"It's so nice to see you." He rubs the back of his neck and looks away. His voice sounds shaky, but my have the years done him well. His shoulders have filled in, his voice has deepened to a low growl, and everything evened out.

"Yea, I uh…" What am I supposed to say? "I just transferred here. It's a…really nice school."

"Yea; it definitely is," he says shyly. We're both nervous wrecks and it's easy to tell. Memories are flashing back to me- every spitball I sent his way, every kiss we shared, the heartbreak I endured.

"So…how long have you been going here?" I ask, wanting the conversation to continue, but to end as soon as possible.

He stares at me for a few seconds, searching my face, examining every new feature I've gained over the years. He notices I'm waiting for an answer and then says, "Sorry." His cheeks turn pink. "I've been going here for about a year now."

I nod my head, trying to relieve some of the awkwardness. "Well," I say pointing to the teacher, "it looks like he's about to start. Maybe…" I begin. I don't know what I want to ask him.

"We could hang out some time and get coffee or something," he finishes my sentence. I smile.

"See ya, Arnold." He waves and then rushes to catch up with his friends. Saying his name again brings me warmth and comfort. He was my best friend for so long, but after what happened between us, I'm not sure we can just go back to normal.

When I enter my apartment, wanting so badly to flop down onto the couch and pass out, Caressa waddles to the door, and I scoop her up into my arms. I stroke her head. "I missed you hun. Can you say you missed mama?" I squeak in a high pitched voice.

"I miss you mamma," she says into the crook of my neck.

Luna, the nanny, walks out of the kitchen. "So, how was school?" she asks, holding a bottle of milk in her hands.

I sigh loudly. "Exhausting. You forget how much effort school takes until start doing it after so many years of staying at home. All I want to do is take a nap," I say, causing myself to yawn.

"I know what you mean. School takes a lot out of ya." She walks over and hands the bottle to Caressa, who gladly grabs it out of her hand and begins gulping the contents immediately. "This little one," she says, lightly tickling her tummy, "loves food."

I nod my head, laughing. "Sometimes I swear she can eat as much as me."

"She was great today. She cried for about thirty minutes after you left, but after her mini meltdown she was completely amazing."

I smile, holding Caressa tighter. "That's my baby girl." I turn to Luna. "Thank you so much. You don't know how appreciative I am."

She shrugs her shoulders and laughs. "Well, I better get going, unless you want me to stay and watch her a little longer."

I shake my head. "You've done plenty today. Thank you so much again, Luna."

She waves her hand at me, brushing off the comment. "No problem." She takes Caressa's hand. "Bye baby girl!"

Caressa gurgles, still chugging down the milk. Luna heads out the door, and then silence fills the apartment once again.

I place Caressa on the blanket in the living room and start preparing dinner. I'm sticking with the basics and just cooking up a chicken breast for myself and some pasta for the little one.

The phone begins ringing. I place a lid onto the pot and pick up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Helga?" a rough voice responds. For a second, I'm thrilled that Arnold has called, but as they continue to speak, I know who it is. "Is that you?"

"What do you want, Rob? I'm in the middle of cooking dinner." I spit at him.

"When are you going to send the rest of my stuff?" he asks rudely.

"What are you talking about? What stuff?"

"Well, I realized you took some of my belongings during the move. I want them back." I don't respond, because I don't actually know what he's talking about. "Are you stupid? I want back some of my collectors sports magazines. That stuff."

I sigh loudly. "Jesus Christ! Could you at least try and be nice?"

"Stop throwing a hissy fit."

"Oh shut up, Rob. Are you not going to ask about your daughter?" Silence hangs on the line. "She's doing fine, if you would like to know. She's stopped screaming for you, stopped crying every night wanting her father to sing her a song, and stopped yelling for you." I can hear him moan, annoyed with the conversation. "Fine, if you're going to be rude. I'm not sending you your shit. It's going in the trash, where everything of yours belongs."

I hang up the phone.

Caressa falls asleep in my arms while we're watching TV in my room. I place her in her crib lightly, kissing her head before leaving her room.

As soon as my head hits the pillow, my mind is alive with Arnold. And when sleep comes, my dreams revolve around the boy with the football head.

The second day of school isn't as bad, or nearly as tiring. I sit down in my last class, where I hope to run into Arnold. He walks in and notices me. He waves, walks up the steps and sits down next to me.

"Long time no see," he says, obviously more comfortable than he was yesterday.

"Yea; a full twenty four hours. I was starting to have withdrawal symptoms." He laughs.

"Still got that sense of humor, don't you? After all these years." I laugh weakly. I stopped showing my humorous side or personality as a whole after he broke up with me.

"So about the coffee, I'm free after school. Does that work for you?" I ask, embarrassed after saying it, feeling like I'm being too forward.

He nods his head. "Yea, that sounds great. Like, around 6 or so?"

"Yea, that's a good time."

He smiles widely. "Awesome, it's a date."

The rest of the class goes on, me catching Arnold watching me, Arnold catching me watching him. I don't know where our relationship stands. I definitely don't want a romantic relationship right now, not after the divorce.

When I get home, I start getting ready. Taking advantage of Luna being there, I take a quick shower. I go for a casual look, not wanting to look too forward.

When I realize Luna has to leave at 5, my heart begins to beat rapidly. Now I have to drop the biggest bomb on Arnold, the first time we say anything but small talk.

I dress Caressa in a little blue dress, corresponding with her light hair beautifully. She's bouncing with joy, because going on walks is her favorite thing. The Coffee Hut is only a few blocks away, so we begin walking.

I sing to Caressa on our way there and tell her she has to be on her best behavior when we get there.

I approach The Coffee Hut, anxiety building in my body. I push open the doors and see Arnold sitting at a table in the corner. He waves me over. I take Caressa's hand and lead her behind me.

Arnold looks questionably at Caressa. "And who's this little one?" Caressa looks away, shyly. She hides behind my legs.

"This is my daughter, Caressa."