She padded barefoot into the bathroom, the cold tiles kissing her skin as she reached for her toothbrush. The mirror reflected a woman already carrying the weight of a long day ahead, though the sun had barely risen. She brushed her teeth, bathed, and let the warm water wash over her thoughts before stepping back into the quiet house.
In the kitchen, the soft hum of morning wrapped around her. She prepared breakfast carefully—something warm and simple—for herself and Matteo. When she was done, she packed a portion neatly into his lunch box, making sure it was enough. She ate quickly, standing by the counter, already thinking ten steps ahead.
Then she walked back into the bedroom. Matteo was sprawled across the bed, lost in sleep, his curls flattened against the pillow. She smiled softly and nudged him.
"Wakey wakey, my love."
He groaned and rolled over. She leaned closer and laughed.
"Hmm, your mouth stinks."
Before he could protest, she scooped him up and dragged him toward the bathroom.
"You know I'm ten now," he said, frowning as his feet brushed the floor. "You shouldn't be bathing me."
She rolled her eyes but said nothing, turning on the tap.
"My friends at school say only babies get bathed by their parents," he added, watching her from the corner of his eye.
"Well," she replied calmly, "you're my baby." She paused, then glanced at him. "Did you tell them I still bathe you?"
He shook his head quickly. "I'm ashamed to."
They both burst into laughter, the sound echoing softly off the bathroom walls.
As she finished bathing him, Matteo grew quiet for a moment.
"This house is so beautiful, Loli," he said suddenly. "The life we always wanted."
She smiled, though something flickered behind her eyes.
"Yeah," she murmured. A life I had to pay a price for.
"Loli?".
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Since we live here now… will I get a new uniform? This one is worn out."
"Yes, Matteo," she assured him. "You will. I'll speak to your principal."
"Okay," he nodded, satisfied.
After sending him off to eat, she headed toward the massive wardrobe. Rows of designer clothes stared back at her—luxury she had once dreamed of.
The luxury I deserve, she thought. Even if I hate how I got it.
She chose a brown chiffon blouse and fitted pants that hugged her curves. Standing before the mirror, she layered on thick makeup, rolled her hair, and fixed her long lashes until the woman staring back looked untouchable.
She grabbed a designer office bag, slid on her shades, and walked downstairs.
"You done?" she asked.
"Yes, Loli. Oh—you look good."
"Thank you, my boy. Let's go."
She ordered a cab. As they climbed in, Matteo glanced around.
"Are we taking the cool cars?"
"No," she said gently. "We're taking a cab."
"Oh," he replied, disappointment slipping into his voice.
Soon later the cab arrived at the school gate and they came down, lots of kids already coming in from the school bus, Matteo doesn't take the school bus because she couldn't afford it and always brought him by trycicle, but now she's here she will have to talk to the principal to include him in it taking him home after all she knew she will be late to pick him up by her self.
"Aren't you going straight to work?" he asked confuse considering the fact she is stopping by his school instead of going straight to work..
She smiled and squeezed his hand.
"You wanted a new uniform. I have time. I'll talk to your principal first."
And with that, she walked him inside, " Matteo " they both heard a call and turned to see a young boy juggling toward them.
" Hey Winnie " he says and they held each other's hand " Good day ma'am " the boy said with a silent head nodding, making Matteo chuckled.
" It's aunty Loli " Matteo said. " Oh " the boy paused seem shocked " u look different aunt Loli" he says and she chuckled.
" Alright u boys can go to ur classes let me go see the principal, study well u two " .
" Bye Loli " the boys said waving their hands as she returned it.
---
Lolita arrived at the door where it was written Principal Bailey's Office. She raised her hand and knocked softly. A muffled, "Come in," floated from inside.
She pushed the door open and stepped inside. A middle-aged woman with thick glasses was flipping through a book, her face barely glancing up before burying herself in the pages again. It seemed she hadn't recognized Lolita.
"Good morning, miss. Have a seat," the woman said without looking up.
Lolita lowered herself into the chair, her fingers brushing lightly against the smooth wooden armrest. "It's me—Lolita," Lolita said her face calm and neutral leaning back on the chair as she placed one of her leg untop the other.
The woman slowly lowered her glasses, her eyes scanning Lolita from head to toe. Recognition finally sparked in her gaze.
"Oh, wow! I didn't recognize you. You look…different. How are you, Lolita? How may I help you?" Mrs. Bailey asked, her voice a mix of surprise and warmth.
"I'm fine, thank you," Lolita replied, keeping her tone neutra, she wasn't here for pleasantries to begin with, she placed her leg untop the other l. " So I'm actually here because I'd like for u to register my brother ,so he can start using the school bus, and I'd also like to get a new uniform for him."
Mrs. Bailey nodded thoughtfully. "Oh…all right. Over there is the account number—you can send the money there. How many pairs do you need? Don't forget the one for Sport. I noticed he's been wearing, those rags " oh! I mean the torn uniform. Pardon my manners," she said rushed to explain herself smiling awkwardly,
"It's fine, Principal Bailey. Just As you said, they are rags, there's nothing to apologize for." Lolita said her gaze steady, flipping her hair, her face calm and neutral with out a ounce of smile.
Mrs. Bailey cleared her throat on seeing the serousness of lolita's face, with a small cough, adjusting her glasses, she said Quickly "I didn't mean it like that,".
'ofcouse u didn't mean it like that ' Lolita thought as she rolled her eyes, not here for this nonesense make it quick.
"Since it's a new class, you'll need to get his books as well. I'll ask his class teacher to give you a list with the prices for everything. There's quite a lot he doesn't have yet."
"Okay, thank you, Mrs. Bailey," Lolita said, rising from her chair. She extended her hand, and the woman clasped it warmly in return.
"No need to thank me. That's my job," she said humbly, smiling. "Take care."
Lolita stepped out of the office, the corridor stretching ahead like a quiet river of sunlight and polished floors..