Chapter 3

I was about to start the engine of my car, when I saw Jermain standing near thhe tree, and looking at my car like she was watching me if I will drive away already or not.

I hold on the stirring wheel so tightly that I could see the veins on my hands. I sighed before going outside my car and I looked at both sides of the street before walking towards her.

"Hey," she greeted me and bowed down a little so people will not be able to recognise her.

I breathe a large amount of air and put my hands inside my pocket, "What do you want?" I asked, a little bit irritated.

What does she want? I can't wait want to go home to my parent's house and fetch my daughter. This girl right in front of me is not included in my schedule for today's agenda, so she better hurry up.

"Uhm, h-how is she?" I heard her voice cracked.

I scoffed, "Avanneth is a nice kid. She wants everything to be done in her hands. She's a very independent child," I answered seriously and I saw her nod her head.

"Avanneth.." she repeated the name of her daughtet with a smile plastered on her lips, "what a nice name," she whispered.

She looked up at me and smiled a little, "Does she ask for me?" She sounds so hopeful.

I sighed heavily before slowing shaking my head, "She's not."

I saw how the emotion in her eyes changed from being hopeful to being hurt. Of course, who wouldn't? If I were on her shoes and I knew that my daughter is not looking or asking for me, I will be hurt.

"She's not asking for you but I know she's looking for you," I just said that so that she will not be able to feel hurt anymore.

I heard her sigh and nodded her head, "It's okay," she looked at me, "I understand of she doesn't know me or she doesn't look for me because I was not there since the beginning," I saw a tear coming out from her eyes so I looked away while she was drying her eyes.

"Don't worry, I told her about you," I said beautiful that's the truth. I just don't know why Ava is not looking for her, "when she was little, I keep on telling her about you, and she was listening attentive to me. So she know about you, it's just that..." I didn't bother continuing what am I supposed to say because she already know it.

She nodded her head a lot of times, "Are ypu busy right now? Can we catch up a little bit?" She asked, sounded so hopefully.

"I'm sorry," I lowered down my head, "I feel drained because I jist finished my exam, and I will fetch my daughter at the house of my parents right now," I said and she nodded her head.

"I understand, Aven."

The way she called me by my name send shivers to my spine. I'm not anymore used to hearing her calling me by my first name.

"I need to go, bye," I excused myself and turned mu back against her.

I was about to walk away already when I heard her say something. 

"This may be so early but.... I'm proud of you Doctor Aven Rodriguez for raising Avanneth alone."

I smiled bitterly before looking back at her again, "Thank you," then I started to walk towards my car already.

As soon as I entered my car, I breathe a large amount of air while looking in front of me. How come she is so casual while talkong to me, and here I am feeling nervous.

I glanced at the tree where Jermaine was standing, and saw her being escorted towards her van. She also glanced at my car before she entered her van. 

I watch her van as it goes farther and farther until I can't see the van anymore. I searched for my phone and dialed the number of my mother. 

[Hey son. Are you done with your exams?] 

I started the engine of my car and looked at the rear mirror while I was slowly moving backwards, "Yes mom. I just stopped at the coffee shop to buy you some snacks, but I'm on my way already."

[Daddy! The dog of grandma and grandpa is so cute, can I have one?]

I chuckled, "Soon baby, I will buy you your favorite dog," I said with a smile plastered on my lips while driving.

[AJ, don't make a call while driving okay. We'll drop the call already]

I nodded my head, "Sure mom. Bye," I said before I drop the call.

As soon as I arrived at the house of my parents, I saw Ava running towards my direction while hugging her favorite stuffed toy. Her hair was a bit messy because of the wind that causes why her hair was a bit messy, but she still looks beautiful even if her hair was a bit messy.

I bent down so she will be able to reach me, "Daddy, you're back!" She hugged me so tightly.

I kissed the side of her forehead and fixed her hair a little bit, "Are you good? Did you behave while you're with your grandparents?" I asked her and she nodded her head with a big smile on ger kios, causing for her eyes to be smaller than the usual and her dimples showed up. 

I reached for the backseat door and opened it, so Ava can see what's in there. 

"Donut!" She exclaimed and get the donut out of the car and carried the box with her, "thank you, daddy," she kissed me on my cheeks before holding my hands so I could stand up. 

I locked the door of my car before I carried my daughter while we are walking towards my parents. We stayed with them for a couple of hours before I decided to go home because Ava is a bit sleepy. 

I deposited her at the backs seat so she will be able to lay down comfortably while we're on our way home. The whole ride was quiet because I didn't bother opening the radio sinxe Ava is sleeping at the back, not until she murmured something. 

"Mommy..... love you...." 

I glanced at Ava at the rear mirror and saw her sleeping so peacefully. I returned my gaze at the road and I didn't hear her whispered anything after that. 

When I placed her on my bed, she immediately turned her back against me while hugging one of my pillows. I can't help but to smile while looking at my daughter. Suddenly I remembered what happened inside the car. 

Ava is whispering about Jermaine, so I think she saw her in her dreams. 

Dear diary, 

If one day Ava will look for her mother, I will not think twice but to contact Jermaine that her daughter wants to see her. If this happened during the time that my heart was covered with hatred, maybe I will not agree to it. But as a father, I would let her see her mother even if it hurts seeing Jermaine again. As a father, I'm willing to endure the pain I feel, just to see my daughter happy. 

From, 

Aven Jaxon Rodriguez