A/N: Thanks so much for your reviews, and for reading; you all are wonderful! I use your reviews as little pick-me-ups while I do my work. This chapter is one of my favorites, and while I don't have any kids, I did have the same experience with a sibling. I hope you enjoy, and in case I don't post before Thursday then have a happy thanksgiving! (Mistakes are mine.)
Lesson #51: It's okay to let go sometimes.
"Bella, let go!" Emmett shouted.
"No," I screamed, my breath coming out in pants as I jogged.
"Honey," Edward tried.
"Never!" I yelled.
"Let her go," Rosalie called.
"I can't," I cried, tears streaming down my face. "I won't do it."
"Mommy," Emily said, "You can let go, I can do it."
I looked up into her face which was set in determination. I knew the look well, and though I loathed attributing any of your qualities to him, it was undoubtedly the stubborn expression of 'he who shall not be named'. But still, it didn't make this any easier.
I knew there was a reason I'd stayed on the sidelines when Emmett, Edward, Garrett, and Riley had helped the boys learn how to ride a bike. Even then, my heart had lurched into my throat as they stepped back and allowed the boys to balance on their own. Now I found myself in their place, gripping so tightly onto Emily's handlebars that I was sure the metal was one with my skin. I didn't want to let go, but I knew she would never learn unless I did.
"Mom," she brought me back to my senses.
I nodded, unable to speak because of the weight on my chest. Slowly, I took my hands off of her handlebars and let her ride on her own.
"Mommy! I'm doing it! I'm doing it!" she cheered, her voice shrill with excitement.
I stooped in the street with my hand pressed to my mouth as I cried proud tears. Edward appeared behind me and helped me up, winding an arm around my shoulders, just like he had the first time one of the Quads denied my breastfeeding, and the time they first learnt to swim.
Emily turned around on her own, and pedaled back to me. Her white blonde pigtails flapped in the wind as she smiled widely at me in victory. Emily was a daddy's girl through and through, but in moments like these, she looked at me like I was the only person in her world. I lived for these moments. She quickly braked and raced towards me, nearly knocking me over with the impact of her hug. She crawled up into my arms, and wound her arms around my neck. I hugged her back just as fiercely.
"Did you see me?" she panted, "Mommy, did you see me?"
"I saw you, baby girl," I laughed as I kissed her cheek, "And I am so proud of you."
Tip: Don't be scared to try new things. You're all perfectly capable of succeeding.
Note: I will always be proud of your accomplishments.
Like it? Love it? Hate it? Kind of shat yourself when you helped your kid/sibling ride their bike for the first time? Tell me, I'd love to hear about it!
~CH
