"Beep Beep Beep" went Alaney's life support machine as Sara sat by Alaney's
bedside.
Alaney stirred and began to awake. Sara smiled.
"Morning gorgeous" Sara gestured.
"Sara" Alaney weakly acknowledged.
"You did it. Your body's accepted the kidney" Sara sweetly confirmed gladly.
"How's dad?. He made it didn't he?" Alaney asked weakly.
"He's fine unfortunately. Don't worry about him" Sara commented.
"You don't mean that" Alaney challenged her.
"I don't know what I think anymore" Sara replied.
"He did risk his life for me for without blackmail" Alaney added.
"Yeah. Anyway. Forget about him. Let's concentrate on getting you well enough to come out of hospital. O.k.?" Sara proposed.
Alaney smiled in agreeance.
"I love you, you know" Sara declared as she stroked Alaney's face.
"Don't get all mushy, Sidle", Alaney joked, "Or should I say sis?".
Sara gave a small laugh and gripped Alaney's hand tighter.
After a few moments, Alaney asked,
"Sara?".
"Yeah?" Sara replied.
"Your going to make a great mom one day, you know" Alaney gestured.
Sara smiled and kissed Alaney's forehead.
Alaney was out of hospital two weeks after the operation. A week after Alaney's release Sara had to return to work. So their cousins Michelle and Janey came down to help out. It was one day during that visit that Michelle had an attack of conscience. She decided that Alaney, but not the whole world, needed to know (at the very least) that Sara was her mother. Michelle knew Alaney. She knew that Alaney would understand and they could live happily ever after. Michelle believed she was doing what was best. Michelle knew the issues abandonment had caused Alaney and now finally Alaney could have the relationship with her natural mother that she had always yearned for and needed. Once Michelle had made the decision to tell Laney there was no going back for her. She was adamant she was going to do it. She just needed to find the right time and the right level of sensitivity. So when Michelle found herself alone in Sara's apartment with Alaney one afternoon, because Sara and Janey had gone shopping, Michelle saw the perfect opportunity.
"Shall we put my album on?" Michelle asked.
Laney laughed.
"Does your ego need anymore boosting, Linton?" Laney laughed.
Michelle laughed.
"There's something I want to show you. Well tell you. I think you need to know something" Michelle replied.
"What?" Alaney asked curious.
"Listen to these tracks first" Michelle explained.
"Why them?" Laney asked.
"Because Sara wrote or inspired them" Michelle replied.
"Oh yeah. Her mystery man. You gonna tell me who it is?" Laney laughed.
"Yeah. But it's not a man" Michelle replied flippantly.
Alaney looked shocked.
"Oh" Alaney responded as she interpreted what she thought Michelle was trying to say.
Alaney had taken what Michelle had said the wrong way.
Alaney tried to take this revelation in.
"Well that explains a lot. Umm, why didn't she tell me?. She knows I'll be cool with it. I mean Miranda was a lesbian. I'm used to it. I'd be more likely to understand than you. Well, did she tell you and not me?. She's my cousin I'll love her no matter what she is. In fact no! she's my sister!. Even more so!" Alaney asked.
"You think she's a lesbian?", Michelle asked worried, "No, Laney. I don't think you understand".
Michelle paused for thought. She tried to explain what she was trying to say.
"The songs are about you. You're the one she's so in love with" Michelle told her.
Michelle thought she was explaining herself quite well.
Alaney reacted less well to this piece of news. She didn't look impressed. She wasn't 'o.k.' with this revelation.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?. Who told you?" Alaney asked.
"Sara did. I'm sorry. She and all our family made me promise not to tell you or anyone. It's been killing me though. I know you have a right to know. I'm so sorry. I just thought. You need to know now!" Michelle explained.
"It's not your fault. It's not her's either. I don't blame her. But!" Alaney mumbled.
"Thank goodness for that!. You see I knew you'd understand and now you can both live happily ever after. You've both got what you wanted. She was scared before but now she really does want you. I know she does" Michelle explained.
"No!. Michelle you don't understand!. I'm not like that!. Just because Miranda was doesn't mean I am by environment or just because Sara is it doesn't mean I am by genetics. I don't care if Sara's a lesbian but I'm not. And I'm sorry but I don't feel comfortable being around her anymore if she feels that way!" Alaney protested.
