Team 7 Life of a Single Mother

My throat clenches. I can't breathe. I look down at the pink and white piece of plastic. "No way! No way in hell! It's not possible." But 4 other similar looking pregnancy tests say otherwise. "I can't be [[pregnant]]." As a girl who is still only in her junior year of high school, I can only hope that I know how I'm going to do this.

''9 months later'' "Push, Maria! Push!" The Doctor tells me. I have been dreading this day for 9 months, but I don't regret a second of it. All the pregnancy counseling, all the tears and throwing up. Just me and my family, with my so called "lover" no where in sight. I don't need him. God bless my parents, but what am I going to do now that I have a son. My Raul. I have to take care of him, I must provide for him anyway that I can, otherwise I will have failed as a mother. [[Drop out of High School, Focus Solely Raul]] [[Stay in High School, Let Parents Do Most of The Work]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I found a job as a waitress in a local restaurant, good thing I don't need to graduate for that. I'm running low on dinero lately, but I don't have anyone to watch Raul tonight. [[Work Late]] [[Watch Kid]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

My parents are a blessing, but tonight I feel like the whole world is against me. I have a big exam tomorrow, and I really have to focus on studying. [[Focus on Studying]] [[Focus on your son]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I came home to pick up Raul from my disgruntled parents, who were expecting me home hours ago. I got no sleep that night, Raul was crying all night about one thing or another. This is going to be [[tough]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I came home to my parents, who waited for me patiently. I took over parenting duties by changing him, feeding him, and reading to him before he went to sleep. Raul fell soundly asleep, and soon after I did as well. However, the costly bills that plague me certainly didn't [[though]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

My parents are disappointed that I hardly cared for Raul that night, and that they did all the work. But I spent the entire night studying, and aced the exam the next day. The rest of that day, I thought more about my good grade rather than my own [[son]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I took care of his every need, and check on him evrytime he cries. He is fed, changed, and read a nice story before bed. Raul is fast asleep. All this work left me no time to study. On the day of the exam, I had no idea what to expect and I failed the [[exam]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

We've been living this lifestyle for the past 5 years. I have been worrying more about the bills than my son. Raul is 5 years old and began kindergarten. I am 23 years old now. In retrospect I realized that Raul and I have not connected at all, he seems very distant from my love. On top of that, he's struggling in school. I really want my son to excel in school and have opportunities that I didn't have, so I am going to cut some of my work hours and become more [[involved in his life]]. I really want my son to excel in school, but I am sure that the teacher will catch Raul up and I can keep my hours at work so we have [[enough money for bills]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Five beautiful years fly by as my son Raul grows so quickly. He is 5 years old and I am now 23 years old. We are officially moved out of my parents' house and living on our own. Because Raul is 5 years old, he started kindergarten classes. But life is hard because I have to pay bills and for school now, so we are leading a stressful, check-to-check lifestyle. [[Study for GED to get a better job->Attempt the GED]] [[Invest more time into being a good mother->involved in his life]] [[Work more hours->enough money for bills]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Five years down the road, and I feel like my family always used to badgers me that I focused too much on school, more than my own son. But what can I do? It's impossible to get good money without a degree, and I want the best life for my son. I graduated high school, but my son seems more attached to his grandparents than me. [[Go to college]] [[Find a job, focus on bills->enough money for bills]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

After five years, this focus on my son rather than schooling lead me to fail out of high school. But I don't regret the decision I made one bit, because I have never felt closer to my son. Although, I have never felt farther from a decent job. I love being apart of Raul's life [[Focus on Raul's life->involved in his life]] [[Attempt the GED]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I spend a lot of time with Raul caring for him and driving him to school. I still receive financial help from my parents, but I feel really bad about that because it puts extra stress on them, but I have no other choice. I really need to continue spending time with Raul. [[Play with Raul]] [[Bathe Raul]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

You come home late again, another shift is another bill paid. You haven't heard "I love you" in a while. Aw well, he will appreciate it [[some day.]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

