Mr. CEO, I Cannot Be Hidden Anymore

CHAPTER 2

(Amaka’s POV)

“Maureen, you know I cannot put Jason in school now. He is only a baby and I don’t want to force books into his head,” I said, looking back at my best friend and her 'small husband' in her arms.

“Don’t mind your mother,” Maureen said. “I will put you in school, okay? There’s a small children’s school here. So I will go there with you now.”

Jason smiled sweetly at her. “Thanks, Aunt,” he said.

“You’re welcome, sweetie,” she replied, telling him to wait while she prepared his bath for his new school.

“Maureen, you cannot be so serious. Jason is my son and I get to decide for him,” I told her.

As her mother had another room, Maureen and I shared hers.

Although I could move out and get an apartment of my own, I didn’t want to become selfish.

I was able to go for part-time training in a business class with Maureen’s mother’s help. She looked after Jason for me until he was able to walk.

My family doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. Well, maybe now that they see I am well off on my own.

My mother phoned me last week and claimed she wanted to know how I was and if I still had the baby.

Unbelievable. I gritted my teeth and ended the call on her. Mom didn’t need to know about her grandchild.

I am 22 years old now, and I don’t need such parents as grandparents for Jason. They would never welcome him or love him the way Maureen’s mother does.

Although she encouraged Maureen not to fall pregnant like I did, since Maureen and I were age mates and fair in complexion.

Maureen is in a relationship with a good man from around here. He owns a small business that has gone globally recognised, and now he is set to get married to Maureen and take her off to the city.

As her wedding was still pending, her groom had arrived with his family, and I watched with teary eyes how my best friend got engaged to the love of her life.

But remembering Joseph Ericson and the silly promises he made to me—after that night he slept with me, he never contacted me again.

I searched for his home address after my parents threw me out. But the harsh reality hit me hard.

Joseph and his family had truly packed out, and none of their neighbours knew where the wealthy family were living.

“You shouldn’t worry, Amaka,” Maureen said, cradling Jason in her arms. “Jason is my son as I was there on the day he was born and also watching him grow up. So I am his big aunt, and Mommy too. While my mom is his godmother,” she grinned.

“Alright. I have to hurry up for this business interview I told you about,” I said. “You know I want to have another job to support us now that you will be getting married. I plan to pack out too and get a new apartment so that you can go to your new house with your mom.”

Maureen smiled. She was done folding Jason’s clothes as she intended to take him to a new school.

I knew my son wanted to go to school. He saw other kids around going to school, but I just wanted him to grow up smarter first, before taking him there.

“My mom wouldn’t send you away, even if I am going with my husband tomorrow, Amaka. Why do you seem to worry about irrelevant things? Anyway, you’re running late and Jason will be late for school. So I have to hurry up and take him. You know, as a new student, he will need to do a lot of registration. What surname should I file for him?” Maureen asked me as I was done applying a little pink gloss on my natural pink lips.

I donned a red top and black skirt, understanding that the company doesn’t approve of trousers.

Though I didn’t want to discuss my son’s dad with him, I knew that Joseph would get to meet him one day, so long as he was still alive and in the city. It wasn’t far from where Maureen’s mother lived.

After my parents sent me away from their home, I had called Maureen on the phone, knowing she was the only good friend I had, before her mother relocated to the city.

But then, those billionaires lived on one side of the city, while industrial people like us lived on another busy area. That was why I wanted my son to grow up before putting him in school.

It was so busy around here.

“Just his name, Jason,” I replied, not wanting to mention my father’s surname.

My father said my child wasn’t his, so I should take my baby to his father. But as Joseph had blocked me online—even though I have his younger brother’s profile page—we hadn’t chatted since the last time I introduced myself to him as Joseph’s girlfriend.

I didn’t want to ask Aaron about Joseph. I felt heartbroken that Joseph blocked me online and told me to get rid of his sperm. It was so traumatic.

“You must be joking, Amaka,” Maureen said. “As you’re Amaka Richard, I believe your son has a full birth name. That reminds me—Jason Ericson. So deal with the fact that you got pregnant by a man and your child has to bear his father’s surname in case of tomorrow.” She stripped off Jason’s pajanas to help him have his bath.

“Fine… Just name Jason whatever you want as his surname, but know that I don’t have anything to do with his dad again,” I replied.

Maureen grinned, “I know. You should get going as I heard that new company, J. E. Global, are very strict. You shouldn’t get late and miss your chances of securing a job with them. It will help with your studies and online job too.”

“Fine.” I wore my black shoes beside the bed and waved goodbye to my son as I clutched my black handbag.

Once I stepped out of the room, I met Mrs. Ann Austin in the living room. She was a good woman and Maureen’s mother too.

“Good morning, Ma.” I greeted her, and she smiled at me. “Morning, my dear. Are you going out?”

“Yes, Ma,” I replied, and she asked, “Wouldn’t you have breakfast first? There is still time. Or is it not school that you’re going to?”

“No, Ma. I am going for a new job interview,” I replied. “But it’s quite far from here, so I have to get a bus to take me to the area.”

“Will you get on the Island?” she asked.

“No, Ma. I’m not going there. Still on this mainland. It’s a new branch office,” I said.

“Okay. But still have your breakfast so that you appear smart at work,” she advised.

“Okay, Ma,” I agreed and went to prepare my tea in the kitchen.

“What of Maureen? Has she left the house too?” Mrs. Ann asked me, walking into the kitchen to meet me.

“No, Ma. Maureen is in her room, preparing Jason for school.”

“Oh!” Mrs. Ann smiled understandingly and nodded her head. “Maureen loves Jason so much, and now she will soon be going to her husband’s house. I wonder how she will cope. Maybe take Jason along with her.”

I smiled and drank my tea. “Maybe,” I replied. I didn’t know. Maureen may want to take my son with her.