Where's Dad?

Two days passed and Alynah is still eagerly checking her mail. Unfortunately, there was no message. She need this job. As fast as possible before her personal expenses runs out.

"My mail is still empty" she complained.

"C'mon Aly, today is just Thursday. Wait form now till next week. Just be patient" Betty cooed.

"But for how long?" Alynah said, frustratedly.

"There are thousands of applicants Aly, you just need to pray to be among the lucky few" Betty said with a chuckle and Alynah sighed and nodded thoughtfully.

"Time to pick Tulip from school or should I go?" Betty asked.

"No way, I'll go pick my baby up" Alynah glared playfully at Betty and they both laughed.

Kayden was shown in his office using his laptop as usual when his phone beeped, indicating a call.

"Darn it" He cursed inwardly and picked the call. It's one of his closest friends, Tristan.

"Hey, office dude!" Tristan teased.

"Why the distraction especially when I'm busy??" Kayden snapped.

"Hey chill okay, just wanna inform you that there will be a blast at Starburst Bar tonight" Tristan announced.

"No, I'll be busy" Kayden said.

"C'mon man, you won't love to miss" Tristan pleaded.

"I said NO!" Kayden said firmly and ended the call.

"Bonehead" He cursed underneath his breath and ended the call.

There's one thing about Kayden, he hated parties and clubs, the last time he went to a bar was four years ago, after that he hated everything alcoholic. That's for the reasons best known to him.

"Mummy!!!" Tulip yelled happily and hugged Alynah's legs.

"Awwn baby, how was school today?" Alynah asked, crouching to her level and pecking her cheeks.

Tulip pouted her lips and lowered her head. Alynah quickly understood her expression, something is wrong.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" She asked, cupping her cheeks softly.

"Nixie bullied me today, mummy" Tulip replied.

"She did?" Alynah asked.

"She said I don't have a dad, she said I'm a bastard" Tulip added. Alynah's heart skipped a beat that instant and she lowly gasped.

"I'm I a bastard, mummy?" Tulip asked, blinking innocently. Alynah slowly stared at Tulip's grey eyes, she was tearing up.

Alynah took a deep breath and shook her head. "No baby, you ain't a bastard"

"Then where's dad? I missed mummy, I've never seen him. Where did he go?" Tulip asked again, tears rolling down her cheeks. Her heart was shattering into pieces as she saw Tulip's tears.

Alynah pulled her into a tight hug as tears also streamed down her cheeks.

"Your dad will come back to you, Tulip. Daddy won't leave his only baby and go, he's trying to get back to you. Daddy misses you too" Alynah tried so hard to comfort Tulip without breaking down.

"I'm eager to see him mummy" Tulip said softly.

"You will see him" they disentangled from the hug and Alynah wiped Tulip's tears away and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't cry okay? And Don't mind Nixie, she just wanted to make you feel bad" she comforted her, stroking her hair. Tulip smiled.

"I won't let her do that mummy"

"That's my girl"

Mesquite Neighborhood

"Betty, we're home!" Alynah beamed as they burst in.

"Oh welcome!" Betty said, setting the dining.

"Good afternoon aunty Betty!" Tulip greeted and hugged her.

"Oooh my little pretty!!" Betty picked her up and twirled her around making her giggle happily.

"I missed my little pretty and guess what, aunty Lyra is coming to see you!!!!" Betty squealed.

"Yayyyy!!!!" Tulip yelled.

"Alright, let's go and refresh"

Alynah stared at the duo and smiled. Almost immediately, Lyra walked in.

"See who we have here, our future doctor!" Alynah exclaimed and hugged Lyra.

"Aly, how have you been?" Lyra asked.

"So cool, and you? How's school? You're close to the finish line" Alynah stated.

"Well, yeah. The finish line is the hardest" Lyra rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry, you'll soon graduate" Alynah patted her shoulders.

"Whatever, where's my baby girl?" Lyra asked, looking around.

"Aunty Lyra!!!!" Tulip yelled and rushed to her.

"Aahhhh, heartyyyy!" Lyra picked her up. Alynah and Betty giggled.

...

It was on Saturday, Alynah just came back from shopping. She went to buy food stuffs.

"Here Tulip, I got you this" Alynah handed her a purple bunny.

"Yay! Thank you mummy!" Tulip squealed, jumping and giggling.

"You're welcome baby" Alynah reciprocated with a smile. Tulip kissed her lips and ran to her room. Alynah smiled and relaxed on the couch.

"Seems you're so tired" Betty said, handing her a glass of water.

"Thanks" Alynah took the cup and gulped the whole content.

Just then, Alynah's phone buzzed indicating a message. Alynah sighed and picked up her phone. The subject line made her heart skip a beat and she gasped. (Internship offer- Golden Sparrow Graphics)

She blinked few times not believing the whole thing. Betty curiously stared at her not saying anything.

"Wait ahhh!!! Omg!!!! I got notified! I'm accepted!!!" Alynah squealed in joy and Betty's eyes lit up.

"Wow,, I'm so happy for you" Betty squealed and they hugged.

"Oh, thank goodness, finally!" Alynah said, her hand on her chest.

"Congratulations dear. I'm so happy for you!" Betty beamed.

"Thanks girl, it's all because of your encouragement" Alynah replied.

"Dear Miss Grayling, we are glad to inform you that you've been accepted into the position of an intern at Golden Sparrow Graphics. We are impressed with your passion for designs and we look forward to mentoring you. Kindly report to the organization on Monday, 9am. Best regards, GSG" Alynah read out the content of the message.

"OMG, I can't believe I'm not an intern in one of the largest, richest and most popular company!" Alynah said excitedly.

"You're surely so lucky"

"Oh thank my Lord, thank you" Alynah said gladly.