Chapter 24...

The song above is "Say Something" Fits perfectly! Thank you @SpritesAndWolves <3 <3

NOT EDITED!!!

EVERYONE! I KNOW THE AGES OF JENNA'S MOMS KIDS DO NOT MATCH UP BUT OVER LOOK IT!! I HAVEN'T REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT THE AGE THING SO PLEASE JUST IGNORE IT!

Karen's POV (Jenna's mother)

That face. That face looks awfully familiar and I couldn't place a finger on it. The girl with Liam Stanford was very pretty and I couldn't help but wonder if we have met before. Even after they abruptly left I stared after them my eyebrows frowned. The rest of the night rather quickly and soon my husband and I were back home. I was currently taking off my make-up and sliding into a pair of pjs.

"Honey do you know the girl that was with Liam Stanford?" I asked from the bathroom.

"All I know is that she is his fiancé." Martin shouted back at me. "She never said her name."

Then why did she seem so familiar? I pondered.

"Why are you wondering?" He asked as I came out of the bathroom and standing beside the bed.

"Oh nothing I just think I have seen her before. Maybe we have met her parents or something." I waved it off. I was just tired from the long day.

"I just got off the phone with Ryan. Him and Tessa are going to come home tomorrow until Monday." I smiled at that. My two babies were coming home to visit from boarding school. The twins were only 13 and away at boarding school for the last month.

"That's good." I said rubbing in my lotion before pulling the covers over myself and grabbing my book. The next little bit we read before turning off our lights and heading to bed.

I laid there trying to sleep but for some reason I could not. I tried counting sheep, and thinking about everything I needed done this weekend and during the week but nothing seemed to work. Instead my mind decided to bring up old memories I had pushed far away.

*******

"What is your name?" A man's voice asked. Lifting my head up from the counter I met a pair of chocolate brown eyes and a gorgeous face. The guy sitting in front of me was wearing a nice suit with the tie loosened, and his brown hair was ruffled like he ran his hands through it too many times. He looked vaguely familiar but I couldn't place him.

"Huh?" I asked forgetting what he just asked me. I was to busy staring at his gorgeous face. High cheek bones and a nice jawline.

"What is your name?" He asked once more.

"Oh I am Karen." I answered.

"Pretty name for a pretty women." He said sending me a smile. I felt myself blush and chimed myself. I was 25 for goodness sake I shouldn't be blushing at a comment like that.

"Thank you." I softly said.

"I am Martin, Martin Brotherson."

"It is nice to meet you Martin."Looking down at his hands I saw he didn't have a drink and I also noticed he didn't have a ring on. I really didn't expect him to be married seeing that he couldn't be older than 27, 28. "Is there anything I can get you? A beer, scotch, whiskey?" I asked.

"I'll take a beer. Whatever you have on draft." He answered. Nodding I moved behind the counter getting him his drink. I felt his eyes on me the entire time making my skin hot.

"Here you go." I said sliding his beer in front of him.

"If you don't mind me asking, why is a women like you working at a bar like this?" Martin asked suddenly.

"What is a man like you doing at a bar like this?" I countered back.

"Long day at the office. Needed something to relax me." He answered surprising me. He raised his eyebrows at me waiting for my answer in return.

"I have bills I need to pay."

"A women like you shouldn't have to work for stuff." He took a pull from his beer looking me straight in the eyes. Something about him seemed to speak to me. He looked like a business man, and judging by his expensive watch he had money.

I have been in plenty of relationships before. I mean I had a daughter for crying out loud, so it was no surprise that I was attracted to this unknown man. But it was surprising by how much I was with only have met him 3 minutes ago. His stared burned into my face like he was trying to get inside of my head.

"Tell me more about you." Martin said interrupting my thoughts. For the next hour him and I talked back and forth, getting to know one another. The entire time I felt at ease and safe. He did not strike me as a guy who would hurt a women or demand sex in the bathroom like most men I have encountered here. Every time I talked he would listen intently almost like he was hanging off every word. Before I even knew it was 10 o'clock at night and my shift was over.

I know it was terribly wrong but I never told Martin I had a 5 year old daughter at home. Something inside of me was holding that little piece of information back. I knew men did not like when a women had a child from another man. I knew if I told him he would run away and I did not want that. I wanted to keep talking to him. We talked as if we knew each other all our lives. And we had plenty in common. We both lost our parents right after high school, we both liked the same type of music.

I learned that when his parents passed away he as handed his families company. While attending college he also worked at the company and when he turned 21 he took over the entire thing. The company was called Brotherson's Inc. and they sold everything from furniture to electronics. He was well-known around New York.

