Clara and her widower Dad are close, but his newest dating move strained relations. Clara is wounded and outraged when her Dad labels her the housekeeping to impress his new lover. Clara shows her dad that this “house cleaner” can clean more than just rooms to teach him a lesson.

My “mess” began 10 years ago at seven.

After Mom left, Dad and I lived in our huge old home. I missed her daily, but Dad needed me, so I kept going.

I became proficient at preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I sometimes helped Dad fold clothes and pair socks or poured cereal and milk for breakfast. To aid him as much as possible.

Dad felt lonely without Mom, as did the home.

Dad and I became closest friends because of loneliness. Watching movies, talking about the day, or lounging on the porch were our nighttime activities.

I adored those times. They made me feel like a team with him. Dad told tales about Mom, and I told him about school. Daily conversations helped us recover.

Dad was confusedly glancing at his computer one day. “What’s wrong, Dad?” I requested.

He groaned, “I’m trying to make a profile on this dating site, Clara, but I don’t know what to say.”

I laughed. “Let me help, Dad!” I said. I got on his lap to see the TV. Say you enjoy fishing and reading.”

He chuckled. Do you think that will work?

“Yeah! “And say you’re a great cook,” I smiled, knowing he could only prepare spaghetti and scrambled eggs.

Dad followed my advise and made it our game. I helped him respond to women’s messages. I sometimes made stupid ideas to make him chuckle. “Tell her you make awesome peanut butter sandwiches,” I said, and we laughed. It was nice to see him grin again.

Dad and I improved living without Mom despite its challenges. Our dependence on one other increased daily. I demonstrated my caring by helping him date. He and I both sought happiness.

As a team, we could do anything. One night, that changed.

Just returned from a fantastic night at my buddy Emma’s place. Dad and an unfamiliar lady greeted me in our living room, shocking me. Dad whispered to her on the sofa. I almost dropped my backpack in shock.

Dad got crimson at me. A worried man jumped up. Uh, Clara! Hi! Yes, this is… He stammered so much I felt sorry for him.

“Who’s this, Daniel?” she inquired, breaking the uneasy quiet.

Dad panicked and said, “This is Clara, my housekeeper… the maid!”

My eyes widened in disbelief. Maid? Really, Dad? I was wounded and angry.

She grinned, “Oh, nice!” “Can Clara clean the bedroom today? It’s untidy following our visit.”

My jaw fell. This was unbelievable. After their time, clean the bedroom?

Dad looked like he wanted to vanish.

Mr. Daniels, the bedroom? Asking to control my wrath.

“Yes…” he moaned, looking sorrowful. “Enough for today.”

“Okay, Mr. Daniels,” I responded calmly.

I walked upstairs with a dust cloth and glared at them. I couldn’t believe Dad dubbed me the home cleaner.

The bedroom was a shambles when I entered.

Clothing was everywhere, and the bed was messy. I wrinkled my nose at the woman’s aroma. That embarrassing situation made me not want to clean it.

Sitting there, I contemplated my options. Dad placed me in this situation, so I had to teach him.

If his new partner didn’t like kids, she should know I’m important to Dad. For Dad to hide me because of it was unfair to us both. Why would Dad date someone who rejected me?

It struck me. I had to face Dad to expose his deception without making things worse. I had to be smart. It had to be unavoidable.

I sat on the bed, the disarray mirroring my mental tempest. I had an idea soon.

Dad will never forget this “house cleaner” fixing his mess!

Back in the living room, Dad and the lady were conversing, oblivious of what was to come.

Looking cheeky, I said, “Looks like your night wasn’t as wild as the day before yesterday, Mr. Daniels! That day, I cleaned for hours after you! I apologize for my words.”

Her cheeks became crimson with rage. “I was absent yesterday! “Who were you with?” she shouted at Dad.

Dad’s eyes widened, and he seemed faint. “What are you saying, Clara?” he muttered.

I looked bewildered, tilting my head. Sorry, ma’am, you’re Jessica, right? You were amazing, Mr. Daniels kept saying!

She burst with rage. “I’m MARTHA!” she cried to Dad. “Who the hell is Jessica?”

Dad opened and closed his lips, speechless. Martha’s face contorted in anger as she smacked him hard, the sound echoing. She bolted, slamming the door.

I stood watching Dad stroke his face. He glanced at me, frustrated and powerless. Why did Clara do that?

Satisfied, I crossed my arms. You lied about me and placed me in a terrible situation, Dad. When dating, be honest. Do not hire me again as your housekeeper. Mr. Daniels, any more cleanup? I smile cheekily and inquire.

Dad looked, then laughed.

We laughed till we could scarcely stand when the chuckle became a loud laugh. Warmth replaced tension in our relationship.

Really, Dad, you brought home a lady like her? She’s annoying! You lied about me. Why?

Dad shrugged sheepishly. It seems she disliked children. Perhaps that’s why I didn’t mention you.”

Rolling my eyes. Dad, don’t waste your time on people who hate kids. Knowing that, right?

I know, Clara. Sorry for my behavior. I should have told you and her the truth.”

Walked up and embraced him. Dad, it’s alright. Remember, we work together. Please stop keeping secrets.

He embraced me strongly. No more secrets. I assure you.”

I gazed around the living room as we parted. “Now, about cleaning…

Dad chuckled, shaking his head. I suppose we’re done cleaning today. Why not order pizza and watch a movie?

I smile. It sounds perfect.”