Page 62 of SnowBound

She pivoted on her heels and met my gaze. Her eyes were devoid of any warmth. With her lips firmed, her gaze swept all over me. Without an ounce of love.

“Mother?”

The sound of her palm connecting with my cheek filled the heavy silence, and I jumped back at the contact. The sting drew new tears from my eyes.

“You are no longer my daughter, Abigail. I’m done with you. Now stay in your room. I’ve seen enough of you tonight.”

My lips quivered. My heart fractured behind my ribcage.

I was aware my parents wouldn’t be happy with the news, but never did I imagine their throwing me out and disowning me.

With a step back, I put distance between us. I was numb. My head spun. My insides hurt. I couldn’t process anything, too shocked. My hand rested on my left cheek, easing the burn on my flesh. I looked around. In all the years I’d lived here, my childhood house had never appeared so cold and uninviting. Impeccably polished wooden floors covered every room. Crucifixes, crosses, and other religious symbols filled the beige, almost yellow, walls and bourbon-colored tables.

My mother returned to her stove, and an ice wall rose between us. Her action severed the last thread of love tying us together.

I rushed out of the kitchen, blinking the tears building in my eyes.

Locked in the bathroom, I took in the matching set of green bathtub, sink, and toilet. The lid covered in a piece of ugly pink rug. The same color as the rectangular one spread over the mocha tiled floor. And as depressing as the rest of the house. A contrast to its pristine and updated exterior.

No one could guess my parents were wealthy on touring the house.

Splashing cold water over my face, I tried to come to terms with my new reality as I admired the red mark spread across my cheek. I was nineteen years old, pregnant, single, and about to live on the street if I didn’t find a shelter or a cheap apartment soon. Not the life I ever imagined for myself. Or my unborn child.

My eyes filled with unshed tears. “Please, Andy. If somehow you can hear me, I need you. Even if it’s just for moral support. Or a hug. I’ll never ask anything from you, but I could really use some cheering right now. I’m all alone in this world. And I’m scared. I have no idea what I’m doing. Perhaps you don’t even remember me, but I have a hunch our story isn’t over yet. I’m sorry I left without exchanging numbers. If we never cross paths again, this will always be my biggest regret. Not because of the baby, but because there was something powerful between us, and I’ll forever wonder if we were meant to be. And we’re now linked for life, and you have no idea. How ironic.”

The reality of the last hour sank in.

No way would I ever be able to finish my degree. Not without a grant or my parents helping me out, even in the form of a loan.

The thought of it sent my heart plummeting down my chest.

My palms cradled the little bundle of joy growing inside me. “We’ll be okay. You and I. I promise. I’ll do whatever I can to make this work and see to it you never lack for anything. I might require a little time, but keep faith in me, okay? We’ll do this. Together. We’re a team now.”

When I stared back at my visage in the mirror, I promised myself one thing. I wouldn’t waive off my dreams. No matter how hard it got or how tired it made me, I would get there. Even if I had to take night classes while breastfeeding a newborn, I would get my degree. And climb the ladder until I became a music executive.

My hands clamped the sink tight, and I nodded at my reflection. “Girl, you can do this. Alone or not, you’re stronger than anyone can imagine. You are a superstar, and you are gonna shine.”

With one last nod, I exited the bathroom and reached my bedroom, ready to box whatever I had that I could bring along. And then I would create my own life.

No matter what it took.