FAREWELL
Madison’s POV
“You shouldn’t be standing for too long,” Georgia said to me.
And that was how I realized that I’ve been standing in front of the house, gazing at it without moving an inch for ages.
I nodded, took her hand, and allowed her to usher me into the house. We made our way into the living room and were greeted by an emptiness.
I breathed a sigh of relief and was about to follow Georgia to the guest wing when I saw a newspaper lying on the table. I have sharp eyes because from a distance, my eyes caught one of the headlines, boldly engraved on the paper.
Before Georgia could blink, I slipped from her grasp, walked to the table, and grabbed the paper. I held it with both hands and read the headline. It says ‘Missing Worthington Heiress Found After 28 Years.’
I sighed.
This means my identity has been made public, a decision I wasn’t sure I was cool with. I don’t know whether it was Michael or my parents who were too excited to keep their mouths shut.
I was about to read through the article when it was snatched from my grasp.
“Georgia!” I turned but it wasn’t Georgia who took it.
“You should go to your room and get some rest, Madison,” he said.
“Eleanor. That’s what the paper said. My name is Eleanor Worthington,” I told him.
Michael might have snatched the newspaper from me but I’ve already past a few lines.
Then, I stretched my hand toward him. “Now if you may please hand over the paper to me,”
He shook his head in filial objection. “This shouldn’t matter. What matters is your health,”
I folded my arms across my chest. “And my biological parents? Shouldn’t they matter?”
Michael scraped his forehead. Then he lifted his head. “They are here,”
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“Not in this residence but they are in town in a private suite and they’d like to take you home tomorrow,” he supplied.
I wasn’t surprised by the fact that they were here. I’ve sensed it from the moment my biological mother walked into that room disguised as a nurse.
“I begged them to give you more time to heal. Time to maybe get yourself back but then,” Michael chuckled and then looked me in the eyes. I was immediately alerted by the bags that had formed underneath his eyes. “But then, they are your parents and they’ve been longing for you for the past 28 years, and speaking of care, you’ll get the best care there,”
I swallowed hard. None of this should surprise me. I mean, I was no longer carrying Michael’s child so there was no point staying here.
“You should get some rest and maybe take a little time to bid everyone a farewell,” Michael stared at the piano, avoiding my gaze.
“Yeah,” I replied.
He turned to me. “Perhaps, getting away from this town and its people will make you feel better and safer. We failed you Madison. You deserved to be where you’re loved and idolized so take this as another chance to be happy,”
I sighed.
I can’t believe Michael was ready to let me go so easily. I know he barely has any choice in this matter but perhaps, I needed him to make me feel like I belonged here at least. But then, we had a deal. I have the baby and then leave and since we lost the baby, I must leave.
I cleared my throat loudly. I’ve read all his letters so perhaps it’s time to render my apologies and also spill my mind, to let him know that the incident wasn’t his fault.
“I…
“You should go to your room,” Michael interjected before I could add another word. “Georgia will spend the night in your room to ensure you’re catered for all through the night. I’ll see you tomorrow when they are here,” he said and turned around.
A tugging arose in my chest as I watched Michael walk away. At that point, I needed no one to tell me that we would not have any conversation or maybe, cross paths again.
\~~~~
“Come in,” I responded after a knock landed on my door.
Georgia walked in with a smile and a dress. She placed the dress on the bed. “It’s comfy and graceful,” she patted the dress. “Let’s go get you cleaned up and then you can have breakfast,”
“Are they here yet?”
Georgia cast her gaze to the floor and that was how I got a confirmation.
I heard cars revving into the house and then footsteps all around the house I heard strange voices mixed with Michael’s but I didn’t eavesdrop and my window has been closed.
“They’ll be joining us for breakfast and after that,” Georgia lifted her head and I caught tears welling up in her eyes.
I sighed and then went to hug her.
“I’m going to miss you my, girl. You’re a fighter and I’m so proud of you,”
I sniffled. “Thank you Georgia, thank you for making life easier,”
She began to pat my back. “You won’t forget us. Won’t you?”
I laughed. “Of course not,”
Michael had asked me to bid everyone farewell yesterday but the moment I got into my room, I didn’t get out. I don’t think I have the nerve to meet Ank, Clenard, Ferdinand, or even Carissa and look them in the face and tell them I was leaving for good. It’s been a few months but I’ve gotten used to them already.
The thought of leaving them was causing my heart to ache so I just remained indoors.
“I’m sorry, Georgia. Tell them I’m sorry,”
Georgia pulled away from the embrace and looked me straight in the eyes with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Look at me, there’s noble blood flowing in your veins and you’ll be proud of it. You heard me?”
I nodded and wiped my eyes with the edge of one palm.
“They understand. Everyone here understands and trust me, Madison. We are all happy for you,”
I nodded again.
“Now, let’s get you cleaned up. Your parents can’t wait to meet you,” she said and broke away from the embrace.
She dashed into the bathroom while I followed her.
What no one knows is that I’ve already met my mother.