"You think Sara fancies you?" Michelle asked worried.
"She doesn't just fancy me!. She's in love with me!. You heard the song" Alaney exclaimed.
Michelle was concerned.
"Yeah she loves you, but" Michelle tried to say but was interrupted.
"But she's my sister! - I know!. Oh my goodness!. That's why Miranda sent me to live with her. That's why she chose till I was 18. She waited until I was mature enough to make my own decision!. But the poor thing didn't know that she was my sister!. It all makes sense!. That's why Boby and Libby didn't want me near Sara. Boby was just trying to protect his daughter Sara. He doesn't know me but he's brought her up. It's hurts but at least he has a heart for one of his daughters!" Alaney talked it through to herself.
"Alaney wait!. Listen to me!. You've" Michelle tried to get her attention.
"That's why Sara was so in two minds about me!. That'd why she avoided me sometimes and looked so in love with me at other times. I knew she wanted to show me love but something was stopping her. How did I not see it?. Oh that poor thing!. I do feel sorry for her but I'm not and she's - she's my half sister!. That's incest to even think it!. She must not have found out I was her sister until it was too late. Oh that's terrible!. Irony hey!. But then again, apparently you fall those who look like you" Alaney talked it through to herself.
"Alaney please listen to me!" Michelle protested. "What is it?" Alaney snapped out of it.
Michelle gulped.
"I never said she was a lesbian or that she has those kind of feelings for you" Michelle commented.
"You never said it wasn't true though. So, tell me. Is it true?" Alaney demanded.
Michelle paused and thought to herself.
"Look just forget what I said. You're still recovering. I should never have said anything. You shouldn't be stressed" Michelle suggested.
"Am I right or wrong, Michelle?" Alaney demanded.
"I'll tell you everything. The whole truth. But give it a week or two" Michelle informed her.
"I can't just forget what you've said!" Alaney responded.
"I'm not saying anymore. I'm sorry" Michelle insisted.
"If it wasn't true. You'd deny it straight away. Is it true?. You can't not tell me" Alaney replied.
Michelle kept quiet. She knew it wasn't true but she'd already said too much. She really regretted saying anything at all. Why didn't she think it through more thoroughly?. Sara was going to kill her. If Michelle denied Sara was a lesbian then Alaney would find out the truth and Michelle didn't want her to know anymore. It wasn't too bad if Alaney thought that anyway. Just for a week Michelle decided. She would just let her believe it for a week. Anyway, if Michelle never confirmed it then Alaney may not believe it. So Michelle kept quiet. Alaney took this as a yes.
Alaney started to pace up and down the room.
"What am I going to do?" Alaney worried.
Michelle kept quiet.
Alaney stopped.
"I'm sorry. But I can't stay here. Not with her thinking those things about me. It's best if I go anyway. It will help her to stop thinking those things. It should stop the pain for her. Let her get on with her life. I'm not trying to hurt her, Michelle, I'm really not!. I'm fine with her being homosexual or bi or whatever she is. I'm just not fine with her having those feelings for me. You understand right?" Alaney half directed to herself and half at Michelle.
If it didn't matter then why did Michelle feel so bad?. It pained her to let Alaney go on. But she couldn't do anything she reasoned with herself.
"What do you mean you can't stay?. You can't go!. You only had a kidney transplant three weeks ago. You need to rest. You can't be moving. You definitely can't get on a plane to California!. Where are you going to go?. You need someone to look after you!. And you can't tell Sara!. Think how embarrassed she'll be if she thinks you think she has feelings for you. You wouldn't want to do that to her. Plus you can't tell her because she'll know I told you and she'll never forgive me. I was just trying to help and this is the thanks I get!" Michelle argued.
"Don't worry. I've got the perfect plan. I just need a few days away from her to think things over, for now. And I know the perfect excuse. She won't suspect because she'll understand why I'm staying there so long. Plus they'll look after me because I'm the apple of their eye. Plus I already have some of my clothes there" Alaney explained.
"Who?" Michelle asked.
"Catherine?" Michelle asked.
