A/N: Before you start throwing fruits and other odd objects at me, please read the chapter.
Disclaimer: I didn't own this 24 chapters ago and I still don't own it now. All I own are character personalities.
"Sweet dreams." I whispered and kissed the forehead of my daughter. I raised the one side of the crib and made sure it was locked.
Quietly, I exited her bedroom, shutting the lights off on my way out, and left the door ajar. I made my way half way down the hall, toward the master bedroom. Soft cries suddenly were emitted from the nursery suddenly and I quickly went to her side.
Once I tuned on the lights, I went to the crib and lifted her out of it, not bothering to lower one of the walls. I cradled the crying 1 year old baby in my arms. I shushed her crying and stared into her beautiful blue eyes.
"Rock-a-bye, baby In the treetop," I began to sing the same lullaby my mother sang to me, "When the wind blows The cradle will rock, When the bough breaks The cradle will fall And down will come baby Cradle and all."
Her cries had ceased and she sent me a small smile; I smiled back.
The sound of a never ending beeping suddenly filled the room. I looked around, hopping to find its source. When I looked back down to my arms, they were empty. My hands dropped to my sides as I began to search the nursery. The beeping grew louder and louder. Then, abruptly, my eyes shot open and I was out of dreamland. Reaching over, I shut off my alarm clock.
I wish I could say that it was just a nightmare and that if I walked into my daughter's room right now, I would still find her in a deep sleep. Unfortunately, I can't do that. I, Gabriella Marie Bolton, do not have a child of my own; not one with my dark curly hair and Troy's electrifying eyes, nor one that shared my thirst for reading and Troy's basketball skills.
I inhaled deeply and breathed out as I threw the sheets from over my body. Normally, I would turn to my left and find Troy also getting up but ever since he's been promoted he seems to be getting up earlier and earlier. I set off into the bathroom where I began my morning routine.
Roughly 45 minutes later I wandered into the kitchen where I found Troy sitting at the table doing his own morning routine; drinking coffee while eating a bagel and reading the sports section of the newspaper.
"Good Morning, Honey! " I greeted him as I walked over to the toaster oven and retrieved a bagel from the breadbox beside it. My back was turn towards him while I s et the toaster to just the right setting so that it didn't burn.
Troy set down his paper and walked over so that he stood behind me. When I turned around, I came in contact with his chest and looked up into the same enchanting blue eyes that I first saw on my porch, almost 15 years ago.
Troy's arms settled on the marble countertop behind me, one on each side of me so that I was trapped. He lowered his head to meet my 5 feet 4 inches stature and in a low voice said, "Good Morning." He then leaned in and I, of course, did too and we meet in a short but sweet kiss. Troy and I have been married for 6 years and we still had that newlywed spark.
"So what's on your agenda today?" I asked him, my arms wrapping around his neck.
"Well, back at the office there is a ton of paperwork that needs to get done. At 10:30 I have a conference call." He then added, "Do you want to meet at the diner for lunch?"
"Yeah, that sounds good." I then turned around and checked on my sesame bagel. "I've got a new case today and I should be done by noon." Seeing that it was nice and toasty, I turned off the toaster and opened its glass door. "12:15 alright?" I felt Troy back up and I assumed that he sat back down at the table.
"Perfect." he said, his voice muffled slightly.
I looked over to see him putting the orange juice away and taking out the tub of cream cheese. I smiled inwardly. Damn, I really do have the perfect husband! I grabbed a butter knife from one of drawers and sat down beside Troy, where a glass of orange juice and a tub of cream cheese awaited me.
"Thank you," I told him and he modestly shrugged as if it were no big deal.
Our morning carried on as it normally did, talking about this and that. Before either of us knew it, it was 8:30 and Troy was kissing me 'goodbye' before heading off to work. When I first met Troy, he didn't come across as the businessman type but nowadays I couldn't imagine him doing anything else. Troy was the CEO of a sporting good company that had franchises all over the west coast and had hopes of expanding east. He did get an offer to play pro-ball for the Boston Celtics but he passed, not wanting to leave Albuquerque.
After cleaning up the kitchen I grabbed my keys and made my way to the front door. As I passed the mirror in the hallway I was able to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Even though I turned 29 a couple of months ago, I honestly don't think I look any different than I did 10 years ago. The only difference was that my hair was cut just below my shoulders and I wear a bit more concealer now.
The Department of Child and Family Services, where I worked, was only a 10 minute commute from the house. I worked as a Social Worker, but a couple times a month I did some group counseling since I had a degree in psychology. Once a legal decision has been made, I step in to either take the child to a children's home and place them in a foster home or do follow up reports on whether the family follows judge's orders.
As I walked into the agency I was greeted by several of my coworkers. I acknowledged their greetings and made my way to my cubicle, ready to get started on my new case. Once I situated myself at my desk, I turned on the computer. While I waited for it to come to life, I unlocked my bottom-right filing cabinet and pulled out my latest installment that was assigned to me. Opening up the manila folder, I read over the information provided.
"Gabriella,"
I looked up to see my boss leaning against the gray wall that made up a part of the cubicle. "Good Morning Kiara!" My boss wasn't one for formalities, that's what was the first things she told me as
"Morning." she smiled. "Did you read over your new case?"
"I was just reading it when you showed up."
"Well since I'm here I might as well give you an outline." Kiara offered.
"That would be great, thanks."
"No problem. Your case is on 6 year old girl, Angella Williams. A worker at Angella's daycare noticed several bumps and bruises on her. The worker then informed a police officer when she saw that it continued over the course of several months. The officer ran a background check and pulled up several charges for DUI. To spare you the details, Ms. Williams has been declared an unfit mother by the state and will have to face several consequences. According to Angella's mother, the father didn't know that she was pregnant when he left for Europe, 6 years ago. Her grandparents live on the other side of the country and are unable to take care of her. The little girl is in temporary custody of her mother's friend. Unfortunately, she's needs to be taken to a children's home."
I stayed quiet as my mind processed what she was saying.
"Gabriella, please remember that it would be best not to get emotionally involved." Kiara reminded me before walking away.
Kiara knew about that part of my life. The part of my life in which I, myself, would have need a Social Worker. When Kiara interviewed me she asked, "Why is it that you chose to be a Social Worker?" "My mother abused me," I had said without hesitation, "I want to be able to help kids that where abused like I was. I know I can't save everyone but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try. Granted, not all of them had an abusive/alcoholic parent, but they all share one thing in common: they deserve a better life."
The internet is truly one of the greatest inventions, that was ever, well, invented. It's amazing that in mere seconds you knew the directions to someone's house; all it took was typing the address and clicking a button. It sometimes made me wonder what would happen if the internet suddenly stopped working. Now that I think about it, that happened in a movie.
Thanks to the internet, I was easily maneuvering my way through the streets of Albuquerque to pick up Angella. On the way there, I passed Albuquerque General Hospital. For the umpteenth time that day I thought about my mother. Then I thought about Michelle the ICU receptionist, Aurora the nurse that took care of her, Dr. Gonzalez the head of the liver department and of course, there was good old Chuck. Never in my life have I met anyone like Chuck, with his southern accent and story of his wife and children leaving him. How he remains bubbly and humorous while living what seems like a lonely life befuddles me.
I turned left into the neighborhood and then turning left again when I reached a fork in the road. Carefully, I drove down Hillcrest Street so that I didn't pass house number 1106. The neighborhood seemed like a very quiet one. Unlike the one Troy and I lived in, there were no children playing in the streets. Finally, I spotted house number 1106, the numbers written in a gold-ish paint on a piece of dark wood that had been nailed above the garage door. The house look quaint and was painted a pale yellow with red shingles.
