Chapter 8
Deborah Corcoran placed her hands on her hips wanting an immediate response from her daughter, but Shelby continued to stare in shock at her family in front of her. She hadn't a moments rest to even think of contacting her family about gaining custody of Rachel and was angry at herself; they should have been the first ones she called.
Rachel quickly wound herself in between her mother's legs and looked up at the fear and sorrow in her mother's eyes. Rachel knew her mommy was in a lot of trouble with these strangers but she wasn't going to let them yell at her mother.
Shelby instinctively pulled Rachel into her arms at the contact of her daughter. Rachel was happy to be in her mother's arms feeling more empowered and now on an eye level with these people. "Mommy," Rachel barely mumbles out having placed her face in the crook of her mother's neck.
But, Shelby didn't respond still in a bit of shock at the sight of her family, "Mom, Dad I-I don't know. Well, it all happened so fast. And…"
"A life changing event wasn't important enough to tell your family, Shelby? But, I'm sure your Broadway family knows. Don't they?" Deborah Corcoran's words tear into Shelby. She knew her mother often felt threatened by the close relationships Shelby developed with her fellow cast and crew members of shows she worked on. But, her family was so far away and if not for the strong relationships she made, Shelby wouldn't have anyone for support.
Rachel turned towards the people at her front door upon hearing the lady scold her mother. She was not happy with anyone being mean with her mommy. "Don't you yell at my mommy!" Rachel scolds her grandmother shaking her toddler finger at the woman who tries to hide a smile watching her only grandchild speak for the first time.
"Shh it's okay, baby" Shelby kisses her daughter's cheek hoping to calm her aggravated tot down. Shelby didn't want Rachel to become upset over the arrival of her family and their obvious displeasure for being left out of the loop. Shelby knew she needed to quickly explain the situation to her family, not just to calm them down, but so they understood Rachel and everything she had recently been through. "Mom, I'm so sorry. You see…"
"Oh honey, don't let your mother's dramatics get you wound up. She was talking non-stop about her granddaughter she couldn't wait to meet the whole plan ride over here." Matthew Corcoran explains while side-stepping past his wife and making his way into the home. Matthew kissed Shelby's cheek and leaned in to kiss Rachel's head much to Rachel's surprise. "Hello daughter, granddaughter." He winked at Rachel and continued to walk into the apartment with his hands full.
Shelby turned only her head in her father's direction, "Hi Daddy." Turning back towards her mother who still held her pose waiting for an answer, Shelby sighed knowing her mother was going to ask for a detailed explanation.
Emily, Shelby's 22- year- old sister, rolled her eyes at her mother as she too walked past her mother to make her way into the apartment. "Hi, Shelbs." She hugged her sister and looked down at her adorable niece gripping tightly to her mother. "Hi there, cutie patootie. I'm your Auntie Emily and I'm going to spoil you rotten, okay?" She kissed the top of the darling tot's head.
Rachel immediately liked her grandfather and aunt and nodded at Emily liking the idea of being spoiled, "Like a pincess?"
Emily laughs, "Yes, definitely like a princess."
Shelby rubs Rachel's back and is pleased Rachel doesn't seem as tense as she had just moments prior. Shelby hopes Rachel's state will last. Shelby steps aside motioning for her mother to come in, "please mom, come in. Please let me explain everything."
Deborah inwardly sighs, drops her hands from her hips, and bends down to grab her belongings she had placed on the floor, "honey, I love you. I just wished you had called us right away. You know we'd do anything for you." Deborah kissed her daughter's temple. "You best hand over my grandbaby and allow me to cuddle with her to make up for not calling us." Deborah smiles towards a still shaken Shelby.
Rachel perked up at hearing she was going to snuggle with this woman. She began shaking her head not wanting to let go of her mother in this current moment. She didn't know these people and the only other grandparents she had met on a few occasions, she wasn't very fond of.
"Mom, Rachel's been through a lot recently so I don't know how much she'll want to snuggle with a complete stranger." Shelby tries to explain.
Deborah huffs while walking towards the large family room, "I'm not a stranger; I'm her grandmother." Shelby slightly rolls her eyes at her mother. "I insist on holding her, Shelby Kim!"
Rachel shudders in her mother's arms and lets out a small whimper after she buries her head in her mother's shoulder. Rachel was unsure of these people and her mother still seemed uneasy. She just wanted to go back to cuddling with her mommy on the couch.
