Adopted By Polly Gray

Chapter 1: Another Gray

~1908~

TW: Talk of suicide

It had been only a few months since Polly Gray had her two children, Michael and Anna,  taken from her. She was sitting at home drinking a cup of tea when a frantic knock was heard coming from her front door. She quickly got up and opened it to see no one there but then looked down to see a basket filled with blankets, wrapped around an infant that laid asleep inside. On top of the bundle was a note addressed to her which hopefully would explain why someone abandoned a baby on her doorstep. Bending down she carefully scooped the basket up and brought it inside. She placed it on the couch and sat down next to the sleeping child.

"Alright little one, let's see what's in this letter has to say, shall we?" She whispered talking more to herself out loud than the baby.

Grabbing the letter she tore opened the envelope and began to read.

Dear Polly,
If you're reading this letter than it means you most likely have my baby with you. We have been friends since we could barely talk and you are the only person I trust to ask such a huge favor of, but I do hope you will be willing to do it. Unfortunately, if you have received this, it means I successfully got away from my horrible ex-husband by crossing over into the next life. I couldn't take the pain anymore, Pol. I'm not as strong you, I never was. I had to be free from all the burdens of this world. I'm sorry I never got a chance to see you again before I left, but I felt it was easier this way, for both of us.

Now, to the bundle that is with you. Her name is Starlene, and I believe she will be something special. Maybe i'm going crazy, or perhaps it's one of those gifts that Gyspys can have, but I know my little girl will be capable of great things one day, if given the chance. Polly, I know how difficult life has been without your children and how broken your heart is, but if you can find the strength and love in your heart, I'm asking you to take custody of Starlene. I know it's a lot to ask, but I can't have her father knowing of her. I ran away from camp and hid my pregnancy to ensure her safety. Only my cousin, Naomie, knew everything and I stayed with her until the very end.

I couldn't be a good mother Pol, but you are a good mother, even if some bastards think differently, they are wrong. So, I ask that you please take my baby in. I couldn't bare to have an orphanage take her or have strangers raise my daughter. I only trust you, Pol. I know I am asking you to take on the biggest challenge, but I know you can do it, Raise her as your own, it's better if she doesn't know about me. If it is too much to ask, my cousin can't keep her, so Starlene will have to be sent to the orphanage. I want my baby to be raised with her people who will love her and help her grow into who she is meant to be and you are that, Pol.

I love you Polly. You will always be my best friend and I'll hopefully see you again someday.

All my heart,
Clementina

Also, I wrote a note for Starlene for when she is older to read that I wish to be kept for her whether she stays with you or is adopted by someone else.

Polly folded up the letter as tears danced slowly down her face. Her best friend was dead. The girl who was like a sister to her took her own life and left her baby behind. She wiped the tears from her face and turned to look at the baby who was now just waking up. The infant's eyes opened and she began staring at the woman infront of her. She than began cooing and dawn a sweet smile that melted the Gray woman's heart.

"God, you look so much like your mother." Polly said with a sad smile on her face.

She sat and thought for a moment if she would be able to do this. She would feel guilty raising a baby that wasn't hers shortly after having her own children taken. It would be like she was betraying Michael and Anna. But, she also would never let Clementina down either. This was the final thing her best friend did before she died. This child was trusted to her and the last bit of her friend that she had. She couldn't let the baby go into foster care, who knows what would happen to her. Then again, she couldn't do this. She couldn't handle having a child in her home after all that happened. What if the same people found out she had another baby in her home and took Starlene too? It's too much to risk.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the infant began to cry. Polly hesitated at first but then picked up the baby and held her. Once in Polly's arms the baby settled down and snuggled into her. At that moment the Gray woman knew there was no going back. She had fallen in love and her motherly instincts took over. None of her worries mattered in that moment. She was determined to have Michael and Anna back with her one day and no matter what she was there mother, but now she decided that she would be a mother again to the little one that has quickly stolen what was left of her broken heart.

"Welcome home, Starlene Gray."

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973 words

Unedited