I took my time pulling into the drive of the pale yellow house; my mind recalling the facts of my case. Angella's mom, Melissa, worked 6 days a week as waitress. Melissa Williams was sentenced to a minimum of 30 days in a Woman's Detention Facility and over 700 hours of community service, as well as attending Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings. The driveway in which I stood was owned by Holly Anderson, friend to Melissa and godmother of Angella. In between reading over the case and filling out the essential paperwork, it never occurred to me that Angella shared the same name as my late mother; making me feel slightly guilty. Taking a deep - some would say cleansing - breath, I approached the red door and rang the doorbell.
Through the red door a faint, "Coming!" as well as the sound of something hitting the floor and shattering could be heard.. "Shit!" the voice said again.
"Language!" Another voice - a woman as well - scolded. "Little ears in the room!"
"Sorry!!" the first voice responded .
I heard some shuffling as what I assumed to be broken pieces of glass were being swept up. Soon the door opened up. "I'm sorry for the wait, I'm a bit jumpy today." The woman that opened the door had dark red hair and emerald eyes. "What can I do for you today?"
"Good morning. My name is Gabriella Bolton from the Department of Child and Family Services." I formally introduced myself and stuck my hand out for her to shake, which she did. "Are you Holly Anderson?"
"Yes, I am. Please come in," She ushered me inside the house.
My suspicion of the broken glass proved to be correct when I saw a sandy blonde haired woman crouched down in the foyer, sweeping up the shards into a dustpan.
"Melissa," Holly called out.
I followed Holly slightly confused. "I'm sorry but did you say 'Melissa'? As in Angella's mother?"
The woman that was sweeping up the shards of glass looked over at us and stood up once she finished cleaning. "Hi, Melissa Williams." She introduced herself to me as I shook her hand. Melissa Williams was a tall, thin woman that looked about twenty-five. Her face was free of make up, except for black liner that lined her eyes. Her sandy blonde hair framed her heart shape face.
"Please correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you suppose to be in a Woman's Detention Facility for a minimum of 30 days?"
"No, you've got your facts straight. The court granted that I may be brought to the facility once my daughter was placed into the care of a Social Worker." Melissa explained.
I nodded understandingly. Rarely this happened, but then again this didn't feel like just an ordinary case.
"Can I offer you a drink? Soda? Water?" Holly asked me.
"Water would be great, thank you." I told her.
Melissa Williams led me through Holly's house and into what appeared to be a entertainment room. One large leather couch and two armchairs had been strategically placed around a wide screen television with a dark colored, wood coffee table in the middle of it all. That's when I first saw her. I noticed that her hair - which was tied into two pigtails - was a sandy blonde color like her mothers, but unlike her mothers it cascaded into little ringlets of curls. A miniature toy kitchen that rested on the coffee table seemed to keep her occupied. Around her waist a white apron appeared to be tied. Melissa motioned for me to take a seat and so I did. Melissa sat on the couch that was closest to her daughter.
"Angel," Melissa spoke softly. Immediately the six year old put her toy sauté pan down and made her way towards her mother. Melissa had her forearms pressed to her thighs so that she was at eyelevel with her daughter.
I watched the sight before me; mother and daughter interacting. Melissa looked as if she was explaining something and the little girl that stood before her in her white apron nodded, her big dark brown eyes looking intently at her mother. Mother hugged daughter then turned to look at me. Melissa whispered something to her and once again the obedient daughter nodded. I took notice of the warm expression that appeared on Melissa's face.
Suddenly the sandy blonde, little girl was approaching me. "My mommy said that you're very nice and will take care of me." That's what she first said to me, her voice sounded like she was trying to be grown up.
I leaned forward, the way Melissa had. "You're mommy's right." I told her with a smile. "My name is Gabriella but my friends call me Gabi or Gabs. You can call me by a nickname if you want to." I offered, trying to get her comfortable with me.
She looked like she was thinking hard. "Can I call you Ella?"
Laughed a little, thinking about the time Troy had first called me that. "Of course you can."
"My name's Angella." She smiled widely at me. "You can call me Angel, that's what mommy calls me."
Just like that, I felt a connection between us. "So, Miss. Angel, how are you today?"
Her tiny shoulders shrugged at the question. She motioned for meet to closer so she could whisper into my ear. "I'm sad and I think mommy is too. Mommy said that I have to go away for awhile."
"Why do you think mommy's sad?" I whispered back into here ear.
"I saw her crying this morning," the six year old confessed ."Was I a bad girl? Is that why I have to go?"
I could feel my heart brake at the sound of her sad voice. "Sweetie, it's not your fault." I immediately reassured her.
"I was being a good girl. Mommy even stopped getting mad at me." Little Angel tried to grasp what's going on.
Those last words are what really made my heart break into two. "You're mom just wants you to be safe. Where I'm going to take you, you'll be safe."
Angel finally nodded, her sandy blonde curls bouncing.
Holly had appeared sometime during the time I was speaking to Angel. The water bottle she brought me was placed on the coffee table, condensation dripping of it. I took a swig of the water and savored the cold liquid go down my throat. Angel went back to playing with her toy kitchen. Melissa and Holly sat quietly conversing.
"Holly, why don't you help Angel make sure she's got everything." Melissa suggested out of the blue.
Holly and Angel agreed and left the room so that it was only me and Melissa.
"Gabriella, cam you explain what happens now?"
I gave a slight not to Melissa. "Certainly. I'll be taking Angel to a children's home and help her settle in. I begin paperwork to find her a foster family or a family that would like to permanently adopt her."
"What are the chances that I can regain custody of my daughter?"
"Honestly," I paused, deciding that flat out saying it would be best, "very slim. You were deemed an unfit mother by the state for domestic violence and several DUI-s."
"The alcohol," she said in a 'Eureka!' manner, "It's the alcohol! I've only ever abused her when I was under the influence. I cut it out completely and it'll never happen again." She had said somewhat convincing herself more than me. "I love my daughter." she added.
"Ms. Williams," I began gently, "I have no doubt that you love your daughter. Whether it was under the influence of alcohol or not; domestic violence is still domestic violence. " I paused a moment, letting her digest what I just said before I continued. "I don't know if you know this or not, but you could of also spent a couple of years behind bars and Angel would still have to be brought to a children's home but she would also then known that her mother went to prison."
"I might as well have." I heard her mutter to herself.
As if on cue, Holly and Angel appeared. Holly rolled a baby blue suitcase next to Angel who was clutching a small white bear.
Melissa walked over to her daughter and crouched down to her height. Mother and daughter exchanged a long hug.
"I love you." I heard Melissa say.
"Love you too mommy." Angel responded.
"You're going to take care of Baby Bear, right?"
The six year old nodded her rapidly.
"Okay, good." Melissa gave Angel a final, long hug before standing and looking towards me. "I want her to land in the best possible home." she said straight forwardly.
"Believe me," I said, "I want the same thing." I grabbed the handle of the luggage with one hand and the other out stretched towards Angel. Her hand felt so tiny in my hand; making me think that I would crush it.
Holly held the door open for us and I thanked her. We made our way towards my car and unlocked it. I led Angel to the side of the car with the booster seat in the backseat.
"Regardless to what that judge thinks, I'm not a bad mother." Melissa called after us, wiping away a few tears from her face. "I may not have planned to have Angel so young, but it happened and I did the best I could."