My son is now 10 years old and spends more time with his grandparents and his troublesome friends. Meanwhile I finally got approved for a promotion! [[Accept Promotion]] [[Deny promotion, I should try to spend more time with Raul]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I got some problems. Raul is in suspension. Again. For the third time this month. At least he can come home to a warm bed and food on the table. I need to talk to my son and find something to keep him busy. [[Get him a babysitting job]] [[Find him a nanny]] [[Sign him up for a sport]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I won't be able to get a decent job with a high school diploma. So my next step is to [[get a business degree]] to better sustain my family. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

5 years later, I am 28 years old and Raul is 10! I got an associate's degree in business to get my career started. I applied to manage a local business. They hired me right away! My first day, I was approached by a well-dressed coworker and he starts conversation. [[Continue the conversation and be friendly]] [[Ask him out to coffee, you're busy with work but you want to continue this conversation]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I really want to get my GED so I can put Raul through school. Now's the time to knuckle down and study for this exam! I HAVE to pass this time... I'm going to [[study at home]] so I can also be around Raul I'm going to [[study at a local coffee shop]] so I can really focus. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I asked my parents to take care of Raul for me while I am at home, but Raul keeps distracting me; asking me to play with him or to read to him. I really want to, but this exam HAS to take priority. [[Study at the coffee shop->study at a local coffee shop]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I brought all my study materials to a coffee shop, and I got so much studying done! After being here for about 6 hours (thank goodness for the coffee), I'm finally feeling like I have a grasp on all the material. As I am about to leave, a man approaches me and smiles. [[Walk away]] [[Smile back and say Hello!]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

The man caught up to me " Wait! You dropped your pen! " I checked everything, but then I remembered that I didn't bring any pens... " Yeah, sorry about that," he said. " I just needed a way to get your attention. Hi, my name's Guillermo. What's yours? " [[I guess talk to this guy->Smile back and say Hello!]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Conversation sparks between us. He introduces himself, his name is Marco and it turns out that he has a child also! He bought me something to eat and we continuted to talk for the next hour. Shit, I have to get [[home!]] I did't even realize the time! [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I run home, but can't stop thinking about this interesting man. Regardless, it was a great thing to have even met him. I don't know if I really have time for him though. [[Go to study at coffee shop again]] [[Go to public library, not really sure if I want to see him again]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

His name is Jesus. We chat for a while, until I bring up Raul. He says he loves kids and I go into depth and realize, that I don't have much to say because I realize my life has consisted mostly of work and school. But he sounds exciting, so I really want to see him again for another date soon! [[Set up a date with Jesus]] [[Find some time for Raul]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Jesus does most of the planning and finds this nice place downtown. We go out for sushi and talk for hours! He and I have so much in common: we both want to start a business, we both suck at cooking, and we are both single parents. I have to work early in the morning, so I should head home. [[Call it a night, and say goodnight]] I want to continue to spend time with Jesus. So I [[ask him to go for a walk in the park]] I hear it helps digestion. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Instead of five days a week you work four days a week, so that you can see Raul. You help him out with some school work and spending quality time with him. At the same time, I've been upholding my job well. Things are going good. I still see Jesus a lot at work. Jesus approaches me, and asks me out on a date. I get really ecstatic, and say [["Yes"->Set up a date with Jesus]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves legos and trains! We play for the rest of the day but I think it's about time for bed! [[Take Raul to bed]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves the bubbles, laughing and spending time with me. His favorite toy is the rubber ducky. It's about time that he should go to bed. [[Take Raul to bed]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

The next day I decide to take Raul to the park. The park is free and has a fun swing set that Raul loves! He never hates it there! [[The Next Day]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves legos and trains! We play for the rest of the day but I think it's about time for bed! [[The Next Day->a]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves the bubbles, laughing and spending time with me. His favorite toy is the rubber ducky. It's about time that he should go to bed. [[The Next Day->b]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

