There's Always Second Chances

Chapter 25

"Welcome home brother," Jess called out, her words trailed off as soon as she spotted the carrier and the bag. I smiled at her. I hoped she'd get the message that, yes this is strange but it's not as strange as the story that went with it. "Is she yours?" she asked looking down at the carrier. Jess had taken the nappy bag. We were finally going to back to the home I missed. 

"Oh, no, Jess I'm just gonna steal a baby from America yeah?" 

She rolled her eyes at my sarcasm. 

"Yes, she's mine. Mum hasn't been showing you the letters?" I asked. I was surprised that Mum hadn't said anything about it. Jess just shook her head. "Mum's been busy. She got your letters and then put them away, I suppose she intended for us to look at them. She just never got around to it." Jess explained as walked out to the car. While I buckled Naomi's car seat in, Jess changed her nappy. Already jumping at the role of Auntie? 

"You said Mum's been busy?" I asked as I opened the back door of the car. I took Naomi from Jess and put her in her car seat. I checked to see if she was hot. Jess put blankets in the windows to block the sunlight from burning Naomi. Quick thinking. "Is it with Dad?" I asked. Jess looked uncomfortable after I said Dad. 

Jess pulled out of the parking spot and started speaking. "Since you left, Dad got persistent. He and Mum came to an agreement, got it in writing and then he's left us alone ever since. Mum's been seeing a new guy for the past..." she paused to think as we came to a stop at the next traffic lights, "3 years I think. He's been a real help, keeping us fed and looking after us. His son's okay. He's got a little girl too."  

I wasn't surprised to hear about the new guy, Mum's mentioned him in her more recent letters. I was surprised at how long they've been together. I was also very happy to hear that he's stuck around and actually looked after my family. "I need to thank him then, keeping you all safe while I'm gone," I mused. I looked into the rear view mirror at Naomi, she had settled and fell asleep pretty quickly. 

Out the corner of my eye, I saw Jess smile as she finally turned into one of the street turnings. Even though I've been away from home for a long time, this turning didn't feel familiar. "Where are you going?" I asked. I looked around at the houses on the street. None of them seemed like my old home. I turned to look at Jess, a glum look residing on my features, I hope she got the point. 

"Yes, we did move again. Mum and her new beau bought a place. It was also court orders so Dad didn't know our new address." Jess explained after briefly glancing at me. We pulled up to the drive and got out. "You get Naomi, I've got your luggage," Jess grinned at me, urging me to go inside. I pulled the seat belt out from around the car seat and lifted the handle up for me to grab and carry. I lifted the nappy bag from the floor and onto my shoulder before pulling Naomi out of the car and shutting the door. 

I walked up the unfamiliar path and knocked at the door. "Just a second!" I heard from the other side of the door. Mum's voice. I could tell by the way she spoke so freely, that she was finally free of fear and could be at peace in her own home. Mum's face was full of shock when she opened the door. "Surprise Mum!" I cooed. It felt strange. The house was bigger than our last one, definitely room for all of us. 

Mum pulled me into a hug, a tight squeeze, being mindful of the car seat that hung off of my arm. "Come in, come in," she urged, her tone jovial. She stepped aside and I lugged the bagged and my baby inside. Mum led me into the living room. It was really spacious but from the toys littered around the room, it still felt reminiscent of home. 

I set the carrier down and turned her to face me. "Hey sleepy head!" I cooed softly. Naomi yawned as I lifted her out of the car seat and cuddled her against me. In a way Naomi helped calm down my nerves. "Look who's a softie!" Jess laughed when she came into the room. I stuck my tongue out at her. Mum seemed to be wanting to hold Naomi but it looked like she was nervous about something. "Want to hold her?" I asked. Mum nodded, she even looked a little tearful.