"I know." I said simply as I helped Angel into the booster seat. At her feet I laid the baby blue suitcase.
"Everything I've ever done has been for my daughter." She stood in front of my car with her arms, beautiful blonde hair blowing in the breeze. "I really just want the best for her."
"I know." I repeated as I gently closed Angella's door. "Alcohol can be a bitch." I walked past Melissa to get to the driver's side. "It can make you someone your not and there's no controlling it. Makes you regret the first couple of drinks, doesn't it?" I said, the words sounding more bitter than I intended. Melissa's words reminded me of my own mother. Images of my mother lying in her hospital bed flashed in my mind. I was so angry that day and leftover anger made me say it now. I got into the car and began to back out of the driveway.
Melissa stood her ground, waving goodbye and blowing a kiss to her daughter. The tears were now flowing down her cheeks, not that she cared.
In the backseat Angella said, "Bye mommy!" in hopes that Melissa could hear her.
The further I drove down Hillcrest Street, the smaller the pale yellow house became. Melissa still stood in the driveway and as I turned the corner I could see her body sink to the ground. Guilt ran through my body. I know that Melissa truly loves her daughter. If only she had caught on to her addiction earlier; everything would of turned out differently. I, for one, wouldn't have to be taking away this innocent child from her mother. We can't dwell on 'What if"-s though. A lifetime can be spent saying, "What if." It does no one good and in reality can sometimes disappoint you.
--
The children's home that served as a adoption agency was a refurbished school building. The state funded this facility; providing shelter, food, and above all care. Angel and I approached the iron gates and pushed the buzzer that allowed us in. As we waited for the receptionist to buzz us in, Angel's eyes looked beyond the metal bars where she saw kids about her age playing in the courtyard.
"I think you'll like this place," her dark brown eyes looked up at me with uncertainty. "There's lots of kids and they always have fun things for you to do."
A buzzing noise coming from the lock of the gate signaled us that it was now open. I entered the gates and immediately led Angel to the office with the one sided glass wall.
"Well, hello!" The receptionist that went by the name of Barbra greeted.
"Hello Barbra!" I greeted as I leant against her desk. "How are you today?"
"I am doing great. It's been pretty quiet today. "Barbra was woman in her mid-sixties that styled 80's inspired hair. "Who's this lovely little girl?
"Barbra, I'd like you to meet Angella."
Angella, who was clutching her small white bear in one arm, waved .
"Oh! Angella!" Barbra clapped her hands together. "The case you called about this morning?"
"Uh-huh. That's the one."
Barbra began shuffling through the files on her desk. "Here they are!" She said in a sing song voice while she held up several forms. "I'll make you a copy and then you can bring Angella to her room." When she returned she handed me the copy as well as a map that led me to Angel's building, not that I really needed a map to guide me through this place.
Hall 8 was located at the end of the 1st floor. Walking through the open courtyard, we passed the garden in the middle that the children planted. A small playground with several picnic tables around it could be found in the court yard. This particular children's home is 10 years old and was lucky to receive many donations for material.
Once we entered Hall 8, which was a large room lined with 35 bunk beds, I went the bulletin bored in the back and searched for bed assignments. Angel was assigned to bed number 27, bottom bunk. We walked down the rows of beds and finally came across bed 27. A dresser was on the left to bed and another mismatched dresser was at the foot of the bunk bed. Hall 8 was empty with only a few children in their beds, considering that it was just about lunch time.
"Angel, this is gonna be where you'll be staying for awhile." I motioned towards the bottom bunk.
Her dark brown eyes surveyed the room before looking up at me, "Why are there so many beds?"
I sat on her bed and motioned for her to sit beside me, which she did. "Well, you won't be the only one staying here. This is where other children stay until their Social Worker finds them a family that can take care for them."'
"Why do they need a new family?"
"Well," I found this very difficult to explain to Angel, "there are many different reasons but most of the time it because their mommy or daddy can't take care of them."
She seemed content with my answer and clutched her teddy bear tight against her chest.
"Sweetie, can I leave you for a little bit so that I can get your suitcase?" I asked her. Angel nodded and so I left to get her baby blue suitcase.
Angel wasn't alone when I came back with her suitcase rolling behind me. She sat across an older girl, playing a game of 'Go Fish'.
"You must be Gabriella," The girl that I could now see was Asian and looked about 15 said and I shook hands with her.
"Yes I am. And you are?" I then noticed her visitor's sticker that said 'H-u-i X-i-a-n'.
"My name is Hui Xian," she said, pronouncing it 'Who-we C-ann'. "I'm volunteering today and came to see if there was any one still in here that didn't eat lunch yet. Angel said that she wanted to wait for you before she left. So we decided to play Go Fish." Hui Xian explained then added in a disappointing voice, "I'm losing so far."
I laughed a little at the tone of her voice. "Well Hui Xian, it's nice to meet you. Angel, do you want to help me put away your clothes than Hui Xian and you can go to lunch?"
Angel agreed and so I laid her suitcase on the ground. I let her unzip and together we put away her clothes in the dresser to the left of the bed. Hui Xian left us to our task and went to check in with the rest of the children in the room, promising to come back. We divided the various shirts, shorts, and pants between the 3 drawer dresser. I tucked her suitcase under her bed where I saw another suitcase, possibly belonging to the owner of the top bunk.
"Sweetie, I've got to go now, but you'll be alright, right?" I told her as I squatted down to her height.
She looked at me uncertainly, but regardless said, "Right."
"I'll be back to check on you tomorrow."
This time she was smiling. Unexpectedly, she hugged me. "Bye Ella!"
I hugged her back "Bye Angel."
We walked over to Hui Xian who was on the other side of the room, playing Go Fish with 3 girls that looked just about the same age as Angel. The young Asian girl introduced her to the girls that surrounded her. I walked away, seeing that I wasn't needed right now. I couldn't help but look back as I walked away. When I did, I saw that Hui Xian was leading the girls out of the room through another door. Angel looked ecstatic as she hooked arms with a red headed girl her height and began skipping. I couldn't help but laugh; it was a beyond adorable sight.
--
Later that afternoon, around 12:30 I drove in to the parking lot of the diner. I was working on some of my older cases when I retuned from the children's home and realized that I was running late for my lunch date with Troy. To my surprise, Troy was sitting on the hood of his car with his arms folded. I pulled into the parking space beside him. I opened my car door and got out, locking it behind me.
"I hope you weren't waiting too long."
Troy jumped slightly and turned around smiling. "Five minutes, is all." He got off the hood of his car and walked towards me. When he reached me he said, "But for future reference, I'd wait forever if it meant seeing you again."
I leaned him and kissed him. "You are such a softy." I said between kisses.
"That may be true, but I'm your softy." he said with a goofy smile.
Hand-in-hand, we walked into the diner where we had our first date. The diner had he same 50's décor and jukebox. The waitresses still wore poodle skirts with collared white shirts. A scarf tied around their neck and a ribbon in their hair completed the look.
"Hey Troyella!" Troy and I turned our heads to see Chad and Taylor sitting in a booth towards the back. "Over here!"
"Déjà vu," Troy whispered in my ear and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Troyella? Seriously, Chad?" I asked, sliding into the seats across the Danforths; Troy following suit.
"It got your attention, didn't it? " Chad rebutted.
I giggle slightly, Chad's got me there.
"Coach Danforth," Troy began, "shouldn't you be yelling at teens for forged doctors' notes?"
