In Waves -Book 3

Chapter 45 - First steps

I was trying hard not to cry. I didn't want her to think something was wrong, when in reality, it was pride today—pride in knowing I got her to this day and in one piece. I felt a little proud of myself, too, because my little baby was growing up into a young lady.

She was still just four, it seemed so big and small all at the same time, but her personality and attitude were miles bigger than her body.

My baby girl was going to school for the first time today. She was starting her first year at school. Yes, granted, she was at the school's nursery, but this was her first real year of education, and I just couldn't believe it.

'Mama ...my jumper is a little itchy' Aera said as she squirmed and fiddled with her collar.

'Its because it's new baby, it'll be ok...did Mama put your name tag in it right ?' I said and went to check and found the culprit.

'Baby girl...it was one of your hair bobbles' I said and giggled holding the offending articles between my fingers.

'Oops,' Aera giggled back but had stopped squirming now that comfort had been restored.

'How are you this big baby girl.....how is Mama's baby in big school now ?' I asked, all the while feeling the water pooling in the corners of my eyes.

'I'm so big Mama....but not as big as Lana.....she is 5 this week!' Aera said loudly.

'I know baby, she was born in September so she is 5 now and you will be soon!' I said back, trying to hope that she would grasp that some kids also turn 5 just as they start ''Big School''.

'She has a party ....and you said I could go....and Mama I been good !' Aera said almost sounding like she was begging for reassurance.

'Yes baby don't worry, Mama already spoke to Lana's daddy and the party is next Saturday not this Saturday....it's ok...when we go food shopping this week, we can pick out a nice present for her ...how does that sound?' I asked my Daughter.

'Good idea Mama....Lana is my best friend!!' Aera exclaimed, her happiness almost making her stumble.

'I know baby, she is a nice little girl' I said, proud knowing that my little girl had a friend that I hoped she got to grow up with.

I never had that, my family immigrated from Italy when I was 6 and I couldn't speak English well and all the kids in school thought I as weird, my skin darker than theirs, and my hair dark and a little frizzy back then, and man some kids could be mean and their parents even meaner, and well... I guess I'm relieved that for the most part, Aera won't deal with that.

All the kids loved her, all the parents loved her, some kids noticed she didn't look like me but her school group was a lot more diverse than mine ever was.

'BEEP BEEP!!!' sounded from outside and made us both jump a little bit.

'Mama that's Uncle Charlie's car!' Aera squealed and as expected danced on the balls of her feet as the excitement of one of her favourite people being here to pick us up made her happy.

'Ok let's grab your lunch box and your school blazer and let's get this show on the road' I said and stood up and just watched Aera skip to our front door, about to start her future.

'You'd be so proud of her today baby, I know you will be with us at the school gate' I said in my head to the picture of Namjoon that is on the console by the front door.

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'Charles.....stop it!' I said nudging this annoying fluff bucket in the ribs,I could see him wanting to cry as we stood in the playground watching it fill up.