The Announcement

CHAPTER 6

MIRA’S POV

I woke up to face kisses by my princess, she must have gotten up before me. And it was a school day I needed to get her early to school.

“Princess, you're up already?” I asked her.

“Yes mom, I have school today.” she replied and stood and started bouncing off the bed.

I wiped off the sleep off my eyes, while laughing at her cute gesture. “Okay baby, stop that you're gonna get dizzy. Let's get you ready for school.”

I helped my baby shower and we both had a moment, in the bathroom I dried her up. To Get her ready for school I took her to the dining room.

“Grandpa,” she shouted and hugged father.

“Good morning dad and mom,” I said to both of them.

They both responded and mom took Abby, and I went back to shower and start my day. I remembered when I first told my parents that I was pregnant.

After bawling out my eyes at my sister's house, she encouraged me to tell our parents about this new development.

“Jordan, I'm so scared to face them,” I said in a scared and weak voice.

Jordan looked at me with a knowing look, “Look you just got pregnant, not kill someone.” she assured me like a pro.

I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, “I still feel like I'm an embarrassment to them. I just feel so foolish and useless.”

“Stop with the negativity creep, is not good for the baby. I got knocked up too, they'll surely understand.” She assured me and gave me warm milk.

I took it and had a sip of it, “I hate this. I just wish things would have happened differently Jo.” I said in a low tone.

“That's life, we can't control it. I had Noah too just like you. But Mira, are you gonna raise the baby or give it up?” Jordan asked me with a serious face.

I paused and looked at her, and back to my flat tummy. “I wanna raise it by myself. you did it, I can do it too.” I said feigning strength.

“Good choice, you know I had Tommy too. help me. Our parents and you too. Can you do it? it? without his help?” she asked me, reminding me of Ethan.

“I can do it sis, besides I have you all.” I said with all conviction.

I remembered walking to the patio with shaky legs, but I was grateful for Jordan who walked with me. She was my big encouragement.

“Welcome girls,” mom said, hugging us tightly. “Your father is home today, his back hurts so. much.” mom announced.

“Mom why didn't you tell us, we could've taken him to the hospital.” Jordan said while walking into the room.

We both saw father and he assured us that it wasn't too severe that he'll take meds and be okay. I remember mom making dinner with smiles, as we both helped out and I. knew that I had to tell them very soon.

We were having dinner and the clinking of cutlery against the plates could be heard. I took a deep breath and I looked at all of them before talking.

“I'm pregnant,” I announced to them right at the dinning. There was a long pause accompanied by silence.

“Mira, you're kidding.” mom said, surprised all over her face.

“You don't have any boyfriend, that I can remember.” Dad added in his baritone voice.

“I don't and it's my boss.” I said with shame.

“You what, Mira what were you thinking?” mom asked in shock, dropping her fork.

“What is he saying about it?” Dad asked immediately.

“He's not saying anything. I don't wanna talk about him. I wanna keep the baby, I'm sorry for the shame and…

Dad cut me short, “You're not a disappointment Mira. You're my daughter who has helped us in every way that she can. And we'll support you too in this journey.” he said, surprising me.

“No matter what happens, you always remain our daughter.” mom added holding my hand.

I was so overwhelmed with emotions that I ran out with my phone outside. That's when I got the call that changed my life. I got Justin's call that day.

After showering I got dressed in my form fitting gown and heels to match. I wore my Chanel earrings and purse. Came down to see my princess eating, and talking with her grandparents.

“Mommy, Miss Parker said to bring my father.” Abby said when I sat down beside her.

I paused and my parents exchanged looks with me, and I looked at my daughter with a smiling face.

“Sweetie, I'll see your teacher.” I assured while touching her cheeks.

“Okay mummy,” she said and ate her toast.

We are having breakfast while engaging in occasional conversation, trying not to make it so obvious about my baby's words.

“I'll be seeing your guys later,” I said and kissed my parents goodbye.

The drive to school was wonderful, it was filled with Abby, telling me about her new friend, her school and giving her teacher the cupcakes from last night.

I held onto my baby's hand tightly, while holding her backpack as we stood in front of her preschool. The air this morning was chilly as I fixed my daughter's sweater to avoid her getting cold. I saw her teacher walking toward us, while waving her hands to get our attention.

“Sweetie, remember to listen to Miss Parker. Be a good girl, okay, mom loves you so much.” I said so. Abby as I knelt down to meet her cute height.

Abby nodded in excitement, her big gray eyes sparkling. It's so fascinating how she looks like her father. “I love you too mommy. Do you think Miss Parker will like my gifts?” she asked me.

I smiled at her happily, while touching her cheeks. “Of course sweetie, she'll, it's so delicious.” I said to her,

Abby ran off with another kid, as I watched with sheer happiness. I told Miss Parker that I'd like to speak to her briefly. We both walked into her office, and I sat down facing her.

