The Royal Contract

She left the laundry on the table, leaving them unfolded to attend to her son. She quickly picked up the toys he threw on the floor and returned them to the box.

“Hey, buddy!” Ria immediately called his attention. Then, she knelt before her son, who appeared frustrated and sad.

She could not help but smile a little as she stared at his small but handsome face. Somehow, she saw how she felt in his expression. She also missed Zach, and they barely separated for a few hours.

“Look at what I found, Edison.” She showed him one of his favorite cars that she found under the chair, attempting to distract him.

Usually, it worked, but he ignored her and continued sulking on the floor. “Do you want some ice cream? She tried again, hoping that would cheer him up. “I can call Sasha, and the three of us could go down the block.”

Sometimes, bribery also worked with Edison, but there were just those few times that he could be stubborn. She guessed he got that from his father’s genes.

But it did not matter if he had a few features of his father. She loved Edison because he was her son, too. And if he grew up looking like his father, she would still guarantee that Edison would be a better man than his father was.

“I want Zachy.” He told her, looking very disappointed that he woke up without him. “He promised to play ball.”

.....

Since Zach showed him a game in baseball, Edison would not stop talking about it. Zach ended up promising him that they would play. But of course, he had to buy the toy first.

But the boy was impatient as he waited for Zach to return. But she was not expecting Zach until later that afternoon. So, she had to find a way to entertain her son while Zach had not arrived.

“I know, baby. I want him too. But let us watch a movie while we wait for Zach to return.” She turned the television on, putting the channel on a child-friendly show.

Eventually, she managed to coax her son to cooperate with little more encouragement. Parenthood was not easy. Since she never had a parent as a role model, she had to rely on instinct and what she learned during the years.

She could only hope she was doing the right thing for her child. The last thing she wanted was for her to ruin his future because she did not raise him right. Or she made a mistake in her decisions.

“Do you still want that ice cream?” She asked as she finished folding the clean clothes scattered on the table.

He seemed to change his mood as he nodded in her direction while laughing at whatever was happening on the screen. Then, he ignored her again, jumping up and down on the couch, forgetting his tantrums earlier.

She quickly called Sasha. So she could buy the ice cream while the young girl looked after him for a few minutes while she was gone. It only took Sasha a few minutes to come to the apartment.

Soon, she was picking the two kid’s favorite flavors. She scanned the choices, hoping to pick one for herself, wanting something cool and refreshing. Sometimes, she liked to experience the things she missed out on when she was young.

“Ms. Ria. I think you should try this.” The girl selling the delicious cold treat pointed to a new flavor.

Of course, she would like to try something different. Then, she quickly strolled back to her apartment while licking her four-season ice cream composed of four assorted tropical fruit flavor creams.

She did not like to leave the two kids alone for a long time. Although Sasha babysat for her, her mother usually assisted her. The kids were never on their own.

“Sasha, Edison...” She called out as soon as she entered the room, carrying the cup of ice cream she bought for the two to share in one hand while holding her unfinished cone in the other.

“Mama...” She heard Edison shout, but as she turned to look at them, her eyes widened in shock. She almost lost her balance, but the cone in her hand landed on the floor with a splat.

“Ms. Ria, you have a visitor.” Sasha’s words confirmed what she feared. He was not just her imagination. He was present in her living room, talking to her son.

Sasha moved closer to her. “He just arrived a few minutes before you. I said you are not here, but he insisted on waiting. I was about to call my mother, but I am glad you are here now.”

Ria could see the child’s agitation. She could not blame her. This man was a stranger and should not be inside her home. “That is ok. I know him.” She was not about to frighten the child further by telling her who he was.

“Mama...” Then, Edison interrupted them, tagging on her pants. She momentarily looked down at her son, taking her eyes away from the man that seemed comfortable sitting on her couch.

“Yes, Edison.” She answered, giving him her attention. But her eyes still darted back and forth at her unwelcome guest.

“You throw... ice cream...” He pointed at the melting cold delight on her floor. “Ayan...” He pointed to the man. “...gave toy car.” Edison showed her the new shiny metallic toy in his hands.

“That is great. But I bought you ice cream.” She lifted her hand with the cups she bought for the kids. “Why don’t you eat this in the kitchen?” She instructed Sasha, who took the bag in her hand. “Go with Sasha while I talk to my guest.”

She watched the two kids happily move over to the kitchen. At least they did not look traumatized by his sudden appearance. He could only hope that he did not say anything to them, especially to her son.

Still, she could not tolerate his behavior. He could not show up in their lives like this and disrupt their peace. He lost his right to be with his son when he signed those papers.

It would appear she did not have to confirm who was investigating her and her child. It seemed that he had already found them. It gave her no option but to face her inescapable past.