Drive on, Ellie! Go wherever you like! Talia sighed wearily.
Exactly, it feels like a fairytale! Ellie grinned, winking at her friend before stepping out of the flat. The moment she slipped into the car, her smile faded. She stared at her own reflection in the rearview mirror and muttered, Just my luck, honestly Id rather be juggling four kids like you, Talia!
On the surface Ellie seemed to have it allsteady job, a hatchback, a cosy flat, a dad who ran a successful firm. Yet no one could guess that beneath her perpetual cheer lay a hollow ache.
She longed for a child, a big, bustling family, but that dream never materialised. By thirtytwo she was desperate. She tried everythinghome remedies, modern fertility clinics, even yoga and acupuncturebut nothing worked. No children.
Why is it like this? she whispered into her pillow after another failed attempt, tears soaking the fabric.
She couldnt understand why some drunks and addicts seemed to pop out five or six kids with ease, while she remained childless. The pain was raw and baffling.
Ellie had learned to hide her sorrow; she hated being pitied or whispered about behind her back. Even her best friend Talia knew little of the secret.
I just want to live for myself, she would joke when the topic of children came up, then later wept alone in her kitchen.
She had never married. Her last boyfriend, Ian, had split from her over their opposing views on parenthood.
Dont worry so much! Live for yourself and be happy! Ian had said.
I cant stand that! I want to care for someone. If I cant have a baby in three years, Ill adopt. That thought had lingered for ages, but Ian rejected it outright. Childrenespecially someone elses werent part of his plans. He cared more about Ellies allowance and her fathers business.
Why would you take on a child that might inherit anything but trouble? He could turn out foolish, or end up like his parentsalcoholics who abandoned him! he argued.
It isnt always like that! Some parents die, some are absent. You can check the facts, Ellie retorted.
I disagree, he snapped.
The argument escalated, and within weeks they were on separate paths. Their worldviews were too divergent, and their relationship had long been strained, so Ellie felt more relief than loss when Ian collected his things from her flat.
On her way home, Ellie remembered shed run out of eggs and needed something for tea.
Maybe Ill treat myself to a new handbag while Im at the shopping centre? she mused, veering toward the mall.
She planned to browse the stores, pop into the grocery on the ground floor, then head back. She had no other obligations, and the thought of returning to an empty flat felt undesirable.
The thought of a bag sparked a sudden desire for shoes, and then a memory surfaced. She and Talia had been lingering in a lounge when Talias daughter, Poppy, had burst in, pleading for a new dress.
Mom, Im broke right now, Ellie had said.
Please, Mum! Its New Years Eve! Everyone will be dressed up! Poppy begged.
My dear, I cant afford a dress right now. Maybe later, Ellie had replied, recalling the downcast expression on Poppys face. Without hesitation she drifted toward the childrens aisle, where she occasionally bought toys for Talias kids, so she knew there would be no surprise.
She inhaled a sigh of melancholy as she entered. Once she often imagined purchasing something for her own child there, but now she forbade herself any such daydreams.
Still, she approached the dress racks with genuine enthusiasm, scanning rows, eyeing pricesthough she could afford anythingpicturing how the garment would sit on a little girl, debating colour and cut.
A muffled quarrel drifted from the next aisle: a boys voice and a childs whimper. The girl pleaded; the man seemed oblivious.
Dad, please! Lets keep looking! I havent found what I want! she cried.
Were late, love. I dont have time to hunt for a dress! the man replied.
Please, Dad I really, really want that dress!
Sam, weve been strolling for half an hour! Dimas waiting for us
Tears tinged the girls voice. Ellie, compelled by something she couldnt name, stepped closer and asked, What dress are you after?
The man turned, smiling at the stranger. He wasnt a shop assistant. After his wifes death three years earlier, Mark had been willing to accept almost any help, though he knew nothing about childrens clothing.
Little Sam didnt care who the lady was; she was just the woman who might fetch the dress shed once eyed with a friend. Theyd roamed the store earlier, but now the perfect skyblue dress seemed impossible to locate, and Sam was on the brink of tears.
Sam stared at Ellie with hope. She barely remembered her mother, but knew she was better at picking outfits than her father. By Sams logic, if her mum could buy something lovely, this lady could tooshe was, after all, a woman.
I need a blue dress, kneelength, with ruffles right here, and a little floral brooch on the chest! Sam rattled off in one breath, eyes bright with expectation.
Mark, with a halfamused look, watched his sevenyearold daughter trustingly follow the unfamiliar woman, then shook his head and trailed behind them.
Ellie and Sam soon stood before the exact dress. The childs eyes sparkled with joy. Thank you! Im Sam, she chirped.
Ellie introduced herself, winking at the man who had approached. Relief washed over him as the problem seemed solved. When Sam vanished into the fitting room, Mark, with sincere gratitude, said, Thank you so much! I dont know what Id have done without you. Im Mark and you are?
Anne, Ellie replied.
Buying something for a little one? Mark asked, scanning the area for the other child of his new acquaintance. Ellie simply shook her head.
No, Im alone here, and I have no children.
Lucky for me, I have twoPoppy and little Oliver, hes three. Hes already waiting for Sam. The nannys called three times already Mark babbled, stealing glances at Ellie. Thank you again! How can I repay you?
I dont need anything, Ellie began, ready to leave, but Mark, whod taken a liking to her, hesitated, How about coffee? Not now, perhaps tomorrow? Just as a thankyou.
Ellie shrugged uncertainly. Shed only recently ended things with Ian and wasnt ready for a new romance, though the breakup had felt more relief than grief. Yet Mark wasnt proposing marriage, just a chat over coffee. What was wrong with that?
