ROSIANNA

"You're fired! Take your things and get out of this building!" he barked, chewing on his smoking pipe.

What? No, no… this isn’t happening.

"Sir, please…" I instantly fell to my knees and began to plead.

This job is my only hope. My mom needs treatment, and this is the only source of livelihood for both of us.

"You already heard me, Rosianna. I do not have to repeat myself, do I? You are always late for work, and could you please check the time for me?"

He turned to look at me with an eye roll.

"I-It’s past ten, sir…" My voice was low.

I’m terribly late.

"And when are you supposed to resume work, doll?"

His brows furrowed at me, his stare intense.

"E-Eight," I stuttered.

"It’s not my fault, sir. My mom’s condition got so bad today and I had to rush to the chemist to buy her medications. She’s so sick and she—"

"Explain sh•t from now till tomorrow, I still don’t give a fvck! This is a public service where people troop in at any time to quench their taste. You don’t keep them hungry because your sick mother needs attention."

"Sir, please… I need this job. I’m really sorry for messing up…"

Tears trickled down my cheeks. I held myself tightly, trying not to break down in his office.

"If you really need this job…"

He smirked.

"You know what to do."

Oh, not again.

"Sorry… you know I can’t. Please, I—"

"If you can’t, get out of my office now!"

He thundered.

My lips parted as I gasped in shock.

What he’s asking of me is too much. I can’t…!

I slowly walked out of his office in tears. I pulled off my uniform and began packing my few things as most of the girls stared at me with sympathy.

It’s barely two months since I started working here, and I’m already getting fired.

Jeez. Can my life get any worse?

"Anna…"

Vickie tapped my shoulder lightly.

"Hey…" I looked up at her.

Vickie is the nicest person in this place, and only she knows my plight.

"I’m sorry you got fired," she said.

Her eyes were full of pity.

I hate when people look at me like that. It doesn’t help the situation— it only makes me cry more.

"It’s okay… you’re going to make me cry."

I wiped the tears that welled in my eyes.

"Take…" She squeezed a note into my hand.

"It’s not much…"

"Oh my! Vickie!" I gasped at the amount.

"Manage it for yourself and your mom. She needs you to be strong now."

"Oh, thank you." I hugged her tightly.

"I’m going to miss you," I cried.

"Me too… You could at least wait outside a little, in case the boss changes his mind. Who knows? He might just be having a bad morning."

I pulled back and stared straight at her.

"You think so?"

A pinch of hope slipped into my voice.

"I guess… just wait outside, please. He’ll definitely know how serious you are about the job."

She might be making a point.

"Okay…" I breathed out uncertainly and picked up my things.

I’ll wait outside a little while.

5 Hours Later

I kept waiting under the drizzling rain.

I was soaked and shivering.

Mr. Dean came out at least twelve times, only to ignore me each time and continue whatever he was doing.

He’s so mean.

I can’t sell my body to someone like him.

Sure, I’ve got killer curves that make men drool and a pretty face too.

Most times, I hate the way I look because it brings too much attention—

attention from s£x-minded freaks.

I’ve stayed here long enough.

The sun gradually started coming out, its rays brightening the environment.

I picked up my things and slowly walked away.

I’ll have to trek a mile before I get to my destination.

Mr. Dean never considers the distance whenever he scolds me for coming late.

The drizzling subsided as the sun grew stronger, but the ground was muddy with dirty water.

One had to be careful not to slip into the stinking mud.

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t see the incoming vehicle.

It drove fast past me, splashing dirty water all over me.

Oh crap. What the…?

I almost fell from the force of the splash. I tried to steady myself, and in doing so, I let go of the money Vickie gave me.

The wind blew it straight onto the busy road.

"No…" I gasped in tears.

In my haste to reach it, a strong arm gripped me.

"Forget the money… I’ll refund it. And I’m sorry for splashing dirt on you."

His voice was deep, calm, and surprisingly gentle.

