Her Boys [Oneshots]

Single Mom

João stood with Amina in front of the counter, rubbing his eyes.

"Aww, Mommy got you up early?" The barista asked the five year old as he made their drinks. João nodded, putting his hand in Amina's pocket.

"Can you put a lot of milk in the hot chocolate? And warm the plain cup of milk slightly." He nodded.

"You shouldn't have to be alone with your children, you know. Maybe I can take you out some time? I don't mind children." Amina chuckled.

"Who says I'm a single mom?"

"Nothing wrong with being a single mom."

"There isn't, but I'm not and it's quite bold of you to assume that I am. Thank you. Have a good day." She took her tray of cups and put one in the stroller cup holder and set the others on a nearby table.

"I can hold mine, mommy"

"It's hot bubba. Let it cool down a bit." João stood on the stroller board and she pushed it next door to her law firm.

"Awww. Amina look at the kiddos" She smiled rushing up to her office.

Once she got up she helped João out of his coat and scarf.

"Can I keep my hat?"

"No, if you keep it on inside it won't work outside." She took it off, tucking it into his coat sleeve.

Samira began whining.

"What's wrong baby?" She wiggled around in the stroller.

"Can you take your snow pants off or do you need help?"

"I can do it mommy"

"Thank you, bubba. You're hot aren't you?"  She nodded. Amina took her out. Taking off her coat and snow pants. It was quite cold out and the roads were messy so she got on public transport. She felt like it was safer, there are more precautions like chains on the tires.

"Ah, ah. Take your face off that" João sat up with a yawn.

"Can you make me a bed please, mommy. I'm sleepy"

"Yes. Drink your hot chocolate. Mommy will make you a bed." She smiled and began dressing the sofa in her office for her son to sleep on.

He fell asleep at her desk so she tucked him in and kissed his cheek. Samira was also fast asleep so she let her sleep in the stroller.

She sat at her desk, taking a sip of her coffee when her phone began to ring. She answered quickly.

"Hi baby"

"Hi babe. Why do you sound so happy?"

"I don't know. How are you? How's my babies?"

"I'm fine. The kids are sleeping. Missing their daddy."

"I feel so bad. I'm sorry babe. I haven't done anything recently, I heard it's just thirty days for driving without my license."

"I hope so. Someone called me a single mom today, it made me really upset. Please promise me that no matter what. Even if something happens between us that you'll still take care of the babies"

"Of course. I promise. I love those little gremlins."

"And promise you won't do anything to get yourself locked up and make me a single mom. You know how I feel about that"

"I know, baby. I won't leave you in a situation like that. Just trust me"

"You're going to be there for at least two months. Do you need anything? Money, clothes?"

"Can I please have a jacket, sweats and a blanket- wait! Two months?"

"Yes, it's now two months, not one and they're trying to make it three. So, I'm going to get you a new license and you better carry it around with you at all times. Do you understand me?"

"Yes mommy" he smiled wishing he could see her beautiful face.

"And maybe a picture of you all. I don't want to forget my wife and babies."

" Remember, Don't drop the soap. Have you ever tried-"

"Bye, Amina"

"Noo, don't hang up on me, I'm sorry. I was just playing. I'll come visit you soon. I miss you."

"Don't bring my babies"

"I'm not. That's why I said soon. I have to wait for London to get back."

"Where's you mom?"

"At home. I can't call her asking her to watch the kids while I visit you in jail."

"I understand.I'm sorry I put you in this situation Amina."

"It's alright baby. You'll learn from it, I hope."

"Is that my daddy?" João sat up stretching.

"Yes,  come here" he sat in Amina's lap talking to his dad. 

"I had hot chocolate and my sissy had milk because she's little."

"I want some hot chocolate. I'm freezing, mimmo. Maybe you can make some for me when I come home."

"Yes and I'll ask mommy for marshmallows."

"Why thank you bambino"

"When do you come home papa, I miss you."

"I thought you said you didn't like me. That hurt my feelings so I'm never coming home." Jamie teased João as well.

"Nooo! I'm sorry. Please come home papa. I'll be good and never say that again." Jamie didn't say anything so João thought he hung up and put the phone down. He went back over to the sofa and cried into his plushie.

"Now you made him cry. Take your finger out of your mouth, João." Amina cringed when his saliva coated fingers touched her sofa. She looked up when someone opened her office door.

"Baby, hold on."

"Hi, Yes?"

"Are you Amina Simiyu?"

"Yes, that's me"

"Mommy"

"Yes baby? Have a seat please. Please excuse my children, i don't have anyone to watch them" She waved Amina off.

"I want my daddy" just as he said that he began bawling again, leaning on Amina.

"I'm sorry. My baby is a bit upset right now."

"I understand. Take your time. Your service isn't by the hour right?"

"What do I look like a prostitute?"

"No, no. I didn't mean it like that!"

"I'm just messing with you. I'm not by the hour. I'm by the client." She smiled.

Samira began fussing as well.

"Here bubba. Do you want to color?" Amina offered and João shook his head.

"I want my daddy"

"Draw a picture for me Mimmo, mommy will bring it and I'll draw one for you too, okay?"

"Okay" João sat on the couch drawing on the paper Amina gave him.

"I got you some milk, baby. It's a little warm still, come sit with mommy." Samira raised her arms to be carried and Amina picked her up, sitting with her in her lap.

"I apologize.  I know this is extremely unprofessional, so I'm willing to take your case, free of charge."

"I can't allow that. I'm not in any trouble financially, I can pay you. Don't worry about It."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm positive"

"Okay, what's up?"

"I killed someone"