The next day I decide to take Raul to the park. The park is free and has a fun swing set that Raul loves! He never hates it there! [[The Next Day->c]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves legos and trains! We play for the rest of the day but I think it's about time for bed! [[The Next Day->d]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves the bubbles, laughing and spending time with me. His favorite toy is the rubber ducky. It's about time that he should go to bed. [[The Next Day->e]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

The next day I decide to take Raul to the park. The park is free and has a fun swing set that Raul loves! He never hates it there! [[The Next Day->f]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves legos and trains! We play for the rest of the day but I think it's about time for bed! [[The Next Day->g]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He loves the bubbles, laughing and spending time with me. His favorite toy is the rubber ducky. It's about time that he should go to bed. [[The Next Day->cancer]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Dad was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer after we took him to the hospital because he fainted. The doctors didn't notice it in time. Now dad only has a month or less to live. We hardly have enough money to pay for the treatment, but that will only extend his life for an agonizing month. I don't know what Raul, mom, and I are going to do since we were living off of his paychecks... [[Alright enough play time, I gotta do something to actually care for my child]] [[Rely on mom, she still has a job]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I looked everywhere- at work, around my neighborhood, I even had Raul put up posters. Maybe people think he is too young to watch their kids... I have to put the responsibility of finding a job on his shoulders. Since no one wants him as a babysitter, he can do some [[small chores]] for the older population on the south side of Milwaukee. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I want a nanny that will play with him and also tutor him so he can excel in school. He needs someone to spend time with him while I'm away. Luckily, there's a smart lady who lives down the block who would take the [[job!]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I want him to take his sport seriously so his grades and his standing with the school will also improve. So he needs to really enjoy this sport. I asked him what he would enjoy, he's stuck between: [[Football]] [[Soccer]] [[Swimming]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He put up some posters offering jobs like: yard work, dog walking, painting, and general house cleaning. Now we need to find strategic places to put the posters. [[Near east side apartment buildings]] [[Near the eldery persons home]] [[Around the suburbs]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

She arrives and is a sweet 23 year old woman. She loves kids and wants to be a school teacher. She asked me what I would prefer them to primarily focus on. [[Play time]], he will learn how to interact in a more friendly manner [[Studies]], he will be better at school [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I'm a little nervous about him starting football. To me it seems to agressive, especially because he acts up already. I just don't want to take any chances for him to become too violent. [[Have him start soccer->Soccer]] [[Start up swimming->Swimming]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul is really nervous for his first day at practice, but so am I. Do I have to buy a minivan to be an official "[[soccer mom]]"?! [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Swimming is definetly a safe option, I think this is a good idea. It's low impact and it is safe as long as he keeps his head above water. He makes more friends right away, and says he's alwasy looking forward to going after [[school->soccer mom]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul received a lot of calls back! The people there primarily needed dog walkers, so my son had at least 6 dogs attached to him at one time. It was a [[funny sight]]! [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul received many calls back, but he was reluctant about working with the elderly. Nevertheless, he presisted! They needed a lot of home chores done around their [[apartments->funny sight]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul received many calls back to do yard work! Everyone around this area have really big yards, so this will definitely keep him busy and teach him some [[responsibility and hard work]]! [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul has learned more social skills and has had an easier time making friends at school! In fact all of his friends are in sports and Raul has been having fun playing with them at recess and now wants to play a sport of some sort. [[Sign him up for a sport]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul has been doing great in school and he focuses when the teacher is talking. I am so proud of him and to be his mother. And I am very thankful for that nanny. Afterall, with a great education he can do anything he puts his mind to. 3 years later... Raul is 13 years old and I am 31 years old. Raul is still doing great in school. Now that his studies have come so easily for him, he has been wanting a job so he can have his own spending money. This little boy is making me so proud. [[Get him a babysitting job]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul is doing fantastic! He loves his sport and, on top of that, his grades and behavior are improving! I absolutley love helping out with the team. Everybody loves the snacks I bring, and I love giving rides to all the kids. Two of my friends who also have kids on the team said that they have an opening at their job as a [[receptionist]]. Thankfully they noticed my skill at multitasking and told me to apply. They even said that they'll put in a good word for me! That seems like a job I might enjoy. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

