“Busy? Seriously? What are we going to eat if I don’t work?! I’m looking for a way to give you time! Even though I’m very tired from work, I still cooked for you and Elizabeth. I’m still doing my responsibility as a mother and I am trying to be a good wife to you!”

“Well, do s*x matters to you a lot Daren?! Is married all about s*x for you? Do you want us to have s*x every day so that we can prove that we love each other? What is more important to you s*x or love... s*x or me?” I’m trying to calm down my voice because Elizabeth might hear me.

I don’t want her to know what kind of father she has!

“So, are you blaming me for everything? Are you saying I’m lazy? That I should work instead of you?!” he asks, raising his eyebrows at me.

“Yes! Because you are the man!! Every time I come home, you’re always playing video games! Aren’t you? You’re no longer a child for those things, Daren! The one who doesn’t have time is you, but I do try to understand you all the time. Didn’t you even think about our daughter before you did something like that?”

Didn’t you even think about me too?

“If you told me before that you didn’t love me, I wouldn’t force you! Remember that I’m not a dog who will follow you whenever you leave! I don’t care how many years we’ve been together and how many years we’ve loved each other. I don’t want to be stupid to someone like you!” I can’t stop myself from glaring at him.

“Then fine. Let’s get divorced! But I’ll take Elizabeth with me--“ I cut him off to speak because I immediately punched him in the cheek.

“Damn!”

“You?” I ask and smirk.

“You can’t keep an eye on her even if you’re just at home! Then you say you’ll take my daughter with you? I won’t allow you to take my child! You should kill me first before that happens.” I said coldly.

“She’s also my daughter Elyse!!”

Yeah, I know. I’m not stupid, dumb!

“I’ll let you visit Elizabeth. I’m going to stop you if you want to visit her, but you can’t take her away from me,” I muttered and wiped my tears on the cheek.

“Fine! I won’t force you!” he said, then started getting dressed. “And about the question you ask early. Yes! S*x is more important to me. I need it! A relationship won’t long last without having s*x with their partners, Elyse.”

“I’m not going to sleep here,” he murmurs before leaving.

That jerk! His face is thick! Those days when we’re not doing it... is he doing that to someone else? When did he start cheating on me!

“Then don’t! No one will be going to stop you jerk!”

We’ve known each other for 14 years,

we started being friends until he started courting me until I say yes to him.

We dreamed together, but then I got pregnant. I thought my life would just end up, that my life is already ruined because I got pregnant. But then I thought that the only thing that change is that I only got pregnant but it doesn’t mean I can’t keep going to school. That won’t stop me from graduating high school and college. Getting pregnant can’t stop me from achieving my dreams.

I achieved my dream to start my own company. But Daren gives up on his dreams and he chooses to stay at home and taking care of our child.

I was the only one who works instead of him.

I wiped away my tears and sighed. I suddenly remembered what my Mommy told me before.

‘A woman should never cry over a man. Because real man won’t make you cry, if that man loves you he won’t make you cry. If you’re going to cry, it’s not because he hurt you, it’s because he made you happy and that’s what they called tears of joy.’

For the first time, he made me cry, and he hurt me this much. He said he doesn’t love me anymore, then fine! I’m not going to waste my precious time on someone like him, he’s not worth it so, I shouldn’t be crying to that jerk... but I can’t help it, all those years that we’ve been together, I can’t just forget those memories because I want to. Brain can forget, but the heart doesn’t.

I just laughed when I remembered what he told to me before. He said that I’m the only girl he’ll love for the rest of his life. That he wouldn’t leave me, that he won’t ever cheat on me... but now ...all of that happens! He’s such a liar, f**king a jerk!

We’ve known each other for 14 years, we’ve been together for 12 years. I thought I already knew him very well, but I’m wrong. It doesn’t really matter how many years you’ve known each other or how many years you’ve been together with your partners. Because time comes that one of you will fall out of love.

Well, I don’t believe in forever... tsk, that’s a cap. The funniest word that I’ve ever heard. There’s no forever in this world. People die, plants die, animals die... even this world will end too.

You know, reality sucks. All you can do is enjoy your lives because I believe we only live once.

“Mommy? Are you crying?” I stop thinking and looked at my daughter.

“No, sweetheart. Mommy isn’t crying.”

