Laura
The sun was barely peeking over the horizon when I slipped out of bed, my heart beating with excitement. Today was the day we would be bringing Maybelline home. Though I had never met her, I already felt a bond with her, a fierce determination to give her a life filled with love and stability.
I moved around the kitchen, feeling so happy while slicing fruits, blending fresh juices, and preparing snacks. I packed some neatly into small containers for the trip to the airport, humming a tune as I worked. Before long, my hum turned into a full-on dance, and I twirled around the kitchen, feeling lighter than I had in years.
"Is this my fiancée or a contestant on Dancing with the Stars?" Jake's amused voice startled me, and I turned to see him leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips.
"Ha ha, very funny," I shot back, sticking my tongue out at him. "I'm just… happy."
He stepped closer, his eyebrows raising in curiosity. "What's got you so giddy this early in the morning?" He asked while I smiled again.
I set down the bowl I'd been mixing and looked up at him, my heart full. "We're going to pick up May today. I can't explain it, Jake, but I'm so excited. I've always wanted to be a mom, and even if she's not mine biologically, I want to be the best mom she could ever hope for. I want to make her feel loved, safe, and happy. I can't wait to start this journey with her. I hope she feels the same way though. It's tough sometimes when a child isn't with their parents and have to live with other people. I had that experience and though my aunt took good care of me, I still felt the absence of my parents. I missed them so much."
"I hope she feels safe in us… that's what I want for her. What I had." I added.
Jake's expression softened, and he reached out to brush a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "You're incredible, you know that?" He muttered.
I smiled at him, warmth spreading through me. "No, I'm just… determined. She deserves this, Jake. And so do you."
He sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "I still can't wrap my head around it sometimes. She is not even be mine, Laura, and I wouldn't have known if the whole thing with Moira didn't happen. I didn't think I was ready to father a child but when she told me, I just couldn't contain my happiness. And all of a suddenly, I find out she's not mine. That thought eats away at me." He explained while I then placed a hand on his chest, over his heart. "Whether she's yours or not doesn't matter. What matters is that she's a little girl who needs love, and we're in a position to give it to her. Let's focus on that for now, okay?"
Jake nodded, though I could see the conflict still lingering in his eyes. "Alright. But only because you're the one asking. You know I can't say no to you." I smiled when he said this and then beckoned him to come to the table.
We shared breakfast together, chatting about the plans for the day and what Maybelline might be like. I asked the most questions actually. Jake had met her before, so he wasn't so nervous as I was. Afterward, we both got ready and headed out to the airport.
The terminal was crowded, with travelers bustling around and the hum of announcements echoing through the space. Jake's eyes scanned the crowd nervously until he spotted her.
"There they are." He quickly called my attention to her.
Maybelline was holding onto her grandmother's hand, her face pale and withdrawn, her eyes downcast. She looked so small, so fragile. My heart broke for her.
As we approached, her grandmother looked up and offered us a small smile. "Jake. Laura. Here she is," she said, her voice tinged with no remorse at all. I wasn't so surprised though. If Moira is that dangerous and nonchalant, I expected her mom to be the same way or even more. "She's been through a lot, but I know she'll be okay with you two." She let out.
Jake stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure about this?" he asked. "I don't want her to feel abandoned."
"I've done what I can, but I'm not getting any younger. I need to live my life too, Jake. It's time for her to have a fresh start. Please, take care of her." She pressed her lips into a thin line. I rolled my eyes, wondering how someone could say that about their grandchild. She isn't even that old, she must have had Moira so young. Her excuse of wanting to live her life just didn't sit right with me.
I could see Jake clenching his jaw, but I decided to give them some space. I knelt down to Maybelline's level and smiled softly. "Hi, sweetheart. My name's Laura. We've been so excited to meet you."
She peeked up at me through her lashes, her lips pressed tightly together. I could see the apprehension in her eyes, but I wasn't discouraged. "Are you hungry?" I asked gently, holding up the small bag I'd packed. "I brought some snacks and juice if you'd like."
She hesitated, then nodded shyly. I held out my hand, and she took it. "Let's go sit in the car while Jake finishes talking, okay?" I chimed in.
In the car, I handed her a juice box and the snacks I made earlier. "You know," I said, trying to make conversation, "I was thinking Maybelline is such a beautiful name, but it's kind of long. Would it be okay if I called you May?"
Her face brightened ever so slightly, and she nodded. "I like May. My friends call me May."
"May it is then," I said, smiling.
"And does that mean I'm your friend now?" I asked while she nodded and I saw a tinkle of joy pop up in her eyes.
By the time Jake joined us, May was happily munching on her snacks, and she even giggled at one of my silly jokes. Jake climbed into the car, and his eyes softened as he saw her laughing.
"She already likes you better than me," he teased.
May grinned shyly, and I felt a swell of pride. She was starting to come out of her shell, and I couldn't wait to see her fully blossom.
As we drove home, May dozed off, her head resting on my shoulder. I couldn't stop staring at her peaceful face, my heart swelling with affection. I brushed a strand of hair from her cheek and turned to Jake.
"She's perfect," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.
Jake glanced at me, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Why are you crying now?"
I wiped at the tears I hadn't even realized were falling. "I just… I wish she was yours, Jake. I wish she was ours."
Jake's expression shifted, and he hesitated before speaking. "She might be mine," he admitted. "Her grandmother said Moira didn't forge the DNA test. Moira herself told her and they don't keep secrets. So either Kurt was wrong, or something happened I don't know about."
I stared at him, my heart pounding. "So… what are you going to do?"
"I don't know," he said, his voice heavy. "I'm not sure I can handle more heartbreak if it turns out she's not mine."
I reached over and took his hand. "Jake, you need to know. Not for Moira, not even for May, but for yourself. You deserve to have closure."
He looked at me, his eyes searching mine, and finally nodded. "Alright. I'll call the doctor." He retorted and then proceeded to call him.
Once he confirmed the doctor was available, we detoured to the hospital, where the doctor quickly took the necessary samples for the DNA test. The results wouldn't be ready for a few days, so we decided to head home.
As we drove, May stirred and sat up, rubbing her eyes. She looked out the window and suddenly pointed. "Teddy!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up.
Jake and I both turned to see what she was pointing at, a store window displaying a large teddy bear.
Jake chuckled. "You like that, huh?"
May nodded enthusiastically, her earlier shyness forgotten.
I placed a hand on Jake's arm. "Stop the car," I said, grinning. "We're getting her that bear."
He pulled over, and May and I hurried into the store. Her eyes sparkled as she hugged the bear, and I couldn't help but laugh.
When we returned to the car, we found Jake waiting with three ice cream cones in hand. He handed one to May, one to me, and kept one for himself.
"For my favorite girls," he said with a wink.
May giggled, and I couldn't help but laugh too. In that moment, everything felt perfect, and I knew we were going to be okay, no matter what the DNA test revealed.