Hi, Mr. Styles

One

Abandoned by friends and all but disowned by her parents, Erin Torres survived the past few years alone. One night in the back seat of Calvin's red jeep changed her life forever. She was only seventeen when a pink plus sign appeared in the window – she'd taken four tests to be absolutely sure – and the news sent Calvin running.

He stopped answering calls and texts and was never home, according to his parents, whenever she stopped by. How convenient. When she walked the stage to receive her diploma, belly protruding underneath the gown, Calvin hadn't even looked her in the eye as she wobbled past him.

To the day, he'd only seen their child once and Hope Tatyana was newly six years old. The hospital staff was the only source of support during labor, as not a single person had come to visit Erin. She alone signed the birth certificate.

No one in that small, close-minded town wanted to be associated with a girl irresponsible enough to get knocked up as a teenager. She spent countless nights struggling to stay afloat, caring for a screaming infant in a government-funded apartment while feeding her food that welfare afforded them.

It was only when she found a job shortly after Hope's first birthday was there any respite. She could finally afford daycare and enrolled at a local community college. Often, part-time work and full time education took a toll. Erin considered throwing in the towel more than once.

But aside from taking a semester or two off, she persevered. She was currently a few weeks shy of college graduation and debated walking the stage this time to collect her degree with her baby girl on her hip.

Maybe. Her little girl wasn't quite that small anymore. Hope, strapped into a booster seat in the back seat, sang at the top of her lungs along with the radio. And God, she had a good set of them, always had. While Erin regretted the day she met Calvin Freemont, she wouldn't have changed anything.

Hope, named such purposefully, gave her just that. She was why Erin refused to settle. Erin worked as a receptionist, had a decent place in a better part of town, and was even looking at small homes to possibly purchase post-graduation.

"Des-pa-cito!" Hope belted, shimmying with a grin on her face. She giggled as pretty brown eyes caught her mother's in the rear view mirror. Hope was considering various careers already, as Erin had instilled in her that nothing was impossible and that she could be whatever she desired. She was already showing interest in songwriting. Or perhaps being the next great female superhero.

They'd seen Wonder Woman last weekend and Hope hadn't let up yet. Today, she wore her hero's headpiece atop her dark curls, permission granted because it was her birthday. She could hardly sit still, talked about her teacher the whole ride to school. "Mr. Styles is gonna say this is so cool."

Mr. Styles. Erin had only seen him a few times and he was usually surrounded by other teachers. She gathered that he was the kids' favorite. He seemed quite competent at his job; he usually sent Hope home with countless gold stars and smiley faces on her assignments. And when he didn't, gentle, constructive criticism was offered instead. Erin appreciated it, how determined he appeared to be about bettering the children. Hope loved learning and Erin had a feeling he was to thank.

Erin parked in a visitor's parking space and accompanied Hope and her cupcakes inside. They made a quick stop at the front office for Erin to sign in. Hope had brought enough for everyone, wanted to celebrate her special day in style. And it seemed the other students had the same idea as she walked into the classroom.

Confetti rained down as the children happily tossed some and launched into the birthday song, joined by their teacher. Erin smiled, realizing this was a ritual. Every child received the same treatment on his or her birthday. Erin would later learn that there was a joint celebration at the end of the year for everyone whose birthdays occurred during the summer.