I didn’t realize that tears were dripping from my eyes again, and she wiped them with her left thumb.

“Then, what’s this?” at the same time, she showed me her thumb.

“How was your school?” I ask, trying to change the topic.

“It was good, I got A+ again.” I smiled because of what she said. She’s a smart kid. She reminds me of myself before when I was still a kid like her. But unlike her, I don’t have toys. I can’t get what I want because my parents are poor.

“Very good, I’ll buy you a new toy tomorrow because you got A+.”

“I have so many toys already Mommy,” she said while her lips are pouting.

“What do you want me to buy then?”

She shrugged. “I don’t want you to buy anything. All I want is you, Mom.

Seeing you happy is enough for me...”

“Ha?”

“I just don’t want you to get hurt. If you don’t love Daddy anymore, then divorce him already. If you’re not happy, then leave him.” I was shocked by what she said.

Did she know anything? How?

“Elizabeth...”

“Yes, I am only 10 years old, Mom, to think like this already, but I’m smarter than you think. I understood everything that you’ve been through. I totally understand you.” My tears dripped even more because of what my daughter’s saying right now.

“Remember that you are not alone Mom, I’m always here, I won’t leave you.” She hugged me and wiped away my tears.

I’m lucky to have a daughter like her.

“I love you.” I kissed her on the cheek and just smiled as I stared at her face. I never regret that your daddy and I made love that day, you’re a gift from god.

“Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?” I ask and wiped my tears. She nods at me.

I cooked her favorite food, adobo.

“Eat a lot so you don’t lose weight,” I muttered and smiled at her.

“Mommy, I always eat a lot. You’re the one who should eat a lot because you’re working to make money.” I chuckled. My daughter looks so cute every time she acts like that.

I turned my gaze to Yaya. “Yaya, have you eaten yet?”

“Not yet, Ma’am Elyse.”

“Come on, join us Yaya.”

_

I’m already in the bedroom and it’s 11 pm. I can’t sleep. I used to sleep next to someone, so I’m having a hard time now because Daren isn’t here.

He didn’t come home, that damn jerk! He didn’t even think of his daughter. It’s good that Elizabeth didn’t ask why her dad was not here.

I was surprised when there was a sudden knock on the door; I stood up and open it.

“Oh, it’s already late at night, sweetie. Why are you still awake?”

“Ahm--“

“Wait, are you hurt? Are you sick?” I checked her forehead if she’s hot or something.

“Mommy relax, I’m okay.” I took a deep breath.

Whenever my daughter gets sick, I am panicking. I’m just scared of losing her. She’s all I have...now.

“So, why are you here, then?”

“I can’t sleep, because I know you can’t sleep easily when you’re not next to someone.” I just smiled because of her behavior lately. She acts matured these days. Nobody would think that she’s just 10 years old to think and act like that.

“You want to sleep next to Mommy then?” I bend and kissed her all over the face. She chuckled.

“Yeah, I want to be with you now.” she entered the room and locked the door. She pulled my hand towards to the bed.

“Shouldn’t you go to bed early Mommy because you still have work tomorrow, right?”

Oh yeah, I have a meeting tomorrow morning around 10 am.

We both lay down on the bed. She hugged me tightly.” Good night, I love you, Mom.” She smiled adoringly at me. She kissed my cheek before closing her eyes.

Elizabeth deserves a happy and complete family, but now Daren and I don’t understand each other anymore, we’re planning to divorce... that’s okay Elyse! You can be a mother and father to her, you can do it! Just believe in yourself.

Before we’re just poor, but I am happy because I’m with my Mom and dad. I am their only daughter and they love me so much. I grow up with loving and caring parents. Sadly, they died when I was 18. It’s my exact birthday. We’re in the jeep together with my parents...

We got into an accident, I’m one of those lucky passengers who got survive. Unlucky, my parents don’t.

2 months later,

“Thank you for working with us for almost six years, Yaya.”

“You’re welcome, Ma’am. I won’t forget your kindness.” I hugged her, then she hugged me back.

I have to do this because I don’t have any money to pay her anymore, and we’re about to leave this house right now. I am selling this land and house.

Daren and I finally aren’t together anymore. He went to his woman, and he took the company’s money that I worked so hard for. He even tried to ruin me on social media. He says that I am the one who cheats!

