Hello readers! This is my first fic, so I would really appreciate feedback + constructive criticism. Let me know if you would like me to continue! Thanks for reading :)
"Mommy, mommy! I think I want to get that book," the 4 year-old exclaimed, tugging at Clare's cardigan.
"Adam, what did mommy say to do when two people who are talking?"
"I have to wait and not interrupt," Adam responded, feeling guilty.
"Don't worry sweetie, mommy will get you that book. You deserve it for being such a good boy all year," Clare said with a smile.
She loved him more than anything. Even through college, he had never been any burden on her. She wondered how he could be so understanding for his age. In ways, he reminded her of Adam Torres, one of her best friends in high school, and the one she named him after.
It hurt when she thought about how his father wasn't involved. How he had left her with the memory of him accusing her of being…promiscuous. The day he called her a whore was the day she decided that she could–no, she would do this on her own, with the help of her mother, of course. And Helen was always willing to help. For somebody who was so strict prior to her divorce, Helen had proved to be a great mother in supporting Clare through the entire pregnancy, when he should have been there.
But that was five years ago. Clare has matured in more than one way, and she even looks different. Her hair falls right below her shoulders, she lost a bit of weight, and she is full of confidence–but never arrogance. Over the years, her sarcasm has subsided, as have her occasional snarky comments. She never wanted Adam to feel like he was unwanted in any way, and so she took the role of both his mother and father.
Once when he was three, he asked about his dad. Upon noticing Clare's tears, he hid in his room, feeling bad for making his mother cry. He never asked again.
After purchasing two books for her son–one as a surprise–Clare and Adam left the store. They headed to a nearby café to grab a snack.
"Mommy, there's two books in this bag!" The boy was so eager to start reading.
Clare let out a laugh. She adored his innocence.
"That's a cute kid you've got there," a familiar voice complimented.
There it was. She didn't want it to be him. She didn't want to even think about him. She had almost forgotten.
Almost.
"Clare…?" Eli broke the silence.
"Eli…hi."
"How have you been? It's been so long since we've seen each other!" Jeez, for somebody who left her on such bad terms, he's pretty chipper.
"I've been good, Eli. How have you been?" She responded as casually as possible.
"Same for me. So uh… who's this little guy?" The dreaded question.
"He's–"
"Drew's kid?" Of course he wouldn't leave it alone.
Before Clare could even respond to Eli, the child himself intervened.
"Nice to meet you, sir, my name is Adam Goldsworthy. How do you know my mommy?"
"…Goldsworthy? What is this, Clare, some kind of sick joke?" He was angry now. He had no right whatsoever.
"Adam, can you go inside and ask for some water please?" The little boy excitedly rushed away.
"Eli, you cannot talk like that in front of a child."
"Then what do you expect me to do Clare, just sit here while you name a child after me? For fuck's sake, it's not even mine!" he exploded.
"Then we can talk about this when you're calm. I'm not going to sit here and be insulted again." Clare solemnly replied.
Adam ran back, panting. "I'm back mommy! Here's your water!"
At that point, Clare got up.
"Goodbye, Eli." And she was gone, once again.
He couldn't stop thinking about it...her...him. That couldn't be his child...she told him it wasn't.
He always used to go after her. He always wanted her to be his. Dammit, he flew back to Canada that weekend to save their relationship.
But he fucked up, just like always. He cheated. He basically pushed her into Drew's arms. That's probably where she was better off; she didn't need his bullshit anymore.
Why wasn't he running after her now?
The lack of an answer to that question was reason enough for him to leave that café and go after her.
"Clare!"
Was he following her? Again, right after he had yelled at her?
"Clare, I'm sorry! Can we just sit down and talk, please?" he begged.
"Mommy, mommy, that man is calling you!" Adam innocently conveyed.
"What, Eli? What is it that you need from me now?" she scathingly replied.
"I just...I just want to talk. Get some answers. Please, I'm begging."
"Fine," she consented. "We can talk after his bed time. Give me your number, I'll call you when I'm ready to talk."