Shelby continues to rub her daughter's back holding her close and walks towards the center of the room. "Listen, there's a lot that needs to be discussed and it'd be better if I could do that after I put Rachel to bed. You three can get to know Rachel some more tomorrow."
Emily and Matthew smile and nod proud of the mother Shelby already has become. "I'll go take the bags into the guest rooms." Matthew informs the room and leaves the front room to the three women and his beautiful granddaughter. "And Deborah, let's back off a bit dear."
"Her name is Rachel? What's her middle name?" Deborah further pries desperately wanting to get to know her granddaughter and not catching on to Shelby's warning tone and ignoring her husband's plea. "And how did you get her? What happened to her fathers? I knew you should have just asked me and your father for the money instead of having a baby for those people! You're so stubborn."
"Mother, please just stop." Shelby noticed Rachel wiggling her way out of her mother's arms. Shelby didn't want to let Rachel down but complied with Rachel's movement not wanting the girl to fall if Shelby lost her grip.
Rachel stood by Shelby but hid behind her mother's leg. Shelby placed a hand on Rachel's back, "honey are you okay?"
"Of course she's okay, Shelby. She's in her home, which by the way has probably become even more of a zoo downstairs. How do you even deal with the paparazzi?"
"What are you talking about? There's paparazzi downstairs?" Shelby began to panic. She knew she should have called her publicist back as soon as she got home from her day out with Rachel. But, Rachel sleeping well and eating had been her priority; her daughter is her priority. Shelby realized that also would now entail informing the important people she pays in her life to not only take care of Shelby but now Rachel. Shelby inwardly sighs and begins rubbing her head realizing all of the things she needs to do, and everything she seems to be failing at.
"Yes, a ridiculous amount too. The doorman almost didn't let us through until he recognized us." Emily explains. "But, don't worry Shelby everything will be ok." Emily tries to sooth her sister who is clearly becoming overwhelmed.
Shelby began to pace her floor leaving Rachel standing alone behind her. Rachel began to wrap her arms around herself getting upset at the condition her mother was in, which was caused by these people coming in their home. She thought she could yell at them, but that was when her mother gave her a bit of confidence when she was being held. Now, her mother had left her standing alone in the big, family room and Rachel began to slowly back away from the stress increasing in the room by the minute.
"What am I going to do? How am I supposed to take her anywhere? She'll be so scared." Shelby questions out loud but speaking more to herself than the audience in front of her.
"Well, honey you probably should have thought about that before you performed with my adorable granddaughter at that toy store. How do you think we found out about her? It's all over the news and, well, your thoughtful assistant confirmed this when we couldn't get a hold of you. Why weren't you picking up your phone at a time like this anyway?"
"I wasn't thinking. I just wanted to play with her. I knew people were taking pictures and video, but I…"
"You weren't thinking. Well, sweetheart that is something that you're going to have to quickly learn with a child. Everything comes second to her."
"Mom, I know that. I'm trying!"
Rachel flinched at her mother's raised voice and pushed herself further away from the tense scene ensuing in front of her. She hadn't seen her mother this worked up the entire time she had been with her. Sure she was saddened and angry at a few things she learned about the Man and the Lady, but this was different. This time her mother had put her down and wasn't even concerned with comforting her. Was she going to leave her now? Was Rachel too much trouble for Shelby? Rachel's lip began to tremble and liquid began to fill her eyes. She didn't want to lose another parent. She didn't want to lose her mother.
Shelby's phone began to ring as Matthew walked back in trying to calm down the group, especially his worked-up daughter. The doorbell rang and Shelby flayed her arms getting annoyed that two other things were getting in the way of her explaining everything to her parents and calming her daughter down. The thought of Rachel made Shelby quickly turn behind her where she had left Rachel standing moments ago. Shelby's heart sank when she didn't have a visual of her daughter.
"Matthew you should get the door. Shelby pick up your phone it could be important."
"Mom, lay off of her already!" Emily chimes in annoyed that her mother was not grasping Shelby's stress level.
"Deborah, just let relax and give Shelby some breathing room."
Shelby swept the room with her eyes not seeing Rachel. She whispers out, "where's my baby?"
This seemed to get everyone's attention, though Shelby was barely audible. All three adults stopped at Shelby's question and quickly looked around the room.
"She was just here. I saw her standing right there." Emily points in the direction behind Shelby.
