Cherry
Before leaving Lord Hill next morning coming, Fern asked me questions that break my heart.
“Mommy, where are you going? Why am I not allowed to go with you?” She asked.
I stopped packing and crouched to level my height with hers.
“You know you'll have a little brother or sister soon, right? It needs special care now. Mommy has to go to a place where it'll get that care.” I tucked her hair behind her ears and smiled softly.
“What about me, mommy?”
“Uncle Bert will bring you over to visit me so we can be together. When you miss mommy, just tell Uncle Bert."
“Okay, mommy. I'll be good, just like when you and daddy were away for your honeymoon." Fern nodded, still looking a bit uncertain.
“Mommy will be back before you know it,” I whispered at Fern, hugging her tightly.
As I packed up, Bert walked in the room, flashing a reassuring smile.
Bert and I took Fern to school. Before getting out of the car, my daughter hugged me tightly, trying to tell me how much she didn't want to let go of me.
“With daddy?" Here came that question again.
"Sure..." I answered her with guilty.
"I'm going to miss you, mommy.”
“Mommy will miss you too, sweetie.”
************
Bert started the car again. We were heading to a convalescent home in the Gray Land pack, not far from the Starsmoon.
“I knew Chelsea was up to something. But Dylan, this new Dylan, he is such an asshole!”
Bert laughed at my words, he couldn't believe that I was cursing his best friend.
“You're right. Chelsea's starting to show her true colors. Yet right now, you and the baby's safety are top priorities. We can deal with Chelsea later.”
“I just hope the situation won't get worse,” I murmured before staring at the window. "Just hope Fern won't run into Chelsea and Dylan."
"Don't worry. Fern will be with Chris and Heather after school. I'll take her to Maisy or here over weekend." Bert reassured me.
Soon, we arrived at the convalescent home. It was a peaceful place nestled in a serene forest.
Bert parked the car, and walked me into the room, where I would spend the next few months.
I opened my suitcase and took out my things one by one.
The convalescent home was affiliated with the best hospital in the Grey Land pack, known as Mercy Hospital. Bert said the security and environment was the best in the neighborhood and asked me to relax.
“But how can I?” I shook my head, shoving my thoughts away.
************
“Mommy!” Fern's giggle rang in my room.
She took me a bouquet of wildflowers.
“Mommy, these are for you.”
I hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.
“Thank you, sweetheart. These are the most beautiful flowers I've ever seen,” I said, smiling.
Bert pulled up a chair and joined us, “Cherry, you're doing great here. Fern misses you so much when you're not around.”
I smiled at Bert, touched by his words.
“I miss you too. You know what? You're right. I'm in good hands here.”
“And you have one more visitor,” Bert said.
My eyes naturally drift towards the door.
My dad, who had been back from the mission on borders, showed up.
“Oh, my sweet child,” he spoke before giving me a warm hug.
I pulled away from him and decided that we must stop crying now.
“Dad, it's going to get better. I believe Dylan will soon remember everything. This baby is my biggest hope right now. This baby might hely Dylan recall things.”
My father nodded.
“You've always been a strong and independent girl. I'm here for you this time, and we'll get through it together, okay?”
I nodded at dad's words, feeling my family coming back to me one after another. Dylan would soon be back to my life too, I bet.
During my time at the convalescent home, I enjoyed a peaceful pregnancy. Fern and my father visited me now and then, which was really bliss to me.
A few months later, the newest member of our family came.
“Hello Oliver, it's mommy,” I whispered to the little creature in my arms.
Days turned into weeks, and Oliver grew rapidly. I marveled at each new milestone.
Bert was a constant presence. He always made sure that Fern and my father had plenty of time with both me and the baby.
One month after Oliver's birth, Bert threw a celebration party.
“You know you don't have to do this Bert. But I really appreciate it.”
“Anything for this little blessing, for the future of our pack.” Bert looked at Oliver with affection.
“Mommy, I got you a gift for my little brother!” Fern showed me a small gift wrapped in colorful paper, her eyes filled with excitement.
“I can't believe it's already been a month since Oliver was born,” my father commented. That made me smile while I reached for Oliver's little hand.
By the end of the day, they bid farewell and there were only Oliver and I in the room.
Right after settling Oliver into sleep, I saw Bert return with a grave look.
“Anything wrong? Why are you back?” I asked, fear rising inside me?
“It's Dylan. He had a car accident.”