Clara and her widower Dad are close, but his current romance disrupts everything. 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 nasty lesson.

My “mess” began 10 years ago at seven.

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

I learned to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I sometimes helped Dad fold clothes and match socks or poured cereal and milk for breakfast. To aid him as much as possible.

Without Mom, the home seemed empty, and Dad did too.

Loneliness drew Dad and me together, making us great friends. Talking about the day, watching movies, or lounging on the porch were our nighttime activities.

I adored those times. They made me feel like a team with him. He told me about Mom and I told him about school. Our daily conversations helped us recover.

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

He groaned, “I’m trying to set up a profile on this dating site, Clara, but I have no idea what to write.”

I laughed. “Let me help, Dad!” I said. I jumped on his lap to see the TV. “Tell them you like fishing and reading.”

He chuckled. “Is that a good idea?”

“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 can cook a mean peanut butter sandwich,” I’d remark, and we’d laugh. 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. Helping him navigate dating was one way I showed him I cared. 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 in her ear as they were cuddled on the sofa. I almost dropped my backpack in horror.

Dad got crimson at me. He leapt like a deer in headlights. Uh, Clara! Hi! Yes, this is… His stuttering made me feel terrible for him.

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

In anxiety, Dad said, “This is Clara, my housekeeper… the maid!”

Shocked, I widened my eyes. Maid? Seriously, Dad? I felt shocked and betrayed.

Oh, is she? She said with a wide grin. “Great! Clara, tidy the bedroom today. We need to clean up after our stay there!”

My mouth fell. This was unbelievable. Cleaning the bedroom after a night together?

Dad looked like he wanted to be swallowed by the dirt.

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

“Yes,” he moaned in sorrow. “Enough for today.”

I eventually answered, “Sure thing, Mr. Daniel,” attempting to remain calm.

I took a dust cloth and walked upstairs, frowning at them. Dad was nothing like this, and I couldn’t believe he called me the housekeeper.

On entering the bedroom, I noticed a total mess.

The bed was unmade and clothes were scattered. The woman’s aroma lingered, making me wrinkle my nose. Cleaning was not my thing, particularly after that unpleasant event.

Sitting there, I contemplated my options. Dad deserved a lesson for making me uncomfortable.

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 be with someone who rejected me?

It struck me. I had to approach Dad to reveal his dishonesty without making things worse. I needed to think carefully. He needed something he couldn’t escape.

I sat on the bed, my thoughts scattered like the debris around me. Then an idea came to me.

Dad would never forget this “house cleaner” who cleaned up his mess!

I returned to the living room and found Dad and the lady speaking, oblivious of what was to come.

My eyes twinkled as I continued, “It seems that your last night together was not as hot as the day before yesterday, Mr. Daniel! I spent three hours cleaning up after your night the day before last! I apologize for my language.”

Her cheeks became crimson with fury. “I was absent yesterday! Your bedroom companion the day before yesterday? She yelled at Dad.

Dad widened his eyes and seemed to faint. “What are you talking about, Clara?” he muttered.

Tilting my head, I pretended perplexity. Sorry, ma’am, but you must be Jessica, right? You were great, Mr. Daniels kept saying!

Woman’s rage boiled over. “I’m MARTHA!” she cried to Dad. “Who the hell is Jessica?”

Dad opened and closed his lips like a fish out of water, unable to respond. Angered, Martha struck him across the face, reverberating around the room. The door slammed as she fled the home.

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

Crossing my arms, I felt satisfied. Dad, you lied about me and made me uncomfortable. Be upfront about dating. Please never call me your housekeeper again. Mr. Daniel, is there anything more I should clean up? I asked with a sly smile.

Dad gazed at me before laughing.

We laughed till we could scarcely stand once the chuckle became a full-blown laugh. Our link warmed us, easing the stress.

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

Dad shrugged sheepishly. “She disliked kids. 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.”

I approached and hugged 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 again, shaking his head. “I think we cleaned enough today. How about ordering pizza and watching a movie?

I smile. It sounds perfect.”