“Mommy, I’m hungry. What are we going to eat today?” She asked. I looked at her and held her cheek.

“Mommy hasn’t bought any food yet, baby, but there’s an apple in the ref. Just go get it and eat it for now. Let’s just wait for the buyer of our house and then after that, I’ll buy you food, okay?”

“Okay,” she smiled.

I heard the doorbell, so I immediately stood up and opened the door.

“Hello, good morning—“ I was surprised because five men suddenly entered our house and I was shocked when they started destroying things inside my house.

I ran into Elizabeth and hugged her tightly. I can feel her handshaking.

“Elizabeth, go to your room!” She nods and immediately runs to her room.

“What are you doing! Who the hell are you!!” I shouted at them. I tried to stop the man from breaking our family picture but he pushed me away.

“What the f**k!! I said stop it!!” I shouted, but they didn’t listen, I just stared at them destroying all the furniture, vase, tv... they even broke the chairs and table.

A few minutes later I didn’t realize that they had left already, I just felt someone shaking my shoulder.

“Hey, Mommy? Mommy?!” I looked at Elizabeth, who was now in front of me.

“Are you okay Mommy?” that question made me cry. I touched her cheek and looked at her face to see if she had a scar or if she’s hurt.

“O-Oh y-yeah, Mommy is okay, sweetie.” I wipe my tears away and forced myself to smile at her.

I can’t show my daughter that I’m weak. I have to be strong for her.

I know that this is Daren’s plan again! That shameless jerk! He didn’t even feel sorry for her daughter!

He stole the money from my company; the company went bankrupt; I lose my company because of him and now his next target is my house! All right, just keep it up, Daren. I don’t care at all, take money, take this land and damn house. Take everything just except my daughter. I’m going to turn you into pieces if you’ll try to do that.

_

“I was going to sell those things, but they broke it all,” I explain to Mindy.

We’re here now at my cousin’s house, she’s Mindy Cruz, 26 years old.

Elizabeth is already sleeping now. I told her to sleep because it’s late at night and I know she’s tired from the trip.

The buyer arrived early, and she gave only a small amount of money because of the damages. I can’t decline because I need money to go here. I need to buy food for my daughter.

I’m going to look for a job so I can support my daughter. I gotta enroll her in her new school tomorrow.

I was able to graduate from high school and college without my parents. I work, doing my responsibility as a mother and a wife at the same time. I’ve been through a lot before, but I didn’t give up.

I’m the type of woman who doesn’t give up easily. They say everything happens for a reason.

The world will not be destroyed yet so, I’ll not give up. I shouldn’t just give up, especially for my Elizabeth. I can handle it. I can do this.

“So, when are you going to look for a place to stay, Elyse?”

“I don’t know, Mindy, can we just stay here? I’ll just help you with your house bills and chores. You’re the last person I can ask for help.”

“Of course you two can live here. Why not? I’m all alone in here. Of all cousins, you’re my favorite Elyse. Have you forgotten that you’re the one who helps me continue my study, you even help me build this house. Now, it’s time for me to repay your kindness.”

“Are you saying that we can live here for the main time?”

“You can live here forever if you want to.” She laughed after saying that.

“Thank you very much.” I hugged her tightly. “I... I honestly don’t have anyone else to ask for help.” I wiped my tears.

“Shhh... don’t cry Elyse, your daughter might hear you.” I tried myself to come down.

“By the way, when do you plan to find a job?” She asked, and I shrugged.

“Is there still a vacant at the restaurant where you work? Even just being a janitor, it’s okay for me.”

“Oh, sorry Elyse...”

“Uhm, it’s okay. I’ll just take care of it, I’ll try to find some online jobs, or maybe they’re posting some jobs on Facebook, that is just near here.”

_

We went to bed, and the next day I take care of Elizabeth first. I took her to her new school, then after that, I started looking for a job online.

I’m just here, sitting on the bench while scrolling on my phone. I hold my phone tightly; I have to be careful! My phone may get stolen.

“Hiring assistant-- “I didn’t finish reading that because someone suddenly grabbed my phone. My eyes widened because of that. I quickly chased the man who took my phone. He’s wearing a black t-shirt and pants.

