Loving His Enemy | ✔️

Part Twenty Five: Letters

Her POV //

I walked into the bakery, it was empty?

Mum peeked her head out the doors to the kitchen, smiling at me so I made my way over to her. 

She opened the doors, letting me in before engulfing me into a bear hug. "I missed you so much sunshine" 

I chuckled as she pulled away, my eyes darting to a little photo board. 

I walked toward it, seeing photos of Theo and I as kids as well as Maia. 

"Yeah uh sorry about that, I was busy dealing with James" I apologised, feeling her hug my arm. 

She winced, tracing her hand over a baby photo of me. "James... It was that bad huh?" she asked.

I nodded, turning to face her. "Anyway, how are you mum?" I changed the subject, not even wanting to waste my thoughts on him. 

We walked toward chairs by a tray of treats, god I was already drooling. 

"I've been great, having my two beautiful children around, doing what I love. I'm just so thankful you're back" She spoke softly, patting my cheek. 

A part of me stung, physically putting me in pain thinking about how she dealt with not having me growing up. 

"Was he at least there for you? Were you happy growing up?" She asked, going straight to the goods. 

I looked away, watching as she handed me a heap of macarons so I grabbed one, thinking back to my childhood. 

"Uhh no but I didn't really care. He only got involved in my life when I finished high school, dragging me into Constantine Industries and all" I half shrugged before eating the macaron. 

I heard her sigh, putting her head in her hands so I pulled her into my arms. 

"I did good mum, I was okay. I was well taken care of and I never for a second thought that you didn't want me or that you didn't love me. Within the little time we had together, you showed me enough love to last a lifetime" I assured, rubbing her back. 

She sniffled, wiping away her tears which stung me deeper; seeing her in pain. 

"I never stopped thinking about you, never. And I didn't want to do this before, with everything happening. God I think you would've murdered your father if you knew" She began saying, reaching into her bag. 

"That was inevitable" I mumbled before continuing to enjoy the macarons as she placed a stack of letters in front of me. 

I held onto the first one, seeing return to sender stamps plastered over all of them. 

James Constantine is going to hell, and I'm sending him there early. 

"I wrote you letters for every Birthday, Christmas, every occasion like graduation and when you started working for your father" She explained, looking through them before grabbing one. 

I looked up at her, tears threatening to spill. "You kept going even after he sent them back?" I croaked. 

She smiled warmly at me, "Of course. This one was meant for your last birthday" she said, handing it to me.

Could I even bring myself to read it without crying? I'm going to regardless oh my god. 

'To my dearest sunshine, 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Today would be your 23rd birthday . That marks 15 birthdays apart. I know you won't get this but part of me hopes that one day, you will. Whether that be when we finally meet again or one of these letters get to you.

Theo and I went to Constantine Industries last month; it did not go well. Your father had set a strict rule of not letting us in, they know what we look like. 

For a second I thought that maybe it was for the best, for you. But I know you and you have no idea about all of this. I'm so sorry sweetie. 

Theo's daughter Maia turned 2 recently, you would love her! She sees photos of you all the time and kisses them, it's the sweetest thing ever.  

Anyway, I hope you're happy, healthy, that you're eating well and taking care of yourself. I hope that you're baking again and making yourself  happy. I'm holding up this cake, blow out the candles :)

I hope he has been there for you, that he became the father you deserve. I hope that you were always put first. I hope that you were read bedtime stories and got a real childhood. 

You look amazing, I saw photos earlier and wow you are so beautiful! Your smile may fool the world but I can tell you're tired, that you're not yourself. Please rest, make some soup and take some time for yourself.

I want to say that i'm sorry I didn't try hard enough to take you with me, that we haven't reunited yet. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to wipe your tears, to help you bake, to be the one you come to with all your troubles. I'm sorry I couldn't be your mother growing up, but in your heart, I always am.

Always remember that you are sunshine, you bring light into every dark place. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are independent. You are my daughter.

I am so proud of you! For every achievement, every minor thing, for all you are, I am proud of you. You will never not be my daughter. You, Aria Elliana Constantine are my light. I will not stop until you are back into my arms. I will never give up on you. Not until you come home. There are two pieces of my heart; You and Theo. 

I promise that one day, I will be whole again, and you will be sitting beside me, reading this letter. Home.

Have an amazing birthday, my sweet girl. I love you. More than the moon and the stars. 

- Mum ♡'