I pulled away from his touch as tears slid down my face.

"It’s okay…" I whispered.

"Why the tears? Hope I didn’t hurt you?"

"No… it’s just… my money. That was the last cash I had and—"

"How much was it?"

"A hundred dollars," I replied softly.

"I’ll refund with a thousand. Get in the car. I’m really sorry for the mess."

A thousand what?

My mouth fell open, then I shut it quickly, embarrassed.

"Come along…"

He picked up my things and began walking away.

"Who are you? And why are you being nice?"

Please God, this shouldn’t be what I’m thinking.

He better not be after my body.

I don’t trust men’s kindness these days. Most don’t mean well.

"Call me David Romero. And I’m not ‘being nice.’ I’m just trying to correct my wrong. I ruined your dress and made you lose your money. I have to pay for that."

He smiled in a cute way and led me toward his car.

"Don’t be scared. I won’t waste your time. I was actually on my way to pick up my kids from school."

Kids?

He’s married?

My mood sank a little.

All the nice men are always taken.

"Why not go pick them up first? They must be waiting."

"Hell yeah, they’re madly waiting for daddy. But can you wait that long?"

"Yeah… they’re your kids and they need attention. You can just drop me off without shopping. I wouldn’t want to waste their time."

He’s married.

I shouldn’t get too comfortable.

We’ll pick up his kids and then he’ll drop me off.

"Okay. Let’s ride to the school then."

He smiled and drove back onto the highway.

His kids must be really good-looking like him.

They must be adorable.

I can’t wait to see them.

…

TBC

DAVID

She sat beside me while I drove, and I couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty.

I wonder why she cried over losing her money. It was just a hundred.

But I guess it meant a lot to her.

She looked gloomy, and I wished I could brighten that smooth face.

My phone buzzed. A message popped up.

I checked it. It was from my colleague, Alicia.

📩 You’re almost late for lunch, babe.

I shrugged and pocketed my phone. Lunch?

Speaking of lunch, my kids must be starving.

And for the record, Alicia is just a female friend who hasn’t met my kids.

If she had, she wouldn’t keep pushing her feelings.

I know she has feelings. Every woman in this town who knows me has a crush.

I’m charming— you can say that again.

Single mothers and even the principal of my kids’ school have a liking for me.

And that’s something I never want my kids to know.

They don’t like seeing me with other women. They don’t even like me talking to their classmates’ moms.

I don’t know why.

Their rule is always the same: Do not get involved with ladies. They do not want a second mommy.

Wait.

My brain snapped back to reality.

I turned in bewilderment to the lady sitting beside me.

"What? Is there a problem?" she asked.

She had noticed I was staring at her weirdly.

"N-Nothing…" I swallowed hard.

There’s a lady beside me.

And we’re both on our way to pick up the kids.

Why didn’t I think of this earlier?

My kids are going to fry my hair.

THE KIDS

"I’m hungry…" Kayla complained bitterly as they waited outside the school gate.

She was running out of patience.

"How long does it take someone to drive down here!" Janietta almost shouted.

"Maybe he’s buying us a surprise food pack," Noel said excitedly.

He’s a total foodie.

Janietta scoffed.

"The day you stop thinking about food all the time is the day you’ll mature."

"Whatever…" Noel rolled his eyes.

"Wait… I think I see Dad coming."

A smile spread across Janietta’s lips.

"Yay!" Kayla jumped joyfully as their father’s car stopped in front of them.

David stepped out, greeted by their smiling faces.

But not for long.

Their smiles turned into frowns when Rosianna stepped out too.

"Who’s she?" five-year-old Kayla asked, puzzled.

"I think Dad has some explaining to do…" Janietta muttered.

DAVID

"Dad, what took you so long?" they chorused, looking almost angry.

"Hey, I’m sorry, kids… I got held up in something," I explained.

"Something? Or her?"