Even though I didn’t see his face clearly, I know he’s handsome, just sad because he’s a thief.

I took off my shoes on my left foot and continued running.

“Hey! Give me back my phone!!” I shouted at the man. He looked at me but still running.

“Damn! I hope you’ll get hit.” I closed one eye and threw my shoes at him hard. It hit his head and he suddenly fell.

I quickly went to him and took my phone. I punched him back and pulled his hair.

“Damn you!! Did you think that I couldn’t catch you!! Don’t you know that I entered sports in high school, I won the gold medal when there’s an event in our school!”

He suddenly pushed me so I sat on the ground. He quickly ran away from me. When I look at my phone, it has a crack, and doesn’t want to open it anymore.

Seriously?

Good news, I got my phone back. The bad news is that it’s broken.

How unlucky I am! I hope I’ll get lucky and finally found a job tomorrow.

I was walking today, and I stop when I saw a familiar restaurant.

“Wait, from what I remember, Mindy is working here as a waitress,” I murmur.

“Get out! Leave and don’t ever come back here, you thief!!” I was surprised to see Mindy being pushed by a woman out of that restaurant.

“Ma’am Fiona, I’m not stealing anything, I didn’t steal anything from her, I’m telling the truth!” Mindy even knelt at that woman, begging.

I saw another woman behind Fiona, she’s smiling and staring at Mindy. It looks like she’s happy seeing Mindy like that!

What’s going on, by the way?!

I quickly walk toward them and pulled Mindy’s hand to help her stand up.

“Why are you kneeling to that woman Mindy?! She’s not a god, so why are you kneeling in front of her!” I glared at them. That woman in the white dress looked at me sharply.

“She’s my boss, Elyse, and I can’t lose this job just because of this misunderstanding. Just let me do this, please.” I saw her eyes, it’s like she’s begging me. 

Seeing her like this breaks my heart!

“Just shut up and let me handle this! She’s just a boss, not a god, Mindy! Your Mom didn’t give birth to you to kneel to anyone!”

I have never treated my employees like this. Not even one of them has ever knelt before me. I have never made an employee cry and accused something that they never did.

“Who are you to interfere huh?!” she asked, raising her eyebrows at me.

“I’m her cousin!”

“Oh, you’re just a cousin, but then you act like her Mom.” Her boss fakes a laugh.

“Did you know that your cousin stole my money?!” 

“She stole your money?” I asked.

“Elyse, what she’s saying isn’t true. I didn’t steal anything. I don’t even know why her money is inside my bag!” she says by way of explanation.

“You don’t have to explain to me Mindy, I know you very well. I know you can’t do that.” I hold her hand and put her behind me.

“Do you have any evidence that she stole your money?"

“Evidence? It was already seen in her bag! Isn’t that evidence for you?!!” Irritation filled her face.

“Well, I guess this restaurant has CCTV’s. Why don’t you look at it first, before accusing someone? I’ll only believe it when I see it on CCTV.” 

“N-No! Why would we need to look at CCTV! It’s already in her bag, it’s my money, so I know she stole it!” I smirked.

“Why? Are you scared? Oh, maybe you put your own money in Mindy’s bag... you’re not that crazy to do that right?”

“W-Why would I do that?! I’m not s-stupid to do that thing!” I can see the guilt in her eyes.

“Oh, you just called yourself stupid by now.” 

“What the f**k are you saying! You know what Mindy, you didn’t tell me that you have a crazy cousin! Did she just came out from the mental hospital?!”

“Are you done talking now?” I raise my eyebrow.

“Let’s just go Mindy, leave on this restaurant. You still can find a better job and have a good boss who will not treat you like this!”

I took Mindy’s bag, and I saw some money. This is probably the money she was saying.

“Oh, is this the money?!” I took it out of the bag and threw it at the woman’s face. “Go on, get your money now! By the way, stop wearing that bag. I know it’s fake, just like your nose.”

I pulled Mindy away from that place. We stop walking and we sit when we saw a bench. 

“E-Elyse... I don’t know if I should be angry at you or I should thank you. I know you’re just concern that’s why you did that but... I don’t have a j-job anymore, what should I do now.” I heard her sob. 

People are looking at us, but I just didn’t mind them.

“Do you know the woman next to your boss? It looks like she’s mad at you.”

