싱글맘 Novels & Stories

My confused heart, with every beat, screams nothing but Henry’s name. I want so badly to see him. I want to feel his presence, even if his eyes are cold or his words are full of insults and sarcasm. Maybe this is also due to my pregnancy, this intense longing for the father of the child I am carrying. These past few days have been incredibly difficult for me. The weight of my body is nothing compared to the heaviness in my heart. I start every morning with morning sickness and crying silently in the bathroom. I also want to go back home to my family, but it will only bring me stress there, and my money might just go to waste because my parents are into gambling.

“Complicated? Or irresponsible? Did you even know who the father was?” A sharp gasp came from gallery. My uncle muttered something under his breath that sounded like a threat. I lifted my chin. “I know exactly who Gabe’s father is,” I said. “And the circumstances were complicated. That doesn’t make me a bad mother.” Kara opened her mouth again, but I cut her off. “And for the record,” I added, “being a single mother doesn’t make me unfit. Working two jobs doesn’t make me unfit. Caring for my grandmother doesn’t make me unfit. It makes me responsible.”

He breathed out “Yes… Yes I am. Only if you don’t mind telling, I really don't mind if you don't wanna tell.” “I don't mind” My voice grew quieter. “I am a single mum. Her father left before she was born. As soon as he figured out I was pregnant” I rolled my eyes. “I raised her alone after my mother passed away. It was scary sometimes. Very dark too. I worry every day that I am not enough for her. That I cannot give her the life she deserves.” Daniel listened without interrupting. His face stayed gentle. When I finished, he was quiet for a moment.

Monica froze, then slowly turned her sharp gaze toward me. “What do you mean, no?” she asked, still forcing calm. “I want to stay here,” Lily said. Her voice trembled, but her eyes were fixed on her mother. “I want to stay with Tita Charlene.” My breath caught. I felt everyone turn toward us—Erica, the twins, even Kerill. “Lily,” Monica said firmly. “I’m your mother.” “Yes,” Lily answered. “But she’s the one who stays with me when I feel alone at night.”

I snorted, looked away as warm tears burnt my chin. Salsa continued, “Listen to me, Melissa. Being a single mother is not something you want to deal with, let alone being a jobless single mother. As soon as Brian is confirmed dead, the two evil daughters of Fanny, Opula and Kate will divorce you and then life begins.” I shot a prompt glance at her, as I considered what she was saying for the first time, even when I wasn’t too sure I was going to obey her. She didn’t just stop there. She continued speaking to me, “Melissa, life for a single mother with a baby is not easy, let alone one with twins. They need the money, the care and the protection of a father.”

“I was ashamed. I didn’t think I could bring him out in public…” I reached out and gently placed my hands over hers on her lap. “You never had to be ashamed with me,” I murmured. "There’s nothing shameful about being a single mother,” I said gently. “Back at the company in texas, didn’t you see Garie? Our secretary, she’s raising her child alone too, and she’s doing just fine.” Mimi gave a small shake of her head, her eyes distant. “Our stories aren’t the same,” she murmured. “I was raped while I was drunk. Garie... she came from an abusive home, but at least she had a choice.”

she added. "Is raising a child difficult?" I asked curiously. She looked at me, and I looked back. "If you're an average person like me, without any savings before becoming pregnant, it's very challenging. I raised my son alone, struggling to make ends meet. Raising a child alone is not easy, but you're fortunate to have friends, a sister, and me by your side. I'm here to guide you. My experience as a single mom will help you navigate through difficulties without needing your father. It wasn't easy for me, but I did it," she said, holding my hand.

Dakota runs into the room, followed by Tyler and Sarah, who are running much slower. "Mommy, you have to see my room. It looks really neat," she says excitedly. I rub my hand over her head. Courtney and I have this in common: we're single mothers who will do anything and everything for our kids. Jordan and Bobby stand in the doorway, looking at us. The men who have come into our lives and made our families complete are an added bonus. I think we're all going to be one big family after all this is over. We all just have to stay alive.

Even Grace seemed like she didn’t want to leave the place after our quick forty minute visit. “This way if you’re father and I are at work and you want some time to yourself this is a great back up plan.” My mother says for the second time. “Being a single mom is hard work.” She adds and I cock my head. “But, I’m not a single mom.” I tell her, struggling to keep the suspicion out of my voice.

Vincent, her, her brother and his girlfriend were so happy together. Now, she is alone. . . Alone while caressing her belly. "D-don't worry, baby. I can protect and take care of you even if I'm alone. I won't let anyone hurt you," she said. She felt her stomach growl. "Is my baby hungry? Don't worry, I'll order food for you." She couldn't get over her hunger, so she picked up the phone that was on the side table on the side of her ordinary-sized bed and dialed the number of the hotel's room service.