Chapter 16 - Expected Situation, Surprising Reaction

Time flies so fast that I didn’t notice that tomorrow is my last day here in New York.

Though I have spent almost a month in this branch, I found myself mostly alone. I do not get along with any of them, and even if they were nice to my face, they would usually talk behind my back.

I guess not confronting or doing something about it despite how many times I have caught them doing it makes them care nothing about how I feel.

I didn’t want to make a big deal about it since I won't be staying here anyway.

As I overhear more gossip about me on my way out of the hotel, I grip the handle on my shoulder and as always, pretend I didn’t hear anything at all.

Walking towards the daycare, I decided to have a slower pace. I haven't seen both Drayce or Jeremy. Though it gives me a bit of relief, sometimes I would find myself wishing I could see them once again.

Then again, I must have scared Jeremy away and Drayce said he was only visiting.

At the behest of Maralin, I found myself watching another series of movies from Disney+ after eating dinner.

While Maralin’s focus remained on the tv, I decided to start packing.

The songs in Tangled reminded me of the days when I would watch them when it was released. Remembering how my mom would sometimes watch with me as well.

By the end of the movie, Maralin spoke. “Mama, who is that man?” She asked, pointing at the king.

“Oh, that’s the king, honey. He is Rapunzel’s father.”

“Do I have one?”

I grew complacent. I knew she’d eventually asked but I guess since she has never dared utter a single question about it, I thought I’d have time. Turns out, it’s just a matter of when.

“Of course, baby. You have a father.”

“Where?”

I urge her to come closer to me and sat her on my lap. I thought by the time this moment would come, I’d know what and how to tell to her. I’m just as clueless as I was when I had her.

“Your father is not with us, unfortunately, because when Mama found out about having you in my tummy, he had to leave.”

Maralin leans on my chest and looks at the tv as Rapunzel’s happily ever after is shown. “Will I see him too?”

“I’m sure you will, baby,” I said as I kiss her head.

Days go on like normal and by the time we arrive in Florida, I was greeted by the muggy weather that reminded me of the time I was here last. It’s about to be summer and thankfully, my employer has given me to have a 5-day vacation.

Downtown Orlando has always been busy as usual. Looking over the view from my apartment.

After organizing everything, Maralin and I sat by the couch to relax after an exhausting moving day.

Maralin fell asleep on my lap as I brush her soft wavy hair.

The last conversation we had about her father still lingers in my mind. Looking at her reminded me of the times when Drayce would instantly fall asleep on my lap.

Those days, I would find myself doing the same thing I’m doing now to him and in an instant, the memory hurts my chest.

Everybody’s right. I need to at least let him know. I have to.

The next time I see him, I’ll make sure to talk to him and let him know of his daughter.

The following day, I met up with my friend Thalia. Since no one will be looking after Maralin for me anymore, I had us meet up in a playground so I can watch her play while I talk to my friend.

“So that republican guy knocked you up and left you alone?” She said as she looks at Maralin enjoying the slide.

“Thalia, you know what really happened. He didn’t leave me because I was pregnant. I didn’t tell him because he broke up with me for his military mission.”

“Yeah, yeah… I’m proud of you though. It isn’t easy to be a single parent and to lose your mother not long after that.”

It’s been years since my mother’s passing but every mention of her feels like a stab in my chest. I immediately hide the pain away by smiling at her as if it doesn’t hurt one bit. “And even with everything that’s happened, my fuck ups and all, Maralin turns out to be fine.”

“You’re a good parent, Salina. What happened to you isn’t your fault.”

I can feel my eyes getting watery but Maralin’s voice prevented me from crying. “Mama! Ice cream!” She said, pointing at the ice cream truck driving its way toward the playground. I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Do you want some ice cream?” I ask Thalia.

“Sure!” She gladly responded.

“Alright, I’ll go get some.” I stood up to get some when I noticed Thalia getting up as well.

“Thanks! I’ll go play with Maralin for a little bit.”

Since we were in a playground, tons of kids were waiting in line for the ice cream truck. It took me a while to get us some.

