Chapter 43 A Little Blessing
Mariko's POV
As Maddie and I began the challenging journey of her recovery, the days in the hospital seemed to blur together. Our conversations often revolved around therapy, treatment plans, and the emotional hurdles she was overcoming. But amidst the weight of our circumstances, there was a glimmer of light in the form of my daughter.
Bella has a special bond with Maddie. Their connection is priceless since we have been together, and she has grown incredibly fond of Maddie's warm smile and playful nature, which I love. Bella's laughter filled the apartment since Amber was no longer around, but sometimes she would ask for Amber and I would let her talk on the phone with her mother. Bella had an uncanny ability to brighten even the darkest days.
I had informed Rosie to bring Bella to visit Maddie in the hospital. The doctor is keeping Maddie for a few days to monitor her and I was happy about that. I wanted to make sure that everything was going smoothly. I didn't want there to be anything wrong with Maddie or the baby because of possible long-term effects.
I was sitting on the chair beside the hospital bed, holding Maddie's hand and I watched as she woke up from her nap. I smiled as she looked at me. She returned the smile. "You are beautiful," I said.
She shifted to be comfortable and that is when the door opened. Bella's eyes were wide with curiosity as she peered at the unfamiliar surroundings, but as soon as she spotted Maddie in the hospital bed, her face lit up with joy.
"Maddie!" Bella squealed, rushing toward the bed with her tiny arms outstretched.
I stood up and scooped her up and held her close, feeling the warmth of her embrace, but she couldn't wait to get to Maddie and I placed her beside Maddie on the hospital bed. She embraced Maddie. "Surprise," I smiled as I watched them.
Maddie's eyes sparkled as she greeted Bella with a tender smile. "How have you been?"
Bella's excitement was palpable as she chattered away, telling Maddie about her day at the park and the new stuffed animal she had acquired as well as the doll house. Maddie listened intently, her eyes never leaving Bella's animated face. But we needed to tell her about the baby. "Bella, there is something that Maddie and I would like to tell you," I said. She looked at me with curiosity. "Remember when you told me that you wanted a little brother or sister?"
She nodded, "Am I getting one?" she asked with excitement. I looked over at Maddie who was smiling at me.
"Yes, you are going to be a big sister."
Then, with the innocence of a child, Bella reached out and gently patted Maddie's belly. "Is the baby in there?"
The room fell silent for a moment as we exchanged a knowing look. Bella's question was unexpected, but it was a conversation that needed to happen. Maddie smiled warmly at Bella. "Yes, there's a baby in there. A little brother or sister for you."
Bella's eyes widened with wonder. "I'm going to be a big sister!"
The simplicity of Bella's joy brought tears to my eyes. In her innocence, she saw only the beauty and excitement of the moment, not the complexities and challenges that lay ahead.
Maddie chuckled softly, her eyes glistening with emotion. "You are going to be an amazing big sister, Bella."
As the afternoon sunlight filtered through the hospital window, I watched as Maddie and Bella bonded over the prospect of a new addition to our family. It was a glimpse into the future, a future that held hope and the promise of healing.
Despite the difficulties we faced, Bella's presence served as a reminder that there was still joy to be found in our lives. Her innocence and love were the light that guided us through the darkest moments too, and I was grateful for the blessings she brought into our world.
Maddie's POV
I was happy to see Bella and how excited she was about the baby. Bella is a breath of fresh air in my life and she might be helping me too when I move in with them. Mariko took her to the hospital cafeteria to get something to eat. Rosie went with them, she was basically all to herself, she wasn't a person to involve herself in our situations. Perhaps when they are alone, she might be more talkative, but she is a sweet person.
The door opened, thinking that they had come back already. Nothing prepared me for this moment. "I saw the missed calls and texts from Mariko, what happened?" my mother rushed into the room and stood by my side. She moved a strand of hair away from my cheek and I pulled away from her, my heart beating fast with anger that was now creeping in.
"Mom, I don't care if you are here or not. You chose to leave with my father. Is he all that you care about? Have you forgotten what he did to you? What if he does the same to you again? Do you honestly think that he would be stuck with one woman or even care about you?" I asked, holding her gaze.
"I am here for you. I have raised you on my own and I have struggled to make ends meet for us all the years until you were old enough to work. I never dated a man because I was afraid and now that I think everything will be good, you are bombarding me with all of these questions and you don't even want to give your father a second chance. He is changing and to hell with what other people think. The bathroom in the apartment is a mess with water that was on the ground and in the bathtub. I had to clean up after you!" she hissed.
"I want you to leave me alone and I will be moving out. If you decide to be my mother and act like that, then you can call me," I said calmly.
"I want to be here for you," she was now calmer too.
"How do you go back to someone after all the horrible things that he has done?" I asked.
"I don't know," she shrugged and her brows furrowed.
"Please be careful of him." I was concerned about my mother too. I just hope that she will make the right decisions.
"What happened?" she asked.
I let out a sigh, "Just an accident. I am doing fine. Mariko was by my side the entire time, I am well taken care of and when I move out, you won't have to worry about me. I am a big girl now and I think that moving out will be the best decision for me. This does not mean that I won't be out of your life completely, but I need to be away from you...no offense," I said.
She nodded, her eyes glazing over, "After everything that we both have been through. I don't blame you for wanting to move out. It is your decision and there is nothing that I can do about it. I hope that you are happy that you got to know your father, after I did my best to get him out of prison. I also did that for you because you wanted to meet him."
"I am grateful that you went to that extent for me, but that was before I knew anything about him. The worst part of it all. If I had known the worst part, then I would never have associated myself with him," I replied.
"I'm sorry for everything," she said.
"All is good. If you don't mind, I would like to get some rest," I replied.
"I love you," she stood a while longer before leaving, as I didn't reply to that.
I was going to focus on myself from now on. I don't want to be caught up in anything that could put me back in the place that I am in...my mind is an active place and I would prefer that I have positivity to help me heal.