"Nope" Alaney asked playfully.
Michelle thought to herself. Who could it be?. Then she realised.
"Casey!" the pair said delighted in unison.
Alaney stepped out the cab and approached Casey's apartment. She rang the bell. Casey opened. He was a handsome lad. He wore a casual jersey and smart trousers. He smiled as soon as he saw her.
"Hello gorgeous" he said with a cheeky smile.
She lifted up a bottle of champagne and replied,
"After nearly two months of not being able to have sex or even sip a sip of alcohol in I am finally allowed to have some fun!. Want to celebrate?" she propositioned him playfully.
"Come in" he agreed delighted.
She threw her arms around his neck, lifted her legs round his waist and began kissing him.
Alaney had met Casey while working at the coffee shop. It was nothing serious. Alaney hadn't even decided whether they were dating or not. She was going to tell Sara they were to make up an excuse for being away so long. But Alaney didn't know whether she wanted to or not. She didn't want anything too serious at her age unlike Michelle. She just wanted some fun. She definitely didn't want to move in with him permanently. But a little bit of romance beyond sex wouldn't be too bad. She knew he was besotted by her and she liked him allot. She just wasn't sure whether she wanted to be tied down in anyway great or small.
"Are we dating?" Casey asked as they were sitting up in bed.
Alaney's heart sank. She didn't want to go through this right now. She had enough on her mind. But she did discuss it with him. Eventually she agreed to a mild relationship. She agreed to going on more dates. She agreed to walking down the street with their arms round each other but no hand holding she demanded
"Oh hey. I meant to ask. Can stay at yours for a few days?. Feel free to say no but it would be really helpful" Alaney told him.
"Sure why?" Casey asked.
"Sara and I are having problems. It's complicated. Just for a few days. I think I'll move out though" Alaney explained.
"You wanna move in here?" Casey asked delighted.
"No. Thank you but no. It doesn't sound very casual to me" Alaney answered.
"Of course" Casey replied disappointed.
Alaney groaned in frustration.
"I thought Sara was finally gonna be some kind of family to me. But it's all gone wrong" Laney whinged.
Alaney sulked.
"Do you know what this incident makes me remember?" Alaney asked.
"I don't even know what the incident is!. So no I don't know what it makes you think of or remember. But I'm sure your going to tell me" Casey laughed.
"Oh sorry. All I ever do is complain about my life. I'm sorry. How are you?" Alaney responded.
"No. Go on. I care. I do. I was just joking. Please tell me. What does it remind you of?" Casey asked concerned.
Alaney paused and then continued,
"It reminds me that I'll never know my natural mother" she admitted.
"How?" Casey asked trying to stop himself laughing.
"Sara was the nearest thing I ever had to a mother" Alaney said with all seriousness.
Casey definitely didn't laugh this time. He found it so sweet. He put an arm around Laney to comfort her.
"Oh Alaney. That's beautiful" he admitted.
"But now. It can never be" Laney told him.
"Why?" Casey asked.
"I don't want to talk about it" Alaney replied.
"I know she's too young to be my mom. But she looked after me like one. She's always been middle aged since a teenager. Plus she really loved me like a mom would" Alaney explained.
"Well hey. How about that Miranda woman?. Wasn't she like a mom to you?. You used to call her mom" Casey suggested.
"Never to her face. She loved me yeah but like an aunt would. She was never mom material" Alaney explained.
"From what you said I didn't think this Sara was" Casey added.
"Yeah it was surprising - but she is - she really is!. It's surprised everyone - even herself!. She's really good" Alaney replied.
Casey had a idea. He was delighted because he was desperate to change the subject to a more positive note.
"Hey. I've been meaning to mention this to you. I've been thinking about your situation . I have an idea of how to find your real mom" Casey told her.
"Really?. That's brilliant. How?" Alaney asked excited.
"You know that woman Miranda?" Casey asked.
"Of course, I know her. She was the nearest thing to a mom I had growing up" Alaney replied.
"Well, did she adopted you? Fostered you? Anything like that?. She must have because otherwise she wouldn't be allowed to keep you - I think" Casey asked.
"She fostered me" Alaney replied.
