Classic Novel
Chapter 93
93 My Baby Girl! (Winona)
When I fling it open, there stands Anne, holding Abby's hand. Lisa is right behind them. My breath catches in my throat as I take in the sight of my baby girl, looking even taller in the week I haven't seen her.
Her eyes are wide with a mixture of confusion and relief. But I feel her hesitancy in seeing me. What she witnessed at Palisades Park must have scared her so much.
I kneel down and the tears are rolling down my face. "Hi Sweety. I've missed you. I'm sorry I scared you."
"Mommy!" Abby cries, breaking free from Anne's grip and launching herself into my arms. I feel her tears" against my cheek as her little arms grip me like there's no tomorrow,
I wrap her in the tightest hug I can manage without breaking her in half. My heart races as I hold her close, feeling her little heart beating against mine. "Oh, Abby, I've missed you so, so much," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion Abby clings to me, her small body trembling. "I missed you too, Mommy. Are you okay? Why can't I come home?"
Anne steps forward, her tone gentle but firm. "Remember, Abby, we can't talk about that right now. We're just here to visit and spend time together."
I nod, pulling back slightly to look into Abby's eyes. "That's right, sweetheart. We're just going to enjoy our time together, okay? No worrying about anything else. pick her up as I stand.
Lisa steps in, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "You've got this, Winona. We're here for you."
I nod, blinking back tears. "Thank you, Lisa. Thank you, Anne. Please, come in. It's all monitored, but not the bathrooms."
Lisa gives her usual laugh. "Lucky for them. I ate spicy burritos for lunch. I could blow the bathroom apart." We all burst out laughing at this comment.
"On that note, I'm going back to the office to finish some paperwork." Gordon says and he walks off. "You're Aunt Lisa is a Silly Billy, isn't she?" I say to Abby kissing her tear-streaked chubby cheek.
Abby nods and clings to me again as we walk to the living room.
The heaviness in my heart lifts just a little. For a moment, I can forget about the nightmare of my situation and focus on the people who matter most to me for a brief time.
"Abby, if you like, you can get your coloring things from your room, and we can all do some coloring."
"I'm going to make coffee and snacks," Anne says as she heads off to the kitchen.
Abby's eyes light up with excitement. "Yay! I love coloring, Mommy!"Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.
We sit down on the floor, and for a while, it feels like any other day. Abby giggles as she picks out her favorite colors, and I find myself laughing along with her, the stress of my situation momentarily forgotten Lisa chatters with Abby about unicorns. 43 My Baby Dol
I focus on my daughter, cherishing every second we have together.
After about fifteen minutes, Anne comes back in with a tray laden with goodies.
"How on earth did you find all of that in that time?" I ask her.
"I had things prepared in the freezer." She grins,
"You are unbelievable." It all looks amazing and compared to the food I've had this past week, I'm sure it's delectable.
We stop coloring to eat and drink. Lisa talks about the weather and Anne tells me Abby's latest check up went well. I'm so grateful for these two in my life.
Abby goes back to coloring and I look up and see Gordon watching from the doorway, his expression a mix of determination and satisfaction. He knows how important this visit is for my morale.
I silently thank him for making it happen. Even though I realize now our time is running short as it's almost curfew time.
As we color, Abby looks up at me, her big eyes full of innocence. "Mommy, when can I come home with you?
My heart aches at her question, but I force a smile. "I'm not sure but Anne is taking care of you." "Daddy's place doesn't have a sandpit," she laments.
I look at Gordon wondering if I can talk about Jayden in any way. He nods at me.
"I'm sure if you ask Daddy, he will sort that out for you!
"Okay, Mommy."
Anne checks her watch and gives me a gentle nod. "We should be going, Winona. We'll be back for another visit as soon as we can."
I nod, hugging Abby tightly once more. "I love you so much, Abby. Be good for Nanny Anne, okay?"
"No, Mommy, no! I don't want to go!" Abby cries out and runs to me.
My heart shatters into a million pieces as I stand and walk to the door with her. "You'll be okay, Sweety. H promise." I bite my lip to stop the tears. Anna and Lisa step out the front door.
"Come on. Let's get you home for dinner." Anne says and she gets Abby around the waist.
Abby clings to me harder, her tiny arms like vice holds around my neck. She screams, "No Mommy. No. I want to stay with you!"
I stare at Anne. She keeps a hold on Abby as I pry her hands from around my neck. "It's okay. Come back tomorrow. I love you Sweety"
Abby finally concedes. Her eyes are red and swollen. will, Mommy. I love you too."
I close the door and I'm so broken I don't think anything could ever cut me as deeply as sending away my daughter. I turn to Gordon, who's been watching the whole time. 93 My Baby Gal
"Thank you," I say, my voice catching on my sobs. "I needed to see her so badly."
He nods. "You're welcome, Winona, Remember, we'll get through this. One step at a time."
"One bite at a time," I whisper to myself. Right now, I don't feel like I'm eating an elephant.
It feels like the whole damn herd.
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94 My Way