Athena's Birthday

Two years later..

Today is a special day. Two years ago from this day, I gave birth to an angel. For the past two years, I was able to forget the miserable situation I was in. I was able to start a new life, a life without fear and a life filled with motivation. Three months after I gave birth, Susan, the owner of the convenience store gave me a part time job. Danny also did some part time work in the clothing store. I and Danny were hesitant to accept the job offer at first since we were worried of who would be taking care of Athena, but many women from the village volunteered to take care of her. I had to pump breast milk for her every time I had to leave for work.

Athena grew up around many of her grandmothers. She remembers each of their names, something that I can't even do (I am really bad with people's names.) She started talking when she was 1 year and 8 months old and at the age of two, she can now make short sentences and use even difficult words for her age. I guess this is because she always hears conversations and statements from much older people from her. She also grow up to be so thoughtful of others. She never fails to greet everyone good morning, good afternoon or good evening. "She gave life to this boring and simple place." That's the statement I always hear from the older people. Most of them buy her gifts like dolls and books. Sometimes, they even buy her clothes and shoes which makes me save money. This place is heaven for me and Athena.

Danny is no different from what I feel about this place. She loves walking on the beach before sunset. She also found a new hobby. She now writes short stories which she submits in an online writing company and she earns from her literary works. She said she found inspiration in this place and it was not difficult for her to think of topics for her to write about. Sometimes, I am thinking whether she is telling the truth in liking this place but she seems contented so far. Now, she is working in the convenience store where she works during the day.

After working in the convenience store for 6 months, I was offered a full time position in the only motel in Marshville. Everyone tries to help me in every way possible. After a year since I gave birth, I stopped giving salary to Danny as what we have talked about before. She tried to refuse accepting the money every month for the whole year but I always won in persuading her to accept it. Now that she is earning money from her part time job and writing, she shares in the household expenses. We also take care of Athena whenever we are free but for almost the whole day, she spends her time with her grannies as what she calls them.

"I made tuna sandwich for the visitors." Dorothy said when she entered the house. She is just living downstairs so she can come here anytime. It also became a habit of everyone to come in and out of the house like it is also their home. I found it awkward at first but it became natural for me and Danny as time went by. They just stay in the living room anyway and they leave our bedrooms as out of bounds.

"Thank you, Dorothy. Where is John?" I asked.

"He went fishing this morning. He wants to catch fish for Athena since he knows that your daughter loves grilled fish. Where is she by the way?"

"She and Danny went downtown to buy some marshmallows. Where are the other ladies?"

"They are also cooking something for Athena's birthday. You know how special your daughter is for everyone. We never had a kid in this place for a long time and having her here makes us not miss our families so much. Thank you for coming into our lives." She said, teary eyed.

"We should be the one thanking you. We found a new family and a home because of everyone of you. Thank you for loving me, Danny and especially Athena."

"You're making me cry." She then hugged me tightly. Dorothy is the closest to me among all the ladies in this town. Maybe because she is the one living the closest from my place and she is always the first person to come to take care of Athena.

"What are the two of you doing? Why are you crying?" Martha, one of the ladies came with a container in her hand.

"I'm just telling Joan how lucky we are to have them around." Dorothy explained.

"Of course but you shouldn't cry thanking her. You should be happy. Anyway, I baked cookies for the party. Look at the shapes. I made them look like bears for the birthday girl." Martha

"Wow! They look lovely. Thank you, Martha."

Other ladies came next and we started decorating. We brought the tables and chairs in front of the building since we know that the apartment can't accommodate everyone. It was a good day and the sky is clear. There are now more than 10 women including me decorating the place. Some of the ladies' husbands also came to help.

At exactly 3 p.m, many people from Marshville came to celebrate Athena's birthday. With all the food brought by the residents, we had more than enough. Athena received different kinds of gifts: toys, clothes and money. She looked very happy opening each one.

"This dress is for Athena. That's me!" Everyone laughed every time she says something. She is really a star in this place.

After the party, some ladies stayed behind to help me and Danny arrange the tables and chairs. Some women started doing the dishes. John carried the chairs one by one to bring them back to the apartment when he suddenly spoke.

"We have a new resident in this place. I heard he is staying in the motel. Have you met him?"

"I haven't met anyone. When did he check-in?"

"He said he came here last night. He is a quiet man. He doesn't say much about himself."

"Have you already met him?" I asked.

"He was fishing with me this morning. He got there first when I arrived in the fishing area. He said the hotel manager told him about the place."

"How old is he?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe early forties. He looks very mysterious and as I see him, I think he looks very sad. I asked him how long he plans to stay here. He said he chose to die in this place and it won't take long before that happens. Something tells me that I have to help him. Can you try talking to him for me? Maybe he will open up to you since you are both from the city."

"I will try. But as you know, after what happened to me before, I developed fear from men."

"You don't need to be so friendly to him. You can assess him as a customer then you can tell me what you think about him. Ah, never mind. I shouldn't make you do something that you are not comfortable about. Forget what I said." He then headed inside the building to bring the last chair from outside.

After tucking Athena to bed, I fixed all the gifts she received from everyone. This place is becoming smaller and smaller because of the things she received since she was born. I couldn't give the small clothes to others since there is no baby in this place and I also don't want to throw them away. I hope I can find a charity near here to donate the things that she doesn't need anymore.

Before sleeping, I couldn't help but think about the new guest in the motel. We have one or two guests from time to time. The people who normally come to this place are those who want to forget about something or those who want to escape from the city. Even though this place is remote and unfamiliar, there was never a day when the motel didn't have guests.

Does he have the same situation as mine? Is he also trying to escape from someone? I will find out about him tomorrow.