Song Rec': Us— Gracie Abrams, Taylor Swift.
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5 YEARS LATER.
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I patted Reese's back calmly as I looked out the car window, driving past the endless league of trees that led to our destination.
The air was crisp and cool, carrying the earthy scent of fallen leaves and distant chimneys. The leaves on the plane trees had already faded from a vibrant green to hues of amber and russet, gently fluttering down to the paved road. Signs of early fall at the place I once called home, Mayfair, London.
My means of comfort which was tending to Reese's needs and watching her funny nursery rhymes the entire trip was short-lived when she fell asleep in the car. I couldn't help but smile as she snored lightly on my lap.
"A pretty lad you have there, Ellie," Sir Bacchus complimented from the wheel.
"Thank you," I beamed. I was particularly excited to see him and pleased to hear the nickname he had called me again. Time went by quicker than expected, but I'm glad that he's in good shape.
My stomach tightened when the car screeched to a halt in front of my family's large Georgian house, causing me to reconsider all of this. I peered through the window to see my parents standing at the door with a couple of domestic workers.
A memory of Heather bidding me farewell surfaced, but I waved it off immediately. For today, I'll focus on the good things only and nothing more.
"We're here, Ellie," Sir Bacchus informed me before stepping outside to open the door for me.
Reese let out a yawn, slowly awakening as the warmth of the sun landed on her skin when the car door was opened.
"Baby, we're here. Come, let's say hello to grandma and grandpa," I urged, helping her sit up.
Her eyes brightened, "Where are they?" she asked, poking her head through the door. The moment Reese spotted my mother and father, she dashed out the door, running to meet them.
"Oh, look at my big girl," Mother gushed, carrying Reese in her arms while Father played with her cheeks.
I watched them from the car with a grin before stepping out slowly, absorbing every familiar detail from the house.
The workers who were heading to take our luggage from the back of the car all greeted me warmly while I walked past them.
"Where is she?" I heard a familiar voice squeal. Then, I saw Stella making her way through the entrance door as she ran to me, still holding a whisk before wrapping me up in a tight hug.
I've missed her, especially her cooking.
I melted at the scent of vanilla extract on her clothes; she was definitely baking something.
"Glad to have you back, my dear, how I've waited so long," She paused and freed me from her arms before looking at me, "You're so big now, Estás aún más hermosa de lo que recuerdo." (You're even more beautiful than I remember)
"Tú también, te he extrañado." (You too, I've missed you)
"Ah, you remember how to speak it!"
"I learnt from the best," I giggled as she followed me finally to the portico where my parents watched us with bright smiles.
I parted my lips to greet them when my father swept me in an embrace. My lips quivered, and I held my lower lip tightly with my teeth.
All these years, he barely said a word to me, even when they visited Ireland; he'd only see Reese and leave the next morning. I thought that I'd lost my father, and I didn't blame him for his decision. This display of affection took me off my feet.
"How I've missed you, my girl," he whispered, kissing the top of my head.
I hugged him back tightly, savoring the bliss of this moment.
"Alright, loves. You've had a long flight, it's time to get you both settled in," said Mother as she transported Reese inside, who was already fast asleep again.
My father and I exchanged bright smiles at each other before walking inside.
"You've dyed your hair brown, Sugarplum. Why?" he asked on our way inside.
"I just wanted to do something different. I've been blonde all my life; my hairdresser recommended it too," I explained, handing my coat to the maid at the door. I'll definitely miss Laura, my hairdresser back in Ireland.
"Oh wow, I've only been blonde for half a century; maybe I need to change too," Father teased.
"No, actually. You look good this way; I may have to switch back soon. After all, we have to use the blonde supremacy against Mother," I winked, reminiscing about the days we'd tease Mother about having a different color of hair.
"I was feeling betrayed at first, but I think that works too," He chuckled. "
"I'll leave you now to get some rest, you have a lot of work to do tomorrow," he said.
"I'll see you around," I bade him farewell before ascending the flight of stairs that led to my old room.
A week before we came, Mother had sent a group of guards to take our belongings so they could get a headstart with preparing the room.
I only brought the rest of Reese's toys, gadgets, and new clothes I bought a day before the trip.
When I stepped into my room, I found myself smiling. It was just the way I left it, except for the change of sheets and the new chandelier hanging on the ceiling.
I looked around the room, gazing at the places that I almost took my own life with a broad grin. I had left here as a naive teenager, but today, I return as a woman. The title of the birthday card Sally sent to me five years ago flashed across my mind.
It was impossible to keep her at bay while I was gone. She kept coming to my house and writing letters to my parents to deliver to me, and I'd write back.
My parents had lied to her that I went abroad to study, not knowing that she was the first person to find out my pregnancy.
I've never felt even more lucky when she reached out to me on Instagram, and our letter-writing days were over. From saving my life when I tried to drown myself in the tub to paying visits to me in Ireland; Sally transformed from a friend to a sister.
My thoughts were disrupted by a knock on the door; I rushed to get it to see Stella at the entrance, holding a large tray accessorized with freshly made tacos, black bean and corn salsa on the side, and a cup of ice tea. My favorite Mexican dish.
"Do come in, Stella," I grinned, stepping aside so she could make her entrance.
She dropped the tray on the small glass table situated at the middle of the room and sat on the bed. I headed off to wash my hands and prepare my ears because we have a lot to catch up on.
"Stella, do you know where Reese is?" I asked, dabbing my wet hands with a towel.
"In the room next to yours, fast asleep," she replied.
How lovely of them to prepare a room for her.
I sat on the white furry carpet and resumed eating while Stella watched me.
"This is so good; the recipe keeps getting better," I said.
"Specially made for you, my love. Reese is such a lovely child; she reminds me of you when you were her age," Stella said.
"Thank you," I replied, with a mouthful of black bean and corn salsa.
Stella used her palms to straighten my bedsheets, "I thought you'd come back sooner, without her," she said.
I swallowed the crushed food, "I couldn't just let her go, Stella. They wanted to give her up for adoption, you know?"
"So I heard. You're very brave, my dear. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise; you've made the best decision ever. Trust me when I say this."
"I wouldn't be brave without her, seeing her just makes me want to keep going."
"I had a child too when I was around your age. I gave my daughter up, and it haunts me every day."
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said.
"It's okay, I know she's okay where she is. I'm happy for you, dear. I overheard your parents saying something about a law degree in Trinity College," Stella said.
I took a sip of the iced tea, "Yes, my grandparents told me to apply there a year after I gave birth to Reese. They looked after her while I studied. I'm a lawyer now, Stella," I giggled, and she covered her mouth in shock. The exact expression Sally had when I FaceTimed her from my dorm.
"That's amazing, I'd give you a hug but I want you to enjoy your meal. I'm proud of you, we all are. Unlike Heather, who's still battling with her economics major at Harvard," Stella said.
My gaze darkened as I stopped chewing, "Is she here?" I asked, trying to make sure that my daughter won't be sharing a roof with that serpent.
Up until now, no one knew what she did except my grandma, who urged me to keep it to myself for the sake of Reese's well-being.
"She'll be returning next week for the fall break," Stella replied.
I'll be pleased to see her and see how life has sprinkled the aftermath of her actions right in her face. Her miserable life was more than enough vengeance, but I haven't started with her.