Everyday up until Jessica's birthday was a celebration. Now the day is finally here. Jessica is a teenager!
"Good morning, beautiful! How did you sleep?" Jessica asks Isla as she lifts her from her crib, and kisses her cheek.
"Guess what! Today is Mommy's birthday! I know everyday for the past almost two weeks has been mommy's birthday, but this time it's really it!" Jessica giggles.
She then sighs and looks into Isla's eyes.
"As exciting as today is because I'm finally a teenager.. it's also sad for mama.."
Isla looked at Jessica and sucked on her hand.
Jessica took that as a sign that she was hungry, and situated her at her breast. She then sat in her chair by the window and spoke to her daughter.
"One year ago today I met.. a nasty, nasty man.. and not too long from now it will be a year since you were conceived.. Even though the whole getting pregnant was terrifying, painful.. Gross. And just over all horrible.. I love you and I'm so happy I have you. It's hard.. Oh gosh, it's hard, Isla. But one day at a time we're getting the hang of this thing. And I'm healing. Mentally I am getting better.. I'm in a happy home now. I'm so glad we both have a loving place to live. You have no idea how hard I had it since day one." Jessica sniffles as tears slowly roll down her cheeks. But it brought me to where I am now, so it was all worth it. You're never going to feel that, Isla. I will make sure you have the best life possible."
Jessica placed a soft kiss on Isla's face and slowly rocked back and forth.
**
"Happy Birthday!!"
"Ah! Thank you! I'm old now!" Jessica says.
Catherine laughs and hugs her. "We now have two teenagers in the house!"
"That's so weird!" She laughs.
Sarah hugs Jessica before taking the baby from her. "Jess, we have a surprise for you!"
"Ooh!"
"We're skipping school today!"
"Sarah! I was going to tell her a different way!"
"Wait we're skipping school?"
"Yes! Danny is too. He said he'd feel left out." Sarah says.
"Oh yay! Where are we going?"
"Kemah!"
"Oh wow! I've never been, this is so exciting!"
"Ahhh!" Isla squeals.
Sarah looks at her and chuckles. "Isla is thrilled about this."
Jessica laughs and nods her head.
**
Catherine held Isla while Danny, Jessica, and Sarah were on a ride.
"Look at this perfect little baby." Catherine smiles.
"She is so pretty. She looks so much like Jessica. Zoe says.
"She does, doesn't she? I'm glad. Imagine how hard it would be if she looked like that sicko."
"I know!"
"So.. I have a question."
"Yes?"
"Were you serious about having another baby?"
"John and I have been talking and.. yeah, we're trying." Zoe smiles.
"Oh wow!"
"I thought I was done, then I saw her and.. I want a girl." Zoe pouts.
