Bay Area

I scrambled around my toy-littered living room, searching for a baby blanket. Giving up on the playpen, I rushed for the pile of clothes on the couch. A groan of pain escaped me when I accidentally stepped on a block that went unnoticed on the floor. I made a mental note to find time to clean the apartment as I rubbed my aching foot.

"Momma K." A sweet two-year-old's voice came from the kitchen.

I turned to see my precious two-year-old daughter covered with sticky syrup. I could already imagine the clean and immediately regretted the syrup idea with her pancakes.

"Yeah, Melody, mommy's fine." I straightened myself and hobbled over to the couch.

Diving into the pile of clothes, I couldn't find it before I heard a massive Plop from the kitchen. My head whipped around to see Melody attempting to reach for her cup of spilled milk. Noticing the chain reaction that was bound to happen, I reached out my hand.

"Mel….." I watched as her bowl of cut-up pancakes and fruit tumbled over her tray.

I dropped my head and placed my hand on my hips. Today was going to be one of those days. Letting out a sigh, I head for the roll of paper towels on the counter. Removing a wad, I started cleaning the mess.

"Oops, momma." Melody gave me an innocent smile. "Fall dow."

"Yes, the food did fall down." I agreed, picking the bowl and cup off the floor. "I know it was an accident, but promise, momma, you'll be more careful."

Melody nodded before repeating some of the words. "Be cawfoo."

I smiled, seeing how far she'd come from being in the NICU just two years earlier. Now she's a bright and bubbly toddler that understood what I told her. For several months now, she not only stood what someone told her but also tried to hold conversations. The slightest thing captured her attention, and she would have millions of questions.

Coordination-wise, she was just as sharp. She wasn't even a year old before she started walking. It wasn't long after that I had to start making the apartment climbing-proof. A few weeks ago, I had to move Melody to a toddler bed after she attempted to scale it for months.

Melody's the perfect mixture of Troy and me, and I wouldn't change her for anything.

I could hear the splish splash of the puddle of milk in between Melody's giggles as I wiped the floor. Melody was such a happy girl; life's tiniest things brought a smile to her face. I pray that she could always be so happy and innocent.

I caught a glimpse of the time as I tossed the soiled paper towels. I put an extra spring in my step as I prepped Melody's meds before placing the little medicine cup in front of her.

"Aw gow." Melody showed me her empty cup after I took my meds.

"That's a big girl." I praised her, kissing her. "I'm so proud of you. Now let's see if you could beat mommy to your room."

Melody took off as soon as her legs hit the floor. Laughter echoed through the apartment as she toddled off. I was right on her heel, chasing her into her room. Aware of the precious second tick away at us, I quickly picked a matching outfit to change her into.

Before she could get distracted by her toys, I scooped her into my arm and took her to the bathroom. It was pushing eight when I finished cleaning and changing her. I quickly combed Melody's honey brown hair into a simple ponytail before taking her back out to the living room.

"Melody, we're running late, so let's keep our socks and shoes on today," I pleaded as I finished buckling her shoes.

Leaving her on the couch, I finished packing last-minute items for her diaper bag. Melody had a mischievous grin on her face when I turned again. She giggled at me, waving her socks in her hands.

Reminding myself it could be a lot worse, I sighed. I gave her a small smile as I took her to the car and buckled her into her seat without her shoes before racing back in for her shoes and our coats. I started checking off my mental checklist as I got Melody's shoes back on her.

Checking the last item off my mental checklist, I let out a relieved sigh as I pulled out of the parking lot. It was pushing eight-thirty when I called my sister to let her know we were on our way. It was a little later than usual, but still early enough that I wouldn't be too late for work.

Fortunate for me, the traffic this morning was relatively light. So the usual twenty minutes drive to my sisters took no more than fifteen, and the drive to work took even less time. I still had a few minutes to spare when I walked into Fantasy Event Planning, breathing a massive sigh of relief. My entire body relaxed from the stress of the morning rush as I headed for my cubicle closest to the boss's office.

Fantasy Event Planning is a small little event planning company helped people plan all sorts of events. I started working at the company in College as a part-time planning assistant. Fantasy Event Planning was only a start-up company planning a couple of occasions a month back then. Today the company plans a lot more events with a storefront.

"Can you believe this?!" Anna, one of my co-workers, cried, approaching me. "Take a look at this, Julia."

