CHAPTER SIX

I pulled a long, calming breath and started to move away from the wall; my feet alternated after each other. There was work to be done, a new project awaiting my attention. Dwelling on the ghosts of my past was a luxury I couldn’t afford not when my future was on the line.

As I approached my desk, Celine’s stern voice cut through the air. “Sophie, Mia has expressed her interest in the landmark project, and I’ve approved it. She’s in the best position to handle it, I didn’t even know why I gave it to you at first. Take over hers and start working immediately. I would need it ready by next week Thursday.”

“Understood, Celine. I’ll ensure a smooth transition and have everything ready by next Thursday,” I replied

“Good” she acknowledges before stringing away

I turned to my desk, sat down, and opened my laptop; finding the email from Mia regarding her project that was now mine. However, before I could even begin reading it, Mia herself approached me.

“Sophie, is there anything specific we should focus on for this project? I want to impress him.”

“I’ll forward you all the relevant files and details concerning it and I’d need you to do the same concerning yours,” I replied

“Of course, not a problem.” She responded smiling like a child who just got a candy

…

It was the weekend, finally a chance to spend time with Dawson. Since starting at Polo Enterprise, I've been so busy, but now I can make it up to him. I decided to go to his room and be the first thing he sees when he wakes up. Seeing my baby sleeping took away all my stress and pain. I was gently patting his head when he opened his eyes.

"Mommy, good morning" he greeted, rubbing his sleepy eyes and sitting up.

"Good morning, my baby. Did you sleep well?" I asked.

He nodded, and I reached out to pick him up, showering him with kisses that made him giggle.

"Today is World Dawson’s Day, so we'll be doing whatever you want," I said, seeing his smile grow.

"I want to eat ice cream, go to the park, watch movies, and play games!" he shouted out in such a rapid speech.

"Whoa, calm down, little man," I laughed. "We'll do everything you want, but first, let's take our bath and brush our teeth. Grandma made your favorite breakfast, and you know she hates to wait."

"First to get to the bathroom!" he yelled, darting off with his little legs. "I won, Mommy!"

"Oh, my speedy boy! I can't keep up," I said, smiling and forgetting all the worries my new job has brought.

He giggled and replied, “I’m the fastest superhero, Mommy!” In the bathroom, we swiftly got ready for the day with Dawson eagerly talking about all the fun things he wanted to do.

After breakfast, we headed to the park where Dawson ran around joyfully.

“Okay, Dawson, where should we go first? I asked watching his eyes dart around, taking in all the sights and sounds.

“The swings!” He exclaimed grabbing my hand and practically pulling me toward the swings

I chuckled keeping up with his energy. “Alright, my little daredevil, let’s see who can swing the highest.”

We spent the next minutes taking turns, pushing each other on the swings. Dawson's laughter echoed throughout the park and I couldn’t help but marvel at how carefree and content he seemed a great difference from the worries that consumed me all the time.

When he decided he had had enough of the swing we moved to the slides just as we were done, a group of older children arrived, and his eyes lit up

“Can I play with them, mama?” He asked bouncing with excitement

“Of course, my love,” I replied although a part of me didn’t like the idea. “But be careful, okay?”

Dawson nodded happily and dashed off to join the other kids who welcomed him into their game of tag. I settled on a nearby bench contentedly watching him play. He ran around laughing loudly. However, my nerves began to get a better part of me when I noticed the other kids playing rough. I rose to step in when Dawson suddenly stumbled and tumbled to the ground. My heart surged into my mouth, and I hurried to him, bending by his side.

"Are you okay?" I asked, doing a quick check to find out if he was injured.

His eyes were wet, but he nodded. "I'm okay, Mommy. It just hurt a little."

I pulled him close for a hug, my body suddenly felt lighter with the realization that he was safe. Gently I brushed away his tears and put a kiss on his forehead.

"I think we've had quite enough excitement," I remarked, glancing cautiously at the other kids. "Shall we go grab some ice cream instead?"

A smile spread across Dawson's face, and he enthusiastically nodded. "Yes, please!"

As we walked into a nearby ice cream shop, Dawson’s eyes grew wide in anticipation and he couldn’t help but sing and dance

“Wow, mama, look at all the flavors,” he exclaimed, pressing his face against the glass display case.

I chuckled placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “So which of them do you think your tastebud will appreciate today.”

“ Hmm. Can I have this?” he finally decided after contemplating the endless options before him

"Yes, sure. Hi," I said, finally facing the shop lady, who was smiling kindly. "Can I get that with rainbow sprinkles in a small size, please?"

The lady behind the counter smiled warmly and scooped the requested flavor into a crisp waffle cone, adding a generous sprinkle of colorful sprinkles on top. As she handed the treat to Dawson, his face lit up with pure delight.

"Whoops!" he exclaimed, taking a huge bite of the ice cream. A lit drop of sweet sauce landed on his nose's point and I could not resist teasingly picking it with my finger.

"Careful there, little man, "I teased. "Don't want to wear more of it than you eat!"

Dawson giggled and dug into his ice cream, his face lighting up with pure joy with each spoonful. Seeing his delight, I figured I deserved a treat too, and grabbed a scoop of rich chocolate for myself. We plopped down on a bench nearby, people-watching as we indulged.

I glanced over at Dawson, and the look of absolute bliss on his face just made me smile. That ice cream cone had made his whole day - sometimes it's the simple pleasures in life that bring the most happiness, you know? I felt myself relax, just taking in the moment and enjoying the sweet chocolate melting on my tongue.

"Is it good, Dawson?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Mmhmm!" he hummed, his mouth full of the sweet treat. "It's the best!"

I smiled, taking another lick of my ice cream.

Dawson looked at me with his big curious eyes. “Mommy, why do you work so much.”

His innocent question tugged at my heartstrings. I knelt to his level, “I work hard because I want to make sure we have a happy life with lots of fun like today. But I promise to always make time for you, my little superhero.”

He nodded. “You know what, let’s make a special pact,” I said holding his hands in mine

“A pact? What’s a pact?” He asked eyes wide with curiosity.

“A pact is a special promise between us. From now on, every weekend is our special time together,” I told Dawson smiling. It will always be about us having fun together and making memories. What do you think?"

Dawson's face lit up with excitement. "Yay! That sounds awesome, Mommy.”

"I'm going to try to spare time for you even on weekdays, no matter how busy work might get or how tired I am, even if it’s reading you a bedtime story or playing a quick game before you sleep," I said.

Dawson nodded enthusiastically, "Deal?”

“Deal baby,” I said

Hugging me tightly “Today is the best day of my life.”

“I love you Dawson, more than anything in the world,” I replied brushing a gentle kiss on his forehead.