"Not a pathetic orphan..."
The first words in her head: "Not an orphan anymore."
"Alex, this… is your mother."
She'd always known he wasn't her father. He is her dad. She loves/hates him. That trumps biology.
Mom doesn't hug her like she'll die if she doesn't. That's good, it'd be too much.
They're both shaking.
Fingers run over her hair, her face.
Am I what you thought I'd be? Have you missed me? Am I good enough? Am I pretty? How did you know me? Do you love me? Mom?
"Will you help me tie him up?"
Yes.