DAHLIA "Do you want those?" Zac asked Haven who was comfortable on his hips.

We'd just finished lunch, plus having the ice cream Haven craved.

We were taking a little stroll and just talking about random things. The unexpected, annoying incident with my sister and my ex long forgotten. Haven was currently eyeing a pair of deep pink ballet shoes.

She nodded, her gaze still keen on the set of shoes.

"Do you know how to dance?" Zac questioned.

Another definite nod. "Yes. I want to go to a ballet class. I see on Mrs. Gregory's TV. All those girls like me dancing. But mommy doesn't have money for it." Her tone was sad, pricking my conscience.

They were lots of things I couldn't yet afford for Haven but I suppose with no more rent to pay and this new salary, I'd be able to afford extra lifestyle for her, while saving for her future.

"It's okay. Let's go get the shoes." Zac beamed.

Her eyes shone, she hugged him. "Thank you, Zac. You're my best friend."

I chuckled. "I thought I am your best friend."

She giggled. "There's room for one more."

We crossed to the other side of the street and entered the boutique that sold everything kids; from clothes to shoes to toys to books.

Haven was beside herself with happiness when she tried on the ballet shoes, the sales lady a big, kind help.

"You didn't have to." I turned to him, a small smile lingering on my lips.

The way he stared deep into my eyes before he responded was...well, intense. "I have to. Remember, it's what best friends do." He gestured between himself and a giggling Haven. "I wonder what the sales lady must be telling her to make her giggle so hard."

"Me too." I grinned, finding her giggles infectious. "I think that's why she was hired. She's good with kids."

"Haven, do you want anything else? Clothes? More shoes? Bags? Toys? Storybooks?"

"No, she already has those. You bought her so many last time." I stepped in, trying to stop him.

"There's nothing like 'so many', Dahlia." He looked like he wanted to say more but rather, gave me a heartwarming smile.

Feeling my face flush some, I put my face down, chiding myself for acting like some lovesick teenager. Recollecting my resolve regarding men and relationships, I cleared my throat, banishing any mushy stuff from my head.

I had Haven because I loved a man. Not that I regretted having her, but she'd come too early in my life. And that was enough to teach me a bitter lesson.

"Yesss!" Haven squealed. "Anything I want?"

Zac replied in the affirmative. That was all the confirmation my daughter needed, she grabbed the sales lady by her wrist and pulled her further into the big, expensive store.

We followed but at a much slower, comfortable pace.

"So tell me, if Haven hadn't come along, what were your dreams?" He wanted to know.

I didn't need to think of my answer, I already knew. "I wanted to be a model and actress. Do some cheerleading on the side. I'd already made plans to use my family's connections to meet with some Hollywood directors. If I can remember, my dad's former high school mate is currently one of the big directors in the industry. Mom also had a friend who's a B-list actress."

"Do you think it's still possible to achieve your dreams?"

I shook my head despite the pang in my chest. "It doesn't matter anymore. Being a mother is a full time job. I wouldn't have the time pursuing long gone dreams when there's my daughter's future to prepare for."

"Being a mother doesn't mean you shouldn't dream or want things for yourself, you know?" He reasoned.

"Easier said than done, Zac." I threw a brief look at him before focusing on the aisle we were currently on. "Haven has no one. It's just me. Me and her. Modeling and acting takes time and they'll need most of my attention. And you know how cheerleading takes up time, routines and all. I can't risk it. Haven comes first. My dreams are gone. I knew that the moment I decided to keep the pregnancy. To birth her."

"Hm. Let's see." He plainly said.

I passed him a furrowed stare. "Let's see... what?"

He shrugged. "I dunno yet. Let's go find Haven and help her shop. Next stop is yours."

"No, I..."

But he grabbed me by my wrist before I could let out my words of protest, leading me to where Haven was trying on a new dress.

There were piles of clothes, headwear, shoes and bags she'd picked out. Next to the piles were books. Storybooks for kids and toys.

When I tried to make her reduce them, Zac got in a slight argument with me and I had to surrender. It was his money after all, just as he'd reminded me.

"Now the girls won't laugh at me for having so little clothes."

It was past six and he'd just driven us to the doorstep of my new apartment. Haven was falling asleep in the back seat of the car, Zac got to her while I carried shopping bags containing new stuff for Haven and myself — yeah, he won, I couldn't argue my way out of new things for me.

Zac rubbed her back. "I promise you, no one will ever make fun of you again. Whatever you need, tell me and you'd get it, okay?"

She yawned, nodding. "Thank you, best friend."

Her diamond-crested tiara askew on her head of blonde tresses just like her biological father's. Only his were curly, hers was straight, like mine.

"Anytime, little princess."

"I should..."

"Don't worry." He cut me off, offering to tuck her into bed.

Ten minutes later, it was just the two of us in the living room. The silence was loud enough and knife could cut through the tension.

Or maybe it was just me.

"Uhm...I should get going." He ran his hand through his hair, obviously not knowing what else to say.

I nodded, plastering on a smile. "Thank you for today, Zac. For making my daughter happy. For everything in general."

"Yeah. You'll be resuming on Monday, remember?" He reminded.

"Yes. How can I forget? Thank you for that also." My smile widened, it was genuine.

He eye rolled playfully. "Enough with the thanks already."

We both emitted little laughter.

I saw him to the door, with him in front. He stopped, also making me stop abruptly.

He turned and winked. "Have good night's rest."

Propelled by some strange 'feeling', I hugged him. I felt his hesitation before he wrapped his arms around me, but when he did, I felt him relax.

Fear hit me like a punch. Not just at how much I noticed he felt comfortable hugging me but that I'd felt a tingling sensation at the physical contact.

I pulled away, berating myself for initiating the hug. "Good night." I couldn't trust my voice to be audible enough.

"I'll call you."

I merely nodded and closed the door the moment he left. I released a heavy breath, closing my eyes.

No. Not anymore. I was stupid the first time, I couldn't risk being stupid again.

Moreover, he was with another. Not just any other girl but my highschool arch enemy who wouldn't mind playing dirty just to secure what was hers.