Page 41 of Unspoken Obsession

I watch Damion run across the grass towards an angry-looking goose.

"Baby, leave the big ducks alone. Feed the little ones."

He turns to look at me, the expression on his little face says, "I can do this."

I chuckle and shrug. "He's going to chase you back," I warn him, sitting down on the wooden bench near the pond. I've learned with my son that sometimes he just needs to try for himself. Sometimes it doesn't matter if I tell him it's not a good idea - he needs to give it a go, anyway. And it's not like the goose is going to do any damage. He'll just scared if it nips at him or chases him.

Damion grins, continuing his path toward the goose. I sit watching, waiting for the drama - but to my surprise, when he's close enough, he squats down and starts talking to the goose, throwing corn towards him - and the goose wanders over, not threatened at all and showing no signs of agitation.

I'm impressed. He knew how to handle the large animal with calm confidence.

My little boy is so gentle.

I grin, shaking my head and when he looks back to check if I am watching I throw him two thumbs up and a massive smile.

I am doing the best I can as a single mom - but I really think he deserves to have a father in his life. He's a boy and boys need men to look up to.

Not my father. Definitely not.

Dan seems like such a kind and giving man.

But that doesn't mean he would be a good dad.

Although - I believe he would.

I look around me at the other couples enjoying the park today - some walking their dogs, hand in hand, and looking very in love. Others with baby strollers or two kids running between them. Some look thrilled, others are pretty damn miserable.

I'd rather be alone than miserable. I learned that when I moved away from my father. It was so difficult being alone after being under constant watch with him - but the peace and the freedom were worth it.

So, when I meet a man who I feel safe introducing Damion to - he will need to prove himself first.

It's going to take a lot to encourage me to let my guard down. Trust doesn't come easy.

I choose peace over drama and stress any day.

Although, even though I am very single and alone at the moment I am still stressed.

My father won't leave me alone. He is a constant presence, breathing down my neck, and watching every move I make.

His men are even here at the park today. Maybe I need to see him again and have a conversation that won't be easy. I need to stand my ground and tell him to back off.

I sigh, rubbing my hand over my face. Yeah, right? That will never happen.

My father is not the type of man you tell to back off.

He does what he wants - regardless of what you ask. In fact, if I told him to back off it would trigger him to be more aggressive about his tactics.

No - talking to him is not the solution, unfortunately. There is no reasoning with that man.

Maybe running away again is. I can go somewhere further away. I can go somewhere where he will never find me.

But then I won't even see Dan again.

That thought causes my heart to pull tight with anxiety.

No - that isn't what I want either.

Whatever is happening between Dan and me - it is something unique and I want time to explore it.

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