"Well, I had this idea. I'm pretty sure - but not 100%. You see. Well, umm. In order for Miranda specifically to foster you then your natural mother must have agreed to her specifically looking after you. I mean people who find babies don't just automatically get the child. So somewhere there must be papers with the name of your natural mother because she signed for you to go to Miranda. I'm not entirely sure but I'm pretty sure. Plus your eighteen now so I'm pretty sure your be allowed to see those papers" Casey explained.
"Oh my goodness!. Of course!. You're a genius!. Oh I love you!. Well you know what I mean" Alaney exclaimed.
"I've got to go find those papers!. I have to call the fostering office in Tamales Bay. Is there one?. Or maybe the general registry in Tamales?. Or should I call a national registry or something?. Where can I find them?" Alaney exclaimed.
"Why don't you try Tamales Bay general registry first. I'm sure they'll at least re-direct you to the relevant place" Casey suggested.
Alaney smiled, kissed his lips and called her friend in Tamales Bay. Her friend got the phone book out and gave her the number for the registry. Alaney got on the phone to Tamales Bay registry immediately, with Casey holding her hand by her side for some support. She explained her situation and what she was looking for. The registry said they'd do what they could and call her back. It took over two hours for them to call her back. It was a nerve-wracking time for Alaney. They had just sat there waiting on the sofa doing nothing except staring at the phone. The registry finally called saying they had been able to find the papers. Alaney was over the moon. Tamales registry proposed that they fax the papers to the Las Vegas registry and Alaney view them there. Alaney agreed grateful that she didn't have to go to California. The registry told her the address and told her to take identification along. Alaney couldn't believe how easy it had been.
"Can I come?" Casey asked.
"Sure. I mean I'd actually really appreciate it if you would. I could really do with some support right now and I'm not sure if I can trust any of my so called family" Alaney agreed.
Casey got up to put his coat on and leave. But Alaney stopped him by touching his arm.
"Casey. Thanks. You've been great. I've practically ignored you all day and I've moaned and whined and you've been really supportive. Thank you" Alaney thanked him.
"What are boyfriend's for?" Casey laughed.
"Stop that. Oh and another rule - I will not be your fashion accessory" Alaney told him.
"I don't need you - I've got my pink fluffy feather boa as an accessory!" Casey joked.
The pair laughed.
An hour later, the pair stood waiting anxiously at the Las Vegas registry as the woman at the desk got Alaney her faxed over papers. The woman came back over. The woman asked for identification. Alaney handed her the identification. The woman handed the papers over to Alaney.
"I can't look. You look first" Alaney panicked handing the papers over to Casey.
"Are you sure?" Casey asked.
"Yes. Just read them" Alaney insisted forcefully.
Casey looked at them. He looked surprised.
"What?. What do they say?" Alaney asked worriedly.
"Umm, I think you should sit down" Casey suggested.
"Does it say Boby isn't my father?" Alaney asked.
"It doesn't say who the father is. But I can tell you it isn't your uncle Boby. I think I know why they said it was though" Casey explained.
"They lied to me!. Thank goodness it isn't him!. How do you know though?" asked Alaney.
"Because of who the mother is. Alaney sit down. I think I need to tell you gently. It's a good job you didn't look yourself" Casey calmed her.
"How do you recognise the name?. Do I know them?. I knew it! - it's someone in Camp Cuckoo isn't it?" Alaney babbled.
Casey sat Alaney down.
"Who's the last person in the world you would think it could be?" Casey asked.
"I don't know. This is no time for guessing games. Why?" Alaney snapped.
"Alaney, Miranda sent you to live with Sara for a reason" Casey hinted.
"Sara knows how to direct me to my mother doesn't she?. I knew it!. Maybe she lives in Vegas?. Who is it?. Is it a member of Sara's family?" Alaney asked.
Casey gulped, took a deep breath, put an arm round Alaney to comfort her and handed her the papers.
Once Alaney had seen what they said she just sat there shell-shocked. She couldn't take it in
"There's got be some mistake. How is it even possible?. It can't be. She wouldn't. She couldn't" Alaney announced quietly in shock
Alaney began crying and then fell into Casey's open arms crying She sat at that registry for half an hour just wailing with tears.