After taking Raul to school. I catch up with this man at a local coffee shop. We chat for a little while and I find out his name is Jesus. He has a kid of his own that is also 10 years old. Thank goodness, maybe this family can be a good influence on my child. [[Set up a play date for our kids]] [[Set up a date for just us->Set up a date with Jesus]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

We find a good date for the kids to get together. Jesus' child's name is Alejandro. The kids immediately connect, they both love legos and playing outside. Maybe Jesus and Alejandro can keep Raul company if I ever need to stay late at work. Jesus treats us all to dinner and buys us some chinese take out. "We should do this again sometime," I said. Jesus smiles back and agrees. [[Plan another play date for tomorrow]] [[Plan an actual date without the kids]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

It started to get late after a long walk in the park, so Jesus took me home. At the door step while we were saying goodnight, Raul stuck his face in the window. I didn't want Raul to meet Jesus until later, but I guess it's going to happen now! Raul and Jesus actually got along very well and really quickly. This is really good! They really like eachother. [[Plan another date keep Jesus around]] [[I don't have time for a relationship, I have to focus on work, to climb the ladder.]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

[[Give education a shot->Attempt the GED]] [[Get a job now that we have a much smaller income]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I put the pressure on my mom. While she works, and spend alot of time playing with Raul. Play Play Play And of course taking care of him. The days get repetitive as I anxiously wait for him to come home from school. Play Play My life is nothing without Raul, if I work or study for school then I will be away from him. I want nothing else but to be by his side. Why don't we just play something else? The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

You find a decent job waitressing at a local diner. It's not much but it's something. But now Raul has one less grandparent and I have a job... I have to find something for him to do. It will put less pressure on my mom too. [[Get him a babysitting job]] [[Find him a nanny]] [[Sign him up for a sport]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Marco was there again and this time he asked for my number, and I gave him my number. Sadly this time he was leaving and couldn't talk for very long. Soon after he left, however, he shot me a text. Turns out he is amazing at math and is willing to tutor me! I really do need the help with math. [[Accept his help]] [[I can do it myself]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

[[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

The jobs are going well for Raul. He is learning responsibility and accountibility: things that I wish I would have learned at a young age. However, Raul has been expressing interest in sports lately. I think it's because his friends are in them too. He doesn't know which sport to join; he's stuck between 3 options. [[Football]] [[Soccer]] [[Swimming]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

After about an hour of Raul working, I received a call from the hospital. ...My heart stopped and I immediately just to worst case scenario. I drove to the hosital as fast as I could. I ran into to see my son and there was a ton of bandges around his right pointer finger. He got his finger cut off in a lawn mower! The doctor says that it's a clean cut and they just have to stitch it up. I know that, this is going to cost more than I can afford. [[Take out a small loan, but work extra this month to pay off loan]] [[Ask mom and dad for a small loan that I'll pay back]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

[[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I asked him out to a movie for next Friday night; the new movie "Avatar" is out and I've been dying to see it! Luckily Jesus said yes to the date, and that he knows a babysitter that can take care of our kids while we're out. We decided to meet at a restaurant at 5:30 before the movie, which is at 8 p.m. [[One week later]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I'm anxious for the date. I want to impress him, so I spent a couple hours getting ready - doing my hair, makeup, and finding a cute outfit. I look great! Jesus said we would meet at 5:30 p.m. for dinner before the movie. But it's 5:52pm right now and he's still not here at the restaurant. I tried calling him, but I guess his phone died becuase it goes straight to [[voice mail]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

