There I sat idly on the edge of the hospital bed. My heart impulsed in my chest. I felt completely numb from head to toe. I have been in this hospital room for endless amounts of hours. Cole was miles away with Cody, Wanda was promptly arrested after the car crash incident, so I was completely alone. When the authorities carried me to the ambulance, I watched a heavily intoxicated Wanda lashing out at the authorities, kicking and screeching. The medical staff walked into the room I resided in. A dark-haired nurse approached me with a soft smile. "Feeling alright?" She asked me.

I nodded silently. The nurse already examined me and deemed me healthy. Thankfully I was able to escape the invasive waters and remained unharmed. My makeup was still intact and my clothes were bone dry.

I worried about my little daughters' fates. I recollected Alyona expelling the waters from her lungs, but Clementine wasn't as lucky.

My heart swooned when Cole spilled into the room. "MERCY!" He cried out. The poor man's face contorted with concern. "Are you okay?" He asked me once he approached me. I felt great pity for him.

"Yes, Daddy.." I answered softly. Cole responded by embracing me lovingly. "Everything is going to be okay. I promise." He reassured me. Cole then released me and leaned in to give me a heartwarming kiss on the cheek.

Then a fair-haired nurse entered the room. "Mr. Weiss?" She called out to him. Cole whirled around to her. "Sir, I have news about the children."

I braced myself for the worst.

"Alyona and are doing fine. They're resting." I released out a sigh of relief upon hearing that. Then my heart hitched when I remembered Clementine.

"Clementine…..she...suffered brain damage."

My mind became blank, I felt like I was on the verge of collapsing to the floor.

Cole's mouth dropped wide open. "Brain damage! How..how bad?" His eyes bulged with shock.

The nurse flashed a compassionate smile. "Clementine is suffering amnesia from the brain damage. Her nerves and muscles are fine. We ran tests on her, she is clearly suffering from a case of amnesia. She's currently in a medically induced coma."

Cole appeared flabbergasted. "Oh my God…" He sighed.

My heart shattered at that moment. I broke down into hysterical tears.

Cole, being such a kindred spirit, embraced me warmly. Rocking me back and forth, he whispered comforting words into my ear. I felt my spirits lift slightly.

The nurse spoke to me in a gentle voice coated with compassion. "Don't worry, Clementine is going to be okay. I promise you." She said softly.

The nurse extended out a kind hand to me. "My name is Mareli, Mercy. Nice to meet you." Mareli flashed me a beautiful smile.

I then caught a glimpse of Cole eyeing Mareli. I could see the attraction dancing in this eyes. I felt a pang of jealousy at this moment. I examined Mareli from head to toe. She was conventionally pretty with an oval shaped face, fair complexion, flowy blonde hair, and silver eyes. Compared to Wanda, she is glamorous and younger.

Cole broke his gaze at Mareli and he focused on me. "She's right. Everything is going to be okay." He smiled at me.

I stared at Mareli and Cole in disbelief before I focused on the critical matter.

I remained at the hospital for several hours. I was released out of the hospital room. I found myself sitting idly in Clementine's medical room with a blank-faced Constance sitting next to me. Constance was silent as a mouse, she seemed to be in a self-induced trance, staring blankly at a comatose Clementine.

It was two hours later when Cole decided to take me and Constance home. Only me and Constance home. Alyona required bedrest. I felt a failure. I should have done something about Wanda. My hatred for that bloody woman grew every passing second. I will make sure her death is slow and painful. I will give her a one way ticket to hell!

The ride home was long and silent. No one uttered a word, the entire environment was thick with sorrow.

When we arrived home, we all trudged in the frosty night to the front door.

"Everything is going to be fine." Cole said as he unlocked the front door.

Upon opening the door, Morgan called out to her Father. "DAD!" She shrieked. Upon entering the home, Morgan tossed herself to her Father with flowing tears. "DADDY, MOM! SHE...SHE…" Morgan was too hysterical to finish her sentence. Cole embraced his sobbing child lovingly. "It's okay….it's okay…" He whispered gently.

Morgan removed herself, her face beet red. "Mom was acting crazy!" Morgan wept.

