Page 9 of Fated with my Ex's Brother

Weeks later, I discovered that I was pregnant with Octavia by the handsome stranger who swept me ox my feet. I never got to know his last name or his address. I only knew he was from D.C. and worked at the White House. The only thing I had of him was the picture we took by the water fountain. Confused, I swallowed my loss and returned home to my dad, Fuitting my art program. I will forever be grateful for the support of my dad. Although he passed away last year, with Mina here, I didn't feel alone raising Octavia. It does take a community.

I don't know if I'll ever see Louis again in this lifetime, but I am thankful he gave me Octavia.

I Gnish my iced coxee and head back to my car. I check the time to see that it is a few minutes past three in the afternoon. If I return to Mina's now, she will have my head. She wants me to enjoy myself and have fun on my own. But the truth is, I don't know how to have fun without my baby. I'll have to try today, though.

I drive to the new movie theater, about siX to seven minutes away. I enter the theater and get a ticket for the current romcom.

After two hours of balling in tears and laughter, I eXited the cinema. The movie was indeed a good watch. Movies like this make me believe that true love does eXist.

As I approach my car, A Gne gentleman walks toward me.

"Hi," he smiles nervously. "I'm Packson."

"Hello, Packson," I say, pu44led.

"This is awkward, I'm sorry. I saw you in the cinema alone, and I was alone. I wanted to come over and join you, but I didn't want to 7ATED WITH MY E”'S BqOTHEq K1

seem too forward. My date blew me ox," he pauses. Did yours stand you up, too?"

"No, I came alone," I manage to smile.

"Oh!" he chuckles awkwardly. "I'd like to take you out sometime if you wouldn't mind, miss?"

"Isabel," I respond.

"Isabel," he repeats. "That's a beautiful name."

"Thanks."

"Would you be open to going on a date with mez sometime?" he asks again. I can tell he is trying to remain conGdent.

Usually, I would say no. But I just Gnished watching a beautiful love story. Who knows, mine might begin here.

"Alright, Packson. NeXt Saturday, 6 pm. Here at the cinema," I say, smiling.

"Alright, alrightzThank you! It's a datez I'll be here. See you then," he mumbles all his words in eXcitement.

I chuckle.

"See you!" I wave at him as he departs.

I smile as I get into my car and drive ox. In no time, I arrive at Mina's. Octavia and Mina are doing some sort of karaoke. Octavia has a huge dark shade, almost bigger than her tiny face, and she plays an imaginary guitar. At the same time, Mina has on a pink wig as she sings and dances in front of her.

I laugh at the ridiculousness of both of them.

"You look like a clown, Mina," I said amidst laughter.

"Mommy, mommy, mommy!" Octavia runs up to me to give me a big hug. She removes her glasses so she can kiss my cheeks.

"My sweet gummy bear! I've missed you," I say, showering her with kisses.

She giggles. "I miss you too, Mommy."

KK HELEN BLUME

She releases herself from my embrace and looks at my hair. She takes a few strands into her hand as she feels them.

"This is pwetty! Aunty Mina, look at Mommy's hair. She looks like a princess," she blushes. "I like your hair, Mommy.;

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