Second Chances

Chapter 1

Aleisha

"Mommy, mommy look."

Giving her my attention, I smiled as my daughter danced to the music on the tv.

"You go lady bug! Aye!!!"

Every morning since my daughter was born, I had a specific routine. As she got older, it changed gradually. 

"Go get your shoes babe." I instructed her as the show came to an end.

As she ran off, I grabbed my shirt off the hanger and threw it on. Looking for my flats, I heard the sound of her feet as she came running up the hall.

"Amirah how many times do I have to speak to you about running?"

"Sorry. Can I wear these?"

Looking up from under the bed, she stood holding her pink and white chuck taylors.

"Sure, hop on the let me put them on." I stood smoothing out my skirt.

"I can do it." She climbed up.

I just stood there and watched as she took her time getting them on. Thinking I wasn't looking, she shoved her laces down the sides of her shoes then yelled all done and took off.

"Mommy!!" I yelled from the door way.

"How many times I have to tell you about staying from one room and shouting girl!" She approached me. "What do you want?"

"Can you just go tie Mirah's laces for me please."

Nodding in acknowledgement, she walked off. Going into her room, I grabbed her bag and packed it. Making my way downstairs with both our bags, she sat having breakfast.

"Mommy sit and eat." She demanded.

"Just now baby." I laughed packing her lunch.

"Alei go sit, I'll get that for you."

Sighing, I sat and poured me a bowl of cereal. I was so used to being on the go, doing what I had to do that when someone tells me otherwise I get flustered. 

"Mommy?"

"Yes lady bug." I put the spoon in my mouth.

"Can I be in you class today please."

Mirah was in kindergarten and I was a teacher at the same school, with another group

"Lady bug, we've talked about this. You have to stay in Miss, Janet's class."

"Ok." She mumbled.

As we continued eating, I remembered some stuff I had to walk with today. Putting my bowl in the sink, I ran upstairs to grab the things.

"Alei?"

"Yeah!" I yelled back.

When I didn't hear her call me back, I walked out only to see Mirah's dad standing by the door with her in his hand.

"Druex is here." She looked up at me.

"What are you doing here?" I made my way down.

"I need a reason to see my daughter?" He placed her down. "Go get your things lady bug."

As she ran off, I stepped outside signalling for him to do the same.

"You're suppose to call and let me know when you are coming, that was the deal."

"I take care of my responsibilities regardless Alei, why should I have to call when I'm coming to see my daughter?"

"Because you never know what my plans are."