When I was told I could leave I felt my heart sink, I wanted to stay and talk to Martin longer but I knew I had to get home to my daughter, Jenna. She was home with a babysitter right now. I gathered my things I left behind the bar. As I came around Martin was standing right there waiting for me.

"I guess I better get going." I said hoping my tone didn't give away that I didn't want to.

"I guess I better too." Walking side by side we left the bar and headed to the parking lot. Both of us were quiet as I walked to my beat up car. For some reason I felt extremely sad that I was leaving Martin and probably never see him again. I felt connected to him in some way, I couldn't explain it.

"Karen." Martin stopped me with a hand on my arm.

"Yeah?"

"I want to see you again if that is okay." He stared down at me.

"I-I would like that." A grin spread across his face.

"Good. Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow night?" He asked. I wanted to immediately say yes but I stopped thinking about it. Tomorrow is Friday but I have Jenna. I stood there biting my bottom lip thinking. Before I even knew it my mouth was opening and the words 'yes' slipped out.

"Can I have your phone number so I can call you to pick you up?" Without thinking about it I grabbed his phone and punched my number into it. "It was nice meeting you Karen, I am glad I came into this bar."

"Me too." I grinned at him.

"I'll text you later." Reaching for my hand he brought it up to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. Blushing he smiled at before stepping back and walking away. I unlocked my car and slide into the drivers seat. I sat there grinning from ear to ear. I had a date tomorrow the first one in 5 years.

The entire drive home I thought about Martin a warm feeling making its way into my chest and stomach. Something about him excited me. Pulling into the parking spot for my apartment I sighed looking up at my apartment building. It was not the greatest place to live. I was a single mother and worked 2 jobs just to make ends meet. If it was up to me I would not be living here but I had no where else for Jenna and I to go.

Locking my car behind me I grudgingly walked to my apartment building and inside. After graduating high school my life turned upside down. 1 year after graduation my parents were in a car accident and were killed instantly. Ridden with sadness and loneliness I got into a bad crowd. Partying every night, have sex with random strangers, not really caring about anything. Before my life was good I had 2 loving parents, a big group of amazing friends, college possibilities, but now nothing. After almost a year of partying, drinking, and sex I found out I was pregnant. I had only turned 20 a few weeks before. I knew who the father was, some dead beat 24 year old that my 'friends' were friends with.

The moment I found out it was like a wake up call. I stopped partying and drinking. I found a pretty decent job and a place from whatever was left from my parents funds. I had told the father but he wanted nothing to do with me or the baby. At the time I was happy to have a baby but I was only 20 and couldn't even take care of myself let alone a child.

5 years later I am here with a beautiful daughter and a pretty decent life. Not exactly what I wanted but it was good. I loved my baby girl so much but times like this I wished I didn't have a kid. I wanted to act like other 25 year olds. Go out on dates, have friends, go to clubs. Instead of was stuck working 2 dead end jobs, paying bills, taking Jenna to school and back, and staying home everyday. I just wished my life was different.

Unlocking the front door I shut it quietly behind me not wanting to wake up Jenna. Sitting on the couch with the tv on quietly was my babysitter, Mary. The girl was only 17, she was a very sweet girl and got along great with Jenna. She only lived a few blocks away which was perfect if I needed her here suddenly.

"Hi Ms. Howard." She said hearing my come in.

"Hi Mary. How was she tonight?" I asked putting my keys and purse on the counter.

"Great as always." Mary said smiling. Turning off the tv she stood up. "How was work?" At the mention of work the image of Martin flashed in my head.

"It was good. Speaking of which I know it is so sudden and you may have plans but could you also babysit tomorrow night around 6?" I asked. I hated asking her when she probably already had plans but I had no other choice.

"No problem. I have no plans anyways, plus I love hanging out with Jenna." Mary said.

"Thank you!"

"So big plans tomorrow night?" She grinned at me. I couldn't help but blush. "Who's the lucky guy?"

"T-there's no lucky guy." I stammered out. Mary rolled her eyes at me

"I better go I have school tomorrow." Nodding I grabbed my purse and took out two 20's.

"Thank you Mary." I handed it to her.

"No problem Ms. Howard Jenna is a sweetheart." She gathered her things and headed for the door. "Oh and Ms. Howard...remember to use protection." She said before grinning widely and shutting the door behind her. I stood there staring after her. Shaking my head I headed down the hall and into the one room.

A soft smile spread a crossed my face seeing my baby sleep clenching her favorite teddy bear in her arms. Going over I re-tucked her in placing a soft kiss to her forehead before heading to the bathroom to quickly shower and change. 20 minutes later I emerged from the bathroom feeling clean and dressed in pjs. Sliding into bed I stared at my daughter thinking about tomorrow. With a sigh I drifted off to sleep.

