Fast forward to now, I reminisce over our conversation shortly before splitting up, where he remarked he grew up too fast and didn't allow himself to enjoy his youth.

My response was to ask why he had to wait until we were in a four-year-long relationship and with a child before coming to this 'self-realization.'

When Tim and I officially went our separate ways a month ago, I promised myself I wouldn't shed a single tear over him. But now, as I speed along the seemingly endless highway, the emotions well up in my eyes, and I'm powerless to stop them.

I like to think that I'm crying not because I'm completely shattered and heartbroken but because of the time I wasted with him.

I don't stop driving, though, and I soon make my grand entrance into the capital city of Texas. The first thing I notice is how vibrant the city is.

Despite being the tech hub of the state, the city mixes an urban setting with the greenery of nature, and being a small-town girl, I couldn't have thought of a better place to move to.

"Mamma!"

My daughter's squealing takes me by surprise, causing me to brake quickly, and the entire car jerks forcefully. Staring wide-eyed at her through the rearview mirror, I gasped, "Oh my God, Skye. You almost gave me a heart attack. I thought you were sleeping."

She responds by giggling and clapping her hands with a cute baby smile. Shaking my head at her antics, I resume driving, and this time, I follow the map closely. The city is much bigger than the town I grew up in, and I’m afraid I get lost.

I pass through the heart of the city where it's busiest, ogling at the huge high-rise buildings there. I see many tech companies, and for a moment, I can't help but imagine being inside one of the glass-paneled buildings and working with the latest technologies.

Having been a remote worker for so long, it may take some time for me to get used to the new routine of working in the office.

I drive the car following the directions, and soon, I arrive in front of Fiona's apartment building. Letting out a pent-up sigh, I grab my phone and send her a text letting her know I'm outside.

Not even a minute later, she's running out of the building and heading over to my car. Despite how overwhelmed I feel, I can't help smiling and stepping out of the car.

"Chloe!"

Her high-pitched voice pierces through the partially empty parking lot, and her footsteps beat the ground as she races to engulf me in a hug. With my head tucked into the crook of her neck, I breathe in the soothing, familiar scent of her body spray.

And just like that, I'm breaking down again.

"Oh Chloe," Fiona tuts, rubbing my back soothingly, "Shh. It's going to be okay."

"Is it?" I sob, burrowing deeper into her warm embrace, "I'm a single mom, Fiona. I don't have a steady job or my own place to live yet."

My voice rises and falls with my tears.

"I'm so scared. What if I can't support myself and Skye?"

Fiona places her hands on my shoulders and pushes me back a little bit. Her face is red, and she's repeatedly blinking like she's about to cry.

"Don't say those things, Chloe," she comforts me in the gentle, maternal tone she only uses in dire times like this, "Look... I'm going to help you get a job. You don't have to worry about anything, okay?"

I sniff and wipe my tears, "Okay."

Fiona gives me another hug before looking for Skye in the back of the car. She jumps in excitement at the sight of her goddaughter, "There she is!"

We spend the rest of the evening talking about everything and nothing. Fiona tries to make me unpack my car, but I insist that I don't since I'm going to look for a place of my own tomorrow.

It's about time I get my life on track.

Chapter 2

Kane

The Truth Is A Bitch

"Good morning, sir."