An hour has passed, and I'm beginning to lose hope in him meeting me here... [[I think I should leave before I embarras myself even more]] [[I should wait at least ten more minutes...]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I left feeling like an idiot. I got all dressed up for nothing. What do I do at work on ondya when I see him? [[Call in Sick]] [[Go to work, regardless]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

He finally arrives, with a huge bouquet of colorful flowers. He apologized for being more than an hour late, and explained that our boss made him work late and his phone died. He bought the flowers as an apology, and was thankful that I waited. Dinner was wonderful, and the movie was great. He took me home and kissed me on the porch. Their were butterflies in my stomach, I can't wait to see him again!! I went home to my greatest love, [[Raul->Do NOT give Jesus a second chance, he was obviously lying]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

My boss granted me a day off, thankfully. I'm a little hurt about that date. At least I get to spend the day with my wonderful son, Raul. [[Go to park, it's a beautiful day]] [[Stay at home with Raul]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

My coworkers looked at me and saw that I wasn't in good shape. My boss walked up to me and told me to take the day off, which I gladly accepted. [[Go home->Call in Sick]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Raul is really excited to go to the park and spend some time with me, and I love to see him this happy. We parked the car and walked up to the play structure. Raul decided that he wanted to play a game of "the floor is lava". While we were playing, I turned around and saw Jesus pushing his kid on the swing. looks like he called in for the day off too... hah. [[Talk to Jesus]] [[Avoid Jesus]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Staying home with Raul isn't a terrible idea, I definitely need the rest. Probably almost 10 minutes after closing my eyes, my phone rings. I check the caller ID and I see that it is Jesus. [[Answer the call->Talk to Jesus]] [[Ignore the call->Avoid Jesus]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I applied at CORE/El Centro and, within the next week, I got a call back for the phone interview! It went well and now they want me to come in for the in-person interview! I'm nervous, I really want this job. It would pay better and give me more time to spend with Raul. [[Start preparing for the interview]] [[Wing it, I'll be fine]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

After spending days preparing for this interview, I felt confident in what I had to say. I explained to them the struggles I've had as a single mother and told them about some of my past job experiences including the unpaid jobs I do with my son's sports. CORE/El Centro would give me flexible hours and a great pay. Hopefully this natural healing facility will naturally heal me. 3 years later... Raul is 13 years old and I am 31 years old. After some time at CORE, life has been treating me really well. I no longer have to stress about bills, so our home life is a lot more relaxed. Raul is excelling in school, sports, and he has many friends. Sadly, however, my father died of cancer a year back. It's hard but thankfully CORE/El Centro has offered me some natural healing sessions such as Raiki and massages to deal with this tough time. I am proud to say that I have been a successful mother and raised a fantastic son. I'm so glad that I just found a good job and took care of my son. The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I went in for the interview, but I didn't realize that interviews were that difficult... I really don't think it went well. I didn't hear back from them, so I just decided to keep my old job. I still help out with my son and his team, but in general, I feel like I could have done better and made better decisions. Why didn't I just prepare? The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I care about my son, so I will do whatever I must do take care of him on my own. Working the extra hours is a huge strain, but I'm so glad that he is ok. Regardless, I'm not allowing him to mow lawns ever again. Let's give him a break, and find him a hobby he might enjoy. He says he's really into soccer and swimming. [[Swimming]] [[Soccer]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I feel bad asking my parents for so much, but they've told me that they are definitely able to help. I paid off the debt to my parents, but it did put financial stress onto them. Now that everything is paid, hopefully everything will fall into [[place]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Dad was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer after we took him to the hospital because he fainted. The doctors didn't notice it in time. Now dad only has a month or less to live. We hardly have enough money to pay for the treatment, but that will only extend his life for agonizing month. The money is going to be tight again, but we can do this again, I just hope mom will be ok... [[Find a better paying job to help family]] [[To ensure my employment, keep current job]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I was looking throught the papers for a job, and read that there is a receptionist job open at a local hispanic natural health center. It pays MUCH more than what I'm getting paid right now. I applied and got a call back for an interview. [[Start preparing for the interview]] [[Wing it, I'll be fine]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]I