All I wanted to do is seclude myself in my bedroom. I was boiling with intense fury. In an instant, I made a mad haste to my room and leaped into my domain. Unfortunately, Constance was on my tail and snuck into the bedroom with me. Ever since Constance and Clementine arrived, Cole desired to make the children as comfortable as possible. Across my bedroom was a twin bed for Constance. It was a comfortable creme colored bed with soft pillows and warm blankets.

I looked at her livid facial expression and I could see that she hated Wanda as much as me.

She spoke in apoplectic Estonian. "That cunt is going to be six feet deep!" She snarled.

I nodded. I have already sealed Wanda's fate. Her blood will be splattered on me. I didn't want Constance to take that away from me.

"I'm taking that bitch's life." I declared.

Constance gave me a cold look. "That cunt nearly killed us! She needs to die! I don't care if you want to kill her first. But when I get the chance, I will end her pitiful existence!"

Despite my hatred for Wanda, I remained level headed. "Not yet. I need to seduce Cole first. Until then, I need Wanda to be here for the little ones. I need to kill her at the right time. It won't be easy to just kill the bitch immediately." I said solemnly.

Constance rolled her eyes. "My Clementine is in a fucking coma!" She hissed, her eyes boiling with hatred.

I nodded in agreement. "I know. I know. But Clementine is going to be okay," Then I remembered that Wanda was arrested.

"Thankfully the bitch is rotting in her barren cell."

Constance cracked out a small smile. "Hopefully Cole doesn't bail her out."

I then remembered Mareli. "He probably isn't," I felt my jealousy boiling on my tongue. "I saw the man drooling over a nurse." I gossiped.

Constance arched an eyebrow. "Really? Who?"

"A woman named Mareli," I pushed back my jealousy. I didn't have any evidence that Cole was exactly attracted to this woman. "You know what? I'm overreacting." I said dismissively. I felt all of my nerves fizzled. I developed a forceful headache as my anxiety rose throughout my body.

"All of this is bullshit!" I vented. I slammed my fists onto my bed. Every passing second, I could feel myself losing self-control. "Why can't anything just be easy?" I complained.

Constance possesses no empathy for my distress. "Enough with the waterworks, Alanna. We need action, not emotions! All I know is that Wanda is going to meet the grim reaper very soon!"

I rolled my eyes as anger flashed inside of me. "Listen, Tatiana! You are in my home!" I glared at her coldly. I am not in the mood to be pushed around.

"You better shut the fuck up and listen! Wanda is my kill!" I snarled. "Mine and mine alone!" I pointed a firm finger in her face. "The only reason why I am even allowing you to be here is that you know my fucking secrets! You are lucky about that fact because you would be rotting in a fucking cell by now, you cunt!"

Constance's eyes widened with frustration. Me and her exchanged a ferocious look to each other. Constance rolled her eyes at me and swatted a hand at me dismissively. "Fine." She said flatly. Constance scowled darkly. "I won't kill Wanda," Then she swiftly added. "But if she does some stupid shit again to me or Clementine, I will slit her throat in her sleep." She warned.

I nodded in agreement.

When nighttime arrived, I struggled to sleep. My restlessness contrasted Constance's deep slumber. I found myself staring at the ceiling as my mind raced.

All I could of was my murder of Wanda Weiss. I was shocked by this action of hers. Despite my hatred for her, on the surface, she seemed to be a well rounded and kind-hearted woman. She was pretty, smart, and refined for conventional standards.

I recollected my arrival to this house. It was so free and happy. But now, it looks like a completely different home.

I suppose Wanda's spiraling fall into madness is my doing. I did kill Sabrina, I killed the remainder of her late daughter. Sheila is dead, rotting at the bottom of a bridge. Her daughters got knocked up and both lost her grandchildren.

But at the same time, I can't forgive Wanda for nearly killing me and the other children.

Then I thought of Alyona. My longstanding daughter. Hard to believe I managed to keep her for this long. She was beautiful, sweet, intelligent, and wonderful. She deserves so much better than me.

I kept envisioning myself stabbing Wanda repeatedly in the chest, her terrified screams echoing through my mind.

Hopefully one day I will make that fantasy a reality.

….

