A LOVE FORGOTTEN

Chapter 34

Emily's POV

Growing up so fast

I hurried through my morning routine, mentally ticking off tasks as I prepared to drop Alex off at school before heading to the clinic. A patient appointment was lined up early, and being late wasn't an option.

Alex had been one of the greatest blessings of my life. My son was sharp, curious, and wise beyond his years. Sometimes I wondered how I got so lucky. As I walked down the hallway to his room, I found him sitting on his bed, completely immersed in his tablet, his small fingers tapping away with surprising focus.

"Hey, sweetheart, are you ready?" I asked softly.

He looked up, his face breaking into a wide, heart-melting smile. That smile was a balm for all the wounds of my past. Even though things hadn't worked out with Ethan, Alex was my constant reminder that something beautiful had come out of it.

Alex jumped off the bed and trotted over to me, arms raised high. I lifted him up, though I could feel his growing weight straining my arms. "Look who's getting so big that Mommy won't be able to carry him soon," I teased.

He giggled, his eyes bright with mischief. "Don't worry, Mommy. I'll grow so big I can carry you!"

We laughed together, and I planted a kiss on his forehead. Setting him down, I grabbed his backpack and straightened his shirt. "Ready for school, champ?"

He nodded, but his excitement was noticeably absent.

"Are you still having fun in class?" I asked as we walked to the car.

He let out an exaggerated sigh. "School is boring, Mommy. I already know everything they're teaching us."

I smiled as I buckled him into his seat. "Oh really? Everything?"

"Uh-huh," he affirmed with confidence. "We did numbers yesterday, and I already know them. And reading? Easy."

"Well, maybe school isn't just about what you already know. It's also about making friends and having fun."

He frowned. "My classmates are all crybabies. They cry about everything. It's so annoying!"

I suppressed a chuckle. "You don't think you're a baby yourself sometimes?"

"Nope!" he declared with conviction. "I'm big, remember? I help you carry the groceries, and I don't cry when I fall. I'm not like them."

I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "You're definitely brave, sweetheart. But it's okay to be a kid sometimes too. You don't always have to be the big, strong one."

He tilted his head thoughtfully. "But I like helping you. I want to make you happy."

My heart melted a little more. "You already do, Alex. Every single day."

As I started the car, I glanced at him in the rearview mirror, his small face turned toward the window, lost in thought. He might find school boring now, but his curiosity and brilliance were gifts I hoped he'd never lose.

"Don't forget, Aunty is picking you up later," I reminded him.

"Okay! Bye, Mommy!" he chirped as we pulled up to the school gates.

"Bye, sweetheart. Be good and have fun, okay?"

He waved, dashing off with the boundless energy only children seem to have. As I watched him disappear into the school building, a swell of pride and love filled my heart.