Janietta frowned, glaring at the lady standing beside my Jeep.

I realized I didn’t even know her name.

"What? No, no. She—"

"Daddy, is she your girlfriend?" Noel asked suddenly.

"Hahaha… no, no, she isn’t—"

"If she isn’t, then who is she? And why was she sitting in the front seat with you?"

Janietta ranted, leaving me speechless.

Before I could stop her, Janietta charged toward the lady.

Oh God. What kind of child is this?

"Janietta, come back here!" I whisper-yelled, but she didn’t hear.

Soon enough, Kayla followed.

And then Noel.

"These kids are going to be the death of me…" I muttered, half laughing, half crying.

ROSIANA

I was observing the school compound when a little girl’s voice caught my attention.

I turned and saw three kids marching toward me.

They must be his kids.

"Hey, miss," the oldest girl spoke, looking up at me with a serious face that almost made me laugh.

"Hi…" I smiled politely.

"Who are you? What are you doing with our dad? How do you even know him? Where did you meet him? And most importantly, why were you sitting in my seat in my dad’s car?!"

"Whoa! Slow down, fiesty. Too many questions. Which one am I supposed to answer first?"

I was shocked. This girl was dead serious.

"Were you trying to kidnap my daddy?"

The younger girl asked softly, almost in tears.

Gosh. What is this?

He was the one driving, not me.

"No darling, I wasn’t. Something happened, and I’d like it if you let Daddy explain."

I gently patted her cheek.

"Daddy is a big guy. He can’t be kidnapped, okay?"

She giggled and ran back to her dad.

Aww. What a sweet little girl.

I looked up and saw the older girl still glaring at me.

"I swear, girlie, I wasn’t doing anything with your father."

She still looked suspicious.

I can’t handle this alone.

Her dad better come here and explain himself.

I looked over and saw him talking to the younger girl.

"Mr. David, please… your attention is needed here," I called out.

That was a mistake.

The older girl’s expression changed instantly.

"OH MY GOD! You know my dad’s name? How do you know his name?! You’re not supposed to know his name since you’re not my mom or his girlfriend…"

She paused, her eyes widening.

"Or are you?"

"DADDY!!!" she screamed so loud it almost deafened me.

What have I gotten myself into?

…

TBC

DAVID

The moment Janie screamed my name, I knew there was trouble. I led Kay to where they were.

"Yes, Janie," I drawled.

"Dad, how come she knows your name? I thought Mom was the only person who knew it... and your best friend, Mark."

OMG! She’s so childish.

"Can you stop acting childish, Janie?"

"I am a child, Dad," she retorted, her brow furrowed.

"But you don’t act like one. A good child would wait for explanations before jumping to conclusions.

This lady here is with me because I made her lose her money and worse, I ruined her dress."

I paused as my kids focused on the stained dress, finally noticing what they never saw in the first place.

"She isn’t my girlfriend, okay? We don’t know each other. We just met today. I was supposed to take her shopping for a new dress to replace the one I ruined, but she insisted I come pick you guys up first.

Isn’t that enough to thank her for?

I think that’s enough reason to show her respect."

I added, looking disappointed at their behavior.

"It’s okay, Mr. David. You’re making them feel bad," the lady — whose name I still didn’t know — spoke on their behalf when she noticed their faces.

"Now say sorry to her, kids." I ruffled my hair, frustrated.

"Let’s just go home..." Janietta grumbled, walking to the side of my car.

I stared at her reaction, not even sure what to say. Then I turned to the other two — Noel and Kay.

"You two, say sorry to her." I formed a straight face at them.

"I’m hungry," Noel complained, walking out of my sight.

This is crazy. Correcting my kids is one thing they never take well. The moment I scold them, they suddenly become upset and unhappy with me.

Great. Just great!

"Sorry..." Kayla smiled at the lady.

"It’s okay, sweetie. What’s your name?" she asked, squatting to my little girl’s height.

"Kayla. And yours?"