The next morning, I did my Mercy routine and headed downstairs for breakfast. My entire body is brimful of stress, I suffered a powerful migraine. I was the only person up in this home, sitting idly at the dining table. I gazed at my surroundings, yesterday still fresh in my mind. Cole and Morgan ended cleaning up Wanda's mess, making the house spotless.

I found myself sitting there for a long time. So I ended up heading into the kitchen to make myself a bowl of cereal. As I poured a bowl of flakes into a blue bowl, my eyes were glued to a half-open lower cabinet.

I did not know why I was intrigued by this, but I placed the box of cereal on the counter and I headed to the cabinet.

When I opened it, I discovered Wanda's wine stack. "Holy shit!" I whispered under my breath. Stacked neatly in the cabinet was a row of various wine bottles. From Merlot to Whiskey to Chardonnay.

"No wonder this bitch was drunk as fuck," I commented.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

My heart jolted with terror. I whirled around to the front door. The knocking stopped and whoever is at the door began to ring the doorbell.

I had no interest in getting the door, so I ignored it and closed the cabinet door. I resumed making my breakfast.

Whoever is at the door refused to be ignored and forcefully began to pound on the door. Luckily for me, Cole emerged out of his bedroom. "Coming! Hold on!" Cole shouted as he hobbled downstairs.

Cole hurried to the front door, peeked through the peephole, and jerked the door open.

"Cole." My curiosity peaked when I heard the soft voice of a woman. I inched out of the kitchen and into the living room to get a better look.

I am met with the sight of Cole embracing a redheaded woman. Pangs of jealousy hit me like a freight train. I balled up my fists, my nails digging into my skin. I felt myself burning up on the inside with rage. I glared at the woman full of loathing.

NO! NO! NO! THAT BASTARD WILL NOT BREAK MY HEART! COLE IS A TWO TIMING SON OF A BITCH!

The woman was admittedly pretty. Prettier than Mareli and Wanda combined if I'm honest. She had medium-length wavy red hair and green eyes. She looked to be in her youthful 20s with a curvy figure.

"Ashley, I am so happy to see you again!" Cole said.

I clenched my teeth. NO! COLE, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE HAPPY TO BE AROUND ME! ME! I contemplated just pouncing on the woman like a wild animal. I wanted to rip out her hair and shove it down her throat.

Cole's eyes flickered to me for a swift moment. "Mercy," He whirled around to me, my facial expression was blank as paper.

He gestured to the woman with a faint smile. "Mercy, this is your Auntie. Aunt Ashley." He introduced.

Ashley turned her head to me with a small smile. "Hello, you must be Mercy." She had a gentle voice that is flooded with kindness.

I still didn't like this woman, but I forced myself to smile. "Hello, Aunt Ashley," I said brightly.

The woman gave me a compassionate look. In our short time of interaction, Ashley deemed me as a traumatized child that needed nurture. "How are you feeling?" Ashley asked me. Cole became silent and awaited my answer.

I made my voice become small. "I'm fine." I said.

Ashley was not convinced. Her voice coated with sympathy. "I know things are hard right now. Your Daddy told me everything. Just remember to talk to the adults if you feel super sad." She gestured as she spoke. "Everyone can help you, honey." Her voice was warm but slow. She spoke to me as if I was stupid.

I nodded slowly. "Yes, Aunt Ashley." I said politely.

I caught a glimpse of Cole appearing pale. He stared me directly in the eyes, biting his lower lip. "Mercy…" He seized my attention.

Cole exhaled. Heavily. "What happened with Mommy?" Cole croaked. He swiftly added. "I know it is hard to talk about. If you don't want to talk about it, it's fine."

I shook my head. I was eager to ruin Wanda's damaged reputation.

"I can talk about it." I said firmly.

Ashley smiled at me proudly.

Cole nodded. "Go on." He urged.

Without even waiting, my words spilled out of my mouth. "Mommy was drinking. She started to break stuff, screaming and saying bad words!" I said childishly. Ashley's eyes become glassy and Cole dug his nails into the cushion of the couch.

