I furrowed my brow as the heavy traffic kept me sweating and frustrated. I looked behind me to see my three-year-old daughter strapped in her seat, watching one of her fun shows on her iPad.

At that moment, it was his face I saw. That handsome face I could never forget still lingered in my mind.

She saw me look at her and smiled, showing her infectious smile, just like Kwame’s. Everything about her is like him -the way she laughed, ate and almost how she did other little things.

It took an ounce of power for me to look away.

Now, I was back to my thoughts which were always centred on Kwame.

It’s serious huh? Yes, that’s how intense our love was back then.

Thankfully the cars began to move and we were fast on the road again. I saw an unanswered call from my mum on my phone. I might have missed it when I was stuck in that crazy traffic.

We arrived at our destination pretty sooner. A tall, handsome, dark-skinned Kwame was there to receive us, which was a relief. Annoyingly, my BMW attracted lots of people. Which was expected from such a neighbourhood.

I have never lived in a deprived area but one thing I know is, that they have eyes for good things. The car was gifted to me by a distant uncle on my recent birthday. Thus, taking away the stress of having to convey my daughter to school in a taxi or ask my dad to drive us.

Which I appreciate till now.

“Let’s go somewhere private,” he told me.

I nodded and followed him to a secluded area with Aria in his arms.

“You kept long today,” he asked with concern.

“Traffic. My mum actually delayed us. She didn’t like us coming here.”

“But she’s my daughter.” There was pain laced in his voice

I swallowed hard.

“Can we talk about something else?”

I tried changing the topic.

He looked at Aria.

“Why is she cringy this afternoon?”

“No idea,” I shrugged

“Are you okay baby?” he asked in that sweet voice.

The one I have heard many times over when I was not in good shape but this time, it sounded like that of a worried father.

Ari nodded. Placing her head on his shoulder.

“Maybe she’s missed you. I have somewhere to go right now. Can you have her for the day till I come for her?”

“Sure,” he sounded happy.

My mum always had a problem with Ari staying over. She called his place filthy and noisy. Somehow, I agreed with her but c’mon, not everyone can live like us.

“Thanks.”

“No, thank you!”

‘I love you.’ The words almost rushed out but thankfully, they did not. I did not want to think of the possibility that he still loved me after three years of separation. Yes, as soon as I had Ari, the relationship could not stand. He had completed uni a year later and I was pregnant. No money to support me and the child so I was forced to quit.

Lack of financial stability caused us to split, unfortunately. But I’m happy to have him in Ari’s life cus he’s being a great dad.

 I left them moments later.

My mum’s call rang through again when I started the car out of the driveway.

“Mum.”

“Where are you now?”

“Mum, please. Not now.”

“Sika. Where are you?”

“Mum stop it. I’m 23. Old enough to take decisions so please let this rest. If you really want to know, then I will tell you. Ari is with her dad and I’m on my way to a get-together.”

“Girl, the silly decision you took last three years cost you your youth. You better make it up with Spencer and leave that rascal before he gets you pregnant for the second time.”

I sighed in a defeated manner.

“We are not even together mum. Where from all this? Dad is cool about this but you seem unchanged about Kwame.”

“Let me tell you something. The fact that he got you pregnant doesn’t mean he can father your child.”

“Mum! This is just too much. I will never take Ari away from him for anything. This is getting weird. You know what? Let’s talk sometime later. Bye.”

I wasn’t having it at all. First, preventing him from seeing Ari when she was born and now this? Dad will definitely hear of this.

I hanged up before she could say anything further.

Did she really dislike him that much?

 I will deal with my mum later but now, I was on my way to have a little bit of fun with mates from uni at a restaurant in East Legon.

There was less traffic so I got there early. I was all smiles till I got there and saw the people present. Maame, my closest friend and two others whom I never really got along with were seated. In all, six people were there, including three guys.

I joined them at the table, and the worst started happening.