Yeah... one question I forgot to ask her in the first place.

"Rosiana."

"You’re pretty, Rosiana," my baby remarked.

True. Absolutely true. She isn’t just pretty — she’s physically endowed with beautiful features.

"And you’re beautiful," she complimented Kayla, who giggled in excitement and ran to meet her siblings.

"Omg! Janietta, she just said I’m beautiful!"

Hahaha! I love my baby girl so much.

"Dad! Come open your car. I wanna go home," Janietta called out.

"...and eat," Noel added.

"Let’s go, please," I said to Rosiana, and she nodded.

I used the key control to unlock the doors before hopping in.

Janietta quickly sat in the front seat beside me, leaving Rosiana standing outside.

"Get down, Janie. Join your siblings in the back."

"But Dad—"

"No questions. Rosiana wants to sit here." I hushed her.

She angrily mumbled something before stepping down.

"Don’t get too comfy with my dad," she said straight to Rosiana’s face before joining her siblings.

"Ignore her, she’s always like that," I told Rosiana as she got in.

"No problem. Thanks," she said, settling into the seat as I started the engine.

"Seatbelts!" I mouthed as I adjusted the mirror above me, watching my kids through it as they strapped themselves in.

"Good," I muttered as I reversed out of the school, heading straight home.

ROSIANA

The silence in the car as he drove was… something else. It wasn’t comfortable at all. I suspected I was the cause of it.

Why would a family be so quiet on a simple ride home?

Kids should be talking about school, homework, or something interesting to their dad.

I bet they’re not comfortable with me here.

I just can’t wait to get back home.

"Dad, I’m hungry..." David’s little boy said as his stomach growled.

"You’ll eat when you get home, okay?" his dad replied.

"The last time I checked before school, there’s no food at home. ’Cause you didn’t wake up on time to make us breakfast. And lunch..."

Wake up on time? So David makes breakfast for his kids before going to work?

What about his wife??

"Oh God! I didn’t remember..." he palmed the steering wheel.

"You kids will wait till I go get Junior from daycare. Then I’ll buy food packs from a restaurant so you can eat to your fill."

Another baby??

My eyes almost popped out as I realized he has another child.

This man is the father of all nations. Imagine staying home with the type of kids he has. Four in total.

"I’m gonna die of hunger before you get back..." my favorite, Kayla, almost cried.

I don’t like seeing her upset.

I like her so much.

"Kay, baby. You won’t die. I’ll beat the traffic for your sake. You won’t die, okay? Not when there’s enough water to revive you," David joked.

"Dad, no way! I’m hungry too, and I can’t wait for you to get Junior first. It’s our stomach first. Our stomach. Your first priority," the older girl declared.

I cocked my ears in amusement.

"Yes, Dad. Justice for our stomach!" Noel added.

"I want pancakes for lunch!"

The three kids began ranting.

Their ranting almost deafened my ears.

Passersby stared at the car — it was that noisy.

"Alright... kids! Kids! Calm down! Ca—"

But they didn’t even listen to their dad. Instead, the noise increased.

Is all this because of food?

"I’ll cook for you guys," I said.

The car suddenly fell completely silent as they stared at me, shocked.

"I mean... I could help with lunch before your dad gets back," I added.

Did I say something wrong?

Well, I used to work as a cook at Dean’s restaurant until he fired me this morning.

I could help them, at least for Kayla’s sake. I don’t want her to die — like she earlier said.

"That’s if you guys are okay with it," I quickly added.

"You sure about that?" David asked, as if unsure.

"Yeah," I nodded.

"Kids?" David called out, wanting to know their opinion.

"Sure, you can cook for us. As long as it doesn’t taste like Dad’s socks!" little Noel agreed.

Wait. What??

Did he just say his dad’s socks?

"NOEL?!" David screamed his name, his eyes turning smoky red.

I quickly suppressed my laugh.

.

..

.

TBC