3- New ID

AVA

I was driving to the place where I could get a new identity. I don't want to gain any form of attention from people just because of my name. Besides, since Ryan hates me so much for no reason, He wouldn't care. I'll rather it remain that way than being taunted by him or his family.

Looking at my daughter from the rear view mirror, I noticed how close she had been to falling off the chair, "Lissa, just lie down on the chair if you're feeling sleepy." I told her. 

She nodded her head with a little yawn, and did as I said. Soon I heard her soft snores confirming how sleepy she had been. I think I can really give myself an accolade for being the best mom and dad to her. 

I drove for thirty minutes straight before I finally arrived at my destination. The compound was vast. The building was a two story building, painted white with beautiful flowers surrounding it. The national flag in front of it could be seen many miles away as it was raised very high, reaching the last floor of the building. 

The parking lot was filled with numerous types of cars. I was lucky to find a good spot to park my car. Stepping out of the vehicle, I opened the passenger's seat to carry a sleeping Melissa. 

Thankfully, I was put on flat shoes which made it easier to carry Melissa comfortably without missing steps.

I got into the building and was asked by the receptionist to sit with ten other people, as they were all here for the same purpose as me.

Why would all ten of you decide to get an ID today? 

Melissa, whom I'd been carrying in my arms, stirred in her sleep. It seems she was going to pee anytime soon, she wasn't even wearing a diaper. I had totally forgotten to tell Isabelle to put at most two diapers in the bag she packed for us. Dear God, help me before she rains on me.

Immediately after noticing, I stood up from the chair carrying Melissa. I told the lady sitting beside me that I needed to use the restroom, and asked her to save my seat. The lady smiled kindly and nodded. I smiled back before going off to ask the receptionist where the ladies room actually was.

I was in the rest room for a good ten minutes trying to wake Melissa so she could pee. She finally did wake up, looking rather confused.. 

Returning from the restroom and walking towards the waiting area, I noticed five people were left before it was my turn. I was about to breathe a sigh of relief when I noticed my seat was occupied by a lady. I grabbed onto Melissa's hand tightly, and made powerful strides to my seat. Nobody dares mess with me, not even in public.

"Excuse me Miss, I am actually the occupant of this seat." She eyed me head to toe before looking away as though I had said nothing.

I glared at her, wishing it could make her move. I was clearly losing it. How can people be so rude, especially when they are the ones who were wrong? 

"It's either you stand up peacefully or we do it the hard way" She shrugged, giving me a look that asked me to do my worst.

"You asked for it." I said 

Removing my hand from Lissa's, I bent down and dragged the shoes off the lady and flung them down the hall with as much force as I could muster. This happens to be the language she understood, because she turned around looking at me with wide eyes.

"You bitch!!" She yelled, standing up from the chair while I linked my hand with Lissa's and smiled. 

Wild laughter erupted around us from those who had been watching including the receptionist. I even heard a whistle and mentally congratulated myself.

"Mama, what is bitch?" Asked a confused Lissa.

"Uhmmm, that..." I started, looking around for any kind of distraction I could use so I could avoid telling her.

As if on cue, my name was called, saving me from the awkward situation with my daughter that I had no idea how to get myself out of. I followed the receptionist to the office, taking Melissa with me.

"Ava Ryan Howard, what would you like to change your name to and why?" The middle aged man asked after I had attempted to make myself comfortable on a very uncomfortable chair.

With all due respect Sir, I'm not in the mood for an interrogation over a simple ID. So just give me the damn ID and I'll give you a good hair treatment to appease the bald part of your head. I wanted to say.

What does he think I'd be changing my name for, murder? Mentally rolling my eyes, I spoke.

"I'm a divorcee, this is my child. Her dad wants nothing to do with her." I replied, playing with Melissa's fingers to distract her from the conversation. 

"Dada?" She asked looking up at me with wide eyes. I nodded my head, leaning her head on my chest while she played with my fingers.

"Is he aware of the child?" The man asked me. 

I didn't know which answer to give, If I said yes, he may not change Melissa's name, and if I said no... Well let's find out 

"No, we were divorced before I had her. He had no idea I was pregnant, neither did I." He gave me a look like he was finding it hard to believe me, that's his business anyway, everyone has the right to believe what they want, when they want. 

"So what name would it be then?" Baldie finally asked, giving me some time to think

"My dad's middle name, Randolph. Ava Randolph for me while hers, Melissa Randolph." I told him the moment I made up my mind. 

He typed on his computer and signed a few papers. He turned those same papers towards me, asking me to sign some of them. Then, he gave me a temporary ID card while I wrote down my address for the original to be delivered to me. We left his office with a newly found happiness and a bright smile plastered on my face.

I drove us home, in a great mood. After I got home I practically skipped into my house, a giggling Lissa trailing behind me. I think Isabelle could feel the happiness radiating from me as she kept on stealing glances my way. 

She made me my usual night coffee before retiring to her room. 

Turning on the television set, I sat on the couch sipping my coffee. 

I don't know how long I sat there because the next thing I know, I drifted off to sleep on the couch.