Raising Donna

First Family Impression

Thoughts roamed my mind after parking behind Hayden's car. I gripped the wheel with my hands and contemplating whether I should go. Perhaps another day would be better. The only thing my parents know is I have a surprise they need to see very soon. I was planning on visiting them this week but unfortunately, they were busy so seeing them at Aunt Malorie's is probably the only option. No turning back now Hailey. You got to do this. Donna deserves to meet her grandparents at least. I got out and unbuckled the seatbelt. She was peacefully sleeping as I carried her by the hip and wrapped her yellow-white travel bag around me. She laid her head on my shoulder. Aww! I walked to the doorstep and rang the doorbell nervously. Loud chatter could be heard inside. Hopefully, it doesn't bother Donna too much. The door opened to reveal Hayes. He smiled sweetly. "H!" He said, hugging me. I hugged back. "H!" I joked. We parted. His eyes slowly widened once he noticed Donna. "Who—is—who's—what's happening?" He stammered while I came in. He closed the door, not taking attention off her. The chatter made Donna yawn and slowly wake up. I motioned Hayes to quiet. "Where's my parents?" I asked. "The living room. Where all the parents are. Everyone else is either downstairs or upstairs in the rooms." He told me. I nodded and thanked him before finding my way to Aunt Malorie's cozy living room.

Everything in her home was cozy. We loved spending the summers here because it brought a cozy warmth feel to it. Like being cozied up in blankets and pillows, pizza boxes, watching movies all night. I cleared my throat. "Hi everyone." I blurted. Their attention immediately was thrown to me and Donna. Mom's jaw dropped. Grandma and Grandpa smirked knowingly. Hayes probably went back to tell the others about Donna. Nothing but awkward silence hit the atmosphere. Aunt Karli approached me. "Hailey, sweetie, don't you wanna introduce us to this little cutie?" She said, waving at Donna. She babbled quietly. "Are you babysitting Hailey?" Uncle Jared asked. I nodded my head no and cleared my throat. "Everyone, this is my daughter Donna. I...adopted her." I introduced. Another minute of silent shock echoed as they made eye contact with her. She sucked her thumb while mumbling gibberish. Uncle Jared smiled warmly. "We couldn't be happier." He spoke. Aunt Lana looked at her in awe. "She's adorable!" She beamed. Aunt Karli chuckled and opened her arms. "May I?" She asked. All my nervousness suddenly flew away. Karlie was right. They wouldn't care if I brought home a baby that wasn't biologically mine. I nodded, giving Donna to her. She studied her tired state. "Just woke up?" She asked. "Yeah." I told her. She walked back to Aunt Lana and Malorie enough for Donna to be smothered with kisses, tickles and hugs. My parents, nonetheless, remained in a surprised state. I motioned them to talk with me in the kitchen. They followed behind and Dad closed the door.