I continued. "Mommy grabbed my arm," For effect, I made myself cry on command. "She….grabbed my arm...it hurt. She pulled me outside with no coat or sweater! Mommy threw me in the car and then she got Constance...and everyone else. Mommy was saying weird stuff and she was driving really fast. She drove into the wood and to that pond. Mommy drove it into the pond and….Alyona and Clem was in the very back. The car got full of water….and.." I wiped a tender tear away. "They were underwater. I was so scared. I….I...got into the front seat and I was able to get on Mommy. She was sleeping, I think. I stomped on her foot on the gas. It took awhile, the car got out of the pond and Constance called 911."

Ashley looked like she was on the verge of tears. "Oh my God...wow.." She gasped.

Cole placed an exhausted hand on his forehead. "I….never expected this out of her…" He muttered in disbelief.

"She….stopped.." His voice trailed off. He then turned to his tearful sister. "She stopped. She told me she hasn't had a sip in years!"

Ashley shook her head and sighed. "Maybe...with all of the stuff going on….she must have lost it." Ashley reasoned.

"She nearly killed the kids. I...I..never expected this out of her!" Cole expressed.

Ashley still managed to be the voice of reason. "Cole, remember Sabrina," At that moment, Cole jerked and snapped his head to me. Alarm framed in his eyes. "Go upstairs, Mercy. We are having a adult conservation, Sweetheart."

I wanted to frown. I was actually interested in this conservation. But I didn't want to plague Cole with my defiance. I nodded obediently and I hurried upstairs.

When I reached the very top step, Cole resumed his conservation with his sister. I had no plans to actually go back to my bedroom. I decided to be sneaky, on my knees, I planted myself by the banister, watching the siblings from above.

"When Sabrina died," Cole's voice cracked. "Wanda and I just kept fighting and fighting. She started to drink and drink. She was drinking to get rid of the pain of the loss, but she became addicted to it."

Ashley was a good listener, she remained silent as she placed a supportive hand on Cole's shoulder.

"We just weren't happy. I was dumb. I actually blamed Wanda for her death. The Nanny quit literally hours after she drowned. She knew she was in deep trouble. Wanda..and I just didn't know how to cope," Cole exhaled loudly. "I thought once we got back together and she became pregnant again, I thought nothing else like that would happen again. Then...Sabrina...drowns.. And now this!"

Ashley finally spoke. "Cole, you just need to stay strong. Think about therapy." She suggested. "Talk to Wanda about getting help."

"I'm just worried about the kids. I think I told you, Ash. Then the Warner family's house just exploded out of nowhere and now we got their kids to care for. Think about it, Constance and Clem have had so much of a hard life. They just lost their family and Wanda drives themselves into a pond. The kids can't seem to catch a break. Clem, the poor thing, is in a coma. A fucking coma, Ashley!" The brokenness in Cole's voice stabbed my heart. This poor man.

"She's a baby. She's a child in a coma!" Cole expressed.

"And...she is like the sweetest angel in the world. She is stuck in the hospital, her life has been drastically changed forever. Think about the psychological effects on her. Alyona….looked like she was on the verge of death. But the person I worry for the most is…..Mercy."

I felt my heart swoon.

"Mercy doesn't deserve this. She lost her family and now this. Now her Mommy nearly killed her and drove her into the pond. No kid should have to experience anything like this!"

Ashley nodded. "All of this is just insane. I am so sorry, Cole." Her voice coated with compassion. "If you need anything, ask me."

Cole embraced Ashley briefly. "Thanks. I know I can count on you." Cole remarked.

Ashley shuffled in her seat slightly. "So what about Wanda?" Ashley inquired.

Cole was quiet for a short moment. "I don't know." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't want the mother of my children to be in jail." He couldn't finish that sentence.

"Did she call you?" Ashley probed.

Cole nodded. "Yes."

"What did she say?"

"She...just...cried. Barely got a word out." Cole explained.

Ashley insisted. "Well are you going to pay her bail?"

Cole was stiff as a statute, he was quiet as a mouse. Time seemed to slow down.

I thought of Constance. I don't trust her enough to not kill Wanda. I didn't want that bitch back honestly.

Cole then made my heart drop when he nodded. "Yeah. I...I'm going to pay her bail tomorrow….I talked to her and I told her the plan. I just need to comfort the kids first, make sure they are okay and then bail out their Mother."