"My name is Gabriella." I reminded her.

Anna didn't seem to hear what I'd said or if she did, she didn't care. I pretended to listen to her rant as I took my jacket off. Now and again, I would nod as if I was really listening. Here and there, I would pick up some of what she was saying enough to know she wasn't happy to work overtime.

"It's so ridiculous as if working here during the day isn't enough. Now we have to give our personal time too." Anna continued to rant, "next, we will be selling our souls."

My eyes widen a little. That's a bit much, I thought as I set my bag down. I sank into my seat as I pretended to listen to Anna. If I let her vent long enough, maybe she'll leave after.

"There you are." A male voice called over. "I've been looking for you."

I looked up from my computer to see Marco rushing over. I bit my lip, bracing myself for trouble.

"Get in line," Anna demanded, pointing behind her. "Jana is helping me first."

"It's Gabriella." I supplied.

"Too bad." Marco ignored Anna's protest. "How could you be so careless and stupid?"

I gave him a confused look. "Excuse me?"

Anna didn't give Marco a chance to continue pushing him aside. "I told you Gia's helping me."

I opened my mouth, ready to correct her again. Marco interrupted me, neither caring that I was there. "And I told you too bad. She's too busy cleaning up her mess."

Both Anna and Marco stood their ground, refusing to back off. "Guys, let's take it easy and talk about this." I silently prayed no punches would be served.

"Jana, you tell us who's right and who you're going to help," Anna ordered, finally noticing that I was still there.

"Oh, she's not helping me." Marco corrected her, "she's going to fix her mistake. No one else will be covering for her."

Letting out a tired groan, I decided to end this. "Anna, you can leave on time today. I'll tell Trey I let you go if he asked."

"Thanks, Mia." She squealed, "I don't have to miss the mega sale. I knew you were the one to talk to."

"Again, it's Gabriella." I gave her a small smile that went unnoticed as she raced off, calling her friends.

I blew out a breath shaking my head before turning to Marco. "Marco, what can I do for you?"

"The venue for the Atkinson party got booked by someone else. The party is next week, and we have no backup." Marco showed me the file in his hand. "You're supposed to call and confirm all bookings. Since you didn't, we're now in high water. You caused it; you should fix it."

I opened my mouth, ready to protest, and shut it.

"I'll start making some calls." I replied, "Maybe there are some favors we can call in."

"I don't care how you fix it; just fix it." He tossed the file on my desk and turned to leave.

I blew out a long breath and shook my head. Today was shaping up to be like all the other days. Pushing aside my frustration, I placed the file into the pile of files on my desk and went back to the computer.

Later I was taking a break in the break room. After a whole morning of de-escalating fights, fixing other co-workers' problems, and searching a wide range of stuff on the internet, I was ready for a break. Taking a sip of my drink, I shut my eyes, taking in the rare chance to be in the break room alone. It was what I needed to relax after a long morning.

"Emma." Owen, one of our newer party planners, peeked in. "Where have you been?"

I placed my cup on the counter before turning around. "First, it's Gabriella…."

Owen interrupted me. "Whatever, Gina. Trey wants to see us in his office."

Owen didn't wait for a response before ducking back out. Blowing out a massive breath of annoyance, I grabbed my cup. As I passed by my desk, I switched my mug for my trusty notebook. Owen was already there talking to Trey and another woman when I walked in.

"Ah, Gabby perfect timing." Trey waved me over. "Daisy, this is the assistant planner I told you about, Gabriella. She will work with Owen to ensure your daughter's party is everything you envisioned."

Daisy nodded with a smile as she reached out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Gabriella. Have you and Owen ever planned a party for a toddler?"

"I've assisted in planning all sorts of parties for kids of all ages," I assured her, shaking her out-reached hand. "And please call me Gabby."

I turned my notebook to a blank page and got ready to take accurate notes. Daisy told us about her daughter's love of sports and some ideas she had for the party. I nodded as I jotted down what she was saying.

A kid's party was right up my alley. I already had thoughts for the party forming in my head. I noted some ideas of my own in the margins in case I did forget something. The excitement in me grew the more notes I jotted.

"So, I think that should about cover it," Daisy stated as she finished reading off the list on her phone.

"We have great stuff to start with," Trey assured her. "If we need anything else, Owen can always call you, or if you think of anything you want to add, call him day or night."

