His Secret Child

Chapter 14

Gwena's POV

My date with Addison pushed my to apply for jobs in the area. I applied to three online, then walked around town, searching for hiring signs and advertisements. I found five in the three hour walking and driving I did. Three were at clothing stores, the other two were a café and restaurant. I did not hear anything back by the time the day was over. 

Monday arrived and I got up early to meet Cassius and Rowan at her new school. It was a short fifteen minute drive away from Clay's house. I parked beside Cassius' car and met him and Rowan. She looked very neat and pretty in her school uniform and glittery kitty backpack.

"Good morning, Cassius. Good morning, Rowan," I greeted, smiling at Cassius and hugging my daughter. "Are you excited for your first day of school?"

"Yes!" she replied. "Though I miss my old friends, I'm excited about the new friends I'm going to make."

I unzipped her backpack and check all her supplies. "I've paid the lunch meal plan," I told both Rowan and Cassius. "But you can bring your lunch if the food's not good."

"Did I get everything she needed?" asked Cassius.

I smiled, rezipping her backpack. "You did amazing. Everything's perfect." Cassius let out a breath. "Well, except one thing: pictures." I snapped a few of Rowan by herself, then got a few of Cassius holding her. Cassius took some of Rowan and I.

"Mama, I want one with both of you," Rowan stated.

"Okay, but we need to find someone to take it for us."

A woman appeared from around the corner. Seeing us, she smiled. "Would you like me to take your photo?"

We nodded. Cassius surprised me by grabbing me by my waist and pulling me against him. His arm was warm, but being pressed up against his side was warmer. Rowan stood in front and center. I rested one of my hands on Rowan's shoulder and Cassius did the same.

"Aw! What a beautiful family," commented the woman. She handed me my phone back when she finished.

"Thank you." I turned to Rowan. "Alright, Daddy will take you inside. Have a great day. I love you." When Rowan wrapped her arms around my neck, I squeezed her back extra tight.

"Love you, Mama." 

Cassius grabbed her hand. " Bye, Gwena."

I watched them walk into the school together. With a contented sigh, I returned to my car and drove home. 

⇐O⇒

Four days later I received a call from a café I applied to. The owner wanted me to come in for an interview. Luckily, I had just dropped Rowan off at school when I got the call. But I couldn't just go ahead and do the interview. I was dressed in sweat pants and tank top with unbrushed hair.  The owner was very patient and understandable. She let me re-schedule the interview for two hours from then.

As soon as I returned home I jumped in the shower and wash my greasy hair. Once finished with that I blow-dried and styled by hair into a high braided bun. I was questioning what to wear due to the fact that it's at a café. My outfit doesn't need to be overly fancy or professional, but because it was an interview, I needed to dress nice. First impressions were important. In the end I chose neat blue jeans with a plain white button up, tucked in, paired with black heels and simple silver jewelry.  When I looked in the mirror, I decided the bracelet and necklace were too much and took them off. Then I dabbed light makeup onto my face. Natural eyeshadow in tans and browns, light blush, mascara, and sparkling lip gloss.