Far Away

Chapter 1

I watched as my little boy stirred next to me. It feels like a dream that he is here and curled up with me. After getting home from shopping, we crashed on the couch. He came with only his backpack; the rest of his things will arrive in the next couple of days. So we went to the store and got him a few essential items for the next couple of days. 

"Sophie." He said tiredly.

"Morning, bud." Looking down, I looked right into the eyes that resembled mine.

"Are you hungry?" He nodded, rubbing his eyes.

"Want some pancakes."

"With chips."

"Sure, little man." I smiled, entering the living room and turning on cartoons for him. He came in and curled up on the couch while I went to make breakfast.

"Hey Elliot, will you bring me my phone, please." He nodded, handing me my phone. I sent Nathan a text letting him know Elliot was here. 

"Thanks, bud. Want to help me?"

"Sure."

"Okay, let me call work real quick." He nodded, standing next to me while I called work. They understood everything and let me have the time off that I needed.

"So, what do you think about going to the park today?"

"I swing?" He smiled.

"Sure can, little man." He smiled, wrapping his arms around my leg and hugging me. Tears filled my eyes as I wrapped my arm around him.

"You cry a lot." I laughed, pulling him into my arms.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it. "He looked at me confused as he wiped my tears away.

"I was there when you were born."

"Really?"

Thankfully the pancakes were done, so I didn't have to go into that. Instead, we sat down and ate our breakfast, then watched some cartoons.

Three years ago. Sophie is nineteen.

"Is this what you want?" Nathan asked.

"No, but it's the right thing to do." I sobbed.

"Soph, we can figure this out and be a family."

"He deserves better. I want him to have better than what we did. I love him so much, and I don't want him to go either, but it's the right thing to do."

"Do you believe that?" Nathan said through his tears.

"I have to. One day he will understand." I kissed his little forehead, holding him close to me. Looking down at him, I could see so much of me in him, with just a little Nathan. His cute little noise resembled his daddy, so he has that.

"Where ever you are in your life, just know how much we love you, little man. I'm sure going to miss you kicking your mommy's belly. You're going to do great things, little man. I can't wait to hear all about them someday. I love you, Elliot James."

Nathan took him from me, and I moved closer so I was in his arms while he held our baby boy.

"I love you, my sweet baby boy."

"It's time."

I looked up at the nurse, who had pity written all over her face. Slowly I pulled away from him, and Nathan stood up, clutching our boy to him. They brought me in a wheelchair, and I sat down; Nathan handed me Elliot back. We went outside, where Elliot's adoptive parents were waiting.

"I love you so much. We will see each other again, I promise." I kissed his forehead, then returned him to Nathan so they could say goodbye. Kelly and Lee were waiting when we walked over. Kelly was quick to come over and hug me.

"Don't worry; he's going to be just fine. I will take care of him." I nodded as she pulled away and backed up to her husband.

"Love you, little man."

"Thank you, guys."

"You're welcome; remember, this is not goodbye." I nodded, feeling numb. She could say this was not goodbye, but we all knew it was. As soon as he was in Lee's arms, I quickly turned, burring my face into Nathan's chest.

That was the most challenging day of my life. I honestly thought I was never going to see him again. We kept up with the pictures, and I got to talk to him, but I couldn't see him.

"Sophie?" He said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"What, buddy?"

"When I go home?"

"Come here." He was hesitant, but he crawled over into my arms. It felt so good to have him in my arms again. I was not going to let anyone take him from me ever again.

"You are going to be staying here with me."

"Why?" He frowned, breaking my heart in the process. 

"Buddy, your parents were in a terrible accident, so they're not going to be here anymore."

"Why?" Such a curious little boy I have.

"They were badly hurt, but they are in a better place now."

"You are my mommy now?"

"Yea, I'm your mommy" Tears filled my eyes as he turned his head, burying it in my neck. I never thought I would get to say those words to him. But nowBut, now he's here, and he knows I'm his mommy.

"We're going to be okay. I promise Mommy is going to take care of this."

"I'm scared." I moved my head so we were face to face.

"I know, baby, but you don't have to be scared."

"Park?"

"Yea, let's go get dressed." So I went back into our room and picked him out clothes for today.

"Elliot, come here."

He came running in and took his clothes. I changed and then went to help him. About a half hour later, we left for the park. He ran right over to the swings, and I followed him. I helped him on the swing and pushed him. He had the biggest smile on his face as he went higher.

"Hey, there is something I want to talk to you about. Do you like baseball?"

"Yeah, my dad was teaching me to play."

"Well, I have a friend that plays baseball. He invited us to watch him play in his game tomorrow. What do you think about going?" He nodded, making me sigh in relief.