With that she climbs up in the truck. God, I love her and her fucking temper.
The drive to the house is a silent one. Ronny’s eyes don’t leave Anna and she has fallen asleep holding his hand.
Bell is deep in her thoughts. I reach over and take her hand in mine, kissing the back of it. I don’t want her too deep in her thoughts.
If it’s the last thing I do, she will not blame herself for this.
I open the gate and drive inside, making sure to watch the gate to make sure it shuts before I make my way to my house.
I open my phone and press the button to arm the gate, just as a precaution. Something doesn’t feel right.
Bell
One thing I never expected when Maverick came through that door was a mini me. She looks exactly like me.
But I knew. I knew she was my sister.
I look back into the back seat, where she’s fast asleep with her head against the window.
I can’t imagine how scared and terrified she has been. I smile at my beautiful boy, my heart warming at the sight of him holding her hand.
“I love you,” I mouth to him, my heart full and hurting at the same time.
“I love you, Mom,” he whispers back, which is not much of a whisper but he tried, but my mind is immediately stuck on the word.
Mom
His eyes widen like he’s scared that he called me that. “No, it’s okay, if you want to call me ‘mom’ that would make me so happy. I’m sure Maverick will feel the same way if that’s your choice.”
He grins at me and looks over at Maverick. “Can I really?”
This kid still rips out my heart. “Yes, baby, it would make me so happy.”
I look over at Maverick, who is grinning ear to ear. “Me too, son,” Maverick pipes in and Ronny leans back into the seat, happy.
“Okay.”
I just want to pick him up and squeeze him right now. I step out of the truck, much to Maverick’s annoyance.
I slowly open the back door, making sure Anna doesn’t fall out. “Hey sweetheart,” I whisper softly so she doesn’t get scared awake.
That is one thing I struggle with so bad. If I’m scared awake, I literally get so sick to my stomach from the sudden fear.
Her eyes drift open, looking at me. “Bell?” she asks, confused, before looking around to Maverick and Ronny.
“Can I help you out of the truck, honey?” I lift my arms out for her, she scoots forward and I lift her out, setting her on the ground.
“This is where I will live?” she asks in her angelic voice.
Ronny steps up to her and takes her free hand. “I live here. I love it here.” Ronny tries to make her feel more comfortable.
I know I feel a hundred feet tall that he feels so happy here, loved here. Maverick gives me a look, telling me that he feels exactly the same way.
We did that shit.
Maverick unlocks the door and turns on the light. “Can I help her pick out her room?” Ronny asks, excited.
Maverick nods and he takes off, holding Anna’s hand, pulling her behind him. She giggles and tries her best to keep up.
I lean against the wall, rubbing my temples. “Once they get to bed, I’m running you a hot bath. You are too stressed.” Maverick massages my shoulders and arms.
“I think I’m just trying to come to terms with the fact that I have a sister. We’re going to be raising a little girl. Are you okay with that?” I need to make sure that he’s on board with this.
He stops his massaging. “Darlin’, I want nothing more than to have all of the kids with you. We can adopt five more and I will be fucking thrilled,” he reassures me.
What he doesn’t know is, I think I might be pregnant.
I’ve been feeling sick, I haven’t had a regular period ever, so skipping a month or so was completely normal for me.
Tonight once he leaves to go do club things, I’ll take a test. “Let’s go see what these kids are up to.”
They’re in the room next door to Ronny’s. “She chose this room. Can I grab some of my toys and things in here until we can get her own?”
“Sure can, honey.” I rub the top of his head and he runs off to his room.
“This is my room? I sleep here?” Anna stands in place looking around, in awe of everything.
“Come here, sweetheart.” I sit down on the bed and pat next to me so I can speak to her.
She does, but I can tell she’s nervous. “Do you want to stay with us? Live with us forever? If you want to go back or find somewhere else…”
She falls to the floor, her face pale. “Please don’t make me go back. I want to stay here. You’re nice to me,” she practically pleads with me.
I look at Maverick. “Can you give us a few minutes?” I ask him.
He walks out of the room, shutting the door behind him. I know what it was like living with them.
They didn’t sexually abuse me. I’m so thankful for that, but they were very mean people and I know without a doubt that they haven’t changed with age.
“You will never have to go back there, ever. I just want you to be happy. You’ve lived your whole life without choices. I want to make sure this is one you want, what you want.”
I help her off the floor back onto the bed with me. “I want to be here with you and Maverick. He saved me. He took me away from that bad man.” Her little voice cracks.
I pull her to me, hugging her for a second. I push her hair out of her face.
“Did anyone hurt you?” I’m afraid to ask, but I need to know.
“My mommy and daddy were mean to me. I got spankings every day, but I hadn’t been with the bad man long. I was taken by him this morning.”
I close my eyes with relief. “I’m sorry your mommy and daddy were mean to you, baby.”
She opens her mouth, her eyes filled with tears, which shatters me.
The door opens and she sees Maverick. She runs over to him at full speed. He picks her up off the ground and she wraps her arms around his neck, holding so tightly.
He walks over and sits on the bed next to me. “What’s the matter, baby girl?” he asks.
“I’m just sad,” she hiccups.
I lean my head on his shoulder. “Are you confused?” I ask. She nods, sniffing. “Are you hungry?” She nods again, wiping her tears. “When’s the last time you ate?” She shrugs her shoulders, pushing her long hair over her shoulder. “Today?”
She shakes her head no. “I had some lunch yesterday from the church.”
Anger burns so deep, but I push it down. I want to scream at the top of my lungs with how the world is so unfair.
“What do you want?” I rub her back gently.
“Can I have mac and cheese? Burger?” Her eyes light up, her little dimples popping through.
“I’ll make you some dinner, sweetheart. I think a bath is in order for you. Are you okay with borrowing some of Ronny’s clothes until we can go shopping for you?” She shrugs her shoulders like it’s no big deal.
Ronny takes that moment to walk into the room. “Ronny, can she borrow some of your clothes?”
He runs out of the room without hesitation. “I’ll be downstairs.” He rubs the top of her head and walks out of the room, her eyes following.