Next challenge is stealing my child before the adoptive parents take him or her away.
Chapter Four
SERENITY
In front of the tall mirror tucked in the corner of my bedroom, I take in how my body has changed. My small hands trace the curves of my swollen belly. At thirty-two weeks pregnant, I wonder just how much this baby weighs.
Gazing down, I whisper, “Are you six pounds? Seven? Please don’t be nine when you arrive.”
Suddenly, a tiny foot strikes my stomach. I throw my head back and laugh. “You’ve got jokes, little one.”
Once I’m dressed, I’ll take a picture and send it to my mother. Not sure why she tortures herself. She shouldn’t want to see how big my belly is after. Tears cloud my vision and the words get jammed in my throat. After losing my little sister.
I wipe away the tears and dress for the day. If I had stayed in the States, would they have found me and taken my child? My child. I remember the pain in Nico’s eyes when I shared my trauma with him. He vowed to do everything in his power to protect me and our family if we were to marry.My father tried toshield us too. But he failed. Some men simply don’t care about the safety and well-being of women and children.
I don’t know what made me think I could stop myself from spying on Nico. So what I was curious. I wanted to find out how many women he was seeing regularly. Turns out, quite a few. What did I really expect? That he’d just hole up at home and mope?
He’s also into some heavy shit. If something happens to him, I think I’ll lose my shit once and for all.
You should’ve stayed, Serenity.
My phone vibrates on the nightstand, pulling me from my thoughts. After staring at the blood orange dress cascading over my large belly, which hides my swollen feet, I grab my phone and peer at the screen.
One missed call from the adoption agency. I tap the voicemail icon.
Hi Serenity, it’s Trisha reaching out again. I haven’t heard from you lately. Are you still planning to proceed with the adoption? Should I arrange for the family to pick up the baby from the hospital? Please get back to me.
Without hesitation, I tap the missed call. She answers on the second ring.
“This is Trisha at Adoption Miracles. How may I help you?”
“Hello Trisha, this is Serenity Cichello.”
“Thank you so much for returning my call. Are you ready to sign the papers?”
I collapse onto the bed and catch my reflection in the mirror. Just then, the baby kicks hard against my belly. My hand instinctively rests over the tiny foot.
“No, I’m not. I’m going to raise my baby,” I say with quiet determination, though inside I’m trembling.
“I’m sorry it took me so long to decide.”
“I’m sorry too, Serenity. But I truly wish you the best.”
“Thank you,” I say softly before ending the call.
I blow out a breath, toss my phone on the bed, and palm my stomach. “It’s just me and you, little one.”
I hope I’m making the right decision.
Fifteen minutes later, I walk into the kitchen. My nose wiggles as I inhale crispy bacon, French toast, grits, and scrambled eggs.
I pluck a melon chunk into my mouth from the fruit tray. “Nana, fruit would’ve worked just fine. This is too much food.”
She smiles as she steps closer. “Don’t worry. If you don’t eat it all, the guards will be happy to.”
I chuckle. “Like they do most mornings.” I kiss her cheek.
“Thank you, Nana.”
