Chapter 4: Relationships...

Not long after Tanya and Christopher share their first kiss, Anderson's birthday comes around.  Tanya just can't believe how fast her little boy is growing up.  She wishes she could keep him her baby forever but knows that it's time to let him start developing his own interests.

She buys him a birthday cake and even dyes his hair to match hers for the party.  He was excited about the pink and purple hair at first, but started to worry it wouldn't wash out.  Tanya assured him it would and the two had a blast together until the wee hours of the morning.

Tanya was relieved when Anderson barely noticed his father didn't bother to stop by on his birthday.  She just couldn't believe Connor would do that to him.  What's worse is he didn't even call either!  Tanya was trying to remain friends for Anderson's sake, but Connor was going to have to start showing some interest in his son's life soon.

Tanya realizes that with Anderson getting older she's going to have to start dressing a bit more appropriately, especially when he's home.  She decides to get a whole new wardrobe, though she hangs on to her favorite clothes for special occasions.

A week goes by and Connor still hasn't called or stopped by to see Anderson, so Tanya decides to go over and confront him.  Connor claims he's just been busy with a big case at work (he's a private detective).

Tanya tells him it doesn't matter how busy he gets, he needs to make time for Anderson before someone else fills those shoes for him.  When he asks what she means, Tanya informs him that things are starting to get serious between her and Christopher.  The more time Anderson and Chris spend together the closer they become, and Anderson looks up to him.  "I just don't want you to to miss your chance at watching him grow, he's such a terrific kid Connor," she tells him, tears threatening to spill over.  Connor promises to try harder and Tanya heads home.

The next night Christopher surprises Tanya with a big date.  They go out to a nice dinner and he asks her to be his girlfriend.  She of course is ecstatic and says yes.  After dinner the two head to the park and take a stroll through the plants and trees along the path, just enjoying each other's company.

Chris suggests heading to his place for a movie and before they know it they wind up in his bed.  Christopher tries to get her to stay the night but Tanya reminds him that she has to get home to Anderson soon.  She snuggles into his side and cuddles with him for a few more minutes before heading home.

For the next couple of days Tanya feels like she's walking on air.  Anderson is doing great in school and hasn't hit that stage of being embarrassed to show affection towards her yet.  He hugs her bye before heading to the bus every morning.  She makes sure he has his lunch before he leaves and then watches as the bus drives off.

Life seems perfect.  Even on the days she and Chris can't get together, they talk for hours on the phone.  He makes her feel like a school girl all over again.  She's afraid to get her hopes up, but Christopher seems like the real deal.  He says all the right things, he seems to genuinely care for Anderson, and isn't afraid of a bit of hard work.  Tanya even starts to wonder if Chris is "the one."