"Mum! I heard my teacher talking..." Ellie began.
I had just placed her in bed for her night sleep as I kissed her forehead ready to walk away.
"What's that?" I asked in concern as I stopped staring at her.
"She talks about you and dad and always, there's this look on her face when she stares at me" she quietly voiced out.
I knew what it all was about. But I wanted to ignore her. I couldn't answer any of her questions, not now, she's definitely too young to understand.
I couldn't possibly tell her she was a mistake but at the same time the reason I have a life with her father.
"Just ignore her, forget about it. If she continues, we'll have to report her to the school's board" I quietly told her kissing her forehead.
"She's telling everyone you and dad never got married and that you're not his wife and she doubts we're yours. You're prolly taking care of us for dad"
I paused taking in what I had just heard my six year old child say. She was hearing all of this from a teacher, she's only a kid.
"Our teacher told Missy's mom and Missy overheard her mom telling her dad" she finally said bringing me back to reality.
"I'll talk to your teacher tomorrow, I promise" I told her with a kiss on her forehead as I began to walk off.
"Good night mom" her tiny voice sounded.
"Good night Light. I love you" I said as I exited the room shutting the light, leaving only her night light on.
*****
As I got into the bedroom I and the father of my kids stayed, I banged the door in anger as I walked in.
I stared at Mason as I walked over to the bed. There was this feeling, the way I felt, it was a mixture of hate and regret.
I didn't hate Mason for what was going on, in fact I couldn't. I wasn't regretting what I was blessed with, this family.
If I come back again, I would choose this life but somethings would turn out different this time around.
"Did Ellie tell you about what her teachers' been saying?" I asked staring at him with my hands folded.
"Yeah, she did. Don't let it bother you, it's fine. I'll drop the kids off at school tomorrow and I'll have a word with Mrs. Carolina" he told me.
"No, it's fine. I'll go talk to her myself" I told him staring away so he doesn't notice my anger.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah! I am"
He paused for a moment staring at me. I was paying him no attention, I had a lot on my mind and still, it was blank.
"Babe, hey..." he called.
I turned to stare at him.
"Hope you haven't forgotten about tomorrow?" he asked.
I remembered instantly.
It's his parents fifteen years death anniversary. And well, he's hosting a party here at our house.
It's Friday tomorrow, and so perfect timing, everyone could go rest as it would be the weekend.
People would come around the house to set the food and drinks ready, and so he wants me home so I could supervise them. He's got to be somewhere tomorrow.
*****
I hadn't forgotten what I had come for.
After I dropped the kids at their school, I had followed them in.
We got in front of Ellie's class and I told to her to help call for her teacher.
I watched her as she walked in her class, talked to Mrs. Carolina, her teacher, before she stared at me.
After that, Ellie moved over to where her friends where.
I diverted my attention back to her class teacher who had gotten to where I stood.