"Are you sure?" I asked him. If the physical and verbal bullying was too much for him I didn't want to suffer for no reason.
"I'm a big boy, I can handle this," he told me.
It's not about being a big boy though I thought to myself. It's not like he was weak for wanting There was no fear in his eyes he really seemed serious.
"Anthony," I started by saying his full name.
"I can handle it, mum…" he interrupted me, however. "I can handle it because I have you now," he told me.
My eyes widened in surprise.
"It's been a few days mum, but you seem different, you smile more, and you spend more time with me. I've been so happy. Even though dad's not here and everyone treats us differently when I'm with you I forget about all that," he told me.
Tears filled my eyes and began to stream down my cheeks. I pulled him in for a hug. Alright you win Tony. I thought to myself. The words he said to me the day I died came to mind. "If you'd been there for me, I could have handled it."
He had meant what he said.
"I'm sorry I left you alone all those times," I apologized to him. It's what I wanted to say to him that day in the hospital room.
He then hugged me back.
"I'll be here from now on," I told him once more. "We'll get through this, I'll make we get through this."
"I love you, mum," he then said.
"I love you too," I immediately responded. I was about to burst into tears but managed to hold myself back. I couldn't fall apart now.
We said goodnight to each other, and then I left his room. I went to bed that night feeling at peace. Like a heavy weight had been lifted off me. My son and I were getting closer. I was making progress in my plan to fix things and give my son what he truly wanted.
To hear him say that just made me feel so happy as a mother. I was so, so grateful to have been given a second chance. I would make sure not to make it go to waste.
The next day, after dropping off Tony at school, I went straight to the restaurant where I'd accepted the job offer. It was a fancy, popular restaurant with many chains around the city called the Garden House. I had eaten there a few times with Keith and Tony in the past. I even knew who the owner of the garden house chain was. He was an elderly man who had been friends with Keith's family. However, he later sold the company to another company and retired. I wasn't sure who the current owner was, just that the garden house chain was now a subsidiary company. I wasn't interested in researching further, as it wouldn't do me good if I found out and knew who they were.
No doubt there was a chance that other wealthy people I knew would have meals at the restaurant and probably see me working. The rumours would spread fast about Keith's abandoned wife, who now worked at a restaurant. I let out a sigh. I couldn't worry about that. I had to focus on getting the money my son and I needed, which was more important than being gossiped about.
I arrived at the restaurant and was introduced to the manager, who was also my new boss. He was a middle-aged man named Giovanni. We had our introductions, then I explained my position as a waitress and what I would do. He then showed me around the restaurant, introduced me to the staff, and then we finalized the contract.
I then changed into my work uniform and began my first shift with the help of my fellow co-workers so could learn from them. I quickly discovered being a waitress was hard. I was moving and running around the place, dealing with diners. Taking orders, delivering ready orders to tables, listening to complaints, etc. Despite being overwhelmed, I encouraged myself to do my best as I needed time to get used to it.
By the time I was done, I was completely exhausted. I felt like taking several breaks as I went to pick up Tony. All in all, I would say it was a good first day at work.
The following days were normal and uneventful, which was a relief. I took Tony to school, and I went to work. Tony didn't come home grumpy, nor did he get into any fights. He informed me
Work was going well, but I was still struggling since it was still early days, so I continued to do my best. I just needed time. I was looking forward to the weekend as I was paid weekly by the restaurant. The weekend was when Tony and I would have time to spend with each other. I wanted us to do an activist, either going to the zoo, aquarium or something!