Perfect Doesn't Last Forever

Chapter Ten

Perfect Doesn’t Last Forever- Chapter 10

            “Mama, where we going?” Hayley asked as I drove towards the park near my house.  “Where we drive to?”

            Glancing at her from my rearview mirror, I addressed her inquisitive smile, “we’re going to see mommy’s friend and her baby.”  Hayley grew more excited when she heard that there would be another baby and her smile shone bright.  It had been months since the last time Hayley and I were alone together.  Most times, Damien and I were with Hayley together or we were with our parents as well.  Mommy-daughter days were rare and I was excited for the first time in weeks.  “Mommy’s friend is Maya, can you say ‘Maya?’”

            “My-ah!” she exclaimed happily, throwing her arms up over her head.  I turned back to her quickly and smiled at her before refocusing my attention on the road, when my phone rang.  “Hello?”

            “Hey Brittany,” Maya greeted, from over the line, “I just got to the park, I’m at the bench across the playground from the entrance.”

            “Cool, I’m running a little bit late, but I should be there in twenty minutes,” I told her apologetically.  “I’m really sorry about this.”

            “Don’t worry about it,” she said warmly, he voice more stable since our last phone call two weeks ago.  “Addie and I can wait.”

            “Thanks, we’ll see you guys soon,” I said before hanging up.  Hayley and I continued on the drive silently, her playing with her doll and me focused on the road.  She combed her hands through the dolls hair for a few minutes before looking up at me through the rearview mirror. 

            “Mama,” she said sadly, putting her doll aside. “I miss you.”

            “Aw, baby,” I smiled through the ache that shot through me.  “I miss you too baby.  I’m sorry mommy has been busy with school, but I’m here now and I love you.”

            “Love you too,” she told me absentmindedly, picking up her doll again. 

            After coming back from Mammoth and going to Damien’s new place, I’d turned his offer down flat.  I took Hayley back home for the remainder of my winter break and we spent New Year’s with my parents, Austin, Callie, Drew, and Jessica.  On New Year’s Day, we all went out to Pasadena and watched the Rose’s Parade from the sidewalk and a few days later I called Maya and we started talking.  Maya was very fragile the first time I called her, her voice sad and monotonous, but over the past few weeks, she was gaining strength. 

            The day after I got back from Mammoth, I checked my first quarter grades and learned that I’d only passed my Intro to Psychology and Microbiology classes and failed my Physics 101 and Beginners Sociology class.  At first I was really let down and disappointed in the grades I received, but after talking to an advisor at school I decided to retake the two classes I’d failed and only take one additional class, Environmental Law.  When the winter quarter began, I tried to keep my balance between Hayley, my family, school, and Noah, but it just became too overwhelming.  So, after three weeks away from Damien, I went to Damien’s place and agreed to his plan.  At first I went to see Hayley every day, to make sure Damien was taking care of her, but as midterms drew closer, I was busy studying so I spent most days in the library, at home or with Noah in his newly single room. 

            Damien and I were getting along and he was proving to be an excellent parent.  Hayley was healthy and happy every time I called her during the past four and a half weeks and Damien and I would talk everyday about Hayley and school.  Now, with midterms behind me, I was finally able to spend time with Hayley.