Luna POV:
I quietly made my way into the apartment building, hoping to avoid any run-ins with my nosy neighbors. I still had my wig on and was wearing my work clothes, which were definitely not appropriate for daytime strolls through the complex.
I slipped into my apartment, shutting the door with a soft click. Mrs. Cole, the chatty lady next door, was notorious for popping over at inconvenient times, so I made sure to keep my movements quiet.
My apartment was modest but homey, with two bedrooms, a comfortable living area, and a large kitchen and bathroom.
After a quick trip to the bathroom, I changed into some comfortable clothes and brushed my teeth. Swallowing my daily birth control pill, I then took the time to properly store the money I had earned that night.
My savings system consisted of seven separate boxes, each serving a specific purpose. I placed my earnings for the night into the box labeled "Rent," knowing that this money would be crucial for keeping a roof over my head.
I continued sorting through my earnings, allocating funds to the various boxes:
2. Enrollment fee - to ensure my baby received a quality education.
3. Groceries - for everyday essentials like food and household items.
4. Restaurant - to help turn my dream of owning a restaurant into a reality.
5. Clothes - so my baby and I could look our best.
6. Personal use - for any unexpected expenses or little indulgences.
With my earnings divided accordingly, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I was taking steps towards a better future for myself and my child.
With a contented smile, I stretched my arms above my head, feeling relaxed and ready to go pick up my baby. "Time to go get my little one," I murmured to myself.
I gently knocked on Mrs. Cole's door, and she answered promptly, a welcoming smile on her face. "Good morning, dear," she greeted me.
"Good morning, ma'am," I replied, eager to get the conversation over with. "How are you today?"
"Fine, thank you," she replied, "but you came back late last night. Is everything okay?"
"Oh, yes, I'm fine," I assured her, quickly conjuring an excuse. "The company was very busy last night. Lots of clients to attend to."
Mrs. Cole nodded understandingly. "Ah, the life of a busy professional. I hope you didn't work too hard," she said with genuine concern.
I gave her a quick smile, trying to mask my discomfort at the lies I was telling. "Oh no, it was all right. Thank you for asking, ma'am."
"No problem, dear.
Mrs. Cole disappeared back into her apartment, only to reappear moments later carrying a sleepy Camila, still wrapped in her blanket. "She was tired out from all her playing earlier," Mrs. Cole explained.
"Thank you, Mrs. Cole," I said gratefully, taking my daughter from her. "You're a lifesaver."
Back in my apartment, I carefully placed Camila in her bed. My beautiful baby girl was fast asleep, her little face peaceful and relaxed. I watched her for a few moments, overcome with love and a deep sense of pride.
My gaze wandered to Camila's bed, to the small collection of toys and clothes that filled the space.
As I gazed down at my sleeping child, I couldn't help but marvel at the striking resemblance between us. Camila's blonde hair was a beautiful, lighter shade of my own, and her sweet features were a perfect blend of mine and her father's.
It was clear that she was my mini-me, and I was filled with pride at the thought. My beautiful, innocent, three-year-old girl was a daily reminder of the love I felt for her and the love she returned to me tenfold.
The softness of Camila's voice was like a balm to my weary soul. As she stirred on the bed, her eyes opening to find me standing over her, a small smile spread across her face.
"Mama," she said, her voice still laced with sleep.
I leaned down to kiss her forehead, inhaling the sweet scent of her skin. "Yes, baby?" I whispered, my heart swelling with love.
"I miss you," Camila said, her arms reaching up to wrap around my neck.
As I held my daughter close, her words echoed in my mind. "I miss you too," I murmured, smoothing a stray curl from her face. "But Mama has to work hard to make sure we have a good life."
Camila nodded, her small hand finding its way into mine. "Can you stay with me?" she asked, her voice small and tentative.
My heart ached as I studied her face, taking in her innocent features and wide, trusting eyes.
"For now," I replied, pulling her into my lap.
Camila was my everything, even though I didn't always have enough time to spend with her. I knew that my nighttime job was the only way to provide for her, so I worked hard to make her proud.
Leaning in, I gave her a tender kiss on her soft hair. "I'm so glad you had fun with Mrs. Cole, sweetheart," I cooed, smiling at her.
Camila smiled back, her eyes lighting up. "Yeah, mama. I had fun all night long, and I even got to eat breakfast there this morning!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. "Wow, it sounds like Mrs. Cole took good care of you! What did you eat for breakfast?" I inquired, genuinely interested in the details of her night away from me.
Camila's face lit up at the mention of her time with Mrs. Cole. "Oh yes, Mama!" she exclaimed. "Mrs. Cole made pancakes with syrup, just like I like them. And we played dolls and read my favorite book."
I laughed, picturing my daughter with her face covered in sugary goodness. "Pancakes, huh? Well, it sounds like you had quite the treat!"
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at the thought of my neighbor's kindness. Mrs. Cole was like a grandmother to Camila, and she always made sure to make her feel loved and cared for, but a nosy neighbor to me."
"I'm so glad you had fun," I said, planting another kiss on her forehead. "Did you say thank you to Mrs.Cole"
"I did, Mama!" Camila said proudly. "And Mrs. Cole said I was a good girl, just like you!"
I couldn't help but chuckle at her eagerness to please. Camila was a sweet, well-mannered child.
"And then we played in the playroom," Camila continued.
"You know what, Camila?" I teased, rubbing my stomach. "I'm suddenly feeling a little hungry too."
"Mama jealous!" Camila giggled, playfully poking my arm.
I laughed, my heart warming at her childish humor. "No, sweetheart. Mama's just hungry, and I think pancakes for lunch sound like a great idea."
Camila laughed along with me, her giggles filling the room. "Pancakes for lunch? Are you sure, mama? That's not a regular lunch!"
The sound of Camila's giggles filled the room as I tickled her, both of you laughing until my sides ached. As I carried her to the kitchen, her arms wrapped tightly around my neck, her head resting on my shoulder.
"Mama, I want to help cook!" Camila exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "Can I be your little assistant?"
I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, even as your tiredness tugged at my limbs. "Of course, my love," I said, setting her down and handing her a small wooden spoon.
"My princess, mommy wants to cook lunch for us!" I said, tickling Camila and making her laugh. "Do you want to help?"
"Yes, Mama!" Camila exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.
I smiled, scooping her up and placing her on my shoulders. "Hold on tight, little one," i said, carrying her into the kitchen.
Camila giggled and squealed, holding tight to my hair as I trotted around the kitchen, pretending to be a horse.