The Way We Were

The Way We Shop in England

Marcy picked up a dress. "Do you like this?"

"No." Gabriella shook her head.

"Why?"

The lavender eyed 22 month old blinked in shock. No one had ever asked her that before. "I don't like dresses."

Marcy understood that all too well. "But do you like the color?"

Gabriella nodded. Yellow seemed like such a good color.

"What about these? Your mama has a pair." Marcy meant Mercedes had an adult pair of butter yellow overall jeans.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Gabriella wanted them!

Marcy gave her the pants. "How are you taking this?"

"This?" Gabriella held up the overalls.

"No." Marcy smiled. "Being adopted. Do you like it?"

Gabriella nodded happily. "I have two mommies and a daddy and brothers and a sister."

Marcy chuckled. "You know you have more than that? You have aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents."

Her little mouth rounded.

"Yes. You have over 5,000 people who care about you. Can you count yet?"

Gabriella shook her head.

"That's okay. You will soon. You're a good egg, Ella."

Gabriella was startled into giggling.

W.W.W.

"Hi, Valentino." Maddie came up behind the little boy.

He started. "Hi."

"Are you hungry?" She noticed he was staring at the candy display.

He nodded.

"Want this?" She pointed.

He nodded again, not even knowing what she was pointing at.

She ordered three chocolate cordials and gave him one. "Taste it."

He bit into the chocolate and was surprised to find a cherry center. He hadn't had much candy in his life. "Yummy!"

She grinned. "Want another one?"

He nodded, excited.

W.W.W.

"Do you know your colors?" Laura asked Rajah.

He nodded.

"What's your favorite color?"

He thought about it. "I like grey."

The unusual preference made her heart melt. "Aww! Karou would love you!"

"Karou?"

"Your cousin. You'll meet her soon and her family."

He smiled.