When I opened the door, I saw Quinn standing there. Just standing. I was about to yell at her but the tears were already in her eyes.
"Mommy?" I little voice asked with big puppy eyes. Adorable.
I looked at little Mariah, she should be at bed already.
"Yes, darling?" I answered. I whispered to Quinn I was closing the door for just a second so I could take Mariah to bed. She agreed and sat on the ground.
"I can't sleep. It's so dark in my room." She almost cried. I lifted her and told her she shouldn't be afraid.
"There is nothing wrong in your room. Just go to bed, I need to have an important talk with Qui- mommy." I took her to her bed and left a little night lamp on.
"Good night, and don't let the bed bugs bite!" I whispered in her room. I heard a little 'goodnight' from her room as I went away, back to Quinn. I opened the door and she was still sitting on the ground.
"Can I come in?" she asked. I hesitated. She had hurt me and Mariah so much.
"Why?" I asked. "Why should I let you in, after everything you've done to us?"
"Because…" Quinn looked at the ground. "Because I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I'm sorry I left you for Sam. I just-"
"Quinn!" I yelled. "Mariah was a three years old. We were happy, all together. And then you suddenly left! Why? Why?"
"I just- Can I please come in?" Quinn cried. "I have nowhere to stay."
"No Quinn." I said harsh. "You've ruined my life. You have ruined Mariah's life. Go away. Please."
"And never come back." I whispered.
I heard a little girl crying. I went back to Mariah and took her out of bed, again. "What's wrong Mariah?" I asked, while wiping her tears from her face.
"Why do you and mommy always fight?" She asked.
"Because mommy wasn't very nice to us a year ago." I brushed her hair with my hand. "Don't worry baby, it's going to be all right. One day mommy will come back and she will be nice.
"I miss her, mommy." Mariah cried and rested her head on my chest. Mariah looked so much like Quinn. Her eyes, her chin. But she has my hair. I smiled for a little bit.
"She misses you too, darling."