My head sprung up, giving Trey a wide-eyed look. I knew that Trey had reservations about letting me plan an entire party, but this party was one I could plan in my sleep. I thought for sure this time it would be different. I opened my mouth, ready to protest but closed it again with a sinking feeling in my heart.

I should have known better. No matter how big or small, Trey would never put me in charge of a party.

We wrapped up with Daisy, and Trey showed her out. Owen and I went over a few things for the party, and I made a couple more notes. I promised the notes would be on his desk first thing in the morning.

I returned to my desk and added the notes to my mini pile of miscellaneous odds and ends work. Sadness found its way back into me as I went through the stack. It was all just confirming this, noting that, or making lists. Nothing in the pile was anything that I envisioned doing. Accepting my fate, I opened the file on top and got to work.

"OK, thanks anyway," I stated before hanging up.

I blew out a raspberry as I crossed out another name on my list. The list of venues we had to pick from for the Atkinson's party was really starting to dwindle. If none of the venues on the list were available, I wasn't sure if there were any favors we could call in. My stomach churned more with each name that got crossed off.

"Hey, babe." Trey approached my cubicle. "You know everyone is out to lunch. Why don't you and I go grab a bite?"

"Can't," I replied without looking up from the list in front of me. I pointed to the pile on my desk. "These files have my name on them. Plus, Melody is at my sister's."

"That's great." He replied, giving me a reason to look up and give him my attention. I wasn't sure I wanted to know what he was thinking.

"Why?" I wondered with more fear than worry in my voice.

He smiled, clearly not picking on my fear. "We can have lunch at your sister's. Whatever we're having has got to be healthy. We can collect some hugs from Melody, spend time together, and talk about work. It's a win all around; it's perfect."

I opened my mouth to say something and closed it. Then I opened it again and closed it. Trey had a spark of determination in his eyes. He was set on this plan, and there was no way out. Letting out a sigh, I agreed.

Trey kissed me before leaving to pull the car out front. I shoved my notes in my bag and shut my computer before leaving. Knowing Trey, he would not let me return to work after lunch.

The ride to Esmeralda's place was filled with work talk. Mostly Trey was talking, and I would note things on my phone. I let When we finally pulled up to Esmeralda's place, I felt like I saw the light at the end of a long dark tunnel. I let out a breath of fresh air as I stepped out of the car.

"It's always open," Esmeralda called from the other side when I knocked.

Melody spotted me right away and dropped the chocolate chip she had in her hands. "Momma!" She squealed, throwing her hands up.

Esmeralda turned from her place in the kitchen, and her eyes bugged out. She gave me a 'what happened' look, wiping her hand on a towel. I gave her the puppy dog face and mouth 'sorry' as I picked Melody up.

"Hi." Casey, Esmeralda's one-year-old son, waved with a giggle.

"Hello to you, Mr. Casey." I tickled his tummy, causing him to laugh.

Esmeralda chuckled as she shut the door behind Trey. Melody started showing off the food she helped make, trying to name as much of the stuff as she could. Most of what she was saying was gibberish, but there were some clear words.

I smiled at how easily Trey could engage her in any conversation. Melody was just as delighted with the attention she was getting from Trey. A feeling of warmth tingled in my heart as I watched them together.

"How about I get these two cleaned up for lunch?" Esmeralda offered, removing Casey from his chair. She took Melody with her free arm without waiting for a reply.

"So, how's the search for a new venue for the Atkinson party going?" Trey asked me when Esmeralda disappeared into the bathroom.

I blew out a tired breath. "Unless we have some favors to call in, it's not looking too good."

Trey scrunched his face and made a sort of hissing sound. "That bad."

"That bad," I confirmed with a nod. "But, we're not at the end of the list yet. There is still hope. Sorry, this wouldn't have happened if I'd confirmed the venue like I was supposed to."

He brushed a strand of loose hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear. Our eyes locked as he smiled at me. Pulling me closer to him, he kissed me on the forehead.

"You have a heart of gold." He whispered, slipping his hand into mine.

I raised a brow, not sure what he meant. "What do you mean?"

"Did you really forget to confirm the venue for the Atkinson party?" He asked, knowing the answer.

I dropped my head and whispered. "You know what happened this morning."

"You didn't have to cover for Marco, and Anna needs to understand that not all clients will fit into her schedule."