Matthew saw the panic and tears in his daughter's face and made quick to place a comforting arm around Shelby, "she got scared and who can blame her. You go tend to your daughter and I'll talk with your mother." Matthew quietly tells his oldest and kisses her forehead. "Emily answer your sister's phone and take a message. Deborah don't move from the couch and I will answer the door and take care of whoever is behind it. Shelby's going to get Rachel."
Shelby rushed back towards her room hoping Rachel was there. Rachel hadn't really ventured around much of the large home within the last 24 hours she had been there, so Shelby figured Rachel would run to a familiar place. The moment she reached the open door to her bedroom, Shelby heard small whimpers coming from the direction of her walk-in closet which revealed a now partially opened door. Shelby's heart fell into her stomach and an immediate lump formed in her throat. She caused her daughter to feel this fear and pain. Shelby silently cursed herself for not devoting more attention to her daughter upon her family's arrival. Shelby had been overwhelmed, but knows she will not be able to allow her emotions to take over so much that she neglects her baby girl's well-being.
Shelby quietly opens the door and peeked her head in at the rather large, squared closet room. "Rachel? Honey?" Shelby notices Rachel sitting below a row of hanging shirts. Rachel pulls her legs towards her chest upon hearing her mother's voice.
Shelby quickly bends down next to the frightened four-year-old and places a gentle hand on Rachel's jean-cladded knee. "Rachel, I'm sorry sweetheart."
Rachel moves her knee away from her mother's embrace and cries harder into her folded arms as if she's trying to give herself a hug.
Shelby instantly covered her mouth trying to prevent the sob that escaped it after watching her daughter pull away from her. Shelby knew she needed to ease her daughter's fears quickly. Shelby stoops closer to Rachel and pulls her into her arms before Rachel had a chance to wiggle away. "Baby, please let me hold you. Please tell me what's wrong. I'm sorry we raised our voices."
Rachel wrapped her tiny arms around her mother's neck the instant Shelby tugged her close. She didn't want to leave her mother. She didn't want to pull away from her mother, but her fear of being left again was too much to bear. Rachel quietly cried into her mother's shoulder.
Shelby sat on the carpeted floor of her walk-in closet holding her baby girl close and rocking Rachel and herself back and forth while humming a lullaby. She wasn't sure what to say next. Shelby didn't want to rock the boat since Rachel had accepted her embrace and seemed to be calming down a bit. Shelby settled on, "everything's okay, baby. I'm right here with you."
This declaration perked Rachel's fears of being left, "don't leave me, Mommy. Please don't leave me. I do better, Mommy. I'm sorry you got mad."
Shelby sat perplexed at Rachel's plea. Why would Rachel feel that Shelby would leave her? Shelby stopped rocking the two and gently placed her daughter on her lap in front of her to talk to the girl. "Honey, I'm sorry you saw me upset. But, I wasn't mad. Mommy just got scared and worried about things. And I am never, ever going to leave you. I love you so much more than anything in this world."
Shelby wiped some of the tears still rolling down Rachel's toddler cheeks. Rachel hiccupped at the loving gesture of her mother, "sometimes mommies and daddies leave."
Shelby nodded trying to get a better understanding of Rachel's thoughts, "but I'm not going to leave you, baby."
Rachel hiccupped some more and wiped her own tears with the back of her forearm and hand. "But- but my daddies did and- and" Rachel began to get worked up again and cried out throwing her arms around her mother once again, "I a lot to handle."
Shelby closed her eyes trying to hold back her own emotions and comfort her daughter. She hated the despair Rachel was feeling all because Shelby couldn't contain her own frustrations and stress at the arrival of her family. "Baby, listen to me," Shelby begins to speak in earnest to her daughter but still wanting her to hold her close, "You are my everything. You will never be too much to handle. I am your Mommy and I am never going away. I will always be with you, always. I am not your dads; I'm your mother and your life with me will be different. I'm staying, baby. I'm never leaving you. Please believe me. Please don't be afraid, bug." Shelby pleaded with her daughter while her own tears ran rapidly down her cheeks.
Rachel knew her mother was crying and listened to the words her mother told her. Rachel tightened her grip on her mother and sobbed more in relief now upon hearing her mother wanted her, that her mother wouldn't leave her. "I beelieve you, Mommy," the four-year-old whimpered.
Deborah Corcoran had heard the entire exchange between the mother and daughter and tried hard to keep her own tears hidden. She was filled with guilt at her own behavior that caused her granddaughter fear. She knew her granddaughter must have been through a lot for her to react this way. She knows what is most important is to understand what happened to the girl, how to help her grandbaby, and to get to know the precious young tot. Deborah quietly tiptoed out of the bedroom, knowing Shelby and Rachel would exit the closet soon and would need their privacy.
