More Than Love (NG3)

6 - Vulnerable

I have reordered chapters 6, 7, 8. Chapter 6 published Tuesday is now 8. This was chapter 7. Make sure you don't miss any.

Laney's breath was shallow and sweat pooled on the small of her back, behind her neck, and under her arms. Basically, she was perspiring everywhere except her mouth, which was too dry.

"Breathe." She croaked out loud.

Her GPS instructed her to exit in one mile. She was less than fifteen minutes from meeting her biological mother. Her phone beeped. It was Skylar again. Her sister's hormones were making them both crazy. Laney wanted to protect Skylar because her search hadn't been as easy. With a wave of nausea, she reminded herself Sasha had wanted to meet her and invited her to visit.

Was she crazy? She could leave if it was awkward. Sasha was the one leaving. She offered her cottage for the weekend. The car's small trunk was full with her easel, canvases, and toolbox of paints and brushes.

Laney's anxiety mixed with eagerness to create a churning. By the time she parked in front of the cute little cottage, she felt on the verge of hyperventilating. She didn't trust her legs to stand, but also her bladder screamed for relief.

She released a deep breath, willing herself to open her door, when the cottage door opened. Despite the smile on her face, the woman at the door appeared tentative. It hit Laney how big of a deal it must be for Sasha. While Laney drove, she had probably paced around her house. If she were anything like Laney's mom, she would have wiped the same counter ten times and straightened the bathroom hand towel five times.

Laney opened her door and apprehensively swung her legs out and stood.

A soft voice said, "You're so tall."

Laney smiled. Sasha looked closer to five feet than her five-five. She looked so young compared to Laney's parents. She stood halfway between the front door and the car.

Laney smiled. "I'm going to say it. This feels weird and I'm nervous."

Sasha touched her own cheeks. "Me too. See, we're in this together, both vulnerable. Come on in."

She turned and walked into the house. Laney appreciated the space. She grabbed her purse but left everything else. As soon as she stepped inside, she said, "Bathroom."

She scurried to the door Sasha pointed to. The bathroom had a tub with sunflowers on the fabric curtain. The small room was painted in cheerful yellow. When she emerged, she took in the brightly colored decor of the rest of the cottage. It was funky and Bohemian.

She waved her arm. "I like your place."

Sasha smiled. "I've made it my own. It belonged to my ex, but he gave it to me."

"So you've been married?" Sasha nodded. "But he's not my father?"

"No." She shook her head. "Can I hug you?" Laney hadn't expected her request. "It's just when I passed you to the social worker, I made a wish to hold you again someday. It was never that I didn't love you. I loved you too much."

Tears were visible on Sasha's cheeks as her voice cracked. Laney stepped towards her and let her embrace her. She owed her life to the eighteen-year-old Sasha. She could have chosen to end her pregnancy. By giving birth to her and giving her up, Laney had the good fortune to be raised in a wonderful family.

"Thank you." Laney sobbed. "I know you were young. My family, my life has been amazing. My parents are the best."

Sasha pulled away and wiped her eyes. "That's all I ever wanted for you. I envisioned birthday parties with pretty dresses and..."