“Thanks for seeing me, Miss Mira. For seeing me." Miss Parker said to me.

“You're welcome, Abby tells me you wanted to see her father?” I asked without wasting time.

“Yes,” Miss Parker said, adjusting in her seat. “That's because we'll be having a boot camp for her and her father soon.” she said to me.

“Oh okay,” I said, touching my bag. “Her father is not in the picture, and I don't….

“It's okay miss Mira, but I suggest you look. into it. Because she always looks at other kid's father's, when they come to pick them up.” she said to me.

“I'll look into it, I promise.” I said while standing up about to leave. “Thank you, Miss Parker.” I said and walked out the door.

I walked into the store and the aroma of freshly baked goodies hit me but it was therapeutic like before. I saw Jordan talking to a waiter, she saw me and walked towards me.

“Mira, you don't look bright. What's wrong?” she asked me, while bringing me into our shared office.

“Miss Parker asked about her father, and I feel like I'm not enough for Abby.” I said taking off my coat. “Abby talked about a boot camp.”

Jordan arched her brows, “What are you going to do? Just so you know, you're doing a good job.” She encouraged me like always.

“I don't know, I'm really confused. I've told Abby her father left us, and she stopped asking. But sis I feel like she still needs a father in her life. She deserves a normal family.” I told my sister.

Jordan held my hands tightly, with a comforting smile on her face. “You're doing good Mira. You've been both parents to Abby, and much more. Is his loss that he isn't in her life.”

I nodded in agreement to what Jordan said. She's been my pillar of immense support, since the very first day, and I won't want to have it any other way.

“Thanks, Jordan. What will I ever do without you.” I said, smiling at her.

“Nothing girl, nothing. Just be happy, that's enough for me.” she said while winking at me.

“Okay, but he hasn't called me yet.” I said while smiling happily.

“He's gonna call. He can't resist you know.” Jordan said laughing. “Look Mira, I want you to always be happy and smiling.” Jordan said to me.

“I love you so much. You always make me happy.” I told her.

“You betcha.” she said and we both laughed loudly.

It was around midday when my phone rang, it was Justin.

“Hello, Justin.” I said smiling while gesturing for workers to take over.

“I'm asking you out on a date,” Justin said immediately.

“Yes, why not,” I said without hesitation.

Justin paused and began immediately, “You won't be disappointed.” he said and ended the call.

I laughed while continuing with my baking. I got a package and it was a dress, and a note from Justin.

“He has my approval,” Jordan said smiling.

I got ready for the date with assistance from my sister and mother. I wore a silk red dress with plunging neckline, but it was still modest. The restaurant was upscale and luxurious, I haven't been in a place like this before.

“You look breathtaking,” Justin said to me while kissing my hand.

“You don't look bad yourself, nice places love the vibe.” I said, trying not to sound awkward.

“You deserve more than this,” he said and drew the chair for me. “It is all about you and I tonight.” he said to me, making me blush.

“You flatter me too much. It's not everyday that a girl like me gets to dine in a place like this.” I said while looking around the place.

I blushed red at my cheeks, with Justin's continued gaze on me. It reminded me of Ethan's gaze on me like he was seeing into my soul. The thought of him, triggered my anger and resentment. He just used me and dumped me, when he got tired of me. But Justin has always been there for me, he was everything that Ethan wasn't to me.

“You deserve everything and more, you make me happy. I invited you here today for a reason.”

My heart skipped a beat, what was he gonna ask me now. I knew where this was going, and for some weird reason I wasn't ready for it. Why do I still wish it was Ethan, saying all these things to me? “Fuck you, Ethan.” I said in my mind.

“You and Abby mean alot to me,” he said, looking at me intently. “I love you both very much. And I want to be more than Justin, to you. I want to be your boyfriend, Mira.” he said to me.

This was becoming real, Justin is wonderful. man and any lady will be lucky to have him. That lady wasn't me because my emotions were in a mess, I was still a mess.

“I.. I'm speechless,” I admittedly blurted out.

“Just say yes to me,” Justin urged in a pleading manner. “Accept me and I'll be everything that you want in a man. I'm not rushing you, I just want to treat you well.” he said to me.

I was hesitant to give him the reply that he wanted to hear. I still was hoping for Ethan, I don't know what is wrong with me. But then I remembered my baby, Abby needed a make figure in her life.

“Yes, Justin. I'll be your girlfriend.” I said in a clear voice.

Justin smiled wildly, he looked really happy to hear my reply to him. “Really Mira. You won't regret this, I promise to treat you well.”

“Let's give it a try,” I said with a smile.

“Yes, we shall.” Justin said and hugged me.