It's you

Chapter 20

Flashback

13 years ago

Baker's residence

Olivia, Jordan, Layla, and Naomi were all playing hide and seek when Layla ran into Laura's office to hide. She hid herself in the storage where Laura keeps her files. After waiting for a few minutes without anyone coming to check on her, she made the decision to go outside and reveal herself. As she attempted to leave, she heard footsteps and decided to stay where she was. Then she heard her mum and dad arguing over something, loud enough for her to hear.

Laura: Why do we need to tell her or the children? Why can't we wait till she is old enough?

Bily: She is growing up, Laura. She will definitely find out someday. Plus, I am not okay with the way Olivia is taking a fall for all of it. Maybe if you were doing right by Liv, there would be no need for this discussion.

Laura: Babe, what do you want me to do?

Billy: (He raises his voice) Be kind to Liv, too. She is, after all, your biological daughter. Your only daughter, for God's sake. All you do is focus on what Layla wants.

Laura: Don't you get it, Billy? I can't get rid of my guilt. And if me making restitution is to ensure Layla doesn't suffer or lack anything, I would do it.

(She breaks down in tears) I knew Meredith (Layla's mum) was in an abusive marriage, Billy. She came to me several times to help her, but I kept telling her to stay in the marriage and make it work. I told her to pray about it, but the abuse never stopped until she got pregnant and even when she did, I still foolishly advised her to stay with that man.

She was counting on me, Billy; I failed her, now I can't fail her daughter. Even if I have to give up everything for her, I will. That is how much I hate what I did to her mother. (she takes a pause as she wipes her face)

And again, how do you want me to explain to her that I am the reason why her father is in prison? Just how?

Billy: Laura, firstly, Meredith died because of the complications she had during child birth not because of you. And they imprisoned her father for constantly battering his late wife. Even when she was pregnant, he didn't stop beating her, and it was about time that you and Meredith did what was necessary. You sent him to where he belongs, jail.

Olivia doesn't have to be the one suffering for this. She needs your love and attention too, Laura. My daughter is hurting, and it is because of you.

Laura: I love Olivia.

Billy: Then show it, prove it to her. You are making her feel like an outsider in her own home. The other day she had tears in those beautiful eyes, asking me why you hate her so much? I was speechless and didn't know what to say. Do you know she is even afraid to ask us for anything? When last has Liv come to meet you for anything?

Laura: (Not moved by Billy's plea) Layla gets whatever she wants. Olivia will just have to bear with it. I am sure when she grows up, she will understand why. I must continue making amends. That is the least I can do for that poor girl who lost her family.

Billy: it shouldn't be at the expense of your daughter.(He calms down) Why not go see a therapist, so he or she can help you figure out this thing?

Laura: There is nothing to figure out. Billy, you were not there when Meredith look me in the eye and made me promise to protect and take care of her daughter before she took in her last breath. I still see her face when I sleep and the tears she had on her face.