My Baby Girl

New Year, Old Habits

Two weeks later
*Ashley's POV*

"Everleigh, I want you on your best behavior tonight, because your grandma hasn't met you yet, ok?"

"Ok mommy." She agrees as I throw her hair up into a top knot, complete with a white bow headband. I stare at Everleigh's bangs which now nearly hang over her eyes, and make a mental note to schedule a hair appointment for her.

"Mommy, what is my gwandma wike?" Everleigh asks, tilting her head to the side.

"I'm not exactly sure. I've only met her a few times." I admit. Of course my answer isn't enough to satisfy Everleigh, who asks a follow up question.

"But why?" She asks.

"Well, Ryan and I just didn't see her that often. She's busy with her job a lot." I reply.

"Oh. What's her name?" Ev asks again.

"Trine Good, but you can call her grandma, or Mrs. Good...Ms. Good." I correct myself, when I remember the tragedy that happened just a few years back.

"Ok." Everleigh says shrugging.

Tonight Ryan invited us over for dinner with his mom. I would by lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I have only met Trine a few times and each time I couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't like me. She's not the typical mother. She's more of a reckless, spontaneous, immature kind of person, just like Ryan. I'm especially nervous for her to meet Everleigh. Not only is Everleigh her granddaughter she's never met, she's her granddaughter she never knew existed up until a few months ago.

I know I shouldn't feel nervous, especially because Everleigh is such a love able little girl. Anyone that meets her, loves her. That's how it always goes, but just to make sure, I reviewed a couple rules with her while getting her ready.

Just then a text comes through from none other than Ryan himself.

Ryan- Hey Ash, so stoked for tonight! Oh and don't worry, my mom isn't bringing her totally ripped boyfriend. XD

Me- Tbh, I had no clue your mom had a boyfriend, or that he's "totally ripped" but thanks for the heads up! ;)

Ryan- haha well I'm glad you know now. See you beautiful girls tonight!

Me- Can't wait! <3

***

The ride over to Ryan's house was a quiet one, me nor Ev saying much. I think we were both trying to process what tonight would look like for us. Everleigh napped for a good three hours this afternoon which gives me hope for a smooth, tantrum-free evening. But I know that she is only three, and sometimes wanting her to act like a mature adult is too much to ask, which is why I keep her sheltered from the fandom and publicity. I feel like that's right for her because I don't want her to get sucked in to all the fame, not when she's still a little child. She has her whole life ahead of her, for now I just want her to enjoy being a kid, despite all the hate I get for it. A lot of people throw shade at me for not getting Everleigh into pageants or modeling, or even becoming a child actress, and say I'm a horrible mom. I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes it does because I try so hard to put my daughter first in everything I do, and factor her into every decision I make. I try to give her the world. I want to do everything I possibly can to make sure that my little girl is happy and safe, and personally I feel that exposing her to the public at such a young age, isn't good for her. This world is cruel one, one I don't want my daughter to discover just yet.

As I walk up to the front door, I begin to grow more anxious. By the time I ring the doorbell, I have stopped breathing all together and have found it difficult to swallow. Thankfully, the door opens, and my fears fade away when I see Ryan's welcoming smile.