Page 5 of Secret Bratva Baby
But as I walk around the corner towards the nearby park, I have a weird feeling. One that has me constantly glancing over my shoulder to see if someone is following me. What an odd sensation. There is no reason for anyone to be after me. I’m pretty boring, as far as people go. I work. I spend time with Lily. That’s it.
Every time I glance behind me, I see nothing out of the ordinary. Just normal people doing normal things.
It must just be my stress level. I’m overworked, over tired and upset about not getting the promotion. That’s all that’s going on.
Still, I decide to cut my walk short and head back to the office.
I’m not even enjoying the walk, anyway.
***
After work, I catch the bus to the stop closest to home, on a quiet street in a not-so-great neighborhood. But I know all of my neighbors, and we look out for each other, so the community here is a good one.
It’s late and dark, and the street lamps are already burning bright pools of light in circles over the road. In between the pools of light, it’s a daunting, uncomfortable dark.
The prickly feeling of being followed hasn’t subsided yet.
I push the discomfort away as I near my destination.
Smiling, I walk up my neighbor’s steps, just five houses away from mine, and knock lightly on the front door.
From inside, I hear Lily’s little voice, excitedly screaming. “Mommy here!”
My grin widens. I love that child to the ends of the earth and back again.
“Go on, go open up for her,” my neighbor says. Her name is also Lily. Of course, formyLily, that meant they were destined to be best friends from the moment they met.
Lily, my retired neighbor, has been a godsend to me. She lost her family years ago and lives alone. She takes care of little Lily every day and sometimes even cooks dinner for me when Iwork late. She insists that it brings joy to her life and wouldn’t have it any other way.
I help her out with groceries whenever I can.
Little Lily leaps into my arms the moment the door opens, and I scoop her up and nuzzle my face into her cheek.
“Hello, cupcake,” I grin, kissing her cheeks until she squeals with laughter. Her little blonde curls bounce as she wiggles, trying to escape me. Her big, round, blue eyes are almost doll-like. She looks just like me, but she’s feisty, like I remember her father being.
“Mommy,” she laughs, grabbing my cheeks with her little hands and pulling me close so she can plant wet kisses on my face, too.
“Hello darling, and congratulations on—"
“I didn’t get it,” I sigh, my attention turning to older Lily.
“You’re kidding. What in the world happened?” Lily asks, her brows furrowed.
“His latest mistress is what happened,” I huff, rolling my eyes.
“Oh no, that’s not fair.”
I shrug. “It is what it is. Thank you so much for watching her. I’m not going to come in tonight. I’m exhausted and ready for bed. It was really disappointing…” My voice trails off. I don’t even want to think about it anymore. Just move on. Keep my chin up and keep trying. That’s all I can do.
“Of course, darling. I’ll make you some lasagna tomorrow. You go home and rest. The little one has already bathed.”
“Thanks, Lily. You’re a lifesaver.”
She hands me my daughter’s pink, glittery mermaid backpack, and I sling it over my shoulder as I step off the porch.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I call out. Lily waves and shouts goodnight.
With Lily on my hip, I walk towards our house. She’s chatting excitedly, telling me about the cookies they made today and that there are a few of them in her backpack for me.