Ashley grew rigid. "Can you do that? What about….CPS? Do you think someone who nearly killed her kids by driving drunk should be in the same house? I'm positive that will attract authorities to the house."

Cole became frustrated, he released out a soft groan. "Ash, please, you are giving me a massive headache." He complained.

Ashley is insistent. "Cole, this is serious. Wanda could be charged with child abuse. CPS takes away kids for basically anything. Think about how the authorities will think."

Cole exhaled heavily. "I don't know, Ash." He croaked. "Like what else should I do? You just said that Wanda should just get help!"

"No. After everything is said and done. Bailing her out, exposing her to the children, it is just a bad idea." Ashley objected.

Cole slumped in his seat. "I just don't know, Ash. I really don't. I never thought Wanda was capable of this." But Cole remained adamant in his decision. "I am bailing her out. She is getting help. Therapy. Counseling. Just help with her issues. The kids need their Mother. I know Wanda, she would never do this if she was in the right state of mind."

"Damn." I mumbled under my breath.

Ashley gave up. She sighed in defeat. "Fine, Cole. But...maybe I should stay here with you. You know for support. For today at least."

Cole nodded. "Thank you, Ashley."

When the conservation ceased, I lost my appetite as my mind raced. I sprung up to my feet and I rushed to my bedroom. When I spilled into my room, I found Constance brushing her hair. She dressed in a cute dress uniform. Constance turned to me. "What?"

"Cole's sister is here," I said.

Constance's eyes widened. "Sister? I didn't know he had a sister."

I nodded and proceeded to lock the door. "Yeah, I think he has two sisters. One of them being Sheila's Mother and the woman downstairs. Her name is Ashley."

Constance finished brushing her hair and plopped on her bed. "Why is she here?"

"To comfort Cole. He's a mess right now. Ashley talked about Wanda alot and she tried to convince him to not bail out Wanda." I sauntered to my bed.

Constance's eyes widened offended. "Are you serious? The bastard is trying to get that whore out of prison!" Constance scowled darkly.

I stared at Constance. I could see the temptation in her eyes. "Don't even think about it. She is mine!" I declared fiercely.

Constance shrugged her shoulders lazily. "I'm not. But releasing a woman like her is just a stupid idea." She expressed. She ran her fingers through her dark hair.

I wasn't in the mood to debate. I just shrugged my shoulders in defeat.

…..

When Alyona and were deemed healthy by the hospital, Cole gathered up me and Constance to pick them up. It was a cold afternoon with chilly winds. When Alyona entered the backseat, I found myself embracing her tightly.

Alyona jerked with alarm as I surprised her. When arrived, I group hugged the both of them. Joy filled me to the brim. "I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE OKAY!" I could feel my maternal instincts blossoming. Alyona embraced me back warmly. "I missed you too, Mercy!" She said sweetly. just smiled brightly at me. I planted loving kisses on their foreheads.

Today was an eventful day, Melanie has been released out of the hospital. Ashley took the liberty to drive the girl back home.

Constance sat in the very backseat, isolated from all of us. "Mr. Weiss," She called out.

"Yes?" Cole said, his eyes glued to the road.

"Where is Clementine?" Constance asked innocently.

Cole released out a soft sigh. "Still in the hospital, Sweetheart. I'm sorry. But she will be fine."

Constance accepted that answer and resumed her silence.

As Cole drove, he played lively music to lift everyone's spirits. Alyona was in high spirits from escaping death. I listened to her beautiful voice sing along with the song playing on the radio.

When we arrived home, I grabbed my daughters' hands as tight as I could. We trudged through the snow, following Cole to the front door.

Cole whirled around to us when he approached the front door with a forced smile. "I got a surprise for you, girls! Someone really special is back home!" He encouraged.

None of us said anything in response. It was so silent that you could hear a pin drop. Cole seemed to have sensed the awkwardness in the air and whirled around back to the door. He swiftly unlocked the door and jerked it open.

I am mortified by the sight of Wanda standing in the center of the living room with a wide smile. She looked better than before. Behind her was the festive dining room. Sugary baked goods piled on the dining table, balloons floated to the ceiling.

's eyes widened with shock. "You're back?" She gasped.

