CHAPTER SIX

Anna’s Pov

It's 8:00 am and I just remembered that Kylie will be going for her dance training.  

"Kylie, we have to prepare for the class. You don't have to be late"

She was still on her bed, sleeping like a baby. I gently massaged her body and raised her up. Kylie made a slight sound like she wanted to cry.

"Sorry, my, dear."

"Are you taking her to the dance class?" Ella asked me.

"Yes, and we are almost late. I can't imagine it's past eight"

"Don't worry, I will get the breakfast ready" Ella said but I wasn't sure I heard her.

I quickly bathed my daughter and entered the kitchen to prepare our breakfast. I met Ella preparing a sandwich and hot coffee for us.

"I am almost done," she said.

"Thank you for all you are doing. I was thinking of what to prepare for breakfast" I smiled at Ella.

Ella has been so helpful to me. She made everything so easy for me. I wonder what I could have done, especially having four kids growing at the same time.

I have suffered while alone, talking more now that I am occupied, sharing my family activities with my kids.

"You don't have to thank me. You are more like a senior sister to me. I will take care of the boys"

I saw the way she was cleaning her wet hands with the napkin excitedly. I still can't explain the joy she derives while taking care of kids.

"I might go out with the boys, if you don't mind" she winked her eyes.

I pointed my two fingers jokenly towards her, "This is becoming partial. Why take the boys out?"

Ella laughed loud, "Don't be jealous. Since they have no class to attend like Kylie, I have decided to take them out for fun"

"That's fine. I am not arguing about that, after all, they are always indoors."

"Now you are talking" Ella paused, she walked close to me and stared at me. I became worried about what she was looking at.

"I am not sure you had enough rest. Your eye bags seem to be swollen and you look stressed. Didn't you sleep early?"

"I actually did, but…"

"Were you thinking?"

"You are always worried about little things. Once I apply my makeup, it will not be noticeable" I said, trying to justify myself. I know she wasn't comfortable with my answer but there was no explanation to her question.

Ella left the kitchen without saying a word. I know she hates it when I hide things from her but, I can't even explain. She has always advised me to speak up.

When I woke up, I noticed that I was looking so weak and tired. I couldn't imagine that I would be able to take Kylie out.

I felt so disturbed, although I don’t know the reason. This is so unusual of me.

What do I do now to clear my head off? The day is still far, I can’t stay now till the

evening when I need to go out for my daily work. I quickly snapped my fingers

together.

We got to the venue and I hurriedly dragged Kylie because I didn't want her to be punished. Just then, someone walked past me brushing my right shoulder.

"Ouch!" I turned to look at the man who brushed against my shoulder.

"Kylie?"

"Yes? Do you know my daughter?" I continued rubbing my left shoulder to indicate

that he had nearly hurt me.

"Sorry about that, and yes, I know your daughter. I'm assuming you're Anna. I'm

Demitri, your neighbor. I met your roommate, Ella, when I stopped by to

introduce myself. You weren't home that day," he said, smiling while gently touching

Kylie's cheek.

“Oh, okay. Nice to meet you then.” I said, smiling. Our first meeting wasn't nice but I hope we can get along as neighbors.

“Anyway, I brought my daughter for dance training,” I said awkwardly since he wasn’t

saying anything.

“Wow! Interesting to know” I was becoming uncomfortable with the way he was

smiling at me with his eyeballs looking straight into mine. I couldn’t stand the

look.

“Sorry, if you don’t mind, I need to take her inside”

“I don’t mind at all but here is my contact card. I would like to keep in touch” I

collected the card from him.

“Thank you and have a lovely day.”

I moved my daughter into the class for her training. I hugged her before she joined

her friends.

I watched her dance. She kept her gaze on me to make sure I was watching steadily to

see her performance.

I kept smiling just to encourage her. Although, I was happy to see that my four-year-old daughter could dance so well.

However, I was not surprised because I used to be a very good dancer when I was still in the pack, since she's my only daughter and

of course, she'd inherit some of my abilities.

I was still admiring my daughter when I sensed a presence beside me. I turned around, only to come face-to-face with someone I never imagined I would see.

"What are you doing here? How did you find me?"

Memories of his rejection flooded

back, reminding me of the pain I endured alone until I had my children. Anger surged

through me like a gust of wind.

"Anna, these questions aren't important right now. We need to talk."

"Leave!" I shouted.

“Anna, wait. I know you don’t want to see me right now but..”

"But what? You told me to get out of your sight, right? You said you never wanted to

see me again. Well, that's exactly what I want now, so get out of here!"

I felt a wave of sadness, hurt, and anger wash over me. Seeing him brought back

memories and emotions that I had long suppressed.

Suddenly, someone tugged on my clothes. I turned to see my daughter.

"Mommy, what's wrong?