Chapter 6

Julie

Angel adored her bath time, but her penchant for incessant chatter made me decide against adding bubbles this evening. “Momi, bubble bubble.”

I smiled down at my talkative little one. “Okay, babe, we can have some bubbles, but promise me you’ll keep that mouth closed while we play.”

Angel and I settled into the warm bathwater, creating frothy bubbles that elicited giggles from her. She attempted to grasp the bubbles as they danced on the surface, but they constantly eluded her tiny fingers, prompting her to try again and again.

After an hour of quality bath time, I wrapped her up in a cozy towel and dressed her, her fluffy hair still damp. Together, we made our way downstairs. I wore a simple black shorts gown, and my hair was casually pulled into a messy bun.

We entered the kitchen, where I decided to whip up a quick meal for Angel, considering she hadn’t eaten much at lunch. Putting her in her high chair, I began to prepare her dinner.

“Mommy, Mommy.”

I smiled at my precious child. “Yes, my princess? What’s wrong?”

“Food, food, food,” she repeated eagerly.

As the delectable aroma of dinner filled the kitchen, I heard the front door open and close, accompanied by the sound of approaching footsteps and voices. Looking up, I saw Mary entering. “Hey, Mary, you guys are back?”

Mary responded, “Yeah, and I’m absolutely famished. From the scent, it’s obvious you made curry.”

With a nod, I confirmed, “Indeed, it’s curry. Why don’t you and Alex go freshen up, and I’ll set the table?” They both headed upstairs as I prepared Angel’s meal and settled her in her high chair.

While I worked, Angel eagerly awaited her food. She repeated, “Momi, Momi.”

“Yes, my sweet. Dinner is coming,” I assured her.

Just as I was finishing, I heard a knock at the door. Mary volunteered to answer it and returned with a man, slightly older than Alex. She hurried to the kitchen, carrying an extra plate of curry and a glass of wine, indicating the arrival of a guest.

I put Angel in her high chair, and the four of us took our seats. Mary’s boyfriend, Justin, joined us. We exchanged pleasantries, with Alex and I offering our greetings in unison.

As we began to eat, Justin curiously asked, “So, are you two Angel’s parents?” He regarded me with a judgmental look as I fed Angel, who was struggling to keep her eyes open.

I replied, “Well, I am her mother, but he is not the father.” Gently, I wiped Angel’s mouth and took her into my lap as she started drifting into sleep.

Justin continued to pry, “So, why did you leave your child here with Mary?”

I cast a look at him and then back to Angel, trying to keep my composure. “I didn’t abandon my child. Can we please just enjoy our meal?”

Justin, however, persisted, “No, not until you tell me what kind of person leaves her child with a total stranger after carrying her for nine months.”

The words stung, and tears welled in my eyes. Overwhelmed by my emotions, I stood up abruptly, no longer willing to remain in the same room with this judgmental guest. I began to walk away, but Alex reached out, taking Angel from my arms and guiding me to my room. As he tucked Angel in, I sat on my bed, and my tears began to flow.

In the quiet of my room, Alex held me close as I cried. I had no words to express the myriad of emotions coursing through me. How desperately I wished to take Angel with me, but it wasn’t possible.

After a substantial time spent crying, Alex left briefly to retrieve a glass of water and painkillers, as the throbbing in my head had grown unbearable. I heard a knock on the door and knew it was either Alex or Justin. I told them to enter, and to my surprise, it was Justin, the last person I wanted to face at that moment.

I was resolute. “Look, if you’re here to lecture me about my choices and label me as something I’m not, it’s not necessary. I’d rather be left alone.”

However, Justin surprised me with an unexpected apology. “Julie, I’m truly sorry for my judgmental behavior. I didn’t know your story or the circumstances behind you leaving Angel here. Mary filled me in on what happened, and I wish she’d shared it earlier. I’m sincerely asking for your forgiveness.”

I considered his words. “It’s alright; we all make snap judgments sometimes. It’s just important not to judge a book by its cover. I’m willing to start over on a better note tomorrow. Right now, I’m exhausted. Can we say goodnight, and maybe we can chat tomorrow?”

With an understanding nod, he left my room. I wasn’t sure if Alex would return, so I decided to change out of my dress, leaving me in nothing but my Calvin Klein underwear. I peeked in on Angel to ensure she was comfortable, covered her, and returned to my bed.

As I lay there with the covers over me, a knock on the door prompted me to invite the visitor inside. It was Alex, who had brought me a glass of water and the painkillers. He handed them to me, and I took them gratefully. Afterward, I placed the glass on the nightstand.

“Thank you; that was just what I needed,” I said.

Alex walked over to the dresser, rifling through it in search of something. “Hmm, need some help finding something?”

He replied, “Yes, Mary told me there was an extra blanket in here that I could use.”

I sighed as I clarified, “Oh, did she forget to mention she threw it away? Angel had a rather significant accident on it.”

"Why can't she sleep here and you in here room?"

"Hmm because her boyfriend is staying over and I don't think she would want me sharing a bed with him when she can warm him up better."

He suggested an arrangement, “Why don’t we share my blanket? There’s enough space for both of us.” “Just promise me you won’t attempt anything inappropriate.”

I agreed, “Of course, I wouldn’t. What would your sister think of me? I’m not that kind of guy.”

“Alright, as long as you say so. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”