After a few minutes of the mother and daughter holding one another, their tears subsided and Shelby knew she needed to get Rachel ready for bed. "Come on, baby. Let's get you in the bath and ready for bed." Shelby picked herself and her daughter up off of the closet room floor and headed into the master bathroom.
Shelby began to get the bath ready and instructed Rachel to remove her clothes. "You take a bathie with me, mommy?"
Shelby's heart constricted. She loved hearing her daughter ask for things whether it was to make macaroni and cheese or take a bath with her. Shelby would never tire of being a mother. "I'll take one with you soon, but we need to get you in and out of the bath quickly." Shelby explained and pushed some stray hairs behind her daughter's ear.
Rachel pouted but nodded her head. Shelby helped Rachel wash her hair and body and enveloped her in a fluffy towel once the bath was over. Shelby carried Rachel into the guest room next door to Shelby's master bedroom. This room would soon be turned into Rachel's room and Shelby and Karen had already begun to put some of Rachel's clothes and items in the room. Shelby grabbed clean panties and pajamas, quickly applied the ointment for Rachel's rash, lotion- upped her toddler with cream, and put her pajamas on. Shelby grabbed a comb from her bathroom and sat Rachel on her lap to brush out the young girl's hair. Rachel enjoyed the moment as Shelby hummed songs from Cinderella and paused to kiss the top of her daughter's head a few times.
"Okay, baby we need to get you some of your medicine for your ear and say goodnight, okay?" Shelby was hoping Rachel wouldn't freak out at having to see her family again. She wants her daughter to love her parents and her sister, but she wasn't going to push them on Rachel either. Her sole concern was her daughter's well-being, and if her family were going to cause Rachel any turmoil, she would ask them to leave.
Rachel jumped off of her mother's lap seemingly in a happier mood, "okay, but will you read me a story?"
Shelby stood from her spot and picked her baby girl up in her arms, "I would love to read you a story."
"And sing?" Rachel yawned out the question.
Shelby kissed her daughter's cheeks, "Yes of course and sing."
The duo reached a more calm family room much to Shelby's surprise. She found her father putting together Rachel's newly bought table and chair set, Emily was curled up on the couch watching television, and her mother was taking out Rachel's new baby doll from its box. The three were so engrossed with their activities they didn't notice Shelby and Rachel enter the room.
"Hi guys." Shelby decided on to get her family's attention. The three looked up from their activities and smiled at the mother and daughter, "Rachel needs her medicine for her ear infection and then I'm going to put her to bed."
"Sounds good, sweetpea. I'm just finishing this up, so it will be ready for the little princess tomorrow when she wakes up." Matthew explained to which both Rachel and Shelby smiled.
"So the toy store delivered, I see."
"Yea, they were the ones at the door. Oh and your lawyer was the one who called and said you have temporary custody of Rachel, but that he has to make it official with permanent custody on Monday since today was Saturday. Something about a favor he got today, but he said don't worry and he'll be in touch." Emily yawned much like Rachel and continued to watch her show.
Shelby opened her mouth to further ask her sister questions, but realized it'd be much easier to call her lawyer later. But, the sound of hearing Rachel was hers made Shelby feel like she could fly. She was never letting anyone take her baby away from her again. Shelby headed to the kitchen to grab Rachel's medicine and Deborah followed the pair with the baby doll now released from the imprisoned box in her hand.
"I thought she'd like to have this tonight." Deborah cautiously states not wanting to upset her daughter nor her granddaughter again.
Rachel smiled at her grandmother and nodded her head as she reached out for the doll. Deborah smiled and handed the doll to Rachel. "Thank you," Rachel mumbled out as she took the baby and snuggled it in her arms.
Deborah choked out, "you're welcome, sweetheart."
Shelby smiled at her mother and poured the pink medicine into a syringe for Rachel. "Open your mouth, Rachel." Shelby ordered Rachel hoping the girl wouldn't put up a fuss about the medicine.
Rachel quickly took the medicine and smiled at her mother, "I did it again."
Shelby chuckled and picked up her baby to head back to her room so Rachel could go to sleep, "I'm going to tuck Rachel in and I'll be back so we can talk, okay?"
"Sure, honey." Matthew quickly responds.
"We'll be right here." Deborah adds.
