"You have Jamie... Come on." Norma whispered like she's talking about a secret.

That's when I remember the father of my children is still not aware of the existence of his son. He didn't give me the chance to speak..... to tell him that he has the desired son.

"He should know," I expressed my guilt. He is behaving like a rogue because he is not aware of our son, our chance. I am sure this is the reason..... maybe or I am trying to excuse his horrible behaviour on behalf of him.

I may be a fool for still trying to save this marriage, but I want to save this marriage, this life, for my children. I want Cherish to see that her father is a good man, for Jamie to learn about the good qualities of a human.

"It may not be your plan but listen to me... He doesn't want you neither any kids from you. He gave you this house, monthly allowance, two of his property as divorce settlement...." Patting my shoulder, "take it... For Jamie." She advised.

"What about my daughter?" I questioned. "They took my daughter. She is my firstborn. My best friend."

"They love her. You know that. James never forget to flaunt about his daughter... he is proud of her." She sat next to me on the stairs. "I doubt if he is the same man who refused to even look at that beautiful girl."

"I told you. He is not that man we assume. There is something more to the story... I can feel it. The family is not what we see."

"If something is wrong then, it's already been 16 years... There is no impact of THAT something wrong. It would be better if you leave the situation and move on... Without your daughter, fighting for her will cause you heartbreak." I knew what was coming for me. Her wise words. "You are still young. You will get someone who would love you... And Jamie."

"I don't want to be loved. I want my children. My husband. My family." I didn't realize I was crying until Norma hugged me. She let me express myself. I can always express myself with her.

******

"Do you need help?" I heard a deep foreign accent from my behind.

Turning, I see an olive-skinned man with hazel eyes. That tattoo on his arms was scary. Too scary.

I smiled politely and reject his offer, before proceeding to take the container of cereals. I planned to go away from him as soon as I am done. His appearance gives me vibes... Unwanted, weird vibes. THAT vibes.

"But... I need the cereals too. If you move aside I could get one." He sounded amuse.

Without turning back, I moved aside and gave him the space that he needed to get his cereals. I heard his chuckling while taking the cereals and before leaving, he pulled out the cereals that I was trying to get.

"A thank you will be enough for me." He said, walking away. I see him, still looking at me, while walking away.

"Thank you..." I said, meekly. I wasn't sure if he heard me, but that wasn't my concern and, continued to pull out my groceries. Furthermore, I planned to finish shopping and get to Jamie for the dinner.

It's not long that I shifted to a new house, that I got as payment for carrying the name Carter, for not causing any trouble to the family. We are still in the separation period and soon, we will be divorce.

I am still trying to communicate with James. He needs to know about Jamie, that Norma hid. She did it intentionally. She planned it with Daniel. She claimed that she could have told James if he wouldn't have choked me to almost death. Later, doctors were called and when I opened my eyes, I was in a new place.

My husband expects me to live there. I am also blessed with a heavy monthly allowance by him. But I feel insulted. Like be paid me for being his backup Whenever he was at the mansion. He was never sober; except the last time, when he threw the divorce paper at my face. He used to drag me with my hair to his room and raped me on the same of where he used to sleep with Willa.

That was never my bed.

Never.

If James doesn't listen to me then I will move away with all the money that I will get from selling the property and will start a flower shop. Only me and Jamie. While I will try to connect with Cherish. This family is cruel. They never allowed me to even send any letter to my daughter. My blood.

"Can I ask you a favour?" The same stranger again interrupted.

I didn't answer him.

"I needed this last jam that you are holding." He pointed at the jar of jam in my hand.

"You can ask for the new stock." I politely dismissed him and pushed my trolley.

"I can, but I need to leave like right now. I have a business to run." He followed me.... without a trolley. Is he following me?

He continued to follow me. And, this was the moment I realized he will not stop until he gets what he wants. I stopped and sighed my defeat. I gave up and passed him the jar of the jam. I still have a jar, but I was simply stocking them for Jamie. My baby loves bread and jam. His favourite. And I love when my baby's green eyes shine with joy. He makes my day.

"Thank you... By the way, I am Theo." Extending his hands, he introduced himself. But I conflicted with my next move. This man with a foreign accent gives me THAT vibes, but his behaviour seems genuine. He respected, when I showed my disinterest in him.

"Nice to meet you." I took his hand and felt a grip... A weird grip, like he knows I need someone to talk to. To share my struggle. "I am Anna." I babbled looking at his massive hands covering my hands.

"Anna." Low. Soft. Like he was tasting my name.

I smiled politely and noticed his hazel eyes were looking at me, intensely. I pulled my hand from him in discomfort.

"Your smile is beautiful Anna...." He looked around. I knew, he was looking for a topic to talk about, but there is none. We are strangers. "See you around then." He walked away... Slowly. He turns back, to see me. Stops. Opens his mouth, before shutting it again. And finally made it to the cashier.

I think, Norma was right, I forgot the art of socializing with humanity. I need to get out, complete my school and I will ultimately move away with Jamie. Because by the time, I would be done with my little goal, Cherish would be an adult. She would be coming with us. Maybe I should leave the thought of making a life with James Carter.