Raquel's Secret

Chapter 1

First impressions and reputations were very important to Raquel. As an African American woman in Chicago's high-end real estate market, she strove to make the most out of every interaction with current and prospective clients. Being tardy was something she rarely did unless it proved to be necessary. Such as that day, in which her eight-year-old daughter was leaving her with no choice.

"Natasha! Sweetie, we're going to be late!"

Raquel glanced at her watch. She had thirty-minutes to make it to Natasha's school, and to her first showing on time. Getting Natasha to come downstairs wasn't usually a problem. However, this was Raquel's second time calling out to her that morning.

At the bottom of the stairs, she waited for a few seconds. When Natasha didn't come running out, she walked back into the kitchen and placed a bagel in the toaster oven, then headed over to the home office of her two-bedroom townhouse. While she was there, Natasha finally made her appearance.

"Your cereal is in a bowl on the table. You just need to add milk."

"Yes ma'am."

Noticing Natasha's flat tone, Raquel raised a brow and headed back into the kitchen.

"Mom?"

"Yes sweetie, what is it?"

"I don't wanna go to school today."

"Do you feel sick?" She walked over to Natasha and felt her forehead.

"No, I just don't wanna go."

There was genuinely a reason behind Natasha's sulky moods, and Raquel figured this time was no different. Tilting Natasha's head up, she studied her small heart-shaped face. "Why don't you start by telling me what's wrong."

Natasha began to pout, as she poured milk over her cereal. "It's because of Cassie. We're not best friends anymore."

Raquel sighed. She was already behind schedule, and she didn't have time for this. But looking into her daughter's sad hazel eyes, told her she needed to make the time. "What happened?"

Natasha put down her spoon and folded her arms. "She has a new bestfriend."

"Is that what she told you?"

"No, but she told everyone at school that the new girl Monica is her bestfriend."

Raquel smiled. "Honey just because Cassie said Monica is her best friend doesn't mean you're not. It's okay to have more than one."

"It is?" Natasha still seemed unconvinced.

"Yep. I bet if you ask Cassie, she'll say you're her best friend too." Playfully she tugged on one of Natasha's braided ponytails, and her frown faded. "Now, eat your breakfast."

"Yes ma'am."

Twenty-minutes later, they arrived at Natasha's school. Luck proved to be on Raquel's side when her client texted he was running behind as well.

"Can we stop for ice cream this afternoon?"

"Sure, I'll even let you get two scoops." Raquel leaned over and kissed Natasha before she stepped out of the car.

"Bye, mom."

"Bye."

As she watched her run up the steps, Raquel dreaded the day Natasha would become a teenager. She wondered if she'd still welcome her affection, or value her opinion. For the time being, she was thankful for the tight bond they shared. Raquel hadn't been raised by her mother or father, so having a close relationship with Natasha meant everything to her.