Chapter 15
Andera’s pov.
“Timmy, Tiffany, you both better come downstairs now! We’re running late!”
My voice rings out from the living room. I’m dropping them both at pre–school before heading to the company, and time is not
on my side.
“I’m ready mommy.
Timmy trots down the stairs, looking smart and handsome in his well ironed school uniform; Navy blue short sleeve shirt and
black shorts, paired with his black sneakers, white stockings and a small clip on black tie.
“My little man looks all grown up ” I smile sweetly at my son, His backpack dangles as he gallops towards me.
“Thank you mommy, you look amazing too, this colour really suits you.” He gushes
“Oh, thank you, son. “I take a swirl in my burgundy knee–length body con dress, with a charcoal gray suit jacket over it. He
giggles and raises his palm for a high–five.
“I’ll go call Tiffany, Timmy rushes up the stairs again, making me wonder what Tiffany is still doing. I took another look at my
watch and mumbled.
“We’re going to be so late today.”
My lips tighten to a frown when I see Timmy climbing back down alone.
“Where’s Tiffany?”
“She’s coming. She said I should go first so I don’t ruin her grand entry,”
“What do you mean grand entry?”
Just as Timmy is about to answer, I hear the clicking of heels coming down the stairs.
That’s not right. Heels?
Tiffany comes into view. Her auburn hair is tied in pigtails and two big pink bows pinned to it. She’s wearing her navy blue school
shirt on a black skirt, and instead of her usual school sneakers, Tiffany is on the high–heeled black shoes her grandpa bought her
last Christmas.
Tiffany strikes a pose when she reaches the center of the stairs and flicks one of her pigtails; Timmy smiles widely while giving
her a clapping ovation. Only when Tiffany gets to the foot of the stairs do I notice that her small pink lips are glistening
Did she apply lipgloss? My eyebrows shot up high.
Okay, now I have three worries.
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“How are you comfortable walking in those high heels? And why are you even wearing them to school anyway? You know your school is very strict with their uniform policy and when did you start using make–up?”
Mommy, which question will I answer first?” She pouts
“Okay, let’s start with the heels. “I fold my arms.
“Mommy?” She cocks her head to the side, twisting one of her pigtails.
“Yes, Tiffany.
“I haven’t told you yet, but I think I want to be a model. Can I be one?” Tiffany’s eyes lit up as she rocked on those heels.
“You’re only saying that because Sybil said she wants the be a model in class yesterday.” Timmy quips.
“That is not true!” She whines.
Alright sweetie, no need to get upset. “I take a look at my wristwatch; I can squeeze out a few minutes to work out this issue.
“Timmy, Tiffany, you both come here. “I sit on the couch and they both hop on my lap.
Timmy, if your sister decides she wants to go for something, like be a model, you support her, you hear me? That’s what family
is about. We support and believe in each other, alright?”
He bobs his head up and down in affirmation.
“There’s my good boy. “I kiss him on his hair.
“And Tiffany… “I take a look at my daughter who is still frowning. “….I’m so happy you found something you love. And yes, you can be a model, I know you will do great. “I kiss her head too, watching the glow come back to her eyes.
Yeah, you’ll be a great model, Tiffy, even better than Sybil, and you already look like one.” Tim adds.
Tiffany’s face grows brighter.
“She’ll be a great model, and I’m sure whoever Sybil is would be too. “I chip in.
They grumble.
“What? You both don’t like Sybil?”
“She’s mean!” Tiffany mutters
“Very mean, mommy. “Timmy says.
Alright, let’s not talk about her then, but Tiffy, you have to change your shoes, and fast too so we don’t run late.
“But I need to start practicing how to walk in heels.”
She frowns, and for a split second, images of Thane hit my mind swiftly like a lighting bolt, but I shake the thought away.
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“You’re a natural Tiffany, but your school isn’t going to accept it, and I won’t let you go walking around in those and risk
breaking your neck. ”
Timmy unsuccessfully tries to suppress his laughter, earning him a glare from his sister.
“Tiffany, you can wear the heels some other time, maybe when we go back to visit Grandpa during the holidays. “I try to
convince her
She contemplated for a moment before agreeing. Seven minutes later, I’m buckling their seat belts.
Mommy, you needed to see how shocked Sybil was when I told her you have your own big company. “Tiffany chatters during the drive to school. She widens her small hand to show how “big” my company is.
My eyes crinkled with amusement.
“Bragging? Were you bragging, uhh, Tiffany?” I ask with fake sternness.
“I guess I was. “She giggles and so does Timmy. I roll my eyes and let it be. This isn’t the time or the place for another one of
Mommy’s lectures.
“So what did she say afterward? ”
I kept my eyes on the road as I turned left toward the direction of Timmy and Tiffany’s school. It is Timmy who speaks this time,
his voice low.
“She asked if our Daddy had a company, too.
Somewhere deep inside of me, a hollow void throbbed with sorrow.
You don’t have to worry, Mommy; we told her our Daddy is a very busy man and is still traveling. “Timmy says when he notices
how quiet I’ve become.
The void only deepens. But I force a smile regardless.
How do I tell my kids that their father is just ten miles away from them and not traveling the world as I had made them believe?
How do I explain to Timmy and Tiffany that he doesn’t know they exist?
I can’t, I just can’t. And I know lying to them like this isn’t the best thing either, but I can’t…..
“He’ll come back someday, right, Mommy?” Tiffy’s voice softens, full of hope and expectations.
“Yes, sweetie. “I manage to whisper.
I park my car in front of their school. Tiffany and Timmy get down together, waving me bye as they both run inside. My grip on the steering wheel tightens, but I don’t turn in the ignition yet.
When I found out about my pregnancy, I swore to give my baby a happy life, well now I have two adorable kids and I would do anything for them to get all the love in the world.
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For Timmy and Tiffany’s sakes, For them to experience both their mother’s love and their father’s love. I’m willing to take a drastic step I’ve dreaded, even if it might kill me to do so,
