6 MONTHS LATER:
The warm rays cascaded through the opened windows, shining the morning light into the mess of a kitchen.
Aside from the birds chirping and the occasional sound of a car passing by the William's residential home, Layla was making a racket.
Though she tried to keep it down as she raced around the kitchen bench, carrying a bowl of pancake batter. Half of the flour was displayed on her shirt, some of it caking her hair from her fingers. But Layla continued her way to the stove.
She cooked a couple of sets of pancakes, eating an occasional one here and there. A smile was gracing her lips the entire time. She felt so happy in the kitchen. She felt so happy in general.
Though she could still feel the lingering effects of living with Daniella and Jackson, she felt comfortable enough with Anita to cook in the kitchen without feeling afraid. Without feeling obligated to cook them something.
Once Layla had made enough pancakes, she grabbed the maple syrup she knew Anita loved and squirted a decent amount all over the pancakes. Next, she grabbed the coffee she had made for her, and placed it all on a tray with a couple of hand-picked flowers from the garden. She very carefully picked up the tray and walked up the staircase.
Layla knocked on Anita's bedroom door. She already knew that Kieran and their son had left early this morning for a meeting regarding college admissions in the next state over. So Layla knew Anita would be all by herself.
When Layla heard a faint come in, she pushed open the door into the beautiful room. One she was very accustomed to whenever she had a nightmare.
"Good morning, Layla," Anita yawned, "Is everything okay?"
Layla walked in and over towards Anita, who started sitting up.
"I er, I made these for you," Layla whispered out, holding out the tray for Anita to grab.
"For me?" she asked, astonished.
Layla nodded her head, becoming insanely shy.
"Thank you so much, Layla. Come here! I can't eat all of these by myself!"
Layla smiled at that, relaxing into a more comfortable self; she jumped up onto the bed, snuggling into Anita's side. Layla watched as Anita smiled down at her.
"Here you go, darling" Anita grabbed a forkful of pancakes giving it to Layla, who devoured the whole thing. Smiling up at Anita, who began laughing at the syrup that was running down Layla's chin.
Layla began laughing, too, as she wiped the sticky substance away. Anita placed her left arm around Layla, pulling her into her chest while pulling the blanket over her legs. Layla tilted her head, her eyes connecting with the one person who as cared, loved, and stayed by her side through everything. Through every obstacle and through every nightmare and learning experience.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me! I hope you have a great birthday! I love you, mum"
Anita's eyes glistened with tears at Layla's words. She bent her head, kissing Layla's temples as she whispered out, "I love you too, daughter."
...............................................................................................................................
Welcome to the end of the book! Thank you to each and every one of you for joining me on this journey!
words: 547
Published:28/9/22
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Journey to Love
Teen FictionLayla Atwell, is a nine year old orphan girl who has been fostered by the Stone family 4 years ago. During this time she has learned how to survive at the hands of two cruel parents, who find enjoyment in seeing Layla in pain. She lives in fear an...
