Chapter 5%
As I stepped into the familiar surroundings of my childhood home, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. I had been dreading this moment for weeks, ever since I had made the decision to leave my husband and start anew. My mother, who had never approved of my marriage, stood in the doorway, her eyes fixed on the tiny bundle in my arms.
For a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension between us palpable. Then, my mother’s expression softened, and she took a step forward.
“Darcy,” she whispered, her voice trembling as she continued, “My baby girl.“”
I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed at my mother, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and concern. I knew she was hurt, not just because I had gotten divorced, but because I had married someone she had never liked in the first place.
“Mom,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry. I know you never wanted me to marry him, but-“}
My mother’s eyes flashed, and she cut me off. “Sorry? You’re sorry? Darcy, I warned you. I told you he was no good for you. But you didn’t listen. You never listen.“}
I felt a sting from her words, but I knew she was hurting, too. I took a deep breath and tried to explain.
“Mom, I know I made mistakes. But I was young, and I thought I was in love. And then…and then I got pregnant, and I felt trapped. I didn’t know what to do.“>
My mother’s expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch my face.
“Oh, Darcy! My poor baby girl. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you more. I’m sorry I didn’t support you when you needed me.“” Tears streamed down my face as I gazed at my mother, her eyes filled with regret and love.
“It’s not your fault, Mom,” I whispered. “It’s mine. I made the choices I made, and I have to live with them.“>
My mother’s eyes dropped to the baby in my arms, and a small smile played on her lips.
“But you have this little one now,” she said, her voice filled with wonder. “And I’m so grateful for that. Can I…can I hold him?“}
I nodded, and my mother gently took the baby from me. As she cradled him in her arms, a look of pure joy washed over her face. “He’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Just like his mother.”
I smiled, feeling the warmth and peace of being protected by the family. Maybe, just maybe, we could heal from the past and start anew. Together.
My mother looked down at the baby again, a smile spreading across her face as she asked, “What’s his name?“>
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride. “His name is Ethan,” I said.”
My mother’s eyes lit up. “Ethan,” she repeated. “I love it. He’s going to grow up to be a strong, handsome man, just like his mother.”
I laughed, feeling a sense of joy throughout my body. For the first time in a long time, I felt like everything was going to be okay.
As we sat there, my mother holding Ethan and me watching them, I knew that we still had a long way to go. We still had to heal from the past, to work through our issues and come out stronger on the other side.
But for now, at this moment, everything felt right with the world.
After a year, I resumed my work as the renowned doctor of our country. I had clinics in several cities, so, I had to travel most of the time. So, I moved out from my Mom’s place and started taking care of Ethan on my own.”
Two years passed in a moment and my son turned three years old. He was so wise and mature that I often doubt if he really was Harris’s child. Earlier I used to think that Ethan might remind me of Harris and make it difficult for me to move on from the past. But, to my surprise, his habit didn’t match me or Harris. He was way too sharp and handsome than his father, not reminding me of Harris at all. I couldn’t be glad any more to have an extraordinary son.”
I had returned to my hometown after a medical trip of fifteen days. So, I visited my Mom’s place. She had been inviting me for months. As soon as I arrived, I walked into the kitchen, where my mother was busy preparing dinner. She looked up at me and greeted me with a warm hug, but I could see a hint of concern in her eyes.
She led me to the living room and after a few conversation, she asked, “Darcy, can we talk for a minute?“>
I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What did she want to talk about?!