Alaney stirred and began to awake. Sara smiled.
"Morning gorgeous" Sara gestured.
"Sara" Alaney weakly acknowledged.
"You did it. Your body's accepted the kidney" Sara sweetly confirmed gladly.
"How's dad?. He made it didn't he?" Alaney asked weakly.
"He's fine unfortunately. Don't worry about him" Sara commented.
"You don't mean that" Alaney challenged her.
"I don't know what I think anymore" Sara replied.
"He did risk his life for me for without blackmail" Alaney added.
"Yeah. Anyway. Forget about him. Let's concentrate on getting you well enough to come out of hospital. O.k.?" Sara proposed.
Alaney smiled in agreeance.
"I love you, you know" Sara declared as she stroked Alaney's face.
"Don't get all mushy, Sidle", Alaney joked, "Or should I say sis?".
Sara gave a small laugh and gripped Alaney's hand tighter.
After a few moments, Alaney asked,
"Sara?".
"Yeah?" Sara replied.
"Your going to make a great mom one day, you know" Alaney gestured.
Sara smiled and kissed Alaney's forehead.
Alaney was out of hospital two weeks after the operation. A week after Alaney's release Sara had to return to work. So their cousins Michelle and Janey came down to help out. It was one day during that visit that Michelle had an attack of conscience. She decided that Alaney, but not the whole world, needed to know (at the very least) that Sara was her mother. Michelle knew Alaney. She knew that Alaney would understand and they could live happily ever after. Michelle believed she was doing what was best. Michelle knew the issues abandonment had caused Alaney and now finally Alaney could have the relationship with her natural mother that she had always yearned for and needed. Once Michelle had made the decision to tell Laney there was no going back for her. She was adamant she was going to do it. She just needed to find the right time and the right level of sensitivity. So when Michelle found herself alone in Sara's apartment with Alaney one afternoon, because Sara and Janey had gone shopping, Michelle saw the perfect opportunity.
"Shall we put my album on?" Michelle asked.
Laney laughed.
"Does your ego need anymore boosting, Linton?" Laney laughed.
Michelle laughed.
"There's something I want to show you. Well tell you. I think you need to know something" Michelle replied.
"What?" Alaney asked curious.
"Listen to these tracks first" Michelle explained.
"Why them?" Laney asked.
"Because Sara wrote or inspired them" Michelle replied.
"Oh yeah. Her mystery man. You gonna tell me who it is?" Laney laughed.
"Yeah. But it's not a man" Michelle replied flippantly.
Alaney looked shocked.
"Oh" Alaney responded as she interpreted what she thought Michelle was trying to say.
Alaney had taken what Michelle had said the wrong way.
Alaney tried to take this revelation in.
"Well that explains a lot. Umm, why didn't she tell me?. She knows I'll be cool with it. I mean Miranda was a lesbian. I'm used to it. I'd be more likely to understand than you. Well, did she tell you and not me?. She's my cousin I'll love her no matter what she is. In fact no! she's my sister!. Even more so!" Alaney asked.
"You think she's a lesbian?", Michelle asked worried, "No, Laney. I don't think you understand".
Michelle paused for thought. She tried to explain what she was trying to say.
"The songs are about you. You're the one she's so in love with" Michelle told her.
Michelle thought she was explaining herself quite well.
Alaney reacted less well to this piece of news. She didn't look impressed. She wasn't 'o.k.' with this revelation.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?. Who told you?" Alaney asked.
"Sara did. I'm sorry. She and all our family made me promise not to tell you or anyone. It's been killing me though. I know you have a right to know. I'm so sorry. I just thought. You need to know now!" Michelle explained.
"It's not your fault. It's not her's either. I don't blame her. But!" Alaney mumbled.
"Thank goodness for that!. You see I knew you'd understand and now you can both live happily ever after. You've both got what you wanted. She was scared before but now she really does want you. I know she does" Michelle explained.
"No!. Michelle you don't understand!. I'm not like that!. Just because Miranda was doesn't mean I am by environment or just because Sara is it doesn't mean I am by genetics. I don't care if Sara's a lesbian but I'm not. And I'm sorry but I don't feel comfortable being around her anymore if she feels that way!" Alaney protested.
