Chapter Three- Farewell To False Hope

Lily Thompson 

I walked into the house and I could hear Ryan’s and Isabella’s voices. I could hear Isabella giggling so hard at whatever Ryan was telling her. I felt a little jealous but I realized that I’m her mother and no stranger that she met today can alter the love she has for me. 

I walked to my room and quickly changed my work clothes to my regular home clothes, just shorts and a crop top. I headed to the kitchen and made dinner and the smell of the food attracted both Isabella and Ryan downstairs. 

“Food is ready” Isabella said, excitedly coming down the stairs with Ryan just behind her 

“Bells, take a seat at the dining table, let me help mommy set up the table, okay?” he said and Isabella agreed and sat her spot in the dining room 

Ryan took off his jacket, folded the sleeves of his shirt and loosened his tie. After that he walked into the kitchen and helped me take the dished-out food to the table. As we set the table together, there was an uncomfortable silence between us, punctuated only by the clinking of plates and utensils. Despite the tension that lingered beneath the surface, there was a sense of familiarity in our movements. 

After we finished setting the table, I caught Ryan’s gaze and despite the fact that I’ve been ignoring him all this while, I must admit he did a good thing by helping me, the only good thing that he has done since I saw him today, so I just muttered a thank you and joined my daughter at the dining table 

As we sat down at the dining table, Isabella's excitement was very noticeable. She chattered spiritedly about her day at school, entertaining Ryan with stories of her friends and adventures on the playground. Her infectious energy filled the room, casting a temporary spell of warmth and joy over our little dinner. 

Despite my initial apprehension, I found myself relaxing in the presence of Ryan and Isabella. As we passed around dishes of food and exchanged small talk, I couldn't help but steal glances at Ryan. He had really changed since I last saw him. He had aged in a good way. His presence was comforting for my daughter and unnerving for me, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within me. Memories of our past together flooded my mind, reminding me of the love we once shared and the pain of our separation. 

As I watched Ryan interact with Isabella, a mixture anger, pain and tenderness washed over me. As dinner drew to a close, Isabella's yawns signaled that it was time for bed. 

“Isabella, come on, it’s time for bed” I said 

Despite her sleepiness she still wanted to hang out with Ryan. As Ryan was talking to her she dozed off. I smiled and carried her to her room and pulled the blanket over her. I kissed her forehead and reflected on how grateful I was to have her. She was my comfort. 

As I was about to leave her hands and walk out of her room she spoke up 

“Mommy, will uncle Riri come over tomorrow?” 

She didn’t give me a chance to answer as she went back to her sleep right after she asked. If I let her continue meeting Ryan after today, she would become so attached. What if Ryan decides to leave her just like he did to me? It would break her little heart. I won’t let that happen. I vowed in my heart to keep her away from Ryan. 

I walked out of her room and back to the dining room to meet Ryan still seating, perhaps waiting for me. The silence that followed was deafening, punctuated only by the soft hum of the refrigerator and the distant sound of passing cars outside. I could feel Ryan's gaze on me, his eyes searching mine for answers to questions I wasn't sure I had the courage to confront. 

Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze head-on, steeling myself for what I was about to say 

"Ryan," I began, my voice steady despite the racing of my heart. "do you need me to show you the door? Get out” 

“Lily” he began but I was not having it 

“Ryan don’t push me. Don’t let me call the cops on you. Get the hell out of my house and never show your face here ever again. Don’t even try to contact my daughter” I said sternly 

He stood up and looked at me beseechingly but he saw that I had made my resolve he picked up his jacket and walked to the front door. Before he walked out, he turned around 

“Your daughter is such a beautiful soul, you did a good job raising her. Thank you for dinner” he said and walked out slowly closing the door 

Immediately he left, I completely broke down in tears, remembering all the promises he broke