Skipping Ahead

Your lawyer Sandrine Renard was with you when Beth took her seat. “My lawyer will go over what we have agreed. One, you sign away all parental rights to me and any attempts for compensation now or in the future. In return, I will not chase you for outstanding child support. Two, I will decide how you will be introduced to MY daughter. No unsolicited texts or phone calls to my daughter or me will be accepted and constitutes a breach. Three, you forfeit the rights to ANY property that I own or make payments towards. Period. In return, you may live in my home. Four, you are expected to contribute both financially and domestically. In return, you may have access to our facilities. Five, you are banned from bringing to any property that I own or make payments towards any romantic partner of either gender. Any breach of any condition and you will forfeit all rights, property and claims and will have to find somewhere else to live. Do you agree? If so, sign the contract where directed.”

Beth signed every part without hesitation. You are not thrilled, but you had earned a bonus yesterday and your career’s expansion meant you might need to come in to the office. Having Beth might be tolerable under those conditions. And as much as you hated yourself for thinking so, she remained gorgeous. You drove back to your apartment with Beth. You had avoided revealing anything more than telling Andrea that an old female friend was going to live with you for a while. Beth was quiet, which was a relief as you parked your car. She followed you as you opened the door. Danielle, Andrea’s babysitter, smiled at you as Andrea ran to you. You pulled her into a hug, Andrea remained your whole world. She turned to face Beth. “Hello, I’m Andrea. Are you family? You look like me.” Beth stammered something and as much as it killed you, you realised it was better she heard the truth. “Andrea, sweetie, Beth is your father.”

Beth paused, staring at Beth, who turned pink. “I love my mummy!” she declared, hugging you tighter before returning to Danielle. You aren’t sure whether to feel relief or not. Beth looked devastated and you actually found yourself, feeling sorry for her. “Thank you Danielle, I think I’ve got this.” You beam at the girl, handing her 50 dollars. It was quite a lot for 90 minutes work, but she was worth it. She gave her goodbyes to everyone and you took this opportunity to declare “What would you like for dinner, sweetie?” “Can you make Tikka Massala, Mummy? I love Tikka Massala.” “Of course, sweetie. Beth, please put your bags in the living room.” Your apartment was just two bedrooms, a toilet/shower and a kitchen/living room. Soon you would have an actual house. But for now, you focused on cooking.

Beth sat on the couch, watching Andrea nervously. The fact that she had no clue about work, raising kids or basically anything, did not help. But perhaps she could be useful…for some activities.