes always remind me of Ryan's when I stared into them. Her black hair and pointed nose, however, were mine. She is a perfect combination of Ryan and I.    I peeked over her tiny shoulders, "What are you doing?"    "Dwaing. Mama see." Lissa told me, showing me a paper. The lines were out of place and the drawing was rough but I could still make out what she was trying to draw.  

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 o

                             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'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

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