Photograph [on hold]

Close at her side

The next morning, I woke up with a smile for the first time that week. Today, I am starting my "eventful vacation" as the boys (mainly Luke) like to call it. I'm not quite sure yet who I am with today, and for sure no clue about what we'll do. I sit up in bed, and walk to my closet. The night before, Gabe left me an outfit to wear today. I haven't seen it yet, so I gape as I open my closet. Laying out is a beautiful knee length dress. It is white and purple with patterns on it. There is also a pair of shorts to wear underneath. Next to the dress is a pair of white sandals. I grin and quickly change. After that, I stare at the mirror. It's so pretty. Gabriel comes in and stands next to me. "What do you think?" He asks with a grin. "I love it," I whisper. He twists a strand of hair around his finger before tucking the curl behind my ear. "Sean will be here soon. Eat breakfast, alright?" I nod and he heads off to wherever. I eat a couple pieces of toast and some cereal, drink some milk, and call it a breakfast. The doorbell rings just as I put my plate in the sink. I pick my sandals up and carry them with me to the door. I haven't had a chance to put them on yet, but I can't let him stand out there. I pull open the door. Sean waits with a smile and a purple carnation. I smile back at him. He gives me a big hug. "You look beautiful," he says quietly. My cheeks tint pink. "Thank you. Why did you bring me a flower?" Sean grins wider as he leads me to my couch. "Luke told me that you won a bet, a while ago when you were swimming with him. Because you won, we all owe you something." He says, putting the carnation on the table. He gently picks up my feet and fastens on my sandals. He helps me up from the couch and lends me his elbow. I gingerly slip my arm through his and he leads me to his car. "Sean?" I ask as he navigates the road. "Where are we going?" "I can't tell you. It's a surprise." "But-" "Ssh. We'll be there soon, I promise." I pout a little but nod. A minute later, he pulls into a parking space. "Where are we?" I ask. He doesn't answer but instead opens my door for me and helps me out. "We, my dear Sang, are at the park." I smile when he smiles and look around at the children running across the playground. "It's beautiful. Children running and playing, having fun like children should." Sean nods and leads me by the elbow, picking a small flower and tucking it in my hair. As we are walking on the trail, I notice a little girl crying on the side of the side walk. I frown and silently ask Sean if I can go try to help her. He nods, following me over. "Excuse me," I say, kneeling down. "Are you okay?" She shakes her head no, then asks me to pick her up. I do, resting her on my hip. "What's wrong?" "I told on my brother 'cause he called me annoying. Mommy said to quit being a baby about it." She cried, grasping my dress in her small fists. "I'm sorry. Why are you by yourself?" She shrugged, sniffling. "You're alone," she pointed out. I shake my head no and point to Sean. "I'm here with my friend, Sean." "Oh. Are you going to get married to him?" I laugh a little and shake my head no. Children are so cute. "No, I don't think so. What's your name, sweetheart?" She smiled a little. "Lily. My mommy is worried. I should get back. Mommy has enough stress already, I think. Bye bye!" She jumps down from my arms, running to a woman searching frantically for Lily. I smile. I had a childhood like that. The beautiful kind where your mom searches for you when you're lost, frantically and hurriedly because she loves you a lot and she doesn't want to lose you. I smile a little brighter as I fall back into step with Sean. "Why were you laughing?" "She asked if I was going to marry you, Sean." He put his hand over his heart. "That really hurt. I'm offended." I shrug. "Sorry. I didn't mean it like that." He smiles. "I know." Someone tugs at my hand. I smile when I see Lily. "Two things. First, I like your dress. Second," she changes her tone to a whisper. "I think he wants to marry you. You should consider a wedding." I smile and laugh. She gives a huge smile and skips off once more.
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Later that day, we visited the hospital. We mostly visited the babies. I smiled as I thought of all the parents of the young, beautiful faces. Then I hoped the beautiful children would have beautiful lives and childhoods like the kids in the park. Happy, carefree, positively wonderful. My eyes lingered on one baby in particular. She was smaller than the rest; not by much but enough to be noticeable. She was fast asleep, sometimes blinking and grabbing for something. I watched for the fleeting moments of her clear green eyes, the way she reached for something. Upon closer inspection, I realized there was a small bear laying next to her. So close, but just barely out of reach. Something about the young girl touched something inside of me. There was a small familiarity in the back of my mind. My heart strings tugged at the sleeping girl's image. "Sean," I whisper. "Can I go in there for a moment?" He shrugs, nodding slowly. He starts to ask me a question but I leave the second I receive permission. I walk through the door, straight to the girl's crib. I slowly wrap my lean fingers around the small bear. Then, I wait. The second her eyes blink open, her fingers stretching, I slip the bear into her small grasp. She blinks, green eyes flashing, and the teddy bear is close at her side.