Mates 42

Chapter 42

FRIEDA WHITLOCK

“Do you plan to spend the whole day here today?” Dad asked, staring at me lovingly and I smiled at him. Two days ago, my new apartment with Francisco had been arranged and paid for so I moved out. Getting that apartment was to maintain my and Cisco’s dynamics as we were back in the States. However, who knew I would always want to come over and talk to Dad and Lyra any chance I got?

Luckily, the apartment was just a street away from home so I could jog over most of the time. This way, Cisco could easily cycle over to visit his grandpa. But it just wasn’t the same as living with them.

Lyra had thrown a tantrum about me moving out but in the end, she reluctantly helped set the interior decoration of my apartment. As long as I wasn’t leaving, she would do anything in support of my decision of staying of course.

–

“I wish I could dad. I love spending time with you two” I pursed my lips to form a pout and he laughed. Chuckling, I reached for my glass of smoothie on the table. We were in the backyard lounging in the garden. Lyra had set up umbrellas to block it from the sun. This was such a perfect arrangement to cool off. I minded laying here all day doing nothing other than talking and laughing like we were doing now.

“Me too darling, however, I think it’s time for you to get out of the house often. You need to get a job”

Dad stated seriously

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and I sighed.

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“It’s not that easy to get a good job with my qualifications, Dad,” I told him feeling a bit embarrassed.

I was lucky to get past twelfth grade then no more. Maybe, things would have been different if I didn’t have Cisco. I might’ve graduated college and secured a good job but probably would still have lost either way. I don’t regret having Cisco, he’s my life and maybe having him was already the biggest win for me after everything I had been through.

Aside from a job, I don’t think I needed anything else.

“I understand Freda and there’s nothing to be ashamed of Your were in a tight position then because I know you. You were always the brightest back at school. If things were different, you would’ve had a great career” He said, his voice calm and smooth.

I smiled, feeling a heat crawl to my cheeks, “Thanks Dad for being the most supportive”

“What about me?” Lyra chimed in and we turned to stare at her. She was by the door, frowning dramatically with her hands folded across her chest. She looked like a five-year-old deprived of candy. Such a baby. My favorite baby in the whole world apart from Cisco.

“Lyra, you know I wouldn’t do anything without getting a go- ahead from you right? That’s how much you impact my life. I love you sis” I winked and she smiled, walking toward us.

“I love you too” She winked, plopping on the lounge chair next to Dad, “I overheard Dad telling you to look for a job. I think that’s a great idea Freeds. You should go for it. I’ll help look for

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vacancies around”

“See what I was saying?” I grinned, pointing at her and we laughed. “Thanks, bestie”

Two hours passed and it was time to get Cisco from school. I was reluctant to leave but both of them had to sing it to me how they wouldn’t spare me if their Cisco had to wait for me while exhausted from all the school hassle. It was sweet but mean at the same time. How could they threaten me with my son?

All through the drive, I kept giggling. I think today was probably the first time, I laughed so hard. I felt alive. Deep down, I wished things would never change from this but was that possible?

A part of my life was already heading downhill and in the meantime, I had no control over it. But…

Today was good and I had to stop thinking about everything else but the fun I had with two of the most special persons in my life.

“Well, I’m early and no one’s grandson will be waiting for their mother” Sarcasm dripped from my words as I pulled over in the parking area of Cisco’s school. When I got out of the car, I took a picture of myself and sent it to Lyra with a caption stating how early I was.

I know she and Dad will have a good laugh over this.

After me, more parents arrived to get their kids. Moments later, the children had been dismissed for the day and I hurried over to get Cisco.

stood right in front of the building searching for my handsome boy with my eyes. He was yet to come out and I couldn’t wait to see him. I missed him so much, I just realized.

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Suddenly, a woman I recognized as Cisco’s teacher blocked my line of sight. I frowned. I don’t think she knowingly did that since people were all over the place but it made me angry. I shifted to the side to see if I could spot Cisco but then his teacher walked till she was right before me.

“Ms Whitlock” She called and I looked at her with raised brows before nodding. Why had she come to me directly, did

something happen to Cisco? Was she here to report something irrational about him?

Well, she better hold her horses because my son was the sweetest and I was ready to vouch for that.

“You don’t have to be so tensed ma’am. All’s well. I just came. over to tell you about the party that will be held next week” She informed and my shoulders relaxed

“Oh, a party?”

“Yes ma’am. The school has decided to throw a party and only the top ten students have been selected and invited. Cisco is among the top ten. Actually, he’s in the top five. I must say, ma’am, you have such an intelligent boy. Despite being a new pupil, he has been doing exceptionally well”

My chest bubbled with joy as she praised Cisco. I couldn’t help the wide smile that spread on my lips. Cisco had always been brilliant but when we moved here I was worried about how he would cope but he was proving to me that he could do just fine.

“Thank you very much. I will be sure to bring him to the party” My voice seeped with excitement. I felt like jumping but that would just be dramatic.

She smiled and nodded. However, her next words left me frozen

in my spot.

“You will be expected. Please ask Mr. Whitlock to come as well as it is a requirement that the kids must come with both.

parents’

What did she mean by a requirement for the presence of.. of a father?