Braver, Bolder
Kelly's POV
"Mommy, why is daddy Pierce not visiting?"
It's the 6th time Snow asked that question today. She doesn't seem to notice it for the past few days but now she's starting to think about it. Pierce is calling everyday, but he's not visiting.
I know I can't stop her from wanting to be with her dad. Her heart knows but for now, I need to focus on her and not on anyone else.
I still love Pierce. I fell in love with him for the second time, but I won't trade my daughter's safety for a man's love. I'd live but unhappy without Pierce, but I don't think I could ever survive a day if I lose my daughter. "Daddy Pierce is busy, pumpkin."
"I saw him on the news, mommy. Why are the people following him? They are asking him about you. Does daddy Pierce love you, mommy?"
I bit my bottom lip. "I don't know, sweetie."
"On my birthday next year, can I invite daddy Pierce and my friends, mommy?""
I finally smiled at her while chopping ingredients. "Of course, sweetheart. Who are your friends?"
She giggled and started counting on her fingers. "Aunt Ana, Aunt Yara, Uncle Luke, Aunt Phoebe and my secret friend."
My forehead creased. "Secret friend?"
"Yes, mommy. I can't tell you about him because he said we're secret friends."
beat because
into her eyes. "Please, tell mommy about your
You said breaking your own promise is painful. I can't tell
next year, mommy.
bad feeling
call him daddy too! I have
my mouth.
squatted on the floor in front of Snow. "Baby, is your secret friend calling
gasped and cupped her mouth while her eyes were
thought you're only talking
called first, mommy and
raggedly as I kneeled on the floor in front of her. Snow looked at me with innocent eyes that were starting to water.
"A-Are you angry, mommy?"
shook my head and caressed her cheek. No. No, sweetle. Of course not. Mommy will never
friend and promise me that you'll let me talk to him if he calls again, okay?" "Why, mommy? Are
just curious about your secret friend, sweetie. I wanna
I said. "I will introduce
nodded and pulled her closer to me. I hugged her so tight as I squeezed my eyes closed. I felt Snow gently caressing my hair, soothing
don't have friends before, mommy. But now I have many friends. I also have
to take the risk. If only I can fight for both
her cheeks. "You will gain so many friends now, sweetheart. Mommy promised
Thank you, mommy! I love
love you
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