Chad, Troy's best friend with the huge afro, was employed at East High as the Physical Education teacher and the basketball coach.
" Mr. CEO, shouldn't you be filling out paper works and such in an office? " Chad fired back.
"Well, Coach Danforth, for your information, I'm here to have lunch with my lovely wife." Troy said and draped his right arm around my shoulders.
"Well, Mr. CEO, I guess we have at least 1 thing in common. I'm here to have lunch wit my lovely wife." Chad mimicked Troy's actions and draped an arm around Taylor.
"Wow, Gabs." Taylor told me. "We sure chose winners for husbands," she joked.
I laughed and looked around the diner before asking, "Where's Luc?" Luc, also known as Lucia, is Chad and Taylor's 5 year old daughter.
"Luc had a play date with Matthew from next door." Taylor informed me.
"It's not a date." Chad said firmly. "She just went over to someone's house to play. "
Taylor looked at her husband with look that said: Are you effin' serious? "Honey," Taylor's voice began sweet, "that's exactly what a play date is."
"I know that!" Chad exclaimed. "She's 5 though. The word 'date' should never be used in the same sentence as whatever she does."
"Chad, stop making such a fuss over it."
Troy and I found this amusing. Neither one of us wanted to interject.
"If he's like this now, can you imagine him when Luc starts dating?" Troy said quietly to me.
Before I could reply, Chad interjected. "She's not dating till she's 30."
"Says the man that got his first kiss when he was 12." I added with a smirk.
Taylor shot Chad an incredulous look. "30?"
"Tay, Gabs. You don't get it. You have no idea what goes on in a teenage boy's mind." Chad said in defense.
"Chad's right, you know?" Troy said, feeling weird having said those words. "There's only one thing that teenage boys are thinking about."
Taylor and I glanced at each other then at our respective husband.
Oh really? I laughed to myself. "And what's that?" I challenged the man beside me, raising my eyebrows slightly as if daring him to say it. Across the table, I had a feeling that Taylor was giving Chad the same look.
We watched as our husbands squirmed in their seats, suddenly wishing that they didn't say anything at all.
"I'm starved!" Troy suddenly exclaimed and reached out for a menu that was placed in the center of the table.
Chad followed suit and played along, "Me too, man."
"This diner's got the best burger and fries in town."
"Milkshakes!" Chad chimed in. "Don't forget about their milkshakes."
"Oh, of course! How could I forget about that?"
Both men piped down and began to read the menus intently; even though they've ordered the same exact thing for the past 20 years.
Taylor and I looked at our husbands then at each other and simultaneously rolled our eyes at their antics. We both grabbed a menu and read the wide variety of food.
When the waitress came around, we each told her our orders. "2 triple-cheeseburgers-one without tomatoes and one without onions, 2 chicken Cesar salads-extra dressing on one, 2 baskets of chili cheese fries- 1 with extra cheese, 1 basket of curly fries, and 4 chocolate milkshakes with double the cherries on top." the waitress finished reading off of her notebook then asked, "Is that all?"
I looked Taylor, silently asking if that really was all. She nodded and said, "Yup! That's everything. Thanks."
"You're very welcome. The food will be right out." she told us before walking a way, taking the menus with her.
"So Gabs," Chad started, "when are the two of you gonna populate this world with miniature Troyellas?"
"Chad!" Taylor hissed and elbowed him in the stomach.
"Ouch!"
Taylor knew that it was a bit of a touchy subject for me and I felt Troy tighten his grip around me. Troy also attempted to kick Chad in the shin but my leg was in the way. I knew he said it with good intentions but it didn't sting any less.
"I honestly don't know Chad," I said softly. "It's not that we're not trying because believe me, we are trying." I sighed. It's just not the right time, either that or Troy and I aren't destined to have kids.
"Oh I believe you, alright," Chad said under his breath but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Troy spoke up with a hint of amusement in his voice, "What's that suppose to mean?"
"You two couldn't keep your hands off of each other in high school. I can't even imagine what happens behinds closed doors, now that you've got your own house."
All of us busted out laughing and I was thankful for the change of subjects.
"Hey! We weren't that bad in high school." I protested.
"Pssh! Surrrre you weren't." Taylor said, putting emphasis on her words.
"What about the two of you?" Troy retaliated. "I distinctly remember the two of you making out in homeroom before the teacher walked in."
"Oh!" A sudden memory popped into my mind, "Do you remember the time Ms. Darbus walked in on the two of you?"
"Oh gosh, don't remind me." Chad said.
"How could I forget? I had a bruise on my hip." Taylor added, rubbing the spot in which she had the bruise.
"Who knew the woman kept a megaphone under her desk? " Troy asked no one in particular.
I laughed as I replayed the memory in my mind. "Who knew Chad was so easily startled?"
"Hey! If you were making out with someone and someone speaks through a megaphone at high volume, about 5 inches away from your face, you would freak out too." Chad said in his defense.
"Which is precisely why Troy and I never did that."
"Yeah, you saved it for the secret garden," Chad said with a smirk.
"At least we didn't have teachers walk in on us." Troy said and I nodded in agreement.
"Tay, I don't think this conversation's going anywhere, do you?"
"No Gabs, I don't."
"I'm gonna freshen up a bit. You wanna come?"
"Why not? It's better that listening to the two of them argue."
The boys stood up so Taylor and I could pass. We grabbed our bags from our seats and headed over to the Ladies' room. When we were inside, I couldn't help but notice it was empty.
I walked over to one of the mirrors and made sure my make up wasn't smudged; it was. Reaching into my purse, I pulled out my espresso brown eyeliner and reapplied it.
Taylor stood off to the side, leaning against the counter. "Gabs, I'm sorry about earlier."
I stopped mid eye and gave her a questioning look.
"Chad can be an idiot sometimes."
I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "I know."
"He doesn't always think before he acts or speak."
I finished my eyeliner and turned to face her. "Tay, it's alright. Really."
"You know, it's not fair." She said, crossing her arms.
"What isn't?" I asked, honestly confused.
"There are woman in this world that would make great mothers yet, they have no children."
I nodded in reply. "Do you remember Ms.Thompson?"
Now it was Taylor's turn to be confussed. "Our Algebra II Honors teacher?"
"Yeah, that's her. She would of made a great mother. She was always willing to listen to our problems and she was patient. She had a divorce and by the time she was remarried it was too late for her."
"But it's not too late for you!" Taylor blurted out. "You just turned 29 and you're married to the love of your life."
"I can't help but feel like my life is complete except for that one last detail. Like something, or someone, is missing."
Taylor thought to herself for awhile. "Have you considered other options? Like adoption?"
"Adoption?" I repeated.
"Uh-huh. Adoption. Gabs, you're a Social Worker. You of all people should know about how adoption can help give children a better life."
Taylor had a point. I dealt with adoption agencies on a daily basis, yet I never considered adoption. Suddenly Angel's face popped into my mind.
"Gabs, if you really want to be a mother that could be another option. You know Troy would support you in any decision you make."
"I'll think about it." I finally managed to say. "Thanks for the talk Tay." I gave her a hug.
"Anytime girl, anytime." She let go. "Now, let's get out of here. The boys are probably wondering what's taking us so long."
"Finally!" Chad exclaimed as we approached the table.
"We were about to search team to get you." Troy joked.
Our husbands stood up so we could enter the booth.
"Uh-huh, sure you were." I said sarcastically.