I keep the job, because I don't have the time to go job hunting right now. Regardless, the family is still stressed and money is more tight then it has ever been before. I have no time to see my son or go to any of his events. I know I'm working all the time to help take care of him, but I feel like I could have been a better mom. All these problems have made it difficult to be a more involved mother. Why didn't I just become more independent? The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

[[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Jesus is a stand up a guy. Being with him is such a weight off my shoulders, he helps with Raul and treats me like an angel. I love him. He has a good friend that told him about a job opening at a place called CORE/El Centro. They're looking for positive, upbeat people who can multitask. And they thought of me first, so his friend told me to apply! I decided it was time for a good change. So I'm definitely going to apply. A week later, I received a call back and they want an in-person interview! [[Start preparing for the interview]] [[Wing it, I'll be fine]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

3 years later... Raul is 13 and I am 31 years old. I have been able to work a lot and bills have been paid each month. My son has been living very comfortably lately, but I still feel like I could be a better mother for him and spend more quality time with him. He never had that father figure in his life, but we will just go on with our lives as we always have. I just feel stuck in the day in day out lifestyle, and I don't know how to get out of it. At least Raul has what he wants... The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I know I should talk with Jesus to kill the awkwawrd tension. I was happy that he started talking first becuase I didn't plan that far ahead. He said that he was sorry he screwed up our first date, and told me that our boss held him really late and his phone died. Should I believe this? It sounds so cliche. On top of that, he asked me for a second chance. [[Give Jesus the second chance]] [[Do NOT give Jesus a second chance, he was obviously lying]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

This is crazy. Jesus has not stopped calling me for the past 2 days. I get at least 5 calls from him A DAY. Maybe I should see what he has to say, and if it's bad I'll tell him to stop contacting me. [[Pick up the dang phone->Talk to Jesus]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Jesus planned EVERYTHING and he pulled through! We tried dinner and a movie again, and I finally saw Avatar! It has been really great and I'm incredibly happy I decided to give him a second chance. This has been benefitting Raul also, now that he finally has a good male role model in his life. Jesus has taught him how to play catch, how to respect women, and Jesus has even helped out with his homework. Jesus has even introduced me to some of his friends who told me about a job opportunity at CORE/El Centro. They encouraged me to [[apply->receptionist]]. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I feel lonely without him, but that's fine. I've always been happy without a man in my life. The only man I need is Raul. He has always been with me, and I have always been with him. No matter what we have eachother. Regardless of how hard it may get. The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

After spending more time with Raul, he has opened up to me and told me he has been more into sports lately. Even though money is tight, this is a good idea. [[Sign him up for a sport]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I got to know Marco a lot more and he was very helpful! I don't think I would have understood all of the math material without him, so thank goodness for him! I told him that if I pass the GED exam I will take him out on a date as a 'thank you' for his help. [[Take the exam->Pass]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I spent so much time stressing about the math portion of the exam... I really should have said yes to Marco's offer to help becuase I am still close to clueless on how to do some of these problems. Oh well, I guess it's too late now. [[Take the exam]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I failed the exam... I don't know what to do anymore. I needed this badly to help me get a better job so I can take better care of Raul. I need to learn to take help when it is given to me. As for right now I need to find a small job and live with my parents so they can help Raul and I out too. [[Find a job]] [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

I took Marco out to a movie and thanked him so much for helping me pass my GED! He and I have continued to date and he helped me find my new job at CORE/El Centro. Raul absolutely adores Marco and he now has a male role model to look up to and it has been having a really positive impact on Raul. It seems as if everything has just fallen into place. The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]

Luckily, I found a job as a waitress at a diner here in town. I don't make a lot hourly, so I rely on tips for my paycheck. Although the job could be better, it isn't terrible. With my parents help I should be able to provide for my son, I just wish that I could have ben a more independent mother. Why didn't I just ask for help? The End. [[Start Over->Our Story Begins]]