Chapter 004

Selina’s POV,

SIX YEARS LATER

“Mom! Look! I’m trying to do some stunts” Dave called out my attention.

I stared at him with so much pain in my heart as he played around the park in his wheelchair. 

Wondering how he would feel when he grew up and realized his father's betrayal was the reason why he was born with a deformity. But thank goodness, I didn’t lose him that day, he is such a trophy child.

“Be careful Dave! So you don’t hurt yourself.” My voice accelerated. I narrowed my eyes in fear as I anxiously watched him display some stunts from his wheelchair.

“Relax Mom, I’m fine! Watch this, it’s a new trick I learned from the internet.” Dave stated with confidence, he went ahead to show me his new acrobatic skills while I watched painfully.

My anxiety spiked up with each move Dave showcased, I squinted my eyes when fear gripped me. However, I didn’t want to limit him from doing what he loved.

“Wonderful Dave! But we have to go home, that’s enough stunt for the day.”

“Ten more minutes Mom,” He scoffed and frowned his face as he continued playing. 

“Why are we rushing home, Mom? I had done all my assignments and also my chores. Don’t be a fun killer.” Dave stubbornly retorted, his brown cat eyes, exactly like his dad’s.

“Five more minutes, darling, and that’s it!” 

Despite Dave’s disability, he was always cheerful and acted like a leader, he hated special treatment from people and always wanted to be treated equally like other kids. But amongst all, he was super helpful and very energetic.

At a very young age, he acted very maturely, he was the best in his class and was loved by so many. Rather than being a burden, he rendered help to people around him with his kind and sweet nature. 

While we walked home from the park, I joyfully pushed his wheelchair from behind as we had our funny conversations as usual.

“Mom, doesn’t your arm hurt from pushing me around?” Dave asked, his little voice laced with concern.

“No way, darling! I enjoy doing this, trust me. You are my baby and you will always be.” I replied softly, with a warm smile playing across my lips.

“You shouldn’t have gotten the electronic wheelchair then, what is the use if you would keep pushing me around like a disabled little boy?” Dave said with a frown.

“Disabled? Who is disabled?…. I don’t see any disabled kid around here. You are the most active five-year-old I have ever seen in my whole life.” I remarked with certainty as I brushed my hands across his hair, canceling his thoughts.

“That’s more like it, Mom.” Dave’s face brightened immediately, as he tilted his head to look at my face.

I halted suddenly and turned to his front. My face gleamed with love as our eyes met.

“You, Dave Roberts, are my strength and my whole life. Honestly son, I don’t know what I would do without you, you show me so much support and help me around the house. Well, even though you mess up the chores sometimes.” I chuckled, rubbing his cheek.

“I would choose you over and over again, son. I love you so much.” 

After my comforting remark, I pressed a warm kiss on his forehead as I stared into his face, the image of Anthony reflecting from every angle startled me.

“I love you too Mommy, you’re the best,” Dave stated. He paused and glanced into the sky when his brows furrowed as a thought flashed through his head. 

“Mom, my eyes are brown and yours is blue, my hair is brown and yours is blonde, who exactly do I look like? I don’t look like Uncle Charles either, am I adopted?” Dave asked boldly, his questions sending shivers down my spine.

“Huh?? Where are all these questions coming from? Never! You are my blood, you are not adopted.” I interjected immediately, as I gave him a tight hug.

“Then why do you keep ignoring my questions whenever I ask about my dad?” Dave asked, his little face frowning in confusion.

“You don’t have a dad, you have just me, son. Am I not ok for you, son?” My eyes gleamed with sorrow as I ogled at him.

I never believed a day would come were he would ask about that monster of his dad.

“Can Uncle Charles be my dad then? Why don’t you give him a chance?”

I gasped at his utterance, holding my chest in shock. “Dave?” 

“Mom?” He called back, with a mischievous smile playing across his lips.

“If I didn’t give birth to you, I would have doubted your age, who is teaching you all this? Darling, this is adult stuff, you shouldn’t poke your nose. It’s very wrong.” 

I rebuked him kindly as I pondered on his words. Oh no! He was growing too fast, with so much emotional intelligence.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I don’t want you to be alone.” His eyes dropped.

“Who says I’m alone when I have a superhero beside me all the time?” 

His blush was evident and his eyes glistened with pride. “Thanks, mom.” 

“It’s ok, son. We should head home now.”

“Yes Mom, don’t forget you have a date with Uncle Charles by seven pm,” Dave stated, an evil grin playing across his innocent face.

“Huh? You’re unbelievable, son. I love you.” 

“I love you too, Selina Roberts.” Dave giggled as he called me by my first name.

While going home, we branched into the mall so I could pick up some groceries and get Dave the video game I promised him. 

Being a single parent without any friends and family hasn’t been an easy ball game. But all thanks to Charles who harbored me and gave me a job in his company, but I don't understand why I couldn’t bring myself to love him.

Arriving at the supermarket, I quickly grabbed a shopping cart, "Stay close, Dave, don’t wander too far. I don't want to have to search for you," I stated, my tone gentle yet firm.

“Ok, mom. I just want to check out the video games aisle, while you get the groceries.” Dave responded.

“Be careful, remember, stranger….”

“Danger..” Dave completed and zoomed off slowly in his wheelchair.

I stood still and watched him zoom off and in no time, he accidentally bumped into a well-dressed man in a black suit. 

“Watch it, young man! Don’t ruin my suit!” The man's voice thundered, as he forcefully pushed Dave’s wheelchair away from him, forgetting he was just a kid, a disabled one at that.

I gasped, narrowing my eyes. My jaw clenched and I tightened my fist as I approached them, but before I could reach them, the man had already walked away. I didn’t even get to see his mean face.

Relentless, I ran and followed him outside so I could tell him how much of a coward he was as my mind continued to boil.

“Holy shit!!”

I staggered, forcing myself to a halt when I sighted the lady he was walking towards.

I cleaned my eyes properly and took a second glance, steadying my gaze to be sure.

“Ashley??” 

Then the man in the dark suit must be Anthony!