"Right after you stuffed your faces with those cheeseburgers and chili cheese fries." Taylor added with an eye roll. "And Chad, you've got ketchup on your face." Taylor grabbed a napkin from the stack in the middle of the table and dabbed the red blob off his face.
The rest of our lunch period was spent joking around, eating the delicious food, and sipping on the yummy milkshakes….just like high school.
--
That night, as I laid in bed, my thoughts kept drifting back to Angel. There was something in the way Angel looked at her mother that I couldn't shake. I received numerous amounts of advice from colleague where I was told not to get emotionally involved and I have been able to do so. That is, until today. It's not like it was the first time I've had a case in which a single mother was not only an alcoholic but also abusive.
Damn it, Gabriella! Get it together! With 4th of July celebrations right around the corner, I couldn't help but think more and more about my mother. July 5th marks the fourteenth anniversary of my mom's death.
I remember the nights before my mother began to drink. She'd tuck me in and sit on the edge of my bed to read me a bedtime story. There was night in particular that is my favorite memory of our time together. I remember it like it was yesterday, even if I was young.
FLASHBACK BEGINS
"….and they lived happily ever after."
"I liked that story." I stated as I snuggled deeper into my bed.
"I'm glad you did sweetie."
"Mama, what happens after our ever after?" I asked. Even at the tender age of six I was curious.
My mama, as I liked to call her when I was little, smiled and said, "After our ever after anything can happen. Whatever you set your mind on you can do."
I smiled as she stroked my cheek with the back of her hand. "Do you think I'm gonna find a prince like the princess did?"
Mama chuckled, "Of course you will sweetie. Now," she smoothed out my bed sheet and stood up, "time to go to bed." She kissed my cheek and gave me a little hug.
My mama was just about to walk out the door when I called her name. She instantly rushed to my bedside, her face showcasing her concern. "What's wrong Gabi?"
"I forgot to tell you something." A small grin formed on my face.
"What's that?" She asked, placing both hands on her hips.
I sat up from my position on my twin-sized-bed ."Happy Birthday!" I exclaimed and pulled out a picture that I drew from underneath my pillow and handed it to her.
Mama didn't say a word as she accepted the drawing. She switched the lights in my small room on and came to sit by me. She was still quiet as she starred at my picture. The drawing wasn't amazing. It was simple drawing that consisted of the stick figure version of my mama and I. Several balloons surrounded us and came in an array of colors, the only thing similar about the balloons was that I had written '21' on each of them.
"Do you like it?" I asked hopefully
She wiped her eyes. "I love it."
I furrowed my eyebrows. "Then why are you crying?"
"Baby, when someone cries it doesn't always mean they're sad. Sometimes they cry when they're really happy."
"Oh. Okay."
"How'd you know it was my birthday?"
"I just know." I replied smartly. Truth be told, Ariel, my babysitter, told me.
My mama laughed. "Well however you found out I'm glad you did. I love my gift and I love you."
"I love you too." I crawled out from under the sheets and into my mama's lap, burying my face in the crook of her neck and hugging her tight. "Will you sleep here tonight?" I asked, looking up to her with my big brown eyes.
"Of course I will." she hugged me tighter.
"I'll turn off the lights!" I wiggled out of my mother's grasp and hit the light switch.
My mama pulled back the blanket and laid down, I followed after. We both laid on out sides and she draped an our across my stomach. "Sweet dreams baby." she whispered.
"Sweet dreams mama." I whispered back.
FLASHBACK ENDS
That was my most missed memory of her. On the night of her twenty-first birthday, my mother spent it with me. When I was younger I didn't really see the significance of turning the big two, one. Now that I think back to it, my mom was more responsible that I thought. She could of spent that night out at a bar with her friends, what most people tend to do for their 21st birthday but when it comes down to it, she decided to care for me instead. I also think about what she said that night, about choosing want you want for your ever after and how tears weren't always a result of sadness. Right now, though, my tears were the results of sadness. God, I miss her…
"Ella, baby, what's wrong?" Troy's concerned voice pulled me out of my trance. He turned off the television.
My head and left palm rested on his muscular chest while his arm was draped around my waist. I attempted to wipe away my tears. "It's nothing."
He gently forced my head up so he could look me in the eyes. "When a woman says 'nothing' it's usually a something."
I glared at him through my tear brimmed eyes.
"I'm just stating the truth." He stated defensively. "So tell me, what's on your mind?" He used his thumb to rid my face of any tears then released his grip on my face.
"My mom." I said simply as my eyes focused on a family photo, consisting of me, Troy, and my grandparents.
"What about her?" His hand rubbing up and down my side.
I sat up and leaned against the pillows, Troy did too and so we were now speaking face to face. "Well, soon it'll be fourteen years from her death and I just can't stop thinking about her. It doesn't help that Angel seems to have been put in the exact same position I was in. I look at-"
"Hold on." Troy cut me off. "Who's Angella?"
I rolled my eyes. "Angella, my mom."
"Yeah, I know that, but you just said that Angella was put in the same situation as you."
"No.." I said, dragging out the 'o'. "What I said was that Angel was put in the same situation."
Troy knitted his eyebrows. "Who's Angel?"
"Angel is my new case; I told you about her over dinner. Honey, if you're going to insist on asking me what's the matter, please try to keep up. " I patted his knee.
"Oh! Okay, I've got it." He made a forwarding gesture and added, "Continue."
"As I was saying, I watched how Angel and her mother interacted. You could just see it her mother's eyes that she loved her. Then Angel's voice keeps playing in my head when she was trying to understand why she was being taken away. How sad yet accomplished her voice sounded as she said that her mother didn't punish her as much anymore for being a bad girl."
"What does Angel have to do with your mother?" Troy asked, completely missing the point.
"Honestly, I don't know, but I can't help but see myself when I look into Angel's eyes. You should of seen the way she looked up at her mother. There was admiration with a sliver of fear present in her eyes. Then there was also the fact that when Taylor brought up adoption, the first thing that came to mind was Angella."
"When did Taylor bring up adoption?"
"Earlier, when Taylor and I excused ourselves to go to the bathroom. She apologized about what Chad said and asked if we ever considered adoption."
"I see.."
"What do you think about adoption?" I asked him, obliviously catching him of guard.
Sandy blonde, blue-eyed man thought for awhile. "I think it provides excellent opportunities for both the adoptee and adopter."
"I'm glad you think that because my gut's telling me that I should adopt Angel?"
Troy's eyes widen, obliviously shocked. "So, you're basically going on a gut feeling that you need to adopt Angel?" My husband inquired. "A decision that will alter your life, our lives, forever." Troy Bolton was someone who liked to think through things thoroughly. It came really handy when he had to make decisions that affected a whole company and it's franchises. Right now, it didn't really help.
A sudden burst of anger shot through me. "Please, don't lecture me on how having a child affects your life." I said those words with first hand knowledge.
"I'm sorry." he apologized, he knew he struck a nerve. "I just meant that, have you really thought everything through?" He looked straight into my eyes.
I nodded. "Troy," my voice softened, "I'm a firm believer in trusting your instincts. When I first met you, I tried to push you away, but my instincts told me that I should trust you. I did and we've been together for nearly 15 years. The night before my mom passed away, I had that really weird feeling like I knew something bad was gonna happen then lo and behold something does. Now, all of this is happening at the same time and my instincts are telling me that I can't let Angel go."
"Maybe it's just all a coincidence."
For the second time that night, I rolled my eyes at my husband. "There are no coincidences. Everything happens for a reason. It's called fate."