The whole next day all I could think about was my date with Martin. Never in my life have I been so nervous or excited for a date. Maybe it was because this one felt different, Martin felt different than the other sleaze balls I have dated. After I dropped Jenna off at kindergarten I drove to my other work, a receptionist at a Insta Care. I thankfully didn't have to know anything about medical stuff and the job was pretty easy. Just check people in and get their insurance information.

My whole shift my mind was else where. I felt like a teenager all over again. I felt like I did when I went on my very first date back in high school. It was a great feeling to have and I missed it. Not that I didn't like spending all my time with my daughter, this was just a whole different feeling. When my work shift finally ended I drove to pick Jenna up. Since I promised her ice cream earlier in the morning that was all she talked about when I picked her up.

Sitting in a booth eating an ice cream cone I stared at my daughter. She looked just like me when I was little. Blonde hair, bright green eyes, and a wide toothy grin. I was thankful she looked like me instead of her father, not that the father wasn't ugly or nothing, it just made me feel better that she looked like me. She talked about some kids in her class while licking her cone. She got it all over her face but I smiled at the sight. It was moments like these I loved being a mother, just staring at her and listening to her talking even though she mis-spoke some of the words.

Once we both finished our cones we got in the car and drove home. It was 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I had yet to hear from Martin. Just as we walked inside the apartment my phone buzzed. Feeling giddy with excitement I opened it up seeing a text from him. Grinning I read it.

Martin: Hey does 6 o'clock work for you?

Karen: Yeah it does.

Martin: Okay I will pick you up around there. What is your address?

I hesitated for a second not really wanting him to see where I lived but I pushed aside my embarrassment and typed my address. With only 2 hours until he picked me up I decided it wouldn't hurt to start getting ready now.

"Hey baby why don't you watch some tv. I am going to go shower." I said grabbing the remote and turning it on some disney channel.

"Yay!" She yelled running over to the couch and climbing on it. Placing the remote back by the tv I placed a kiss on her head before heading to go shower.

It took me longer then I thought to shower because I had to shave and I wanted to make sure me skin was soft and smooth. Stepping out of the shower I put a towel around my body and head before going to my little closet. I didn't have too many fancy outfits. Most the of the things I wore were worn jeans and a t-shirt. Looking in the back of my closet I saw a few dresses I still had from my partying days. After I had Jenna I lost a ton of weight and I think I could probably wear one of them tonight. Grabbing the 3 dresses I still had I placed them on my bed before starting on blow drying my hair in front of the mirror beside the bed. Sometime while I was finishing drying my hair Jenna walked in.

"Mommy what are you doing?" She asked jumping on the bed and looking at me.

"I am doing my hair baby. Would you like to watch?" Giving my a nod I started doing my hair telling Jenna what I was doing. She seemed fascinated by what I was doing, her eyes wide taking everything in. Once my hair was curled and framing my face I grabbed some makeup. I haven't really worn any makeup in a long time but I did not want to go out with Martin looking like a zombie.

"Twis one." Jenna said suddenly grabbing a tub of lipstick from the counter. Grabbing it from her hand I popped open the lid and showed her the red color.

"This one?" She nodded. Smiling I put it on before showing her my lips. Once she saw it she nodded grinning showing me her two front teeth. "Since you are so great at helping me with my makeup why don't you help me with an outfit." I said.

Holding them up one at a time I watched Jenna's face. She was definitely my daughter as she picked out a cute simple strapless black dress. It was longer than the other two and after trying it on I knew it was perfect for tonight. It showed enough skin to be sexy but not enough to be sexy. With my blonde hair curled to my shoulders and my makeup done I slide on a pair of heels I have not worn in 5 years.

"How do I look baby?" I asked twirling around.

"Mommy you wook pwetty." Jenna said. Grabbing her I lifted her into my arms and turned around in a circle. Jenna giggled and smiled looking at me. A knock on the door stopped me and I set Jenna down. Running a hand down my dress I headed for the door thinking it was Martin. Hesitantly opening the door I let out a breath of relief seeing Mary standing there.

"Whoa Ms. Howard you look hot!" Mary said looking at me and walking inside.

"Thank you."

"Mary!" Jenna screamed running towards her. Laughing Mary lifted her up kissing her cheek. Seeing as it was 5 to 6 I moved around grabbing everything I needed and put it in my purse.

"I am sorry for making you babysit on a Friday Mary." I said reaching for my cellphone.

