“Forgiveness is a journey, my child.” A lady preached Father's words.

Father.

This is an old voice.

I peeked into the room and saw… Mother, talking to Annie. Annie is comfortable with her… And Mother is too comfortable with her. The love, adoration she has for the little girl is visible. She loves her… And Annie loves her.

Annie was complaining while Mother was comforting her. Both were busy and Mother was surprisingly patient with her.

I remember my childhood. We feared Mother because she used to nag a lot, about everything and anything, all the time. She was never satisfied with our marks and wanted her daughters to be the best. This was the reason, Amy had few friends while my friends run away… I had only George because his father was friends with my parents.

Today, after all these years, I see a different woman. Happy, changed, matured and wise. She is not what I knew. Maybe she's happy with her granddaughter.

Noticing Annie, I find similarities between Her and me. Indeed, Annie is my niece. Amy gave them a granddaughter. Lucky girl. She meet her grandparents.

A lone tear escaped from my eyes and the reality hit me. The child in front of Mother is not my child. They will never meet this grandmother. My parents left me. I thought they moved away, but they were here… Near me and yet, never met me. I was left alone in Carter mansion. Locked.

“My child… Someone is here.” Mother whispered and walked towards the door.

I have to leave.

I walked back to the church and found Sierra talking to the old driver. They were talking about something serious.

“I was looking for you, my child.” He was relieved as soon as he sees me. I am not appreciating that he is calling me, my child. Father used to call me.

“I hope you can drive… I need to get home.” Tears were threatening the viewers. Sierra held my hands and passed me a sympathetic look. “My son… He is alone.” My voice wobbled, remembering that my son will never have the love of his grandparents from both the side.

“My child, there is another car… Better, will take you.” The old man patted my shoulder.

I nodded and was ready to leave when I saw Father, talking to the teenage boys. They were laughing.

My parents were here…

“You must meet Father Ke….” The old man stopped with my act.

I need to get out of here.

I started to look for the money and handed him the money. He is not dropping me to my destination, but he arranged another car for me.

“I cannot take the money… I didn't do my job.” He was returning me the money. He is honest.

“You did your job… Drove here… And arranged another car for me… And I need you to promote my business for me. It wouldn't take much of your time… Just let people know that there is a flower shop and car service to provider......” I narrated him, and he smiled looking at the little bundle of money. For him, this extra money can provide him little comfort.

“We are home, Mrs Carter.” The scary driver said, stopping the car in front of my house. I didn't say anything and run out of the car.

The man was too scary, and which kind of driver wears a suit. Black suit.

He didn't notice, but I saw… He had a gun.

Getting into the house, I locked the door. “I will learn driving,” I mumbled and walked toward the kitchen, where Daniel and Norma was hugging each other. They were crying. A rare sight to witness.

Is everything fine?

“Something happened?” I asked as I saw the bouquet of white roses.

Norma shook her head and wiped her tears while Daniel washed his face in the kitchen. They are hiding something. I know, I can feel it. White roses symbolize Purity, secrecy, silence, innocence, and charm.

“What did SHE say?” Norma sulked. She never failed to display her hate towards Dr Harrington.

“She was polite… And recommended me two other psychiatrists.” I tried to control myself. I was warned by Norma and Susan. Both Mrs Brown advised me of divorce, but maybe I am masochistic. Maybe, I love both emotional and physical pain from my husband.

“I hope you will never see her.” Norma looked sceptic and this didn't go unnoticed by me.

From the lunch with the Jacobson family, George and Trina, I have begun to note Norma's behaviour. This old lady knows something and many times, she tries to hide something from me.

“I feel it would be better not to talk about my husband's mistress.” I shrugged off and remember what I saw tonight.

The family that James wants and the family my parents have. And, I am not a part of it. I was kicked out from both of the families, along with my kids. Are they treating Cherish better?

Daniel didn't say anything but kept looking at me. His old eyes wanted to deliver the unspoken words, but his body posture suggested silence is needed.

Nodding at the old man, I kissed Jamie and decided to shower.

The water was hitting my head is the same way memories are hitting me. I saw two kids, two families… With no place for me and my kids. I was thrown out of their life like I never existed. My parents took Amy back, but they never looked for me.

“What would I do without you?” I caressed sleeping Jamie. The peaceful moving chest of my sleeping son is my dose of relaxation. What would have I done if I wasn't pregnant with Jamie?

I was dying with pain after James took Cherish and locked me in his room. Everywhere it was Willa and Malcolm. Their pictures were haunting me. And, I couldn't move due to pain in my waist. I had lost all hope and was ready to embrace the end, but Daniel opened the door. I was taken to the hospital, where I learned about my pregnancy.

“Where are you leaving?” Daniel asked when he saw me leaving the house. “It's early.” He looked at his watch.

I looked around and realized the sun is out to rise. I am not a runner, but I think, from today, I have to take steps towards a new life… A better life. I don't deserve the treatment that I got from both of the families.

“Running.” running from problems.

“I am for Jamie.” Assuring me, Daniel walked into the house. “By the way, you look wonderful,” Daniel said before closing the door.

I smiled, remembering that, suddenly I opened the suitcase that Norma and Susan filled with their choice of dress for me. I do feel confident in the gym clothes. Unfortunately, it took 33 years of my life to realize I have a good body.

Running out of the gated community, I run on the track. I could feel someone following me, but I didn't turn around. My primary focus was what I saw last night.

My heart was stabbed with the knife of betrayal… It is still bleeding in pain. When will my suffering end?

Why can't I have a family with a loving husband, my kids?

Suddenly, I slipped and fell on the road and that's when I see a car driving in my direction. I tried to get up, but I slipped again. There was an adrenaline blast into me when thinking of the worst.

If I die today, then..... “I love you, Jamie, Cherish… Ja…”

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