Troy didn't seem to have a response for he just sat there, looking right pass my eyes. So, I just sat there too, waiting for him to say something - anything.
"Okay." he stated after quite some time.
"Okay?" I raised my eyebrow, daring him to say more.
"I'll support you if this is really what you want."
Just like that, he agreed. I launched myself at him, causing him to fall slightly back and onto the pillows. My arms wrapping tight around his neck as I kissed him hard on the lips. It took him a full 2 seconds for his mind to register what was happening before he kissed me back, matching my intensity. He flipped us over so that he was on top.
"Wow." he breathed once we pulled away, the lack of air proving to be too much for us. He was holding himself up with one arm as his other hand was tangled in my hair. "If I knew you were gonna do that I would of agreed sooner."
I laughed at his statement. "Surprises are just so much more fun, though."
"Very true, my dear."
"So, you're serious about your answer?"
"Are you serious about your decision?"
"Very." I said, reaching up to brush some hair that fell over his eyes. "Like, I said, I'm going on instinct here."
"Okay babe, if you're sure."
"I am sure." I told him confidently. "Tomorrow, I'm going to talk to Kiara about transferring Angel to another worker."
"How's this all gonna go about?"
I began to explain the requirements that included a background check, which I'm sure we both would pass. Then I proceed to explain how a Social Worker would be checking every so often for the first month to make sure everything was running smoothly. Legal papers will be filled and after awhile, Angel would be legally ours.
"Angel's got some kind of hold on you. Doesn't she? "
"Uh-huh." I could feel my cheeks turn red. "I swear, Troy, if she's got me this easy I can't even imagine how long it'll take for her to wrap you around her little finger." I smirked, implying how much of a softy he is.
"Oh really?"
"You're gonna melt in her hand like chocolate."
"Mmmm…Chocolate, almost as sweet as you." he whispered into my ear.
I giggled as his breath tickled my skin. What did I say? Total softy and King of cliché. Troy left a trail of kisses starting from my earlobe, across my jaw line, and down my neck. It felt incredible! His lips found that spot on my neck that always put me in a haze.
If Troy hadn't whispered, "Ignore it," into my skin; I might of not realized that our home phone was ringing. I would have done so if it wasn't for my Lola leaving a message on the answering.
Regretfully, I pushed him off me and reached over for the phone on the nightstand. "Hi Lola! Sorry, I couldn't find the phone." I quickly lied over the phone. Troy made a greeting motion. "Troy says hi" I added
"Oh it's alright anak," My Lola's voice fluttered through the speaker; using the Filipino word, anak, instead of child. "Tell Troy I said hello."
I covered the phone's mouthpiece and relayed the message.
"Anyway" she continued, "I just wanted to remind you about our dinner plans of you and Troy coming here."
Whoops! That completely slipped my mind. Nonetheless, I said, "Oh, of course! How could I forget?" Really, how could I forget?
"You and Troy will be here at half past seven, right? "
"Yes, we'll be there."
"Well, that's all I wanted to tell you"
"Alright. See you tomorrow. Send lolo my love."
"Goodnight Gabriella. I love you."
"I love you too Lola. Goodnight."
With our farewells said, we hung up the phone. I turned around to see Troy lying under the sheets, just starring at me.
"I'm guessing that we're having dinner with your grandparents."
"Uh-huh." I said as I shut off the night stand's light and snuggling closer to Troy. "We've got to be there at 7:30 for our Friday night dinner."
"Alright, but I might not get out of the office till seven. Would be alright if I just met you there?"
"Yeah, that's fine."
Silence as thick as a wool sweater wrapped around us for awhile. We were both just enjoying being in each other's company.
"Thank you." I said into the darkness.
"For what?"
"For supporting my decision. For always being there. For reading me like a book. For being the perfect husband. For everything."
"It's easy to do all those things when the person is you." He hugged me tighter. "Mahal kita," he said the very little Tagalog he knew, the two little words that mean so much.
"I love you too, Troy."
Once again, we were wrapped into that comfortable silence. This was my favorite part of the day. Through out the day we get so busy that we forget to just breathe and catch our breath. Lying in bed with Troy's arms around me, made me feel content. So, with the day playing in my mind like a miniature video, I fell asleep in husband's arms.
OHMYJONAS!!IAMSOEXCITEDABOUTHIGHSCHOOLMUSICAL3!!AHHHHHHHH!!
"Kiara, can Angella Williams be transferred into the care of another worker.?" the words came tumbling out of my mouth as soon as I stepped foot into Kiara's office.
Kiara gestured for me to sit down and she folded her hands together. "She can be, but why?"
I took a seat across from her and began explaining. "Troy and I are interested in adopting her from the foster care system and it might be best if she's under the supervision of another worker before it's finalized."
"I see.." Kiara maintained her composure. "And the two of you are really certain about this?"
I nodded. "We've been discussing having children for awhile and I believe that adopting a child from the foster care system would be most rewarding."
"Alright, then." That was all that it took for her to be convinced. "I'll hand the case over to Belle Candella and she can begin the paperwork as soon as she can."
"Thank you so much Kiara." I swear, if it weren't consider unprofessional , I'd probably hug the chocolate brown eyed woman.
"Gabriella, I'm glad to help. You're such a kind person and I think it's great that you're doing this. You, of course, know that you and your husband must foster the child to make sure the three of you mesh well."
"I understand completely I'll get out of your hair now and catch up on some cases " I told her then added, "Not that I'm behind in any of my cases."
Kiara chuckled. "I know you aren't."
"Okay. Good." I smiled and stood up. "I'll talk you later, Kiara."
"Okay. Bye!' She said as I exited her office.
Have you ever done something then about ten seconds later you stop and ask yourself, "Did I really do that?" You have that moment where everything feels so surreal and you feel like your floating on air, at least for that moment. The feeling of excitement and worry blending together at the idea of what has yet to come. The day I said, "I do" to Troy I felt like that and now, I'm engulfed into that same feeling.
--
A heavy ran began to fall onto the town of Albuquerque around midday. The sky grew gray and the wind beat against the trees. Booming thunder came from the skies. The day of my East High Graduation was much like this. Half way through the ceremony the lights flickered and went out for a couple of minutes before returning. I remember my Lola's words before the ceremony. "Rain is suppose to be good luck. Maybe this is the heaven's way of wishing you and your classmates good luck in college," she had said.
I laughed to myself. Maybe this was the heaven's way of wishing me good luck with Angel. So far, everything was running smoothly with Angel's adoption. Mine and Troy's background check were cleared, not that I was worried about that. Belle sure was a fast worker. All that was left was to cross the t's and dot the i's, or is it dot the i's and cross the t's. Either way, most of the papers had been filled out. Belle had said that everything would be cleared by the end of the day.
I made my trip around the children's home, checking up on my cases. It was a little past 3 in the afternoon and most of the children where in there living quarters because the field and playground was wet. I spotted Angel sitting with a group of girls, the eldest one that looked about 13, was reading them a children's book.
"Ella!!" She called over to me.
"Hi Angel!" I greeted as I approached her. "How are you?"
"I'm good. These are my friends." She gestured towards the surrounding girls.
"Hi everyone!" I said as I waved.
They waved back at me.
"What are you doing here, Ella?"
"I was visiting a few children here and I thought I'd pay you a visit as well."
"Oh cool." She smiled widely, "Do you want to stay for the rest of the story?"
I checked my watch, I still had time to spare. "Sure, why not?"