Wanda nodded livelily. "Yes!" She swiftly gestured to the dining table. "I made you guys a big party!" She exclaimed.

"I got lemon cakes, cheesecake, doughnuts, and so much more!" Wanda looked at all of us with a grin.

I wanted to roll my eyes at this woman. I knew what she was doing. Trying to atone for her nearly killing us all.

None of the children spoke. They all just stared at Wanda in silence.

"Want anything?" Wanda offered.

was the first person to respond. "No." She said coldly. She didn't wait, she rushed upstairs.

I glanced at Constance. Her facial expression was lifeless. Her eyes were locked onto Wanda's. I feared for a brief second that she would lash out of her.

But she did not. Instead, Constance hurried away from us and headed upstairs without a word.

Now it was just me and Alyona. I didn't know why I didn't just head upstairs, like everyone else. To be honest, I was intrigued. I wanted to see the aftermath of Wanda returning home.

A flash of hurt flashed in Wanda's eyes, but it quickly disappeared when she focused on me. "Mercy, want some of the cake?" She asked me.

I shook my head. "No, Mommy."

Wanda frowned and looked at Alyona. "You?"

When Alyona opened her mouth to respond, Cole decided to intervene. "Wanda, I think it's best if the kids just relax for now. Me and you have something to talk about."

Wanda's happy facade immediately melted. "Cole," Anger grew in her voice. "Cole, I am talking to our daughter!" She hissed.

Cole is not having it. He gestured to me and Alyona to head upstairs. "Go upstairs." He ordered. I nodded and I pulled Alyona to the staircase. I could feel the tension in the air tightening. I caught a glimpse of Ashley imagining out of the kitchen.

"Cole!" She called out. Wanda and Cole whirled around to her.

My curiosity peaked when we reached the end of the stairs, I desperately wanted to listen.

"Mercy, what are you doing?" Alyona asked me when I shuffled towards the banister.

I kept my voice low. "I want to listen." I told her honestly. Ashley scrolled over to the couple and engaged in a conservation. Their voice were low and muffled

Alyona shook her head. "No. We need to go to our rooms." She insisted.

I was stubborn as a mule. "I will." I said.

Wanda suddenly raised her voice. "COLE! ARE YOU SERIOUS?" She shouted.

I could feel Alyona's persistent fingers digging into my shoulders. She gave me a stern yank. "Come on, Mercy! We're going to get in trouble!"

I turned to her to see her firmly pointing to my bedroom. "Come on!" She urged.

I wanted to protest, but Alyona used all of her strength to pull me to my bedroom. She could be very insistent when she needed to be.

"Wanda and Cole are really mad right now. I don't want you to get in trouble!" Alyona explained as she closed the door behind me.

I frowned unhappily. I understood her actions, but I hated that I was unable to hear the conservation.

"Don't eavesdrop, Mercy," Alyona commanded. She shuffled out of my bedroom and headed to hers.

I was tempted to head back outside to listen, but Alyona's advice seemed reasonable. I didn't want to risk being caught.

The conservation downstairs was short-lived, Wanda's thundering footsteps marched upstairs. Wanda emphasized her anger by slamming the door as loud as she could.

It was when it was time to go to bed, I prepared to take a steamy bath. Constance relaxed in the bathroom in my room, forcing me to take a bath in the hallway bathroom. I wrapped myself in a snow-white robe, my hair pinned into a bun. I placed my makeup kit and a fresh nightgown on the sink counter. As I hobbled to the bathroom, Wanda approached me.

"Mercy?" She said sternly.

I struggled not to frown at her. I turned her with an innocent smile. "Yes, Mommy?" I said politely.

Wanda appeared cautious, she turned her head behind her to see if anyone was around.

A pang of confusion hit me as Wanda scanned the area.

Once she concluded that everyone resided in their bedrooms, she smiled at me. "I want to show you something." She offered.

I shook my head. "I'm about to take a bath." I told her.

Wanda was insistent. "It will be quick. Come on, it's something important." She urged.

Bitch, I am naked under this robe. Can you fucking wait? I screamed in my head.

Wanda was adamant. "It's really important. It will be quick." She coaxed.

I hoped for Cole to come and get this annoying woman away from me. I wanted to scream and shout at this woman. I wanted to tell her how much I despise her mere existence.