"You think Sara fancies you?" Michelle asked worried.
"She doesn't just fancy me!. She's in love with me!. You heard the song" Alaney exclaimed.
Michelle was concerned.
"Yeah she loves you, but" Michelle tried to say but was interrupted.
"But she's my sister! - I know!. Oh my goodness!. That's why Miranda sent me to live with her. That's why she chose till I was 18. She waited until I was mature enough to make my own decision!. But the poor thing didn't know that she was my sister!. It all makes sense!. That's why Boby and Libby didn't want me near Sara. Boby was just trying to protect his daughter Sara. He doesn't know me but he's brought her up. It's hurts but at least he has a heart for one of his daughters!" Alaney talked it through to herself.
"Alaney wait!. Listen to me!. You've" Michelle tried to get her attention.
"That's why Sara was so in two minds about me!. That'd why she avoided me sometimes and looked so in love with me at other times. I knew she wanted to show me love but something was stopping her. How did I not see it?. Oh that poor thing!. I do feel sorry for her but I'm not and she's - she's my half sister!. That's incest to even think it!. She must not have found out I was her sister until it was too late. Oh that's terrible!. Irony hey!. But then again, apparently you fall those who look like you" Alaney talked it through to herself.
"Alaney please listen to me!" Michelle protested. "What is it?" Alaney snapped out of it.
Michelle gulped.
"I never said she was a lesbian or that she has those kind of feelings for you" Michelle commented.
"You never said it wasn't true though. So, tell me. Is it true?" Alaney demanded.
Michelle paused and thought to herself.
"Look just forget what I said. You're still recovering. I should never have said anything. You shouldn't be stressed" Michelle suggested.
"Am I right or wrong, Michelle?" Alaney demanded.
"I'll tell you everything. The whole truth. But give it a week or two" Michelle informed her.
"I can't just forget what you've said!" Alaney responded.
"I'm not saying anymore. I'm sorry" Michelle insisted.
"If it wasn't true. You'd deny it straight away. Is it true?. You can't not tell me" Alaney replied.
Michelle kept quiet. She knew it wasn't true but she'd already said too much. She really regretted saying anything at all. Why didn't she think it through more thoroughly?. Sara was going to kill her. If Michelle denied Sara was a lesbian then Alaney would find out the truth and Michelle didn't want her to know anymore. It wasn't too bad if Alaney thought that anyway. Just for a week Michelle decided. She would just let her believe it for a week. Anyway, if Michelle never confirmed it then Alaney may not believe it. So Michelle kept quiet. Alaney took this as a yes.
Alaney started to pace up and down the room.
"What am I going to do?" Alaney worried.
Michelle kept quiet.
Alaney stopped.
"I'm sorry. But I can't stay here. Not with her thinking those things about me. It's best if I go anyway. It will help her to stop thinking those things. It should stop the pain for her. Let her get on with her life. I'm not trying to hurt her, Michelle, I'm really not!. I'm fine with her being homosexual or bi or whatever she is. I'm just not fine with her having those feelings for me. You understand right?" Alaney half directed to herself and half at Michelle.
If it didn't matter then why did Michelle feel so bad?. It pained her to let Alaney go on. But she couldn't do anything she reasoned with herself.
"What do you mean you can't stay?. You can't go!. You only had a kidney transplant three weeks ago. You need to rest. You can't be moving. You definitely can't get on a plane to California!. Where are you going to go?. You need someone to look after you!. And you can't tell Sara!. Think how embarrassed she'll be if she thinks you think she has feelings for you. You wouldn't want to do that to her. Plus you can't tell her because she'll know I told you and she'll never forgive me. I was just trying to help and this is the thanks I get!" Michelle argued.
"Don't worry. I've got the perfect plan. I just need a few days away from her to think things over, for now. And I know the perfect excuse. She won't suspect because she'll understand why I'm staying there so long. Plus they'll look after me because I'm the apple of their eye. Plus I already have some of my clothes there" Alaney explained.
"Who?" Michelle asked.
"Catherine?" Michelle asked.
"Nope" Alaney asked playfully.