"Great." Shelby stares oddly at the drastic change of her family, but doesn't want to ask why in this moment. She just appreciated their new demeanor. "Oh, were there books also delivered? I need to grab a couple to read to Rachel."
Emily sits up from the couch, "Are there books? There a like two dozen to choose from. Which ones do you want?"
Shelby laughs at her sister's dramatics, "Um just pick any two."
Rachel huffs and desperately responds, "The pincess ones, please!"
All four adults lightly chuckle in awe of the precious child in front of them. "Princess books it is." Emily quickly grabs two from the pile and walks them over to her sister and her niece. "These look like the best ones." Emily informs Rachel with a wink to which the toddler nods her head knowingly.
"Thank you, Em. Okay, say goodnight to Rachel, everyone."
"Night Rachel!" They say in unison.
"Sleep tight, sweet girl." Deborah adds in and blows her granddaughter a kiss.
Rachel smiles at her new family feeling a bit more at ease , waves, and quietly whispers out "nigh night" as she places her tired head on her mother's shoulder.
Shelby was much thankful for the new tone set in the house, a more calm and lovely tone that both Rachel and she needed. Shelby placed Rachel on the bed with her doll and books, but before she was going to read and sing to her daughter she had a very special bear to introduce her daughter to.
Shelby headed back into her walk-in closet much to Rachel's displeasure, "No, Mommy. I hold you."
Shelby quickly turned back, "hold on, baby. Mommy is getting something for you. I found something that I think you're going to be very happy about." Shelby finds the brown bag with handles that held the newly purchased Edward bear. After the drama of the night, Shelby thought this would be the perfect moment to give the bear to her daughter.
Shelby reenters her bedroom and finds Rachel having tucked herself and her new doll under the comfy covers of her mother's bed. Rachel had her two books stacked on her mother's side and patted the spot when she saw her mother appear. "Come on, Mommy."
Shelby couldn't wipe the grin from her face even if she wanted to; her daughter was the most adorable kid in the world. Shelby quickly complied with her daughter's request placing the bag behind her back, so she could talk to Rachel first.
Rachel noticed the bag immediately and pointed to it, "What's that? Is it for meeeee?" She questioned and leaned in close to her mother.
Shelby kissed the top of her daughter's head, "Hmm maybe."
Rachel rolled her head to her shoulder as if in a shy-like manner, "Mommeee," she whined.
Shelby chuckled and pulled Rachel onto her lap, "okay so I found someone today who I know has missed you a lot."
"Who?" Rachel asked bewildered and wide-eyed, which made this moment for Shelby even more enjoyable.
"Well, he's snuggly and soft. He's brown and has been well loved with lots of hugs and kisses. And he had an injury to his leg recently." Shelby relays the last part with a wink in her eye noticing Rachel getting excited. Rachel began to lightly bounce on her mother's legs, but before she could say anything Shelby continues to explain. "But, this special friend of yours might look a little different because he was taken to the hospital to fix his leg and they cleaned him up a bit, so he's almost brand new."
Rachel was beside herself as Shelby pulled the bear from behind her back and Rachel flung herself into her bear and her mother. "Oh Mommy, Edward Bear! It's Edward Bear! Mommy!" Rachel excitedly exclaimed and snuggled into the bear, "you did it. You found him."
Shelby was relishing the moment. She was also relieved her daughter didn't seem to notice this was a new bear. Shelby grabbed Rachel and pulled her and Edward bear underneath the covers. "Okay, baby let me read you a story and then it's time for bed."
Rachel snuggled closer to her mother and yawned, "Thank you for my Edward Bear, mommy."
"You're welcome, baby." Shelby kissed the top of Rachel's head and began to read to her a Disney Princess book.
Two books and two songs later, Shelby found she was losing herself to sleep. She promised Rachel she wouldn't leave until the tot was fully asleep. Shelby knew she needed to stay awake to speak to her family about Rachel, but the rhythm of her daughter's breathing and the warmth of her daughter's body and love, made Shelby fall into a deep slumber whether she wanted to or not. But, it didn't matter- all of the phone calls and emails she needed to return and the talk with her family would just have to wait because laying with her baby girl was the only place Shelby was meant to be.
Thank you for reading and all of your reviews! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I know it has taken me a while to update, but life is busy and I just couldn't find extra time to write this chapter. I make no promises for the next one, but I appreciate all of your patience. I'm flattered by all of the nice words you've said. You definitely encourage me to keep writing. I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week! -Tessa