Chapter 1

As I was looking down from the windows of my room, I saw the woman who I have been watching for quite a long time now. It has been days already but I still don't have any idea why she has that kind of expression on her face every time she comes home and today… she looked different from before.

When she got out of her car, my eyes widened in surprise to see that she was with someone. Then, I flinched when she looked up and we made eye contact. I immediately moved away from the window hoping that she didn't see me.

Turns out that she did.

"MIKAELA!" She called for my name from downstairs. I didn't want to go. I badly want to stay in bed, especially during this time of year.

"MIKAELA!" She shouted once again which left me no choice but to head down.

"What is it?" I asked as soon as I did but didn't bother to fully go down the stairs and there, I saw the person with who she was close. It was a man, a bit older than her. He already has some grey strands in his hair. He is short and fat, but a bit handsome I guess if he was just thinner. I am not discriminating against him alright? I'm just stating the facts.

"I want you to meet someone, come here." My mom said beckoning me to come next to her. I didn't want to but when my eyes shifted toward the man, I felt guilty seeing how glad and eager he was looking forward to us meeting.

Then, there is only one explanation for this… This man is my mother's boyfriend. A new one, I guess. But I know in the end, he will just hurt her and leave her afterward just like the rest, including my father. Then, I will comfort her and give her advice to not fall too easily into men around her but she does not listen to me and continues to do so.

I sighed in defeat and went to them.

"Edward, this is my daughter… Mikaela." My mom said smiling so widely.

"Nice to meet you," I said faking a smile toward the man.

"Your mother talked a lot about you. It's nice to finally meet you." He said which made me frown and look at my mom who was already averting her gaze. She… have never talked about me to one of her boyfriends. Why? Because they didn't want to know about her child and they all just want to know about her.

"Mom…" I started to doubt and when our eyes met, she smiled awkwardly which made me freeze.

"No… No way." I said backing away and when my eyes looked at her hand. I saw a ring on her finger.

"We have been dating for almost a year now. I didn't want to tell you because I thought it wouldn't get serious but he ended up proposing to me." My mom explained.

"What do you mean, I'm not serious. I have been serious the moment I asked you to date me." The man said the other hand which left me speechless.

"I… need some space." That were the only words that came out of my mouth then, I hurriedly run upstairs to my room and sat down on the bed. I didn't think that a time like this would arrive. I thought that my mom doesn't think of getting married once again but…

Yes.

It's not that I didn't expect that this would happen.

After all these past few months, I have witnessed it all already. How lively she was and extremely happy all the time as if all the problems that she had before went gone and totally disappear. I have been watching her every day but I just didn't want to admit the fact that she is finally happy.

Right then, I heard a knock coming on the door of my room. I didn't answer but the door opened and I saw mom peeking through it.

"Can I come in?" She asked and I nodded in return. She went inside and sat down next to me.

"Did I surprise you?" She asked and I simply shook my head.

"I had some hints," I answered, and after that… the few seconds turned to silence.

"Edward…" She began to say then hold onto my hand.

"He is a very nice guy and I decided that I want to marry him. But, of course, I still need your say on this matter because if you don't want to. I can break up with him right now. So, can you accept him?"

"Can you really break up with him now?" I asked looking at her and she looked me straight in the eye. I saw tears forming in the corners so, I immediately avoided her gaze. I never want her to be sad and I know asking her to break up with him will only make her lonely.

"Are you happy?" I asked without facing her.

"Truly happy." She answered as she tightens her grip on my hand. I did also.

"Then, you can marry him," I replied, and right then, mom surprisingly hugged me.

"Thank you, Mikaela. Thank you!" She said as she buried her face in my shoulder. I could hear her already sobbing and that is when I come to realize, she was truly in love with the man. I just hope that in the end, she won't be hurt by him because I will fucking kill him if he does so.

"By the way." Mom said as she breaks from our embrace and then, wiped her tears.

"He also has children but her wife already died." She said which made me frown.

"What?" I asked in disbelief.

"Don't get shocked. It's normal for us at this age to have children." She said jokingly but I don't look like I have the time to be joking right now. That man… has fucking kids! Then, what will I become? A babysitter as they enjoy their newlywed life?

"I won't take care of them. Hire a nanny just don't let me handle any kids." I said and right then, I saw her laughing which made my eyebrows meet. Did I say something funny?

"No. Ela, they are not kids anymore. In fact, the two are already older than you." She explained which left me speechless and happy at the same time.

"Then… are they girls? If they are then, I will have someone to shop with because you don't know how to pick nice things." I said which made her slap my arms.

"You're mean." She said in shock and I nodded in return, accepting it as some sort of compliment.

"But no, they are guys. The oldest one is a writer, the second one is uhhhmmm… an athlete and he is still studying in his senior year, then the youngest one is still in high school but doesn't belittle him. He is considered a genius and has won many awards." She added which made me start to wonder what they all look like because judging from the face of that man, that doesn't seem to be the case.

"So, what are you planning to do now after I have met him?" I asked and my mom looked at me suspiciously as if she had done or agreed to something without even consulting me.

"I… am planning to sell the house, fly to Bradford get married there, and live happily ever after." She said which made my mouth left wide open.

"WHAT?!" I asked in disbelief.