April 7th

Part 6

Disclaimer: I own no one.

A/N- Thanks to Evie The Bad Grammar Slayer…yes, I've been watching way too much Buffy.

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Tears blurring her vision, Joanne began to read aloud, her voice unwavering.

To my Baby Girl,

Two weeks ago, Joanne and I learned we will be Mommies. Jo is pregnant. Nine and a half weeks with your baby brother or sister.

Jo acts like I did, when I was pregnant with you. I once sent Daddy and our entire male family out in the middle of the night, for Tapioca pudding. The other night, I had to go an hour away for pickled mushrooms at midnight.

Joanne could see Mark and the other guys wandering the streets, trying to find pudding. Benny-bargaining with a Bodega owner to open the store. Mark-trying to use sympathy on an unsympathetic deli worker. Roger-cursing just as the lights go out in the market. Collins-grinning as he secures the pudding in his backpack.

On our way to visit you, Jo and I found your lump of a sibling, just like Daddy and I did with you.

Mark. Maureen. Late at night. Mark just pressing into her stomach. Just something to affirm a baby was in there.

This is the first year Jo ever asked about your birthday. That surprises me. I think your sibling made her sentimental.

Uncle Collins joined you for Christmas. Losing him was tough, but I'm sure you and Angel were the first people he saw. Thank you for greeting him, Bright One.

Joanne didn't doubt that. If there were two people who would have met Collins at Heaven's Gates, it would be Angel and Norah.

I'm so scared, Precious Girl. What if something happens to your sibling? I don't know if we can survive a loss.

Holding you as you lay dying was the toughest thing I've ever done. When your new sibling is placed in my arm, I will try my best not to remember the last time I held a seconds old Newborn.

Joanne could see Maureen holding her dying baby, trying not to cry, merely wanting to make sure her daughter's last moments were peaceful.

Mommy may have a second family, but that doesn't mean she will EVER forget you. I love you, and next year, your sibling will be with us.

Love,

Mommy

As soon as she finished reading, Joanne made a promise.

No, Norah Juliet, I will never ever forget you.

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