Page 20 of Resolute

“Very well. I’ll send you a link to the feed as soon as I get a camera installed here.”

“Thank you,” I say through clenched teeth. “Oh. And Mr. Godoy? I’ve put together two plans for your meetings. Please let me know which one you prefer.”

I hang up before he can reply but decide to give a little wave to the camera.

Let’s boogie, boss!

I ran to Sainsbury’s to grab lunch and returned with half an hour to spare, so I could use it to chat with Ava later.

Despite making me the card yesterday, she was still sad that it wasn’t Mummy who picked her up after school. It breaks my heart seeing her beautiful face all twisted with sadness.

Even when I worked two jobs, I was able to spend a lot of time with Ava. I would drop her off in the mornings, then come back home to bake cookies. In the afternoons, I’d pick her up, and after a quick rest, she would help me deliver the order. On our way back home, she always made time to play with the ducks.

Evenings were for dinner, baths, stories and bed by seven-thirty. At nine-thirty, I’d head out to clean offices, returning around three-thirty in the morning. During that time, Mrs. Evans would watch Ava, keeping an eye on her overnight. Ava understood that I had to work at night, so she was very comfortable staying with Mrs. Evans.

Although it was hard running on about four hours of sleep a day, it was worth it to spend so much time with my girl.

“Hello,mi amor. How was school today?” I ask Ava as her sweet face fills my phone screen.

Last night, I asked Mrs. Evans if we could FaceTime, and she loved the idea. She’s been my rock ever since I moved into the flat.

I still remember the day we met, a moment that changed everything.

“Hello, dear. I don’t mean to impose but I’m your next door neighbor, and I figured it’d be good to introduce myself. I’m Claire Evans.”

“Mrs. Evans, hi. So nice of you to stop by. Would you like to come in? I’m Camila. Camila Flores.”

She gave me a bright smile as she made her way into my apartment.

The moment she spotted Ava in the bassinet in my living room, her eyes lit up, and she rushed right over.

“What’s this sweet baby’s name? Would it be alright if I hold her?” she asked, hope shining in her eyes.

I simply nodded. And as soon she had Ava cradled in her arms, I knew I could trust her.

“I know you barely know me, but you look like you could use a tiny break. Would you like to nap while I take care of her?”

Emotion swelled in my chest, and before I could respond, Mrs. Evans moved closer and gave me a gentle one-armed hug.

I got comfortable on my sofa, and Mrs. Evans sat in the chair next to me.

And just like that, our little makeshift family formed.

“Mummy!” Ava shouts, and I laugh. My heart feels so full every single time my tiny human calls meMummy.

“I take it you had a good day?” I ask as I spot marker stains on her little hands.

“Yes, Mummy. We drew flowers and then colored them. Wanna see?” She puts the phone down against the table.

I chuckle. She didn’t even wait for me to say yes. I hear some papers rustling, and Mrs. Evans gently tells her to be quick since Mummy is at work.

“Here it is, Mummy. Do you love it?” She pushes the paper so close against the phone, that I can barely see it. Mrs. Evans steps in, moving Ava’s hand back to reveal the entire picture. She did a beautiful job, and I can tell she tried really hard to stay inside the lines.

“I’m so proud of you, little duckling. Those flowers are gorgeous. We’ll put them on the fridge door when I get home. Deal?”

“Deal.” She darts off to God knows where, and Mrs. Evans grabs the phone.

“Hi, dear. How’s work going?”

---