When you bring a child into the world, everything can either become clear or your life can turn into chaos. You hear of people meeting at the beach, in a club, the laundry mat or the grocery store, which is why I should have known it was a sign when I met her at a funeral. We hadn't known each other for 3 weeks before we found that I would soon be a proud father and somehow, I was happy. All I wanted was to have legacy. A child who would be happy to see me when I return from work. Someone who would depend on me and who could be consoled with my words. So, when momma was pregnant, there was the normal mood swings, tantrums and cravings that I had read about. I cooked for her, I cleaned, I paid all the bills and after a hard days work I would come home and rub her feet. I was intoxicated with the thought that I would be living this Norman Rockwell sort of life. After my little Maria was born, I was so unbelievably happy. I was under the impression that the mood swings, tantrums and cravings would cease, but I was very wrong. I couldn't make it work between me and Maria's mom, but I was willing to go through hell, just to be with my daughter. The arguing didn't stop and the decision was made. To save our mental stability and keep Maria from having any emotional problems, we would have to make the split. I would have Maria for half the time, pay the child support and I could be free of the constant battle.

I met a new woman and this time I was going to do it right. I got to know her, I spent time with her, introduced Maria and I was finally happy. Then out of the blue... I got a note from Maria's mom. "Jason" it says. "I'm so sorry for what I had done" "I had taken advantage of you and I never realized how hard you work for us until I had to do it on my own" I thought this was funny because, when I was with her, I did everything. Now she doesn't have a servant and... misses you? "Don't do it Jason" I thought to myself. I'm obviously not a good listener because I shortly there after broke it off with the new girl and go back with my baby-momma.

So, we got back together... We had found a great place. It had all the things we wanted. Cheap rent, dish washer, crystal pool, a playground, covered parking and our rediscovered love. As soon as I signed my name on the lease though, her old habits came back. " God, I'm stuck with her for another year and nothing has changed". Those beautiful words she wrote were only lies. What she said was just a desperate way to get someone to take care of her. I felt like such a fool.

Well, now it's September and I've only got one month left with this beast. I found a great apartment, close to my daughter, close to my work and even closer to my freedom! Once again, I'll have my daughter for half the time, pay my child support and find my happiness. I feel like this is my second chance at life. If she writes me another note, I wont even read it. I know that San Diego is a big place and that there are plenty of beautiful, hard working women out there who love kids. I'll find my happiness.