But I am Mercy. So I swallowed all of my willpower and played my part. "Okay, Mommy." I agreed childishly.

Wanda nodded with a cheerful smile. "Cool. Just throw some cloth on and come downstairs." She ordered.

Obediently, I hobbled to my bedroom, scowling at nothing. I obeyed her, slipping into a random dress with slippers to match. Under my breath, I spewed out foul words and curses.

"Just get this over with," I told myself. I scurried out of the bedroom and I met up with Wanda downstairs.

"Come on," Wanda kept her voice soft and low. I silently followed Wanda to the greenhouse. It was a beautiful area that I have never entered before. It is lush with plant life and fruits. The temperature of the greenhouse is pleasantly humid and comfortable.

Wanda's movement was purposely slow. She grabbed my cold hand with a firm grip. I had to use all of my will not to yank away.

At the end of the greenhouse is a massive display of vibrant yellow flowers. Wanda escorted me to it.

I felt annoyance brewing within my chest. This bitch stopped me from taking a nice bath to look at fucking flowers? I thought bitterly.

"I should have told you about this. A long time ago." Her voice lacked energy, sorrow flooded her tone.

When we approached the flowers, I just stared at them in confusion. I didn't see anything important about them.

I glanced at Wanda to see tender tears dripping down her cheeks. "This...this is...Sabrina." She whispered brokenly.

I squinted my eyes in confusion. Then I remembered Wanda's journal entry about her child's drowning. I examined them and arched an eyebrow. Why did she turn her daughter's remains into flowers?

I pretended to be dumb. "You turned Sabrina into flowers?"

Wanda shook her head. "No. No." She croaked, wiping tears from her cheeks. "A few years ago before we had Sabrina, me and Daddy had another baby girl named Sabrina."

I arched an eyebrow. "There are two Sabrina."

Wanda traced her fingers delicately on the petals of the flowers. "When Sabrina died, we wanted to honor her death. So….we gave her name to her little sister."

"What happened to her?" I made sure my voice was shaky.

Wanda blinked away tears. "She..drowned. She drowned in a pool." She revealed.

I forced myself to appear sorrowful.

Wanda gestured to a dark plaque under the flowers. Wanda slowly read the words engraved into it. "Whenever I think of you, flowers appear. You were so beautiful and lively. Even though your life was short, your spirit will forever live on."

Wanda wiped more tears off of her cheeks. "Everyday, I will come here and I would just look at Sabrina." She explained to me.

Wanda placed a warm hand on my shoulder.

I grew impatient. I didn't understand why this woman decided to show me this at nighttime. "Why are you showing me this?" I whispered softly.

Wanda smiled faintly at me. "Mercy, I am so sorry about what I did." She apologized sincerely.

Her eyes shimmered with compassion. "I would never hurt you, Mercedes. Ever. I was wrong. I was dumb." She spoke methodically. Remorse flooded her voice. "I shouldn't have never drunk that much. I was wrong to do that. I am sorry, Mercy. I love you."

Wanda sniffled emotionally. She turned to the flowers. "I made a mistake, Mercy. I would never hurt you or your siblings. I promise." She expressed.

She stroke my golden hair gingerly. I stiffened with disgust.

"You are so brave, Mercy. You and Constance were very heroic," Intense emotions emitted from her eyes as she locked her sight on me. "I will never do anything like that ever again! I swear to you." She vowed. "You can trust me. I will never hurt you, I will never hurt Alyona, Constance, Clementine. None of you."

All I wanted to do was snub this woman, I did not give a shit about her deceased child. In my mind, her redemption meant nothing.

But for now, I needed to play with her emotions to stay in character. I forced a single tear to drip down my cheek.

Wanda caught a glimpse of this and embraced me warmly. "I love you." She whispered in my ear. I forced myself to throw my arms around her to embrace her. "You're a good Mommy." I complimented her.

"She must have been really happy." I said to tug her heartstrings. Wanda tightly embraced me, heartfelt sobs escaped her throat. "Thank you. That means a lot." She croaked.

In the next chapter, Wanda is determined to redeem herself after the pond incident.

Chapter will come soon. Working on other stories and updating others.