A Home for Jane

Chapter 9: Just One More Day.

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Marie has been gone for what feels like forever, but in reality has only been two days. Two extremely long days, that consisted of early mornings and late nights.

It's finally Monday, she comes home today. Wrong! Her flight was postponed; she will be arriving later tonight or early tomorrow morning. You know what that means?

Just one more day.

"Wake up Sleeping Beauty." I could feel a hand on my shoulder shaking me awake, or at least trying.

"No Bryan, It's too early." I heard a snort somewhere off to my left.

"Sorry, but your Prince is downstairs cooking breakfast." I jolted up, opening my eyes and letting the light temporarily blind me.

"Oh gosh, my bad Sophie. I didn't expect you to come wake me."

She just shrugged it off, smiling like an idiot.

"What's that look for?" She shook her head and walked over to my door, opening it slightly.

"Nothing, you guys are just so freaking cute it makes me sick. I'll see you downstairs." I heard a snicker before my door was shut and I was left alone.

I quickly changed into denim shorts and a white v-neck top; I slipped on my converse before exiting my room.

I let my hair down, not caring if I resembled a lion this morning.

On my way to the kitchen I found Nevaeh sitting by herself in the living room, she was just staring at the wall.

I knocked on the door to gain her attention.

"Nevaeh?" I asked, she nodded hesitantly.

"What are you doing in here by yourself?" She stared down at her skirt and began to play with the fabric.

I ducked down to her level. "Nevaeh sweetie, what's the matter?" She looked up at me and her big brown eyes were full of tears.

My heart broke.

I wrapped her up in my arms, soothing her.

"It's okay. Sh. Tell me what's wrong Nevaeh, I might be able to help you."

"I-It's my b-birthday." I wiped the tears from her pink cheeks.

"Isn't that a happy thing? Don't you like birthdays, sweetie?"

She shook her head, more tears start streaming down her face.

"Sh, it's okay. Nevaeh, why don't you like birthdays?"

She started crossing her arms, like she didn't want to talk about it.

I was going to drop it, but she started to explain.

"My mommy and daddy left me here on my birthday."

I didn't respond, I just stared at her.

This little girl, she's not even seven. I can't even stand to see her cry.

How could someone drop her off here, and leave her with someone she doesn't know? They did it on her birthday too. The one day she has to celebrate herself, now it's a day she dreads the awful reminder that she's not wanted.

And then it hit me, this was me.

I was the little girl nobody wanted, I was dropped on a strangers doorstep.

Something inside me snapped.

I couldn't hold it in, I let the tears fall.

I hugged Nevaeh with all I had.