Tom and I used to treasure our evenings—our daughter, Sophie, asleep, us sharing popcorn and a movie under a blanket. I’m Claire, and those nights are gone. Tom’s been staying late every Friday, blaming school work, leaving me alone. One night, with Sophie in bed, his phone buzzed downstairs. I tiptoed down, seeing the guest bathroom light. The phone glowed with “Anna calling,” showing a woman in a school shirt, smiling brightly—Anna, Sophie’s new teacher. My heart raced. Was Tom having an affair?
I sat on the stairs, staring at the phone, but I’m not one for loud confrontations. I needed proof, my way. At coffee with my friend, Lisa, I confessed. “Fridays are his ‘school nights,’ but I saw Anna’s name on his phone,” I said, voice shaky. Lisa’s eyes narrowed. “That’s no work meeting. You need to check it out.” I sighed. “I can’t even lie to Sophie about elves!” Lisa smiled. “No lies—just cleaning. My husband’s cleaning company needs a temp at the school. Wear a wig, snoop.” I groaned but nodded. “I’ve cleaned our house for years. Let’s try it.”
Next morning, I left a note for Tom about errands and went to Lisa’s. In a red wig and baggy uniform, name tag “Rose,” I felt strange. “I look like a cafeteria worker,” I said. Lisa laughed. “Perfect cover.” She handed me a walkie-talkie, and I drove to the school. The guard muttered about the staff fridge, and I entered, heart pounding. Kids passed, and I thought they’d see through me, but they were just chatting. I mopped, watching for Tom. After the final bell, I saw Sophie head to Anna’s room, Tom nearby. I mopped closer, listening.
“Tonight, like always?” Anna said. My chest tightened—proof of cheating. Then Sophie walked in. “Forgot my pencil,” she said, seeing me. My mop slipped, and my wig fell. “Mom?” she gasped. Tom stared. “What’s going on?” I smiled tightly. “Here for Sophie,” I said, glaring. “Stay where you planned.” I took Sophie and left, tears falling. At home, I let Sophie watch cartoons and packed Tom’s clothes, muttering, “Best Dad shirt? Not today.” Outside, a girl with pigtails stood. “I’m with my dad,” she said. Tom appeared. “This is Ella, my daughter,” he said. “Anna’s daughter, from before you.”
I was stunned. “No affair?” Tom shook his head. “Anna’s married. She wants Ella to know me.” I was mad but relieved. “You should’ve told me,” I said. “Sophie deserves to know her sister.” Tom agreed. “We’re finding her school.” I nodded. “I’ll get the kids juice. You carry that suitcase inside.” The truth wasn’t what I expected, but it opened a new chapter. Ella and Sophie are growing close, and my janitor disguise led to a family I never imagined.