And your wife? she asked.
She passed away three years ago, Mark answered simply.
Im sorry Ellie felt a twinge of awkwardness.
Its alright, you didnt know. Im used to it So, shall we meet tomorrow?
Yes, lets meet, she agreed. They exchanged numbers and went their separate ways. As Ellie drove home, she thought about the new acquaintance. She hadnt intended to make any plans with Mark; she knew raising two kids alone was hard and felt sympathy for him, but her agreement came from curiosity, not pity.
The next day, she was almost ready for an evening out when her phone rang. The screen displayed Marks name.
Hello Mark? she answered.
Yes, good afternoon, his voice sounded pleading. Im sorry, I cant meet at the café today.
What happened? Ellie felt a flicker of disappointment, though she hadnt banked on the evening. Shed merely wanted a pleasant chat.
My little Oliver fell ill, and Sam has a performance! We were picking out her concert dress yesterday. The nanny cant come, and Im torn I thought wed sit after the show, but hes been moved
Ellie didnt pause. Mark, do you need help?
Mark laughed nervously. Hed called more to warn her than to ask for assistance, and he seemed at a loss.
I dont know
Whats the problem? I have no kids, but I often look after friends children. I could watch your son for a couple of hours. Whats he sick with?
His temperature spiked last night, Mark admitted, a hint of relief in his tone.
Anne hurriedly swapped the dress shed almost put on for a pair of comfy jeans. She realised the next few hours would not be a cosy café conversation but tending to a feverish threeyearold. Still, she understood how tough it was to ask for help when there was hardly anyone to turn to.
She also remembered Sams upcoming concert; a fathers presence meant everything.
She hadnt expected to know this family after only a day, yet her love for children made the prospect of helping feel natural.
Soon she stood in Marks hallway, feeling a little embarrassed as the door opened to a slightly dishevelled flat. Its a bit messy we were in a rush with Sam, Mark said.
Never mind, children are children, Anne smiled, eyeing the scattered toys. Shed seen similar scenes at Talias place, so nothing surprised her.
Oliver is over there hes awake, so lets go, Ill introduce you! Mark led her to the nursery. Sam and Oliver soon left for another venue. Mark seemed oddly calm leaving his son in the care of a nearstranger. Annes trustworthy demeanor reassured him; she didnt look like a thief, and Mark liked her enough to trust her with his child, even if he knew his chances of finding a partner with two kids were slim. Kindness, after all, obliges nothing.
For three hours Anne tended to Oliver, changing his compresses, offering water, brewing lemon tea, and eventually reading him a bedtime story.
When Mark and a smiling Sam returned, the flat was quiet except for Annes voice narrating the tale. Mark slipped off his shoes and walked slowly toward the nursery. The door was ajar; Anne, facing away, kept reading. She heard Marks footsteps but stayed put, determined to finish the story.
Oliver listened intently, his eyes fixed on her. A sudden pang of sorrow struck Mark as he realised how much his children missed a mothers warmth. Over the past two days Anne had shown him that, first through Sam, now through Oliver.
Hey, how are you? Mark asked, uneasy with the silence. Anne turned, a slight shiver running through her.
Oh, youre here we just finished! Olivers fever has gone down hes better now.
Good to hear! We got you a new toy car, Oliverget well soon! Mark hugged his son, tucked him in, whispered goodnight, and called Anne to the living room. Before she could rise, Oliver, halfasleep, asked, Will you come again?
Anne flustered, then glanced at Mark, noted his expression, and sat beside the boy.
Ill try to visit again. You wanted to show me some drawings, didnt you? Oliver nodded, eyes sparkling. She patted his soft head, stood, and headed for the door. Deep down she already knew she wouldnt stay away.
Anne, youve enchanted him, Mark whispered from the hallway.
You have a wonderful son, Anne replied with a grin. Even though the café didnt happen, Im glad.
Do you like children? he asked, a tender note in his voice.
It was a painful question for Anne, and she didnt answer before Sam burst out, her mouth stretched in a grin.
Anne, I sang at the concert! Everyone clapped! And the dress is gorgeous! Everyones jealous!
They chatted briefly; Sam sang a soft tune from her performance, then Mark tucked her into bed, casting a wistful glance at Anne.
Anne returned his look. That night, despite the bustle with the little boy, she felt an unexpected calm settle in her soul. Perhaps it was Olivers wide eyes listening to the story, perhaps the boys invitation to return, perhaps Sams song, perhaps the glimpse in Marks eyes that stole her breath.
Just a day earlier she hadnt entertained the idea of new relationships, yet now she understood she wouldnt simply walk away.
Should I call a cab? Mark asked.
No need, I have my car, Anne replied. May I ask you something?
Natasha died three years ago in childbirth Oliver never saw her, and Sam barely remembers. Mark said.
I see but I wanted to ask something else how would you feel about a walk in the park once Olivers better? I dont have anyone else to look after my kids, Anne ventured, blushing slightly.
Mark stared at her, then, after a moment, smiled broadly. Anne, of course, lets meet! Ill be delighted, and the kids love you already.
Anne flushed, said a hurried goodbye, and hurried home. It was getting late, and her own work still awaited her.
She drove through the dusky streets, smiling at something indefinable. She knew life wasnt as simple as it seemed, and perhaps things with Mark wouldnt work out. Even if a relationship blossomed, she wouldnt instantly become a mother to his children. Still, her heart felt at peace, and a quiet hope grew that everything might fall into place.