“S-She’s my ex-boyfriend’s girlfriend.” 

My mouth turned into O. “What?! You broke up with your boyfriend?” 

“Y-Yeah, we broke up and I just recently knew that he’s been cheating. I mean when he courted me, that time he already has a girlfriend. And now his girlfriend found out, she’s thinking now that I am the one who flirts with her BF first!”

“His face is thick, just like Daren! And that woman is very dumb. You didn’t know anything, you’re not stupid to date with that bastard if you knew that he has a girlfriend!” I just clenched my fist. 

“Stop crying! Just forget that bastard. You don’t need a guy like him!” I hugged and tap her shoulder.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you find a new job, we’ll figure this out. I still have money left so, let’s spend it buying food to eat for the main time. Shhh, stop crying now...”

After a minute she stops crying and now, we’re just talking some funny, it makes me happy seeing her laughing at my jokes.

“Elyse, I think you have to pick up your daughter now.”

“Oh, right! It’s already 4:01 pm, damn!” Mindy comes with me to pick up Elizabeth at school.

The three of us ate ice cream first before going home.

“Is your new school, okay, sweetie?”

“Yes! I love my new school than the old one. My new classmates are kind, they are so friendly, Mom.” I can see it in her eyes, she’s happy. I know my daughter. I know when she lies or when she’s telling the truth.

“Oh, really? That’s good to hear sweetie.” I smiled and gently pinch her cheek.

“You know what Mommy, they even give me foods made by their moms.” I suddenly lost my smile. 

I feel sad now, this life is not what Elizabeth used to. I should be cooking and giving what my daughter wants... I want to give her everything. I want the best for her.

“Don’t be sad Mommy, I’m not jealous of them, anyway. I’m just happy because they're nice and kind to me. Still, you're the best Mom for me!”

“Thanks for understanding sweetie, don’t worry Mommy will do everything to make our lives the same again and so, that I can give you what you want.” She hugged me.

“You don’t have to, what’s important to me is that you’re with me. We’re living together, you’re by my side.” She mumbled.

Before my teardrops, I immediately just change the topic. “Do you have any assignments? Do you want me to help you, sweetie?”

“Yeah, we have an assignment but I can do it, Mommy.”

“Elyse, baby Elizabeth, come here now, let's eat dinner!” Mindy said. 

The food is already served at the table.

“Is it okay that our dish is vegetables?” Mindy asked.

“Sweetie, I’m very sorry if it’s just vegeta--“

“Mommy, eating vegetables is good for the body, that’s what Teacher said.” I stared at my daughter, who sat in the chair and started eating the vegetables that Mindy cooked. 

Of course, we eat vegetables before but Elizabeth is not used that the only food at the table is vegetables and rice.

I raised my head to stop the tears from dripping into my eyes. This is not the life I dreamed of for my daughter, she’s the reason why I worked hard before. I want to give her everything but now I can’t do that, I can’t even buy her delicious food.

Mindy’s house isn’t big and the air conditioners are broken, but it’s okay because there’s an electric fan. Her TV is still okay and there are only two rooms here.

I sat on the chair already and started eating.

_

“Go to sleep now Elizabeth, you still have classes tomorrow.” 

“Sang me a song, Mommy, please?” she blinked her eyes twice. 

I laid her on the bed and made her lay down. I combed her hair while singing a twinkle, twinkle, little star.

That’s what I always sang to her. When I was still pregnant I always looked at the sky while staring at the stars. I caressed my stomach while singing.

I can’t help but cry as I remember the happy memories we had with Daren.

A few minutes later she fell asleep. I slowly got up and left the room. I saw Mindy sitting near the window. She is now staring at the sky.

“What are you doing?”

“You surprised me, Elyse! I was just watching those stars.” She mumbled. I sat next to her and also looked at the star.

“Do you remember before, when we’re still a kid? We always climbed on the roof of our neighbor’s house just to look at the stars.” I chuckled.

“Yeah, we’re even excited every time we saw a shooting star.” 

“Then we’ll wish and hoping that it will come true.” I just smile as I remember that.

“Oh my god, let’s go to sleep now Elyse, we still have to find a job tomorrow.”

Right! I have to wake up early and I need to take my daughter to school.

The two of us got up and go to our rooms.