VALERIE
“I want you to meet someone, Valerie.” Dad said, entering into my room, leaving my door ajar.
I gave him a blank stare. He sighed. “You can come in.” He told whoever stood outside my bedroom.
A beautiful woman stepped in. She had long ginger curls and brown eyes. She was of average height as she stood shyly beside dad, giving me a smile.
I didn't bother to return her smile. Who was she? Was she another person dad wanted to talk to me so I could talk about mommy's death? He was wasting her time, then. I haven't spoken since mom died. It's been four years now.
“Valerie meet Regina. Regina, Valerie.” Dad introduced us.
“Hey honey, nice to meet you. You're so adorable. I've heard so much about you from your father.” Regina said.
I nodded and forced a smile. I couldn't talk so I waved at her. She beamed at me. “I'm so looking forward to knowing you.”
I didn't have anything to say to that. I just stared at her. I could see she was feeling awkward since she glanced at dad. I watched as dad took her hand, squeezing it softly.
I stared at the action, feeling uncomfortable. Dad used to hold mommy's hand like that. I didn't like that he was doing that to someone who wasn't mommy.
They must've felt me boring holes into their joined hands because they let go, stepping away from each other.
“Hey honey. I just want you to know if there's anything you need, I'll be there for you.” Regina said.
I nodded. She approached me and I tensed. Bending over, she placed a light kiss on my forehead. I froze.
Mommy used to kiss me like that. I jerked away, pushing her from me as tears filled my eyes. She stumbled and would've fallen had dad not caught her.
“What is wrong with you Valerie!” Dad bellowed.
Tears gushed out of my eyes and I felt that familiar ache in my chest whenever I thought of mommy. I felt suffocated and my head was pounding as a wave of dizziness hit me. I couldn't breathe. I was having a panic attack.
I heard the voices of dad and Regina but I couldn't make out what they were saying. My ears were ringing as everything became a blur.
Suddenly I was engulfed in a hug as someone caressed my hair softly. I fought against them. Leave me alone please!
“It's okay, Val. Breathe.”
I stilled as I recognized the voice. I looked up. I was shocked to see her. Mommy? I smiled up at her as I held on to her tightly. I would never let her go. Don't leave me again,mommy. Please, I need you.
“Yes Val, breathe. That's right. Good girl.”
“Mommy.” I called, my voice raspy from lack of use. She didn't respond. She didn't need to. All that mattered was, she was here with me.
Smiling at her, I closed my eyes in exhaustion as sleep took over quickly. For the first time in years, I wasn't assaulted by nightmares. I slept peacefully and in my mommy's arms.
