Kitten

Chapter 52: My strength

2 months later

Lily

It hasn't been easy for anyone these past few months. We had good days and bad. Mum's cancer was getting worse and every day seemed to be more of a struggle for her.

It was until that dreadful day that her hair started falling out. She was completely devastated and cried as she she held clumps of hair begging dad to cut it off.

We all supported her as dad shaved her hair off. It was an emotional time for all of us, but she was strong and we knew she'd fight this cancer. All the friends and family came round to support her and it was what she needed. She was truly devastated about her hair, but Dad did something none of us could have ever imagined he would.

He disappeared for some time before coming back with his hair shaved off as well. To say we were shocked was an understatement, but as for mum she was a complete bundle of emotions. He said that they were to go through life together and would never let her feel discomfort.

I remember the moment when mum said she looked ugly with no hair, but dad wasn't having any of it. He kissed all her tears away and made her see how beautiful she looked.

Ever since I had found out the truth about how they met, I couldn't stop thinking about it. But it was so hard to imagine it as he was like the most adorable puppy with her. They were right, doing bad things in your past doesn't make you a bad person if you choose to change.

Alexander did bad things, but he changed and turned everything around for love, for me. Every night I still dreamed of Alexander, but the pain in my heart of not having him with me had started to ease off. He was my savior and he was at peace. Maybe his body not being found was easier to live with rather than having to come in and identify him.

"So how long is it until we see the little kicker?" Laura asked with her hand gently stroking Ethan's hand.

I chuckled at the nickname that had been given to the baby due to her incessant kicking. It never hurt, but I could tell the little one was excited to come into the world.

"Anytime now" I replied with a smile on my face as I stared down at my bulging stomach.

"We cannot wait to meet the little kicker. I cannot wait to spoil them completely rotten. Listen here little kicker, if mummy annoys you or becomes a bitch, then you tell Grandpa and I'll sort her out".

"James" mum playfully swatted him and shook her head before grabbing his hand and placing it in his.

"Sorry baby" he whispered into her ear.

We had found a new home and mum wanted me to stay with them so that they could help out with the baby as they knew it wasn't going to be easy for me as a single mum. Besides, I think dad was keen to bond with his grandchild so he could teach her to say his name first.

As for our old home, the land was cleared of the rubble and debris and upon endless discussions and arguments, mum and dad had agreed to put the land up for sale. A part of me knew that they wanted to rebuild the house, but with a newborn baby on the way it wasn't suitable. After months someone bought it in discretion and it was no longer our land.

"James, where is my hummus, have you eaten it?".

"N-No, I swear". Mum glared at dad with his fiercest gaze possible. I was going to let dad suffer her wrath this time and keep quiet that it was me who ate it as the little kicker demanded hummus and pickles.

"I'll be right back, I need, oh no".

A pain coursed through my abdomen as I stood up to my full height and doubled over as the pain intensified.