"It is no problem Ms. Howard." I hated when she called me that. It made me feel so old. But no matter how many times I told her to call me Karen she wouldn't. "You deserve to go on a date and let loose." Smiling at her my phone buzzed in my hand. With a text from Martin saying he was here my heart race picked up. For some reason I didn't want him coming up here and seeing Jenna.

"I have to go. I will be back before midnight. Thank you so much Mary." I said making sure I had everything. Going over to Jenna in Mary's arms I leaned down. "Be good for Mary okay Jenna? I will be home soon. I love you." Giving her a kiss and one last thankful smile I left. As I made my way downstairs I felt bad for leaving Jenna but I pushed it away. Mary was right I needed a night out. I reached the lobby just as Martin was walking in.

"Karen! I was coming up to get you." He said surprised to see me down here.

"I uh just couldn't wait." I said lamely. Yeah that doesn't make me sound desperate. Martin just grinned at me.

"I have the perfect placed picked out." Holding his arm out for me I grabbed it and let him lead me outside and to a very nice looking Mercedes car. Sliding into the passenger side I felt excitement bubbling up in my chest. I know this was going to be a great night.

The next 5 months went quickly by. I was happier than I had been in a long time. Martin made me feel so special and safe. We got a long great and we understood one another. After our date 5 months ago my life become happier and less dull. The only bad part about it is that Martin still did not know about Jenna. I couldn't bring myself to tell him on our first date now 5 months later I still couldn't. Jenna was still a mystery and I know it is wrong but I liked it that way. I did not want Martin to get scared off by knowing I had a daughter.

I tried to split my time equally between them but I spent more time with Martin than Jenna. Mary babysat almost every night and on the weekends. She didn't complain since I paid her well for it and she was saving up for college but I knew I couldn't keep asking her to babysit for me. She was going to graduate high school in a few months leaving me without a babysitter. Jenna being a smart 5 year old kept asking me where I was going. I just told her it was for work. I felt terrible leaving her most nights but for once in 5 years I was feeling free and loved by someone. I did not want to give it up quite yet.

It was our 5th month anniversary when Martin proposed to me. We both knew it was sudden but it felt right. We connected in some way that neither of us could deny. I loved him and he loved me. It seemed I was finally getting everything I wanted. I had met the right guy who treated me like a princess. It didn't matter that he had money, I only cared that he loved me. It was the moment I said 'yes' that I had a huge decision to make. Do I finally tell him about Jenna? Do I call it off? What do I do about my daughter?

The whole next week following the engagement I told Martin I had a few things to do before moving in with him. All week I was stressed out trying to figure out what to do. I knew I couldn't let Martin get away, and if I told him about Jenna he probably would. What 27 year old wanted to adopted a daughter?! I could not ask him to be her father, especially after all this time. By the end of the week I had my decision and I was convinced it was for the best. I settled everything with my apartment, telling the landlord I was leaving by the end of the week, I quit both of my jobs which Martin fully supported.

Gathering as much strength as I could and telling myself over and over again this was the best thing for Jenna I woke her up early in the morning. Gathering her favorite teddy bear, and a jacket I lead out of the apartment and to the car. The entire ride Jenna kept asking where we were going but I didn't answer. This was for the best. Jenna deserved a great life and I was being selfish by keeping her. Or at least that is what I convinced myself. I had already found a good orphanage the other day so parking the car a little bit aways I got Jenna out and walked towards the house.

"Jenna I need you to stay right here for me okay?" I said the moment we came to the house.

"Mommy where are we? Where are you going?" She asked. Her green eyes looked up at me confused.

"Mommy is just going to go somewhere for a little while but I will be back." I said lying. "Be a good girl and stay here. I have to go." I took a step back but a little hand wrapping around my wrist stopped me.

"But mommy I want to go with you!" Jenna said clenching her teddy bear to her chest with one arm. Sliding down onto my knees I put my hands on her little shoulders looking into her eyes.

"Honey I will be back soon. I just need you to stay right here until I get back."

"I don't want to stay here." She whined.

"Jenna. Be a good girl and listen to mommy." I said my voice being stern. I couldn't stay here much longer for the sun will be up and the orphanage will be open.

"I want you to know I love you Jenna. I'll be back soon." I said placing a kiss on her forehead. I lingered there a little longer feeling tears starting to gather in my eyes. I had to let her go she deserved better than me. Forcing myself to back up I turned and walked away hearing Jenna crying softly behind me. I had to force my legs to keep walking, if I didn't I would have turned right around. With every step I took my heart broke a little more. I thought I was doing what was best, for both of us. Letting one tear slip out of my eyeI got in the car and quickly drove away.

