It Had To Be His Mum

It Had To Be His Mum
Tessa stepped out of Naya’s school with her shoulders stiff and her fingers trembling around her car keys. The afternoon sun felt hotter than usual, pressing down on her like it was trying to flatten her into the concrete walkway.

She had spoken to the head teacher, the receptionist, the security team, even the assistant principal. Every single one of them had given her the same look people give mothers who are scared of losing their child, or a mother who was doing too much.

But one thing was certain, they all looked alarmed and concerned.

“Whatever you’re dealing with, Miss Bloom,” the head teacher had said gently, “handle it quickly. People don’t always make rational choices when emotions are involved. We also want to assure you that every child's safety is our priority. We won't let Naya out of our sight, until she leaves the premises and is safe with you. That's a promise.”

Tessa nodded stiffly, those words were comforting, she felt relieved knowing that her baby was in safe hands.

There were still good people. She knew people didn’t always make rational choices. Jordan’s mother was living proof.

By the time she pushed the door closed and settled into her driver’s seat, the exhaustion hit her like a physical weight. She exhaled shakily, holding her forehead.

She had already been to the police station before driving here. Her next stop was the hospital, she was already talking to a doctor about the DNA test procedure, and how long it takes.

“Okay,” she whispered to herself. “Okay, Tess. One more thing.”

She dialed Jordan.

The phone barely rang once. He picked up immediately, but the tone in his voice was unpleasant.

“Yeah?”

It wasn’t him. Or maybe it was the version of him she had refused to see.

“Jordan, we need to talk,” Tessa said, forcing steadiness into her voice. “I’m going to get a DNA test done for Naya.”

A pause. Then a laugh, slow, sharp, and wrong.

“Tessa you really think I’m stupid, right?”

She frowned. “Why would you say that?”

“You want to do a DNA test on my child,” he said, stressing on my, “and you think I’ll let you do it in a hospital of your choice? What makes you think results can’t be falsified or altered?”

Her chest tightened.

“Jordan, are you okay?”

“No,” he cut her off. “If we’re doing the DNA test, it’s on my terms. My hospital, and for your information..” His voice sharpened like a blade. “I already got a lawyer.”

Tessa sat up straighter. Jordan was taking her kindness for weakness and stupidity.

“A lawyer? That's the best decision you've ever made since I met you.”

“You should lawyer up too,” he said coolly. “You’ve pushed me enough. Insulting my mother, calling her names? Keeping my child away from me? How much can a man take before he explodes?”

Her mouth fell open in disbelief. This wasn’t the Jordan who begged her to take him back, who she let into her home. This wasn’t the Jordan who held her the night her father died.

No. This was the real Jordan. The Jordan who woke up one morning and ended their relationship without blinking. The Jordan who left her begging on her knees while he walked away. The Jordan who made her question her worth for two straight years.

And it hit her like a punch to the gut.

She had blinded herself. She had romanticized him, she had rewritten history so she could forgive him. But this version of him, the ruthless one, had been there all along.

Her hand began to shake around the phone.

“Jordan,” she whispered, “I can't believe this.”

“Oh, come on,” he snapped. “I just want my child.”

A chill crawled up her spine.

And she knew. She knew his mother was behind this, his sudden aggression and confidence. It had to be Beatrice.

His mother was pulling the strings.
And Jordan was weak enough to let her.

Tessa swallowed hard. “Fine,” she said quietly. “You find the hospital. Let me know when you’re ready.”

He hummed triumphantly.

“But Jordan,” she added, voice steady even as her heart raced, “pray. Pray very hard that you have the strength to handle the result when it comes out.”

Silence.

“Because when that test proves you’re not the father? I am going to eat your ass alive in court. I will file cases against you and your mother so fast you will choke.”

He laughed again mocking, “I'm scared.” Then he hung up.

Just like that.

Tessa stared at the phone, her pulse thundering in her ears.

Her mind spun, dizziness hitting her hard enough that she pressed her forehead to the steering wheel. She didn’t realize she was crying again until her phone buzzed in her hand.

She blinked.

Damien.

For the first time in a while, she felt something warm spread through her chest.
She wiped her face quickly and picked up.

“Hello?”

“Tessa?” Damien’s voice was soft, but threaded with worry. “I’ve been trying to reach you. Are you okay?”

The sound of his concern almost undid her.

“I’m fine.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been around,” he said. “Work got crazy. But I want to see you. Tonight.”

She blinked. “Tonight?”

“Yes.” His voice deepened a little. “I want to take you out on a proper date. Not a food truck stop. Not a rushed night out. A real one.”

Her heart fluttered.

“Damien… we’ve gone on plenty of dates.”

“No,” he said quietly. “Not like this. Please. Will you come out with me tonight?”

Something in his voice made her shiver.

“Just give me a minute to think. I’ll call you back.”

“Take all the time you need,” he said. “I’ll be waiting.”

She smiled. Actually smiled. Then hung up and immediately texted Maya.

Tessa:
Are you free tonight? I might need help watching Naya. Damien wants to take me out.

Naya’s reply came so fast it startled her.

Naya:
Go girl, go and get a dress now. You’re going on that date with that fine man. I swear, if you say no I’m blocking you.

Tessa laughed and a tear slipped down her cheek.

Tessa:
Thank you, Naya. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

Naya:
I love you, babe. Now go get ready. I've got you.
Tessa leaned back against her car seat, letting the relief wash over her. For the first time that day, she felt like she could breathe again.