By the time I was heading towards the playground, I saw a man talking to Maralin and Thalia. His back is on me but I instantly know who it is.

Too shocked to see him, my instant reaction was to hide. I can tell Thalia saw me hiding but at the moment, I couldn’t be bothered to be seen by Drayce.

Because the sun was getting hot, the ice cream I’d been holding melted in my hands and I had to throw them away.

Not wanting to look back, I wipe my hands with tissues and wait in line once again.

My heart won't stop beating inside my chest even when I’m this far away from him my anxiety is growing bigger inside my stomach.

If I had Maralin beside me, I could have run away and I badly want to run away from him.

I know I said to myself that I’d tell him about Maralin but it appears I’m still not ready.

If I keep running away, how am I able to tell him about Maralin?

When I muster the courage to tell him, he’s no longer there in the playground.

When I handed them their ice cream, Maralin pouted. “Mama, what took you so long?”

“Yeah, Sal. Someone stopped by here you know.” Thalia said, giving me a knowing gaze. Secretly telling me she saw me hide and why I did it.

“Yes, Mama! I saw the flower man again!”

I could only smile apologetically, however, Maralin’s words made me realize something. If Drayce was truly the man that stopped by, he’s the man that gave Maralin the flower. I try my best to keep my realization to myself and play along. “Sorry, I dropped the ice cream so I had to buy new ones. Maybe next time I can meet him, sweetie.”

When we got home, Thalia made sure to share what was on her mind through texts.

Thalia: Can’t believe you. You left me and your daughter to face your baby daddy!

Salina: I’m sorry! I really didn’t mean to hide, I just got scared.

Thalia: Look, you have to tell both of them. You can’t keep them in the dark.

Salina: I know… just a little scared.

Thalia: You have to power through it. Stop protecting yourself from getting hurt by his reaction. You are going to hurt your daughter in the process.

Salina: I know…. I promise I’ll try my best.

Days went by, and I eventually was able to muster up the courage to tell Drayce of his daughter. The only problem is, I don’t know where he is and how I can reach him.

I have already started working in the hotel now but during my breaks, I would think nothing but Drayce and how I should confess about the daughter I have been keeping from him.

When I look at the wall clock, I silently cursed myself not realizing I’m supposed to be supervising the event going on in one of our function rooms.

Clearing my head of any thoughts of Drayce, I breathe in and out before going out of the office and heading toward the function room.

I straighten my blazer before opening the doors. Smiling the best polite smile I could muster, I look around at everyone in the room. The guests are happily mingling with each other and the staff is as professional as always.

As the party went on, I made my rounds to see if there was any trouble that I can immediately put out when I suddenly took a whiff of a familiar homely smell I hadn't smelled in a long time.

No…it can’t be him.

I try to convince myself that I must have convinced my nose that he’s around because I have been thinking about him lately. Shaking the thought away, I continued walking around until he stood right in front of me.

“Cristine?”

I didn’t conjure him, right?

I was left dumbfounded for a few seconds before I caught myself and smile at him. “Drayce, what are you doing here?”

His smile grew wider. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“Oh, I work here.”

“I thought you work in New York?”

“I was only there for a month because they needed someone to cover for the managerial position after the previous one quit but I’m always supposed to be here.”

“That sounds cool. I’m really happy to see you.”

“Me too….” I have to tell him now…. “Um, Drayce there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Sure what is it?”

With my heart racing inside my chest, I take a deep breath and prepare myself to say the words I have been meaning to tell him. “You—“

However, before I could continue, someone wrap their arm around Drayce. When I looked at her, it was the beautiful blonde girl that I saw at Central Park. The woman dropped her wallet on the ground. Her smile is as divine as she looks lovingly at Drayce.

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you, babe.”

Drayce smiled back at her and hold her hands back. “Oh, Cristine, this is Valerie,” Drayce said.

Valerie outstretched her long slender arms at me and I gladly shake. “Hi, nice to meet you.”

“How do you know my fiance?” She said, clutching Drayce’s muscular arms with both hands that showed her massive glistening emerald cut engagement ring on her ring finger.