Jenna I will always love you and I hope you forgive me one day. With that I left Jenna behind and headed to Martin's house.

********

I jolted awake with tears sliding down my face. I choked back a sob. I hadn't dreamt of that night in so long but every time I did my heart broke even more. 14 years since I left my baby at the door step of an orphanage. Over the years I have beaten myself up about my stupid decision. I was young and very stupid for thinking I could leave my 5 year old daughter by herself to start a new life. I was so focused on Martin and my so called 'new fantastic' life that I didn't even think about her. I am a terrible mother.

I have thought about trying to find Jenna over the years but I figured I shouldn't. I did not want to disrupt her life. She probably has a loving family, and is in college somewhere living her life. I couldn't just find her and be like 'hey I am your mother. The one who abandoned you all those years ago for my selfish desires.' It was for the better I didn't.

I was now in my 40's and had 2 other children of my own. I loved them so much and even thinking about leaving them like I did my first made me hate myself all the more. I got pregnant with the twins 1 year after marrying Martin. It wasn't until I had them and had seen Martin with them did I realize how much I loved being a mother. After giving birth to them I tried my hardest to the mother everyone would be proud of. I wanted to be like my own mother who was amazing and was always there for me.

My life with Martin was great. 14 years later we still loved each other like the moment we met. He still made my stomach erupt with butterflies and my heart race. It really was the life I had always wanted.

So yes there is one big thing I regret so much. I regretted all my decision I made all those years ago. If I could I would go back in a instant and take Jenna with me. I will always regret what I did and live with it the rest of my life.

Seeing as I was a mess I quickly got up to wash my face and calm down. I didn't want Martin to see me like this. He can be very protective. After calming down and freshening up I left the bathroom just as he was getting up.

"Hey honey." He said in his deep morning voice. Smiling I went over to him and kissed his lips. Even to this day there were sparks when we kissed. "You were up early this morning."

"Yeah I am just happy to be seeing the twins today." I said half lying. It was true I couldn't wait to see my babies. I haven't seen them in 3 weeks.

"How about I go and make you some breakfast before them come?" Martin said grinning at me. Smiling I kissed him one last time before stepping out of his arms.

"I'll meet you down there." Sending him a wink I left the bedroom and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Grabbing things from the fridge to get breakfast started I heard Martin's footsteps entering the kitchen.

"I am suppose to make you breakfast." He said setting the newspaper down on the counter.

"You were taking too long."

"Go sit down and read the paper women!" He instructed swatting me on the butt before grabbing my hips and moving me away from the stove. Rolling my eyes and laughing at him I did as he said. With the paper in hand I went to the table and sat down. Martin came over with a cup of coffee in his hand just the way I liked it before getting started on breakfast. Taking a sip of my coffee I opened the paper all of the sudden choking on my coffee. On the front page it read:

Liam Stanford and fiancé Jenna Howard made their first appearance at his father's companies Benefit last night. His fiancé looked stunning in a simple red dress and Liam looked handsome as always in a black and white tux. The pair announced their engagement earlier this week surprising all of us. No one knows who this Jenna Howard is but we have to say we are already liking them together. They haven't announced the date of the big day but we are hoping soon. The two are quickly becoming New York's favorite couple.

Jenna Howard? Jenna? Howard? Jenna?! There couldn't be another girl with that same name, right? The girl I met last night was Jenna, my little baby girl?

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So there you guys go! Just an insight to Jenna's mother and why she left Jenna when she was 5. I really hope you guys liked it! I wanted to make sure you guys kind of got a backstory to her mom and what she was thinking/feeling when she gave up Jenna. This chapter was kind of hard to write because it is not easy writing a chapter on someone who leaves their child because they want a better life. It actually made me hate her mother even more!

*Also sorry on not updating sooner. I am starting to think SUNDAY's will be my update days. I usually don't do anything Saturday nights and Sunday's so it gives me time to write. So probably keep our eyes open on Sundays from now on. I am really hoping to have this story done by Thanksgiving, but who knows. I just write whatever comes to mind. I have NO IDEA how many chapters this book will have or when it will end. For those who hate that I am sorry!

I really hope you guys liked this and let me know what you think of Jenna's mom. Was it really a good excuse to leave Jenna? Do you understand why she did it? Do you hate her even more?

*Thank you guys for the amazing support of this book!!! It means a lot! I am thinking of starting a Facebook page for this story so everyone can interact and talk about the book together. Let me know if you think it would be a cool/fun idea!!

VOTE, COMMENT, AND ADD TO READING LISTS!

<3

-Ken