We've had a few more meetings since the members of Genesis7 were chosen, and I have yet to meet Max's real parents. That Dylan guy surely likes to play father, though.
It's not my most pressing concern, so in less than two months I help the group debut with the song, "Hopeful Altitude", and people actually like it.
"And now on stage… Genesis7!"
They're starting to form a fanbase, and as their manager I'm quite proud. I rewatch their very first music video for the sixtieth time… but a comment catches my eye.
"woah, i went to middle school with maxine. when did he get so hot?!"
Maxine? The name seems so familiar yet leaves a bad taste on my tongue…
That was my daughter's name, if I can remember correctly. But I can't dwell on the coincidence for long when I have to go to a meeting with the Kassel executives.
"I suppose you were right, Clarrisa. Genesis7 is rapidly gaining popularity!"
"Haha, thank you for your kind words. All the promotions really helped the group take off, I'm sure. They're also really talented individuals, charismatic and all."
I walk out of the meeting surprisingly drained, so I go to one of my favorite ice cream places. I savor the delicacy of mint chocolate chip when my eyes widen.
"This wig isn't that bad, you know? I could work as the mall santa in October, since I'm apparently so old."
Max is laughing at the white wig on Dylan, but I'm not. I get a flashback to my first love. My first real one, at least. Despite being centuries old, this was barely two decades ago.
I thought he was the man of my dreams, the one who gave me my daughter. But it wasn't until a stranger with white hair passed us on the street, and I started to wonder how long I had been covering the bruises he left on my arms and neck.
A shiver creeps down my spine. How could I fall out of love so easily… leave my own child behind like it was nothing? No, I couldn't have chosen it myself.
The anti-cupid. That can be the only case. I stare at Dylan from the bench I'm sitting on, but am scared by a voice behind me.
"Mint chocolate chip tastes like toothpaste."
I'm about to sucker punch Max, because who does that? I could've had a heart attack right there. However, I'm so close to him, and I feel like I should've recognized that face ages ago.
"Maxine…?"
I get an uncomfortable look from the boy, and my heart drops. I quickly stand up from the bench, dusting off my clothes.
"I'm calling a group meeting tomorrow, so just be prepared for that.
Luckily I always have a driver at my command, and get in the vehicle to distance myself from the scene.
Is that my child? With the anti-cupid?!
"We do need to work on your guys' synchronization when you're practicing the choreography. The vocals don't need as much work…"
The boys have somehow come up with a team chant in my absence. At least they're getting along. Jeremiah and Max, not so much, but it's more of a mere dislike for the other than anything serious.
I get Bea to hire some people to do some digging on Max. I don't want to risk her finding out about my shameful past.
Various papers and files are scattered on my desk. Max went through various foster homes until he was fostered by a rich shareholder of a tech company, who is always on business trips and rarely at home. Dylan is that guy's older son, who adopted Max a few years later.
And Maxine is… actually intersex. So I suppose he wasn't necessarily my daughter, but definitely my child.
It clicks in my head fast. This isn't about Max, it's about me. The anti-cupid must have wanted to see my downfall. So he ruined the love of my life. He destroyed my family. There's no way Dylan is almost thirty. More like three hundred!
"Bea, if you had a kid you abandoned as a child but had the chance to meet them again, how would you break the news to them?"
"I wouldn't."
That's not a bad answer. I huff, spinning in my chair as much as I want because I'm immune to dizziness. Not hurt feelings, though.
"What if someone else adopted them, but was really just trying to make sure I can't get my child back?"
Bea seems skeptical, so I add the word "hypothetically" to the end of my question. She leans in close, and probably gives me the best advice I've heard in my very long life.
"Why not get him back anyways?"
He's had so many birthdays without me. So many Chrismases. I didn't get to witness him graduating high school, but that monster did. The anger is definitely bubbling in me now. I should write a letter to soften the blow, admitting everything to Max…
"What the hell is this?"
Dylan shoves the paper in my face a few days later. I scowl, taking the paper and slamming it on the desk.
"What do you mean? I'm his mom, not you."
"You look like you're literally his age, you're not his mom. And I know I'm not, because I'm his dad."
"You're the liar here, not me! I can prove it!"
I quickly start looking for the one person who has witness to me being Max's mother. His biological dad, of course. I find word of his whereabouts, and get the driver to take me…
To the cemetery?! Just my luck. The only guy who could've helped my case is dead. Serves the bastard right anyways, but-
Bastard? I would've never used that word to describe someone I loved so dearly. It's the anti-cupids influence. They do say keep your friends close and your enemies closer… but my own kid? That's playing dirty!
"Are you bribing me?"
Max scoffs at the money in my hand, and I feel offended. Is he a secret millionaire as well?
"Well, I just don't want you bringing Dylan around here anymore. I'm-"
"My mom, right?"
"Actually, yes, and as your mother I am hopeful you'll listen to me."
"Is this how girls hit on guys nowadays?"
"What?! No, I'm serious. I know I don't know you well, and I want to learn. But I can't if you don't let me…"
"I don't think you should be playing favorites in our group, Clarissa. It's kinda uncomfortable."
I hate that he's right. What am I doing? He should focus on preparing for their next album.
Dylan's the one who has to pay for this.