You drew stars around my scars

Postnatal depression part 2 (final)

After receiving Jessica's text asking for help, Andrea had to figure out how to approach the topic. She knew if she tried to talk to Taylor about it directly the blonde would shut down and shut her own – she knew it was a fine line of offering support but without Taylor feeling like she was failing and needing the support.

The next morning Andrea messaged Taylor, asking how both the girls were – how she was. Taylor sent a basic response in reply – assuring the woman that everyone was fine, they were adjusting to this new life but plodding along.

Andrea sighed reading it, knowing she couldn't offer further support until Taylor was willing to accept that she needed it but she attempted to reach out again 'in all the photos, Emmeline looks SO big now – can I come and visit, see you all?'

Taylor had snapped up the chance, practically begging her mum to come as soon as she could.

On Tuesday morning, Andrea arrived – gifts for everyone packed away inside her suitcases and a reserve of energy to help the blonde woman out. When she arrived at Taylor's house, the blonde pulled her into a tight hey "Hey Mum!"

Andrea smiled warmly, squeezing her daughter tighter "Hey Tay – how are you?!"

Taylor nodded against her Mum's shoulder "I'm OK. How are you?"

Andrea rubbed her back gently "I'm ok sweetheart"

As they pulled away, Andrea's eyes scanned over Taylor's body – noticing the big bags under her daughter's eyes, the beaten expression on her face, the dirty clothes she was wearing that hung limply off the younger blonde's skinny frame.

Taylor felt her gaze and shifted uncomfortably "shall we go into the living room?"

Andrea nodded gently, making a mental note to thank Jessica for reaching out.

As they headed in, Andrea caught sight of the tiny baby in her bouncer. She turned to look at Taylor, then back to Emmeline "Oh look at her, she's changed so much Tay!"

Taylor nodded, smiling widely but it didn't meet her eyes "yeah she's amazing"

Andrea smiled, rubbing the blonde's shoulder gently "it is amazing...it's hard too though isn't it?"

Taylor's face dropped for a split second as the true emotion swept over her, tears filled her eyes but she blinked them away quickly, she spoke quietly – her rehearsed answer tumbling out "she's worth it"

Andrea shrugged "I'm sure she is, but I remember those early days – I felt like I was going insane. At times I just wanted someone to come in and take over – to show me what to do. I can't even imagine doing it on my own, you really are incredible Tay"

Taylor shook her head, pushing away her Mum's kind words "she's awake so you can pick her up if you want – have a cuddle while I make you a cup of tea?"

Andrea grinned "I'll definitely have a cuddle but don't worry about the tea right now, come and sit down with us – I am here to help, you don't have to host me Tay"

Taylor nodded, awkwardly sitting down next to her Mum and the baby. As Andrea cooed at Emmeline, Taylor stared on – bemused by the instant love on her Mum's face.

After another hour or so, Emmeline started to get fussy – Taylor groaned slightly "she's hungry..."

Andrea nodded, passing the baby to Taylor. As soon as the baby was back in her arms, Taylor began to feed her and Andrea stood up "I'm going to make myself a drink – do you want anything?"

Taylor shook her head, shifting position slightly so the baby was better supported. Andrea looked between them both "shall I make you a sandwich now so it's ready for once she's finished?"