Cherylene sits on her couch, clutching her phone tightly as she dials Gertrude's number. She knows this conversation won't be easy, but she believes it's the best decision for everyone involved. Her heart races as the phone rings, and finally, Gertrude answers.
"Hello, Cherylene? Is everything alright?"
"Gertrude, we need to talk. It's about Cheska, Ava, and Chloe. I've been considering something, and I think it might be the best course of action for their future."
Gertryde's voice trembles with concern on the other end of the line.
"What do you mean, Cherylene? What's going on?"
"I think it would be beneficial for Cheska to take Ava and Chloe with her to New York. I've already prepared the necessary papers and documents. It's an opportunity for them, Gertryde – a chance for them to have a better life, more opportunities. And you're suffering"
There is a long silence on the other end, broken only by Gertryde's heavy breathing. Cherylene can sense the weight of Gertryde's emotions, understanding the difficulty she must be feeling.
"But... but they're my granddaughters, Cherylene. I can't bear the thought of them being so far away. They're my whole world."
Cherylene's voice softens as she tries to comfort Gertrude.
"I know, Aunt. I know how much you love them. But we have to think about their future. Cheska has been offered an incredible opportunity, and it's a chance for Ava and Chloe to have a better life, more possibilities. We can't let our fears hold them back."
There is a moment of silence as Gertryde absorbs Cherylene's words. The weight of the decision hangs heavy in the air.
"I... I don't know, Cherylene. It's so hard for me to let them go. I've been their caregiver for so long."
"I understand, Auntie. It won't be easy, but it's a decision made out of love. Cheska will take good care of them, and they'll still be a part of our lives. We can visit them, and they can come back to visit us too."
Gertryde's voice breaks further as she struggles with the thought of being separated from her granddaughters.
"I'll miss them so much, Cherylene. They're my heart. But if it's truly what's best for them, then... then I'll support it."
Cherylene's own voice trembles with emotion as she hears the pain in Gertryde's words.
"Thank you, Auntie. I know this isn't easy, but we'll get through it together. We'll always be family, and their happiness is what matters most."
The line goes silent as both women take a moment to collect themselves, their hearts heavy with the weight of the decision they've made.
Ava had overheard fragments of the conversation between Gertrude and Cherylene, and it left her with a heavy heart.
Misinterpreting their words, she believes Gertrude has decided to give her away. The weight of this misunderstanding bears down on her, and she can't bear to stay in silence any longer.
"Granny... is it true? Are you giving me away?"
Gertrude, who had been lost in her thoughts, snaps out of her reverie, startled by Ava's question. Her heart aches at the sight of her granddaughter's tear-streaked face.
"Ava, no! Where did you hear that? Oh, my dear, that's not what was discussed. Please, come here."
Gertrude opens her arms, inviting Ava into an embrace, but Ava pulls away, her eyes filled with a mix of hurt and confusion.
YOU ARE READING
Unspoken Desires
Ficción GeneralCheska, a girl whose heart bore the weight of abandonment, had carried the scars of her past with her throughout her life. The wounds ran deep, originating from the neglect she had endured at the hands of her parents. Their absence had left her with...