I blew out a breath. "Marco had a point. It's part of my job to confirm bookings. As for Anna, it's natural to want so personal time after working all day."

"Marco's the one that caused the problem by forgetting to update you. You can't confirm what you don't know. And Anna isn't the only one who has to work late. Plus, it's not often that a client needs to meet with us later." Trey reasoned. "You aren't responsible for their mistakes and laziness."

"You're not going to call them out on it, are you?" I asked, with pleading in my voice.

There was silence between us as I waited for his answer. "Not this time. But I can't make any promises about next time."

I grinned, letting out the breath I was holding. "Thanks."

He laced our fingers and placed our hands on his lap. "We'll go venue hunting tomorrow; we can make a day of it."

I was about to point out how bad of an idea that was when Esmeralda came back in. She interrupted our talk about work and put us to work setting the table.

"So tomorrow I'll come pick you and Melody up at 9 a.m," Trey confirmed between bites of his sandwich. "We can check out a couple of venues for the party. Hopefully, one of them will work for the Atkinson's party."

Esmeralda turned to me in disbelief at what she heard. She looked pretty steamed as she rolled up her sleeves, ready to have it out with Trey. I placed a calming hand on her and shook my head. Desperation was in my eyes when I gave her the puppy dog pout, silently begging her to let it go. Her muscles relaxed with a roll of her eyes.

I gave her a small smile, letting her know I appreciated her trying to protect me. She just looked over, letting me know we're far from done. Happy to put the issue to rest, at least for the moment, I turned to my daughter. Melody was happily deconstructing her sandwich and trying to stack it with her crackers. Watching her and hearing her giggles when her towel inevitably fells gave us all a good laugh.

Trey got a call right after lunch and left. Esmeralda was more than happy to send him packing.

"He can't be serious. I don't have a two-year-old, and I know venue hunting is not how you spend the afternoon with them." Esmeralda spoke while we cleared lunch.

"Esme pleases don't." I sighed, knowing where this conversation was going. I've heard versions of this conversation many times from everyone in my family. "I get that, Trey may not be the best parental figure, but no one is perfect. Trey is just trying to show he cares."

Esmeralda set the last of the dishes in the washer. "Did you ask him to come over today, or did he invite himself…again?"

"The second," I admitted while putting the last leftovers into the fridge.

"He's being a mother hen and not showing you respect for what you want. It's one thing for him to care, but not listening and ignoring what you want is another."

I opened my mouth to say something and closed it. I didn't know what to say. Maybe because in my heart, I knew what Esmeralda said was true, and anything I said would have been an excuse. And today, I just couldn't think of any more excuses.

In the two years that I've known Trey, he's never been much of a listener, especially if he got an idea in his head. It only meant that he got the say in our relationship, and there wasn't much communication. Even if I tried, it only made things worse. After a while, I learned that keeping quiet was the best way to keep the peace between us.

It's also for that very reason that my family isn't such a huge fan of Trey's. They only put up with him because he's my boyfriend. It wasn't just Trey's poor listening skills that bothered them; it was his mother hen ways. He's always treated Melody and me like some kind of fragile bird who can't do anything for ourselves. No matter what I tell him, it always goes in one ear and out the other. If I was being frank with myself, sometimes I find his protectiveness to be a bit much and annoying.

I fiddled with the bracelet our dad gave me when I was a baby. "It's not like he's seeing or treating us any different than anyone else would."

"What do you mean?" Esmeralda questioned, folding her arms across her chest.

"We'll always be treated as incompetent and helpless because of our health," I replied, simply hopping onto the counter. "We're just lucky our family doesn't treat us like that too."

Esmeralda hopped on up next to me. "I seem to remember your friends at East High treating pretty normal. Especially Troy."

I glanced over to Melody, playing in the living room with Casey. The expression on my face fell with a wave of sadness. "Troy….he uuhhh….he didn't know. That's part of the reason I ended it." I pointed out in a whisper. "None of my friends from East High did."

"That's worse," Esmeralda pointed out. "You never even gave them the chance to make a choice. Maybe if you had, things would be different."

The truth to what Esmeralda said strung hard. I did choose for them, and there's not a day that goes by that I don't wonder how different things would be had I told them. Were they really my friends, and if I had told them, would they have stuck around? Would things be like they are now? My heart sank a little, knowing I may never have these answers.