Michelle thought to herself. Who could it be?. Then she realised.
"Casey!" the pair said delighted in unison.
Alaney stepped out the cab and approached Casey's apartment. She rang the bell. Casey opened. He was a handsome lad. He wore a casual jersey and smart trousers. He smiled as soon as he saw her.
"Hello gorgeous" he said with a cheeky smile.
She lifted up a bottle of champagne and replied,
"After nearly two months of not being able to have sex or even sip a sip of alcohol in I am finally allowed to have some fun!. Want to celebrate?" she propositioned him playfully.
"Come in" he agreed delighted.
She threw her arms around his neck, lifted her legs round his waist and began kissing him.
Alaney had met Casey while working at the coffee shop. It was nothing serious. Alaney hadn't even decided whether they were dating or not. She was going to tell Sara they were to make up an excuse for being away so long. But Alaney didn't know whether she wanted to or not. She didn't want anything too serious at her age unlike Michelle. She just wanted some fun. She definitely didn't want to move in with him permanently. But a little bit of romance beyond sex wouldn't be too bad. She knew he was besotted by her and she liked him allot. She just wasn't sure whether she wanted to be tied down in anyway great or small.
"Are we dating?" Casey asked as they were sitting up in bed.
Alaney's heart sank. She didn't want to go through this right now. She had enough on her mind. But she did discuss it with him. Eventually she agreed to a mild relationship. She agreed to going on more dates. She agreed to walking down the street with their arms round each other but no hand holding she demanded
"Oh hey. I meant to ask. Can stay at yours for a few days?. Feel free to say no but it would be really helpful" Alaney told him.
"Sure why?" Casey asked.
"Sara and I are having problems. It's complicated. Just for a few days. I think I'll move out though" Alaney explained.
"You wanna move in here?" Casey asked delighted.
"No. Thank you but no. It doesn't sound very casual to me" Alaney answered.
"Of course" Casey replied disappointed.
Alaney groaned in frustration.
"I thought Sara was finally gonna be some kind of family to me. But it's all gone wrong" Laney whinged.
Alaney sulked.
"Do you know what this incident makes me remember?" Alaney asked.
"I don't even know what the incident is!. So no I don't know what it makes you think of or remember. But I'm sure your going to tell me" Casey laughed.
"Oh sorry. All I ever do is complain about my life. I'm sorry. How are you?" Alaney responded.
"No. Go on. I care. I do. I was just joking. Please tell me. What does it remind you of?" Casey asked concerned.
Alaney paused and then continued,
"It reminds me that I'll never know my natural mother" she admitted.
"How?" Casey asked trying to stop himself laughing.
"Sara was the nearest thing I ever had to a mother" Alaney said with all seriousness.
Casey definitely didn't laugh this time. He found it so sweet. He put an arm around Laney to comfort her.
"Oh Alaney. That's beautiful" he admitted.
"But now. It can never be" Laney told him.
"Why?" Casey asked.
"I don't want to talk about it" Alaney replied.
"I know she's too young to be my mom. But she looked after me like one. She's always been middle aged since a teenager. Plus she really loved me like a mom would" Alaney explained.
"Well hey. How about that Miranda woman?. Wasn't she like a mom to you?. You used to call her mom" Casey suggested.
"Never to her face. She loved me yeah but like an aunt would. She was never mom material" Alaney explained.
"From what you said I didn't think this Sara was" Casey added.
"Yeah it was surprising - but she is - she really is!. It's surprised everyone - even herself!. She's really good" Alaney replied.
Casey had a idea. He was delighted because he was desperate to change the subject to a more positive note.
"Hey. I've been meaning to mention this to you. I've been thinking about your situation . I have an idea of how to find your real mom" Casey told her.
"Really?. That's brilliant. How?" Alaney asked excited.
"You know that woman Miranda?" Casey asked.
"Of course, I know her. She was the nearest thing to a mom I had growing up" Alaney replied.
"Well, did she adopted you? Fostered you? Anything like that?. She must have because otherwise she wouldn't be allowed to keep you - I think" Casey asked.
"She fostered me" Alaney replied.
