But today, I didn't give Leander a heads up, hoping the three of us could head home together.
To make time to pick up Nigel, I rushed through the chores at home and even left an hour early, arriving at the preschool gate way ahead of time. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, preschool finally ended.
The electric gates swung open, and teachers, guarding the kids closely, verified each parent's identity before letting them leave with them. "Nigel!" a teacher called out. "Is Nigel's parent here?"
"Here!"
I raised my hand and hurried forward.
At the same time, someone else rushed to my side.
Instinctively, I turned my head.
And there was Luna in a vibrant red dress, her wavy hair cascading over her shoulders.
Her makeup was immaculate, and her smile was warm and inviting: "Hello, I'm Nigel's parent."
I was rooted to the spot in shock.
Why was Luna at the preschool gate to pick him up, claiming to be Nigel's parent?
Had Leander lied to me?
He said he'd pick up Nigel on his way home from work, but...
He had Luna come instead? To give Luna enough time to bond with my child?
This suspicion paralyzed me on the spot, a sharp pain piercing my heart.
"Nigel's mom," the teacher was speaking to Luna but eyed me warily. "She also responded when I called for Nigel's parent. Do you know her?" What?
The teacher just referred to Luna as Nigel's mom.
My mind was in turmoil!
Slowly, the realization dawned on me...
In this preschool, not a single person knew I was Nigel's biological mother.
Instead, everyone assumed Luna was Nigel's mom.
That meant... Luna had been here to pick up Nigel many times before without my knowledge.
Who had allowed her here to pick up Nigel?
Why did the teachers believe she was Nigel's mother?
The emerging truth felt like a dagger twisting in my heart.
Was it Leander?
Luna hadn't met me before, so she saw me and seemed surprised.
She reached out to Nigel. "Sweetie, come see, do you recognize this lady?"
Me?
Did she refer to me as a lady?
I found it almost laughable. I carried Nigel for nine months, and they're calling me a stranger?
This must be a joke.
I was about to retort when I saw Nigel obediently walk to Luna's side, holding her hand while staring at me from a distance. After a moment, he shook his head. "Mommy, I don't know her!"
Boom!
My smile vanished, and a buzzing noise filled my ears, so loud I could barely hear anything else.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Nigel...
My own son called Luna his mom in front of me!
Did he say he didn't know me?
His cruel decision shattered my heart into pieces.
Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
Luna maintained her polite smile. "Perhaps this lady is mistaken."
"I'm not mistaken," I managed to say through tears. "Nigel, come here!"
"No!" Nigel hid behind Luna, peeking out at me. "You can't just call my name and expect me to come with you."
Luna and the teacher exchanged glances.
The teacher, concerned, asked, "Could she be a kidnapper?"
Luna shook her head. "I'm not sure."
Out of concern for the child's safety, the teacher decided to call the police.
But I was already beyond caring about anything else, stepping forward to Nigel. "Nigel, I am your mom!"
"You're not!" Nigel scrambled further behind Luna. "She is my mom!"