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Bella has been a big part of my adult life. She has helped me become a better person in a sense, and seeing her progression in the last five years has been amazing to watch. When I first started mentoring her, she had just come to live with her folks. I wanted to make sure she was being treated well, and offer some help. The foster parents seemed to think it was a good idea given my background with the system. There are some things that I can relate to that they can’t.
Five years ago, she was just starting school. In her previous homes, she was abused and not looked after. Her social skills were minimal. I helped her overcome that, and showed her that she didn’t need to be scared of everyone. She was so used to being bullied and picked on, that she didn’t want to even talk to the other kids in fear they would treat her like the last kids in her life. Not that I blame her if that’s all she knew before meeting her folks.
None of this is to say what Bella did was wrong. Or that she is the reason Bella was treated that way. Every woman has a decision to make when they are with child, and it’s none of my business. I can see it from both sides. Especially given the situation she was in. But then I look at Bella and wonder how anyone could give her up willingly.
“Theo, when I gave birth to her, and held her in my arms for the first time, it should have been one of the happiest days of my life. Instead, I sobbed. She came out looking just like him. How could I stare at a face that matched my rapist? How could I love and cherish a child that reminded me of the worst day of my life?”
I can’t begin to understand what she must have gone through. And it’s not my place to judge.
“You did what you thought was best for her. Instead of subjecting her to resentment, you wanted her to find someone who could love her. I can respect that.”
Not everyone can speak openly like her, and her explanation makes sense.
“The thing is, seeing her tonight, up close only makes me regret my decision. She might look like him, but she has my features too.”
Bella has always wondered who her mother was, and after tonight she doesn’t have to ask that question anymore. Although, I’m not sure how scarring it will be for her to know that she is the product of rape. Having Felicity in her life might help ease that burden.
“I think she will love you. Like I said, she’s a wonderful kid.”
This doesn’t change how I feel about her. She’s still the woman that makes my heart flutter. The woman who opened my heart up to the possibility that I’m worthy of love. My father took many things from me, but my ability to open up to the idea of a future family, he can’t ever take that one.
“What do you say we grab breakfast? We still haven’t had our second date yet.”
She smiles, and interlocks her fingers with mine. “I thought you’d never ask.”
EPILOGUE: THEO
Five years later…
Damon pats me on the shoulder. “Congratulations, brother. Welcome to the club.”
I gaze down at the bundle of joy in my arms and wonder how I got so lucky. Felicity could have chosen anyone, but she chose me. She is now the mother of my son, and soon to be my wife. We were supposed to be married a few months ago, but postponed when we found out about Carson’s arrival. She didn’t want to be eight months pregnant walking down the aisle. Still makes me laugh. Felicity is beautiful no matter what. Pregnant or not.
Things moved quickly once we got all our secrets out in the open. We spoke about our pasts in depth, and didn’t leave anything out. I attended sessions with her therapist to help me make her more comfortable about opening herself up to me fully. I understood her hesitancy after Thomas, and everything he put her through, but she knows I would never do what he did.
“Honey, it’s almost three fifteen. You’re going to be late,” she says, sitting up in the hospital bed, holding out her arms for baby Carson.
“Bella is so excited to meet her little brother! She’s been texting me throughout the day asking for pictures.”
Oh yeah, she’s almost sixteen now. Boy, have the years flown by. I still mentor her but we see each other more frequently. Felicity decided about a month after the incident that she wanted to be a part of Bella’s life, but she wanted to take it slow. So, she remained with her foster parents, but Felicity would come to our mentoring sessions. I understood why. Bella was adjusting to the idea that her mother was alive. And that led to so many other questions. This opened the door for Felicity to explain.
Once Bella understood what happened, she didn’t resent Felicity. All she could do was be happy that her mother wanted to be in her life. And so she embraced her.
Pulling up to the school, Bella hugs her boyfriend and gets into the car. “Take me to meet Carson. And none of that you need to get your homework done first. He’s my brother.”
“Onward to the hospital it is then. But text your parents and let them know so they don’t get worried.”
She types away on her phone while I take the back way which is faster to the hospital.
“So, have they talked to you about Felicity and I yet?”
Her head towards me. “What do you mean?”
“Well, we have been thinking and talking with the social worker. We think it’s time you come and live with us. You’d get to see your baby brother every day. How does that sound?”
Her face scrunches up.
“Or maybe this was a terrible idea and just forget I ever mentioned it.”
She laughs. “Are you sure? I don’t want to make things hard on Felicity. She says she doesn’t see Thomas everytime she looks at me anymore, but I don’t know if she is saying that to make me feel better or if it’s the truth.”
I pull over and park the car. “She loves you, Bel. Don’t ever doubt that. Sure, there are some things she will have to work on for the rest of her life, but she wants you. You are her daughter and she can’t let that man take away the one good thing that came out of it.”
She throws her arms around me. “Now, let’s go see baby Carson!”
