Turnover

41.

Placing her hand on the door handle Kesi wondered if she was doing the right thing. It felt like it but that could've just been her nature. Taking a deep breath she pushed through and took in Cassandra. The older woman was sitting with her legs crossed comfortably spooning her bowl of oatmeal. She'd finished dialysis a few minutes ago.

"Hey Kesi." Her smile reached her eyes, her orbs lightening up at the sight of her only daughter.

"Hey , how are you doing?"

"Real good now that I've seen you. How's Kaidence?"

Kesi felt the effect. The mention of her daughter's name brought joy to her. She still was gathering her feelings about being a mother. In a way it made her feel like forgiveness was necessary. Returning the smile, Kesi gave her mom a thumbs up as she walked towards her.

There was strength in letting go , starting new and she had no choice but to. She refused to bring Kaidence into dysfunction.

"She's doing great , we get to take her home today so I was wondering if you'd like to see her?"

"I'd love to, thank you."

Cassandra gave her a grateful look while Kesi grabbed the wheelchair from the corner and helped her into it. The decision to do this had come from a semi heated debate with Brandon and his sister Brittany. Brandon supported whatever she wanted to do but Brittany insisted on negative vibes being kept away from 'KaiKai'. In the end , Kesi chose what she felt would heal her.

"Good because it took a lot of pleases to convince your doctor to let me do this." The new mother joked as she walked them towards the elevator and clicked the floor for maternity and the nursery.

"Should you be on your feet this quickly?"

"I'm fine , don't worry about me. I've got Brandon and my dad doing enough of that."

"Sorry baby , I just worry sometimes. I can't believe I'm a grandparent."

The word was bittersweet and it settled on them as the elevator door opened up. Kwasi and Amelia were walking out just as they were walking in. Her father was the picture of pride as always. He took in his ex with a mixture of regret and relief while Amelia was solemn.

"We're glad you're doing well Cassandra." Kwasi squeezed Cassandra's hand while Amelia squeezed her shoulder.

The kindness wasn't lost on her but she still felt odd about it.

"How's she doing?" Kesi queried as she peered in on Kaidence's cot. The little girl was relaxing and taking in her new existence out the womb. Amelia gave her an encouraging smile.

"Strong as ever , she really enjoys visitors"

"She has a head full of hair just like you did." Kwasi commented as Kesi wheeled Cassandra closer.

Reaching out to the young baby after sanitizing her hand. Cassandra felt her heart race at the way Kaidence tightly gripped her finger. Kesi smiled at the interaction until she realized tears streaming down Cassandra's face.

Looking to her father for help , Kesi realized that he had left leaving Amelia as the sole witness to what had just happened. Amelia placed a hand over her heart before ushering Kesi to get close to her mother.

"I'll say bye to Brandon and Joann."

Just like that , they were now alone in a room full of babies. Kesi wasn't good with tears that weren't her own or Brandon's. Extending a hand , she hugged her mother's shoulders causing the woman to sob even harder.

"She's so perfect." Cassandra exclaimed before she let go of Kaidence's finger. Turning to Kesi she squeezed her hand.

"You know , I'm sorry it's just seeing her like this. It reminded me of you and I really, I just... I can't believe how I treated you. Look at her Kesi , how do you mistreat someone this precious?"