Being a single parent is twice the work, twice the stress, and twice the tears, but also twice the hugs, twice the love, and twice the pride. 

- Unknown

5.00 AM

Monday morning.


As the annoying buzzing sound of the alarm went off, Kiara groaned from under the covers and slammed her hand against it, making it stop in the process before she threw the covers off of her and laid on her back, rubbing her eyes before stretching and yawning. Every morning she cursed the person who invented the alarm and every morning she cursed those that made morning shifts mandatory.

But it was what it was and things weren’t going to do themselves on their own, so without any other choice left, Kiara dragged her sleepy body out of bed and toward the bathroom to get ready for the day. Letting the music play on her phone, she discarded her PJs and got into the shower. Playing music in the morning was a common thing as it helped her clear her mind in the morning.

Humming along as the music played she took a quick shower and wrapped her hair into a towel, before wrapping another towel around her body and getting out of the shower. Standing in front of the mirror she wiped it with her hand and looked at herself, sighing as the redness in her eyes was obvious. As always, she had gone to bed late, but it was something that couldn’t be helped.

For you see, she worked in the education field, therefore, she always had something to do, either grade the tests, prepare new lessons, do reports, or prepare for the parent's meeting night. At times, she was a substitute English teacher in one of the local High Schools. That being said, in most cases it was impossible to go to bed early, but regardless of it all, she never complained as you see, teaching was something she loved. And if she could do it all over again, she would choose the same career.

As she finished brushing her teeth, she splashed her face with cold water and smacked her cheeks lightly as it was another way of getting back to her senses. Once she was done, she dried her face, grabbed her phone, and headed back into her bedroom to get dressed. Once done, she looked at the time and headed out of the bedroom.

It was time for a fresh cup of coffee before she could start on breakfast. But before that, she first had to check on her bundle of joy, Lea. As she opened the door, the child was still asleep and Kiara couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her daughter. Walking up to her bed, she tucked the child and kissed her forehead. Lea smiled, tightening her grip around her favorite teddy bear.

“Mommy…” Lea mumbled sleepily.

“Sleep some more, little angel, hmm?” Kiara whispered, caressing the child’s cheek.

Lea smiled, turning to the side as sleep took her over again. With that, Kiara walked out of the room and closed the door behind her.

*

The smell of bacon and eggs filled the kitchen as Kiara served the food on the two plates in front of her. Adding some tomato slices on the side, she reached for the mayo bottle and poured some mayo over the eggs as it was how her daughter liked her eggs. Placing it on the dining table, she poured two glasses of fresh orange and turned to look at the time.

6.30 AM

It was time to wake up the little one and get her ready for school.

Throwing her apron on the counter, Kiara walked out of the kitchen and headed up the stairs, down the hallway, and toward the child’s room. Opening the door, she once again found the covers on the floor and Lea’s head buried under the pillow as her stuck up. Seeing that sight, Kiara couldn’t help but chuckle. Lea had strange sleeping positions, there was no doubt about it.

“Time to wake up, angel,” Kiara hummed, walking over to the bed and shaking the little one lightly.

Lea’s body fell to the side and she groaned as she grabbed her mom’s hand and hugged it tightly. “Two more hours… please…”

Kiara couldn’t help but laugh slightly at her daughter's comment, but just like herself, Lea hated mornings.

“I wish, baby girl,” Kiara said. “But you know it’s not possible. Now, come on.”

Lea opened her eyes and yawned as she looked at her mom. “Can’t you just tell them that I have the stomach flu? Grandma can come and babysit me!”

“Missy,” Her mom shook her head. “You’ve already been absent for a few days last week.”

Lea blinked her eyelashes a few times. “Pretty please? Just today and then from tomorrow I will go to school on a regular basis.”

“That answer is still no,” Kiara replied. “Listen, I know that you are afraid of the math test today, but I am not asking for 100 points, just pass it, okay darling?”

“Fine,” Lea pouted.

Kiara ran her hand through her daughter’s hair. “Shall we make a deal?”

The little girl’s eyes sparkled. “What kind of deal?”

“You pass the test and I get you the guinea pig that you have been wanting so badly,” She hummed.

Lea jumped into a sitting position. “Mom, I will make you proud!”

With that, Lea jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom before Kiara could even react or say anything.

“That child…” Kiara chuckled to herself.

She was the center of Kiara’s world. At times spoiled, she will admit, but that child knew her limits. She knew what she was and wasn’t allowed to do. The rest was on Kiara. At times, she would let her have her ways, and at times not, but it was all within the boundaries of normal.

For you see, Lea was the apple of her eye.

Was it easy being a young single mother? No.

But it was a path that she was willing to take… it was a path many many 16-year-olds at that time would try to avoid and would choose another option, but you see, Kiara didn’t do that. She couldn’t do the abortion nor could she give her child up for adoption. Lea’s father didn’t want to have any part in it and he decided to leave, but that was alright.

Kiara wasn’t alone, despite the difficulties that she had faced from that point on. Her parents were her biggest support and they helped her raise the little one. Thanks to them, she was able to graduate and go after her dream and for that, she will always be grateful.

So, did she regret her choice? No.

During that period of time, she learned many things. 

She learned that not everyone who smiles is nice.

Not everyone is a friend.

People betray.

Only the rare ones stay.

But either way, one thing was for sure. One’s family will always be there, regardless of everything and that was something that Kiara taught her daughter. She wanted Lea to know that she could always count on her mom for everything. She wanted her to be open and honest.

No secrets.

No lies.

And so far, she was doing a good job.

Of course, parenthood was not easy and there were going to be many ups and downs, but that was life, wasn’t it?

Day by day.

One step at a time.
 

Monday morning.


Chanyeol fixed his tie as he looked at himself in the mirror. For him, it was another busy day at work, but then again, being a lawyer meant working for hours, on top of all that, he also had a 6-year-old daughter to take care of, but did he complain? For you see, his daughter was the center of his world and no matter how busy he was, he would always find time to spend time with her.

She was his happiness.

His energy.

His rainbow after a rainy day.

She was the only good thing that had happened to him and that came out of the relationship with her mother. If his ex can even be called a woman. The day she gave birth to her was the last time he had ever seen her. In the letter she left, she told him that she wasn’t ready to be a mother and to not look for her.

From that moment on, he had a new mission in his life.

To take care of his daughter and be her everything.

Seeing his daughter smile and hearing her laughter made his heart filled with joy and just like any other parent, he wanted nothing but the best for her. But unlike other days, today, Jisoo was feeling a bit down. Why? Today was her first day in school, and like any child, she felt nervous.

“Jisoo?” He called out as he opened the door of her bedroom. “Are you ready?”

“Mhm,” She mumbled as she sat on the edge of her bed, looking down at her hands.

He sighed seeing her in that state and approac