Mommy is here

"So, how have you been doing lately?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood. I have come to terms that Miguel had his reasons to leave, and if he saw me as a charity case, it was okay. Even so, he did help me when I was in a tough time. However, I wondered why he left and did he had ever considered trying to contact me at all? A bitter feeling rose in my chest but I pushed it down.

Miguel smiled, "I have been fine," he paused and continued, "I want to say sorry again."

I shrugged. "It is fine. I know you helped me because I reminded you of someone who you regret not helping," I said casually.

Miguel gave a wry smile and then turned to the window. The rain was steadily reducing.

The room was in awkward silence.

"How is Mia?" he asked, breaking it. "I only saw her when she was a baby. How has she been doing lately?... Sasha?"

At the mention of Mia, I felt everything around me quiet down. A memory flashed before me. I remembered the balloon flying in the sky (beat), the sound of a small body landing on the ground (beat, beat), the trail of blood in sight (beat, beat, beat), and finally, the words of the doctor (beat, beat, beat, beat, beat.)

"Sasha!"

I snapped out of my daze to see Miguel's hands on my arms. He must have shaken me because I felt a bit dizzy.

"S-sorry. I must have drifted off a bit too much there," I said and dryly laughed.

Miguel narrowed his eyes. "I wasn't planning to ask, but now...did something happen to Mia?" he asked and searched my eyes.

I remained silent. Miguel sighed and then embraced me, which caught me off guard. He rested my head on his shoulder and gently patted my hair. A nostalgic feeling resurfaced. He used to do this for me when I felt down about my life and being pregnant.

The woody citrus, floral, fresh scent that smelled of the ocean breeze clouded my mind. I felt my mind calm down, and I managed to calm my anxiety. Miguel let me go and smiled as usual. This time I didn't feel angry or uncomfortable seeing it since he left, but this time I was happy.

"The rain is quietened down. I think your clothes are dry now, so where should I take you?" Miguel asked.

I gulped and replied, "To the hospital."

***

Miguel drove the car in silence. I told him everything that happened on the ride in a neutral tone. I don't want to break down or drift off again. Starting now, I must be emotionally strong for Mia.

"If I may, I would like to help you...if you want me too," he said warily. I turned to look at him.

"I am not doing it because of pity; I want honestly to help you. I did see you as a friend who I cared," he answered. I turned my head to look at the rain.

'A friend you didn't bother to contact again,' I thought bitterly. I wanted to reply to that but decided not to. If I allow Miguel into my life again, I must be extra careful not to let my past feelings resurface. Who knows when he would leave again and having an unrequited love would get me nowhere.

I looked at Miguel once more. "You can come to see Mia with me," I answered. Miguel nodded and looked at the road ahead. I could see a trail of a smile on his face.

'This guy never stops smiling,' I thought.

***

As we walked the hallway, I saw Alex sitting in a seat next to Mia's door. Alex ran to me in relief but stopped when he saw Miguel. He looked at him up and down.

"Who are you?" he asked.

I glanced at Miguel and answered, "He's my old friend, Miguel. He helped me when I had Mia. He drove me here and helped me when I got caught in the rain. Miguel, this is Alex, my-" I started.

"Your cousin. I know. You told me about your family, remember," he said and smiled at Alex.

"Nice to mee you, Alex."

Alex slowly nodded and turned to me. "Mia just woke up. She would be happy to see you," he said and briefly glanced at Miguel.

"He wants to meet Mia. He only remembers her when she was a baby," I explained. A suspicious expression crossed Alex's face, but he hid it with a smile.

"Sure. I just got called in the office because of something urgent though I didn't want to leave Mia alone. Now that you here, I have to go," he explained with a sorry look. He hugged me briefly a goodbye, glanced at Miguel, and then left.

"Your cousin doesn't seem to like me," replied Miguel casually.

I rolled my eyes.

"Doesn't matter. Let's go," I replied and walked on.

When I stood in front of the door, I started to get nervous.

"It's okay," mumbled Miguel as he placed his hand on my shoulder. I nodded in reply.

"Thanks," I said and opened the door.

"Mommy!" exclaimed Mia at the sight of me. I gave her a brilliant smile.

"Mommy is here, Mia," I said warmly.

***

Readers

I have been looking through my past chapters and am planning to edit their grammar and change bits of things there.

If you like this book please rate it.

I apologize for taking long to update.