Whenever I need it, I’ll be here for you
The sun began to rise timidly on the horizon as we headed to the airport. Every kilometer traveled increased the anguish in my chest, the feeling that I was about to leave a part of me behind. Drew, my son, was there, a few steps away, but so far at the same time. The pain of knowing that we would soon be separated once again was almost unbearable. Jordan, my boyfriend and father of my son, was beside me, but seemed to be in another world. The silence between us was a bit heavy, filled with words that were not said during our last discussion last night. He did not understand, and could not completely understand my need to see our son, to be sure that he was okay. To him, my visit posed an unnecessary risk, a threat to our safety and that of Drew. But what he didn’t know, what he couldn’t understand, was the pain I was carrying from the moment I knew I was pregnant with Drew, and that I wouldn’t have him with me at that very important moment.
Painful memories flooded my mind as we drove down the road. The sleepless nights, the silent tears, the devastating fear I had of not being able to take care of Drew when he was born, because at that time I thought I had lost Jordan, who had lost everything. I had no one to support me but myself. And now, years later, I faced a different but equally challenging battle. My father, a totally evil and threatening figure, still exercised his control over us, even if we tried to escape, it seemed that he had everything written in his hands and knew every step we took, no matter which direction we took. Once again, the fight with Jordan still echoed in my ears, the sharp words and accusations thrown at each other.
He didn’t understand my decision to go see Drew, to risk so much for him. But how could I explain to him the magnitude of my mother’s love, the force that impelled me to face any danger for my son? He wasn’t there when I needed him, when the world seemed to be crumbling around me. He did not understand the loneliness and despair I faced when I was alone.
I took a deep breath and threw the uncertainties away, as the airport approached, my determination strengthened. I couldn’t back down, I couldn’t let fear paralyze me. Drew needed me, and I would do anything for him. Even if it meant challenging my father even more and making him never get out of jail, even if it meant risking everything we’d built so far.
The sun finally rose over the horizon when we arrived at the airport. The flashing lights and the commotion of the travelers seemed distant, as if we were in a world apart, just Jordan, me and the weight of our decisions. As the jet we had taken to come here was chartered, we went in another direction, walking to the most reserved part of the airport, our flight was about to leave, but a part of me wished that I could go back in time, that could undo all this and find a way to keep our family together. But there was no turning back now. I swallowed my pride and took Jordan’s hand, seeking comfort in his touch, even though our words remained unsaid, he shook my hand matching my touch and it brought me peace. Together, we will face whatever comes next, fighting for the love that united us and the son we loved so much. As we boarded the jet, the sense of determination renewed me the next moment. No matter what happened next, I was ready to face any challenge, any obstacle that arose between us and our son.
*Moments later*
The small narrow corridor of the jet looked like a lonely trail as I watched Jordan walk away towards the cockpit. A knot formed in my throat, a mixture of anxiety and uncertainty, but then Bella approached me. Her complicit smile brought a ray of comfort to my afflicted heart, and she clasped my hand firmly, conveying security. Bella entered my life as a light in the darkness when I was sent to the refuge. This is what we called that place, where we were taken by our parents to forget who we loved, to train and become something we would never want to be. Despite all the restrictions and challenges, we found a kind of security there and so we had each other.
Bella became my anchor in the refuge. We connect instantly, as if our souls have been intertwined since the beginning of time. Just like my friendship with Mellanie, Bella became an essential part of my life. His words of encouragement, his silent support, were like a relief to my soul that did not even have peace.
When we finally left the refuge, our paths traveled elsewhere, exchanged messages all the time, keeping our friendship alive, but soon Bella disappeared. Her silence made me sad and always wondering if something had happened to her, and that’s when the unexpected happened. In a very crazy twist of fate, she discovers that Bella was more than just my refuge friend. She was my father’s half-sister. The shock of the revelation echoed through me, but at the same time, it brought such a good feeling to my heart, a feeling I never knew was missing in me. I looked at Bella, her presence beside me, is a palpable confirmation of our newfound bond. The gratitude overflowed for my heart, a silent thanks for all the support she had given me over the two years we met, and for being there with me at this important moment.
"Thank you, Bella," I muttered, my voice barely more than a whisper. But the words carried all the weight of my appreciation, all the depth of my love for the woman I now knew to be my sister.
"Whenever I need it, I’ll be here for you." She gave me a comforting smile, her eyes shining in understanding.
As the plane took its course, our destiny unfolded before us, full of possibilities and challenges. But with my sister, my friends and my boyfriend by my side, I knew that no matter what happened, we will face it together, without worrying about the consequences.