"Well, I had this idea. I'm pretty sure - but not 100%. You see. Well, umm. In order for Miranda specifically to foster you then your natural mother must have agreed to her specifically looking after you. I mean people who find babies don't just automatically get the child. So somewhere there must be papers with the name of your natural mother because she signed for you to go to Miranda. I'm not entirely sure but I'm pretty sure. Plus your eighteen now so I'm pretty sure your be allowed to see those papers" Casey explained.
"Oh my goodness!. Of course!. You're a genius!. Oh I love you!. Well you know what I mean" Alaney exclaimed.
"I've got to go find those papers!. I have to call the fostering office in Tamales Bay. Is there one?. Or maybe the general registry in Tamales?. Or should I call a national registry or something?. Where can I find them?" Alaney exclaimed.
"Why don't you try Tamales Bay general registry first. I'm sure they'll at least re-direct you to the relevant place" Casey suggested.
Alaney smiled, kissed his lips and called her friend in Tamales Bay. Her friend got the phone book out and gave her the number for the registry. Alaney got on the phone to Tamales Bay registry immediately, with Casey holding her hand by her side for some support. She explained her situation and what she was looking for. The registry said they'd do what they could and call her back. It took over two hours for them to call her back. It was a nerve-wracking time for Alaney. They had just sat there waiting on the sofa doing nothing except staring at the phone. The registry finally called saying they had been able to find the papers. Alaney was over the moon. Tamales registry proposed that they fax the papers to the Las Vegas registry and Alaney view them there. Alaney agreed grateful that she didn't have to go to California. The registry told her the address and told her to take identification along. Alaney couldn't believe how easy it had been.
"Can I come?" Casey asked.
"Sure. I mean I'd actually really appreciate it if you would. I could really do with some support right now and I'm not sure if I can trust any of my so called family" Alaney agreed.
Casey got up to put his coat on and leave. But Alaney stopped him by touching his arm.
"Casey. Thanks. You've been great. I've practically ignored you all day and I've moaned and whined and you've been really supportive. Thank you" Alaney thanked him.
"What are boyfriend's for?" Casey laughed.
"Stop that. Oh and another rule - I will not be your fashion accessory" Alaney told him.
"I don't need you - I've got my pink fluffy feather boa as an accessory!" Casey joked.
The pair laughed.
An hour later, the pair stood waiting anxiously at the Las Vegas registry as the woman at the desk got Alaney her faxed over papers. The woman came back over. The woman asked for identification. Alaney handed her the identification. The woman handed the papers over to Alaney.
"I can't look. You look first" Alaney panicked handing the papers over to Casey.
"Are you sure?" Casey asked.
"Yes. Just read them" Alaney insisted forcefully.
Casey looked at them. He looked surprised.
"What?. What do they say?" Alaney asked worriedly.
"Umm, I think you should sit down" Casey suggested.
"Does it say Boby isn't my father?" Alaney asked.
"It doesn't say who the father is. But I can tell you it isn't your uncle Boby. I think I know why they said it was though" Casey explained.
"They lied to me!. Thank goodness it isn't him!. How do you know though?" asked Alaney.
"Because of who the mother is. Alaney sit down. I think I need to tell you gently. It's a good job you didn't look yourself" Casey calmed her.
"How do you recognise the name?. Do I know them?. I knew it! - it's someone in Camp Cuckoo isn't it?" Alaney babbled.
Casey sat Alaney down.
"Who's the last person in the world you would think it could be?" Casey asked.
"I don't know. This is no time for guessing games. Why?" Alaney snapped.
"Alaney, Miranda sent you to live with Sara for a reason" Casey hinted.
"Sara knows how to direct me to my mother doesn't she?. I knew it!. Maybe she lives in Vegas?. Who is it?. Is it a member of Sara's family?" Alaney asked.
Casey gulped, took a deep breath, put an arm round Alaney to comfort her and handed her the papers.
Once Alaney had seen what they said she just sat there shell-shocked. She couldn't take it in
"There's got be some mistake. How is it even possible?. It can't be. She wouldn't. She couldn't" Alaney announced quietly in shock
Alaney began crying and then fell into Casey's open arms crying She sat at that registry for half an hour just wailing with tears.