Heart Me

Chapter 43

Content Warning: The following chapter contains a scene depicting sexual harassment and violence that may be disturbing or triggering for some readers. Discretion is advised.

Kayla's POV

Two long weeks. That’s how long it had been since my mom was admitted to the hospital, she was finally discharged and we had been taking care of her from home. I had always been the girl who had everything done for her, never having to take care of anyone but myself. Now, with my mom needing help and my baby sister, Alysson, in the picture, I found myself thrust into a new kind of responsibility. It was both daunting and strangely fulfilling.

I sat on the edge of my parents' bed, the soft hum of my phone vibrating in my hands as I scrolled through messages, trying to distract myself from the whirlwind of emotions inside. Across from me, my mom was feeding Alysson, her face glowing with that serene joy only a mother can have.

"Sweetie, can you pass me the wipes?" her voice broke the silence, and I quickly grabbed the pack from the bed, handing it over.

"Baby girl," my mom cooed Alysson as she wiped her tiny face, "why do you keep spitting out your milk, huh?"

I shrugged, watching them both. “Maybe she prefers breast milk,” I commented absentmindedly, trying to keep things light, but my thoughts were elsewhere.

My mom chuckled softly, her attention fully on the baby as she wiped away the mess. The room was calm, but there was tension inside me, something I couldn’t shake.

"Mom..." I began, my voice a little hesitant.

She turned to me with a smile that was almost too bright, as if trying to keep everything perfect. “Yes, sweetheart? What is it?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. I had been holding this in for too long. “Why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” My voice trembled slightly. "I thought we were best friends… and best friends don’t keep secrets from each other."

The weight of my words hung in the air between us. Her smile faltered, and for a moment, she looked like she didn’t know what to say. “I’m sorry, Kayla,” she finally said, her voice quiet. “I didn’t know how to tell you. I didn’t even know I was pregnant until I was four months along. I wasn’t ready for another baby... I was scared. I’m sorry, honey. I didn’t mean to shut you out.”

I let out a long breath, feeling a tightness in my chest. “It’s fine,” I said, though it didn’t feel fine at all. “I’m the middle child now... Will you stop noticing me?” The words slipped out before I could stop them, raw and heavy with the insecurities I had been trying to bury.

Her face softened, but her eyes looked pained. “What? Oh no, Kayla, of course not! You are my baby girl. Why would you even think that?” She reached out to me, her hand resting gently on mine. “Come here.”

I hesitated but then moved closer, sitting beside her as she wrapped her arm around me. “You’re my pride and joy, Kayla. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Nothing—no one—could ever change that.” Her voice was warm, comforting, but it did little to ease the weight in my chest.

“I love you too, Mom,” I sighed, though I still couldn’t shake the feeling that things were different now.

She smiled softly. "I know, sweetheart. And speaking of which, tomorrow’s a big day.” Her tone shifted, lighter now, as she nudged me playfully. “It’s someone's birthday.”

I pulled away, the frustration bubbling up again. “Actually… I was thinking about going back to camp.”

Her smile faltered again, confusion crossing her face. “When?”