Angel patted the ground beside her, silently asking me to sit beside her. I sat beside her and listened to the story of the three little pigs. I watched Angel as she listened; submerged by the children's tale. After 2 more books, it was clear that Angel liked booked. Again, I looked at my watch and saw that it was a quarter past 3; signifying that I should be getting back to the office.
I pulled Angel aside so that I could speak to her alone. "Angel, I've got to get back to the office."
She looked a tad bit sadden by words. "Will you be back tomorrow?" she asked hopefully.
I smiled knowingly at her. "I could or you could come home with me."
Angel's eyebrows furrowed. "Huh?"
"I was wondering if you would like to come live with me and my husband." I attempted to explain, although the words sounded better in my mind.
"For how long?" Her voice was laced with curiosity, whether good or bad I didn't know.
"Well, my husband - Troy - and I want you to be a part of our family. We have an extra bedroom that we can decorate and make it into your room."
"Can I paint it orange?" she asked with a sly smile, making me laugh.
"Of course you can!"
"Then yes." She said enthusiastically. "Do you think my mommy will mind it?"
Sometimes you forget that she's just 6 and not everything is clear to them yet. "I don't think she would mind. I think she might like it that you're gonna live with me."
"Can we visit her?" Her dark brown eyes opened wider, making it almost impossible for me to say no.
"We might be able to," I said honestly, "but just not any time soon."
"Oh okay. Should I pack my things now?" she asked eagerly.
Gosh, she sure is a curious one and definitely is not afraid to show it. "No, not right now."
"When?"
"Either later tonight or tomorrow."
"Okie dokie."
"I've got to get back to work, but I'll see you real soon."
Angel nodded understandingly and gave me a goodbye hug.
--
The Department of Child and Family Services was half empty when I came back; like it usually is. People were constantly coming and going in and out. The only time it's completely full is when everyone is just clocking into the office.
I sat at my cubicle, filling out a follow up report. Everyone's cubicle looked just about the same. There were little details, such as a personalized calendar or stickers on the edge of the computer monitor, that set them apart. My personal touch was a picture of my family that included my husband, my grandparents, Troy's parents, and of course the whole gang from high school. Once I had finished it, I filed it under the name: White, Alexandre. I shuffled through the several cases I had, checking that they were up to date - they were. I locked all my drawers and powered down my computer. My time at the office was just about up.
"Is Gabriella still here?" a voice asked from the distance.
"Yeah, she's over at her cubicle." a second voice responded.
Moments later, a woman that stood at about 5 feet walked over to the entrance of my cubicle.
"Hey Belle!" I greeted.
"Hi Gabriella. I've got good news for you." She announced. "You and your husband were cleared and Angella Williams is now in your custody. Temporarily of course, until the actual adoption is finalized."
"Really?" I asked, part of believing just how quickly things were falling into place.
"Uh-huh. If you're all set we can go to the children's home now so that you can take her home." Belle offered.
"Yeah, I'm ready to go." I picked up my purse and just like that we were on our way to the children's home.
When Belle and I arrived at the children's home, the sun still shone bright. The field and playground dried up and the children now roamed all over the place. Finding Angel would be difficult, but thanks to the loud speakers that equipped the facilities, it was a piece of cake. We waited at her bed in Hall 8 for Angel to arrive.
Due to protocol, Belle was explaining all the information included in the contract and documents. It's a whole new feeling when your one the receiving end of one of these speeches. Normally the adopter would ask several questions about what the child had gone through and whether or not the child might need counseling. I had no questions; I already knew everything that I needed to know.
Ten minutes after the announcement had been made on the loudspeakers, Angel came walking through the doors with Hui Xian holding her hand. Hui Xian brought her to us then waved farewell.
"Ella!" She greeted me with a hug. She pulled away slightly, "Are you taking me home now?"
I smiled at her, "Uh-huh. Your coming home with me." I gave her another hug. "I think we should start packing." My words came in 2 seconds too late for she had already gone to open the dresser. I laughed at her cuteness and reached under her bed for that baby blue suitcase.
"Jessica's coming too, right?" Angel held up her white bear.
So the teddy beat actually has a name. "Yup, Jessica can come too. You know, what?"
"What?"
"I have a ton of bears at home," I began, referring to the teddy bears Troy had bought me for Valentines day, "I'm sure Jessica can find a friend."
"Cool!" She exclaimed.
"Are you excited that you're going home with Gabriella?" Belle asked the little 6 year old.
She nodded in response, concentrating on helping me pack her clothes.
I placed the last shirt into the suitcase and Angel zipped up her suitcase. "All done." Angel said.
"Alright, then that's everything." Belle said.
The three of us exited Hall 8 and made our way to the front of the facilities. Angel waved at a couple of the children along the way there.
"Thank you so much Belle." I thanked the woman as we excited through the iron gates.
"No problem, Gabriella. It's my job." She said modestly.
"I know but, you had a rush order done so that everything would be finalized today."
"Really. It's no big deal." She shrugged. "I'll see you Monday!" she said before she got into her car. "Bye Gabriella! Bye Angel! Good Luck!" She called out the window before driving away.
--
Angel and I didn't have enough time to go home before going to my grandparent's house. On the way there I explained where we were going and who would be there. This must have been do overwhelming to under go so much change in so little time. Angel seemed to understand most of it and tried to put up an all grown up routine.
We arrived at my grandparent's house at 7:30 on the dot. Oh boy, did I have a surprise for them. Then again, when I first met them, they just showed up at my doorstep. What is it with people just showing up at someone's doorstep?
Not long after I rang the door did my Lolo answer the door. "Gabriella!" He greeted me as he embraced me. He looked down and saw Angel still holding my hand. "Sino ay ito? (Who is this?)"
"Lolo, I'll explain it later. Can we come in?" I asked him, feeling the wind pick up.
He opened up the door to allow us to pass through. "You didn't have a kid and hic he from us, did you?"
I knew he was joking, but then I looked down at Angel. She could pass as Troy's and my biological child. Her sandy blonde hair, although unlikely, could of came from Troy and her dark eyes matched mine. I laughed. "No, Lolo. Of course not."
"Hi Lola!" I called out from the foyer.
"Hello Gabriella!" her familiar voice, drifting from it source in the kitchen.
"Mami," Lolo called to his wife, "siya may a anak. (she has a child.)"
The sound of a metal utensil hitting another object emitted from the kitchen. "Ano?! (What?!)"
"Lolo, why did you tell her that?" I scolded him. "Come on, Angel. I'll introduce you to my grandma." I told the sandy blonde haired girl as I led her through my former home. Lola's back was facing me as Angel and I entered the kitchen
"Gabriella, what is your Lolo talking about?" she was concentrating on poring something in a large pot to a ceramic bowl. When she turned around, her eyes went straight to Angel. "Sino ay ito? (Who is this?)"
"Well, I'd like you to meet-"
My grandmother interrupted my introduction. "Hello sweetheart, my name is Esterlita, but please call me Lola. That is my husband, Godofredo, you can call him Lolo." she pointed over to my grandfather. "What is your name?"
"My name is Angella." The little girl answered quietly.
"Angella? That is such a pretty name. You know," Lola paused, "That's my daughter's name, Gabriella's mom."
"Really?"
Lola nodded. "Would you like to see her picture? Godofredo, can you take her to see the photos in the hallway?"
Angel looked up at me, silently asking for permission.
"Go ahead," I said.
Angel grinned and walked over to my Lolo who held out his hand. I watched them as they disappeared around the side of the kitchen.
