The Return of My First Love novel Chapter 10

Emily

As I approached the familiar doorstep of my next-door neighbor, Mrs. Rodriquez, I could already hear the faint hum of a television set and Natalie's cheerful giggling. 

I knocked on the door, which swung open, revealing the warm, and welcoming expression of Mrs. Rodriquez. "Hi, Emily," she greeted, her smile crinkling the corners of her eyes. Mrs. Rodriquez was a kind older lady who lived alone in the apartment next to mine. She was a good person and would often offer to pick up and look after Natalie after school.

I trusted her, and it was a kindness I would forever be indebted to.

"I came to pick up Natalie," I spoke, returning her smile.

"Naty!" The woman turned her head. "Your mommy is here!"

As she turned back to face me, I caught her staring at my uniform, silently judging me. Knowing what was about to come, I fidgeted with the ends of my dress.

"Emily, do you really have to work for that family? Isn't there any other way?" she asked, her tone heavy with concern.

I shrugged, the weight of her words settling heavily on my shoulders. "I have to pay the bills somehow, Mrs. Rodriquez, and the diner just wasn't enough," I explained. "I'd also like to buy something new for Natalie once in a while."

Truthfully, I didn't need much for myself, but I wanted Naty to grow up without a constant cloud of worry hanging over her head.

A sigh left Mrs. Rodriquez lips, followed by a pitiful frown. "I'm not a big fan of that family, Emily," she didn't mind giving her opinion. "You must be oblivious to the real state of that family since you've only been here for a few months."

Hoping she would drop the conversation, I waved my hand dismissively. "Oh well."

She looked around nervously, so no one could hear us, before leaning in closer. "It's so bad they've even run the authorities out of the city. Everything belongs to the Fanuccis."

A chill ran down my spine but I quickly pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the sound of light footsteps approaching.

"Hi, Mommy!" Naty's voice broke through my thoughts, her eyes sparkling with excitEmilyent. Her dark brown hair was not quite as neatly braided as I left it in the morning, but her rosy cheeks dimpling with her wide smile made up for that mess.

Mrs. Rodriquez patted Natalie's head, showing her affection. Natalie was the spitting image of me, from her long brown hair to her warm brown eyes. I was grateful every day that she bore no resEmilyblance to that monster.

"Naty has already had dinner and taken a shower. She's ready for bed."

"Thank you, Mrs. Rodriquez."

"B-Bed?" Naty's face fell, a tiny pout forming on her lips. "Awh, but I didn't even get to spend time with you today, mommy!"

"Tomorrow, Naty," I reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear before offering Mrs. Rodriquez a final smile. Then I took Naty's hand in mine as we made our way to our apartment.

~

As we sat at the table, Naty immediately reached to pull a drawing from her backpack. "Look Mommy, I made this at school today!"

She showcased a beautiful and detailed landscape, perhaps a bit too advanced of a drawing for a six-year-old.

"It's beautiful, princess." I took the paper in my hands, but my voice sounded bittersweet.

I knew she had a gift for drawing and painting. I had high hopes to enroll her in a private elEmilyentary acadEmilyy, with a special art program, in the city. Unfortunately, I almost fainted when I read the fee and accepted that it was just not possible.

Although I enjoyed staring at her art, it also made me feel guilty as it was a harsh rEmilyinder of the opportunity I just couldn't afford to give her, despite trying so hard.

"How was school?" I asked, attEmilypting to shift the focus of our conversation.

"Good," she shrugged.

"And what did you do in school today?" I asked further, looking for more than just a one-word answer.

Naty retorted with a playful giggle. "Whatever it is six-year-olds do at school, Mommy,"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, Miss Smarty Pants," I called her out.