That afternoon when Daisy returned from school, Faith sat her down. Leo was still in the small living room.
“I want to talk to you,” Faith said seriously. “Why am I just finding out that you’ve been going to Silverline Junction to beg? If you’re hungry, do I not feed you in this house? I know things are hard. I know I haven’t been able to give you everything, but I try my best. So why am I hearing that you’ve been lying to me, saying you’re going to school when you’re out begging?”
“Oops,” Daisy muttered dramatically, covering her mouth. “I’ve been caught. My cover has been blown.”
“This is not funny,” Faith scolded, pointing at her. “Answer me, young lady.”
“Mama,” Daisy said quietly. “I’m sorry. I lied. I’ve been going to the junction to beg because I saw how hard you’ve been trying even when you were sick. I saw how you vomit your food every night. I heard you cry in your sleep and it broke my heart. I just wanted to help you. That’s how I met my fake daddy, who is now my real daddy. I’m sorry I lied.”
Faith’s face, heart shattered, tears welled in her eyes. “Daisy, something bad could have happened to you. You could have been kidnapped. And you told me you were going to school. Why didn’t you tell me? It is not your job to take care of me. It’s my job to take care of you. You’re just seven.”
“I know I’m seven, but I’m very smart,” Daisy replied with her arms crossed. “I’m a hustler. I made plenty money. I’ve been taking care of us for months.”
Faith gasped.
“Daisy, I’m sorry, mama. I promise I won’t do it again. I’ll never lie to you again. I don’t need to beg anymore. My daddy is a rich man now, so I know he’ll give us plenty beautiful things. Right, Daddy?”
Leo, stunned but smiling, nodded. “Correct. I’ll give you everything you deserve. I spoke to your mother today. I want you both to move in with me. I want you in a good school and a safe home. I want to spend time with you and make up for all my mistakes. Please help me talk to your mother.”
Daisy’s eyes lit up. “Really, Daddy? You want to take us to your house? Is your house big?”
“Yes, it’s very big,” Leo replied.
“Do you have a swimming pool?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have plenty toys like the ones in the movies?”
“Yes, Daisy.”
“Do you have a big TV? Like really big? As big as this room?”
Daisy gasped. “Then what are we still doing here? Mommy, let’s go to his house. He has swimming pool. He has big TV. At least landlord won’t shout at us for rent again. We’ll eat free food and wear beautiful clothes. Mommy, please. Nah. This is a very good deal. Don’t let it pass us by.”
Faith looked from her daughter to Leo. The tears she’d been holding back fell freely. The truth was she was tired—tired of fighting, tired of poverty, tired of slum life. Daisy had seen too much already, and no matter how hard it was to admit, Leo was right.
That night, she agreed.
The very next day, they moved into Leo’s mansion. And the moment Daisy stepped into the grand house, she screamed, “Yay! I love this house. I’m going to tell all my friends in school that my daddy is a rich man.”
Leo and Faith looked at each other, and for the first time in a long time, they smiled together.
“I love the TV screen. Daddy, when can I go to the swimming pool to swim?” Daisy chirped, her eyes dancing with joy. “Where is my room? Does my room have Cinderella? Does it have AC? Hope you’re not going to tell us to pack out. Are we going to eat food for free or do we have to work for you?” she asked in one rapid breath, standing boldly in the middle of the lavish living room with both hands on her waist like she was inspecting a new estate.
Leo laughed warmly and knelt to her level. “No, princess, you don’t have to work. You are my princess, and princesses do not need to work. All you need to do is relax and enjoy.”
Faith was seated quietly in a corner, still stiff, nervous, and slightly bitter. She didn’t trust the sudden generosity. She didn’t want to feel more indebted than she already was. But for her daughter’s sake, she kept her emotions in check. Leo called on the staff to help them get settled.
That was how they began their new life in the mansion.
Leave a Comment