"Siya ay Marikit. (She's pretty.)" Lola said as I turned to face her.
"Yes, she is."
"Why is she with you?" Lola asked, not bothering to beat around the bush.
"Her mother was sent to Women's Detention Center for multiple charges of driving under the influence and child abuse. According to her, the father is somewhere in Europe and they haven't had any contact. Troy and I adopted her from the foster care system. She's going to be living with us for now on." I explained.
My grandmother processed the information that I presented. In many ways, I felt like I did when I told her about Troy's proposal for marriage. Those moments of silence prior to her answer made me nervous. I needed her approval. I knew that if she disapproved things would definitely be awkward. The worry washed away as a smile spread on her face. "I think it's wonderful that you and Troy are doing this."
I breathed a huge sigh of relief. The support of my family had been a key factor to my life prior to my mother's death.
"Your mother would be proud. Your mother is proud of the young woman you have become." she added, making me smile.
"Thank you Lola, that means a lot to me." I told the wise woman in front of me.
Meanwhile as we focused on preparing dinner, Lolo and Angel stood in the hallway.
"This," the older gentlemen pointed to a black and white photo of a younger Angella, "is my little angel."
"Angel? That's what my nickname is." The brown eyed 6 year old announced.
"You don't say?" Godofredo said rhetorically.
"I do say." she replied in a cute voice, "You can call me that too."
"I think I might just do that."
The two walked a bit further down the hallway and the people in the photos aged, much like a timeline. At the end of the photo timeline was a picture of 15 year old Angella holding a baby in her arms.
"Is that Ella that Angella is holding?" Angel asked.
"Yes, it is. "
"Angella looks happy." The 6 year old observed.
"She was very happy." Godofredo said as he ran his hand over the photograph. "I'm going to answer the door, why don't you see if Lola and Gabriella need help in the kitchen." He suggested when the doorbell rang and the little girl nodded her head obediently.
"Lolo said to ask if you and Lola needed any help." I couldn't help but smile when Angel came waltzing into the kitchen. "Do you need help?"
"I think Lola needs help setting the table."
I watched as she scurried off to the dining room where Lola was placing the plates on the place mats. Lola had instructed her to place a napkin beside each plate.
"Hey Bri!" Troy suddenly appeared beside my Lolo.
"Hey!" I replied with a kiss before turning back to the scene of my Lola and Angel interacting.
My blue-eyed husband wrapped his arms around my torso from the back and rested his chin on my shoulder. "So, I hear that we now have a daughter."
"You heard right." I pointed at Angel. "That is Angel, she is now our foster child until the adoption is finalized."
"I can't believe we did this."
"Is that a good thing or bad thing?" I asked, suddenly fearing that Troy was having doubts.
"Good. Definitely good." he said in a sincere tone. He laughed and added, "Maybe I'll now know why Chad is so protective of Luc."
I laughed. "Yep, maybe."
Lola finally noticed Troy standing by me and called him over to greet him. Together, Troy and I walked over to the dining area. Troy kissed my grandmother on both cheeks then gave her hug. I bent down to Angel's eyelevel; Troy followed suit. "Angel, this Troy-my husband."
"It's nice to meet you Angel, Ella told me all about you." Troy shook Angel's hand.
"In the car Ella told me you like basketball." Angel said somewhat shyly.
"I love basketball!" Troy said enthusiastically. "Do you know how to play basketball?" Angel shook her head. "I can teach you." Troy offered.
I watched the way Troy and Angel interacted. Troy seemed taken with the 6 year old, just like I thought he would be.
"Really?"
"Sure. We've got a basketball court at home. It would be fun."
"Awesome!" Excitement laced her words.
Troy chuckled and I laughed, causing Angel to giggle. A flash of light was emitted from our left. I turned my head to the side to see my grandmother holding her camera to her eye.
"There, we now have a photo of the three of you." She said as she lowered her camera from her eye.
All five of us erupted in a fit laughter.
"Okay, Okay." My Lolo said as our laughter subsided, "Tayo kumain ngayon."
Troy and Angel looked simultaneously at me, causing me to laugh. "He said: we eat now."
Troy and Angel breathed out a silent, "Oh.."
"Haha..Now I'm not the only one that doesn't understand Tagalog." Troy joked as he helped Angel into a chair.
"Tagalong?"
"Ta-ga-log." Troy sounded out as he took a seat on the other side of Angel. "It's a language from the Philippines."
"Where's that?"
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure Ella will teach you about it later on. For now, just worry about eating. Lola is the best cook." Troy advised her then added, "Besides Ella, of course."
"Thanks honey," I said sarcastically.
"No problem, babe." he replied.
Lolo had already started piling Lola's cooking onto his plate. Lola explained all the different foods and what was in them, leaving out any details that may sound unappetizing, to Angel. Troy helped Angel put the food on her plate before serving himself. I looked at the people gathered around the dinner table. They're the people that I call 'family'. Although the circumstances that brought us together may not be the most pleasant, I wouldn't change a thing that happened in the past.
I thought about Angel and her mother. Melissa allowed the alcohol to take over her life, but there was no doubting that she loved her daughter and would do anything for her. Angel, on the other hand, was on the receiving end of the her mother's alcohol weakness. She didn't hate her mother, much like how I couldn't hate my own mother for what she had done. Because even though Melissa may have abused the naïve little girl, she was the only family Angel knew at the time. Now Angel had an extended family, us. I wasn't looking to replace Melissa, I didn't want Angel to ever forget that her mother love her. In fact, after Melissa is released, I would be glad to take Angel to visit her.
Thinking about Melissa made me think of my own mother. She didn't regret running away from her parents; she did what she believed was right. In away, I'm grateful she did. It may sound ironic to hear me saying that I'm grateful that my mother traveled such an odd and some would say unnecessary path. It was her hectic lifestyle that brought me right where I am now. I wouldn't be married to this wonderful man. I might not have tapped into the possibility of becoming a Social Worker, therefore I wouldn't be able to help children just like Angel. Don't get me wrong! It's not that I didn't wish for my mom to be at my graduations or my wedding, it's that I know what happen had to happen for a reason. Who knows? Maybe my mom and my dad are watching over us right now.
Here's what I learned from my 29 years on this planet so far:
Family are not just the people that are related by blood, they're the ones that you bond with and love you no matter what. Regret nothing you've done in the pass because if one thing were to change in the past, your life may change forever. Finally, life isn't easy; it's not suppose to be. It's the challenges you face and overcome that make you who you are. It's the pain you suffered that gives you your point of view in life. It's the joy that you embrace that makes you grateful for your life.
I took another look around the table. Troy was telling a story from when he was little. Angel and my grandparents were laughing. Life, as of right now, was good.
A/N: I actually don't know all of the details of being a Social Worker nor the details of adoption. I did some research but some of the facts may not be 100 true. Oh! I also don't know how a 6 year old acts, anything before I turned 9 is kind of a blur.
I feel really guilty for not having updated but I felt like I was going into overdrive with stress. I just needed awhile to breathe. It didn't help that my hard drive crashed and ALL of my documents and pictures are gone which really pisses me off. I apologize again and thank you for the patience.
OhMyJonas! It's done! You may now start throwing fruits and other objects at me. OR You can leave me a review either shouting at me or telling me what you thought about this 12,647 words - 26 pages long epilogue. It makes up for the long absence, hopefully.
Lot's of Love,
Kae
p.s. Did you see the HSM3 teaser trailer? I was freaking out when I saw it and all the Troyella moments.