After school ended Eli and I went to pick up Erika, like usual my mom wasn't home when we got there. Eli and I did homework while Erika watched TV and played with her toys.

"You're really set on not letting her watch anything other than the Baby Development Channels aren't you?" Eli asked

"Yes I am"

"Mommy I want juice"

"I'll get it" Eli said

"Ok."

I continued my homework as Eli got Erika some juice, luckily Eli and I didn't have a lot of homework.

"Clare, I found something, you should read this." Eli said holding a piece of paper

I walked over to him with a puzzling look.

"It's a note from your mom" he said handing me the note

It read:

Dear Clare,

I'm sorry for leaving like this, but while you were at the hospital with Erika I remember how your face looked after I hit you and I don't want to do that again. I decided to move to a rehab clinic to help me with my alcohol problem I also got relocated to a new office and work paid for just about everything, I have enough money to buy what they didn't so I left everything behind. I'm sorry for abandoning you and Erika like this, but I promise I will call and keep in touch and you have Eli with you. I told Darcy and she said she'll be home sometime soon she also said she's getting her own apartment as soon as she comes back. The hardest thing for me to leave was both you and Erika.

I love you so much Clare and I'm sorry, but I had to do this so I wouldn't physically hurt you again and the house is paid off when you turn 18 I'll put it under your name.

Love always,

Mom

I cried as I read the letter. I understood why she left, but I'm also glad that she realized she had an alcohol problem and wants to get it fixed. I'm not sure when I'll see her again, but this is the best thing she could do for both Erika and I.

"Are you ok Clare?"

"What's wrong Mommy?"

"I'm fine Eli, and Grandma's on vacation"

I couldn't just tell Erika that my mom abandoned us just like KC and my dad had.

"Clare, I'm going to tell my mom what's going on and see if I can move in here with you, I'll be right back I promise."

"Ok" I said as I kissed Eli

I then started to wonder how that would play out with Eli's mom.

"Mommy where's daddy going?" Erika asked I guess she likes calling Eli daddy now.

"Daddy's going to talk to his mommy about staying here with us"

"Ok."

I then finished my homework and I heard the door open.

"Hey I'm back!" Eli said in a slightly raised voice

"Daddy's back!" Erika yelled excitedly as she ran into Eli's arms causing him to drop a black duffle bag he had with him. "We're a family now daddy's staying."

"Yes I am, we can now start living in sin as a family." Eli laughed.

"What's living in sin?" Erika asked

"You'll find out when you get older" Eli replied

"Right now we're one big family. Eli while you're doing homework I'm going to start dinner."

"Ok, Blue Eyes"

I made dinner, then Erika, Eli, and I ate as a family just the three of us. I could really get used to living like this.