FOUND [COMPLETED]

XXXV

One month later

Beyoncé

I walked into Bella's bedroom and rolled my eyes when I saw she was still asleep. I pulled the covers off of her and shook my head at her muffled moaning and groaning.

"Get up, you know you have school." I stated while cutting on the lamp on her bedside table. Bella kept whining so I gently smacked her leg. "Hey! Cut that mess out. Get up before you're late."

Bella mumbled something under her breath but got up regardless. I decided to let it slide. I chuckled quietly to myself as she quickly shuffled to her bathroom, closing the door behind her. I left her room and went downstairs to make breakfast.

"Good morning baby." I smiled as Bella walked into the kitchen, just as I was finishing up the food. "How are you feeling?" I asked, fixing Bella a plate.

"I'm tired." Bella whined and laid her head down on the table. I sat her plate down and took a seat beside her.

"Any nightmares?" I asked softly, using my fingers to smooth out my baby's hair. She had it down, but a few strands were sticking out. I looked back at Bella when she didn't respond and sighed. "Maybe you should reconsider what I suggested...."

"I'm not going to therapy. I'm fine." Bella said quickly. I rolled my eyes. She was so damn stubborn, which I guess was partially my fault. She got it from me.

"Baby girl, it's almost been a month and you're still struggling with this." I stated, forcing Bella to look at me by gently grabbing her chin. She looked like she was about to cry. I sighed and kissed her forehead. "How about just one session? You can come with me to Dr. Wells. I'll stay with you the whole time if you want." I suggested. Yes, I've been seeing a new therapist for the past few weeks and I'm proud to say I've began making progress. I still have my bad days of course, but relapse is apart of recovery. I could tell Dr. Wells was genuine in wanting to help me get better, which played a major factor in the healing process. I'm slowly but surely becoming more comfortable around her.

"Can I think about it?" Bella asked, looking at me. I nodded.

"Of course. Just let me know when you've decided." I smiled and hugged Bella against me. She was tense for a few seconds before she quickly relaxed herself and hugged me back. She's been that way ever since the incident at Andre's, and my heart broke every time. I felt so bad for my baby, I just wish I could've been there to protect her.

"Ooh Bey, guess what?" I raised a questioning brow at Bella's sudden excitement. "Basketball season is coming up, and tryouts are next week."

"Really?" I smiled. Bella nodded quickly. "You're trying out?"

"Yeah, well, I want to. But I don't know." She shrugged a little. "The school's team is like, one of the best in the state. I don't know if I'll make it. I don't think I'm that good."

I shut that down quickly. "Hey, don't think like that baby. If you want to try out, then you should try out. You never know." I kissed her cheek. "Plus you're my child, so I know you're going to do fine."

"Hmmm yeah, I guess you're right." Bella nodded. "Daddy did say I was good baller when I played him in one on one last week." She informed me, flashing a cocky smile. I just shook my head.

I loved that she called Jay 'dad' or 'daddy' now, I just wish she would do the same for me. I haven't brought it up because it's not necessary, and Bella's been dealing with enough lately. I know she'll come around when she's ready, and I don't want to rush her. I guess I'll just have to be patient. She knows I'm her mother, and she knows I love her like a mother should, and that's all that matters to me.