Chapter 3

Stella decides not to tell the whole truth to anyone. She was determined to do whatever it takes to get to D.C., without anyone finding out where she was going nor missing out on school. After somewhat confiding in her friends and adviser about the 'possible' location of her family as well as any advice they would be willing to give, and what are the next steps she should take. She can't help but feel like what she is doing is going home.

With the help of her friends and advisor, she was able to take the rest of the week to get her affairs in order, and used her financial aid money to book a round-trip train ticket with a two week stay in D.C.. She had trouble deciding what to tell her foster parents. Although, she doesn't really care if they say no, so she told Rebecca she won't be home for two weeks as she is traveling for 'volleyball' and will be staying at a friend's place to study for midterms. As it turns out Rebecca didn't even care and Jeffrey wasn't present.

The day has finally arrived, She reaches D.C. after a ten and a half hour train ride, she heads straight to the metro. On the train, Stella has strategies different ways to go about contacting the McCord's. She settled on visiting her father at Georgetown after looking at his class syllabus and office hours; she knows his first class gets out at 11:45 am and he won't have a class till 1 pm.

As she reaches the university, she can't help but feel excited and going to pass out at the same time. She is getting a headache, going back and forth on whether or not he would believe her. But, at this point what does she have to lose?

She waits outside his classroom with her backpack, duffel bag, and skateboard. She can hear his lecture, it brings her back to when she remembers being tucked into bed and he would read her whatever book she was reading at the time. His voice was always so soothing, like being wrapped up in a nice cozy blanket, cuddling with mama on one side and daddy on the other.

She was shaken from her thoughts by students loudly exiting the classroom. She gets up, gathers her stuff, and takes a deep breath. As she walks into the class room with his back to her, wiping the board. She clears her throat.

"Excuse me, are you Henry McCord?", she asked.

"Yes, I am. Can I help you with something, Miss…?" Henry asked, looking bewildered.

Stella quickly stated, "Jones, Stella Jones". She doesn't know where to start, but she gathers her strength. "I don't know how to say this, so I am just going to say it. I think I'm your daughter… I know it might be hard to believe and I am willing to take a DNA test or anything to find the truth" Stella rambled.

He started to pale, and he excused himself out of the classroom to make a phone call to his wife.

"Elizabeth… I I I don't know how to say this but there is a girl in my classroom saying she's Emily." Henry said. He could hear Elizabeth take a couple deep and shake breaths. "Does she look like Emily?...Wh what do you want to do?" Elizabeth shakily asked.

"Yes, she does look like what Emily would look like at 13. I don't want to get our hopes up, but what if she really is our kid?"

"Henry, I, we need to make sure, even if she isn't, we need to be sure."

"I know, I know, we should do a DNA test". He takes a deep breath while holding back tears. "Elizabeth, I know how much we want our daughter back, but I can't help but feel like if it's not her, it might crush us again". Elizabeth pulls the phone away for a second trying not to start sobbing. "Henry, I just want our baby back, I, I don't want to miss the chance if it's her". " I know, babe, please don't cry. I love you and I am with you". Henry sighs, "I will talk to her, but we need to do a DNA test to be sure". "I will have Blake meet you in your office in 30 minutes with the DNA test, we should get the results in a day or two". "I can leave the office in an hour", "Babe, you shouldn't come in case this is some joke or she just wants to meet you… I will handle this until we are sure". Elizabeth nodes her head then remembers that Henry can't see her. "Okay, I love you so much, please be careful…see you at home". "I love you too babe, bye".

Henry collects himself to head back into the room. "Sorry about that, but a DNA test is on its way to my office, he should be here in 30 minutes, and my office in this building, so if you don't mind following me, we can start heading there to wait." Stella looks up from the desk she is sitting at, nodding her head, and grabbing her stuff. Henry starts to gather his things, while in his own head try to compare the similarities between Stella and his Emily.

By the time they reached the office, and put their stuff down. Henry was about to ask if she needed anything, when Blake walked in with a manila envelope. He gave his pleasantries and explained that the Secretary already did hers, so all he needs is there's. He got out two large q-tips, plastic tubes with solutions, and different labels. He labeled each tube, then swabbed each of our cheeks and put each the proper tube. He proceeded to gather the items and he was on his way. Henry looked like he wanted to say something, but Stella stated, "If you need another DNA test or anything here is my phone number and email to contact me. I will be staying at a couple hostels for two weeks, then I have to head back to school." She grabs her stuff to head out the door, "I know you are busy, but you can contact me anytime… It, It was nice to meet you" she said. "You too, be safe, and here's my number if you need anything. Do be afraid to contact me for anything, even if it's to check in and to let me know you're okay." He rushed out. She gives a small smile and waves as she leaves his office.

She starts walking to her hostel as it's a couple blocks away from the university. Stella pulls out the list from her back pocket as she looks it over, she thinks that at least she was able to handle one of the most difficult parts of her plan, but the rest is for another day.