Revealed

104. Mama Dee

She looks almost exactly like Solane. I can't get over it. It makes my head spin. It's like so much truth shoots back into my memory.

I remember. I remember it all.

The little girl looking for her sister. She looked for days. Crying. She didn't find her. I didn't put two and two together. I just saw Solane lying there... cold and alone. I was only thinking about myself. My husband, he passed away. And I had nothing left to live for. And then Solane, she was just there. I took her. I needed her to help keep me sane.

But I didn't want to think about her actual family. I didn't want her to have anything to do with them. I made no effort to find them. And I convinced myself that I was doing the right thing.

But looking at this girl right now, she makes me hate myself. I can't take it. I already lost Solane again. I have nothing left now, for real this time.

I slowly walk towards the girl and the two people with her. I notice how one of them is Melissa. I can hear their conversation as I approach.

"I had to walk all the way from the car just to find you lovebirds. And trust me, it was not an easy walk."

The couple laughs.

"I'm serious. This is no laughing matter. We are going to be late to that party now."

"Relax Melissa. We'll make it. I promise."

She even acts like Solane with her promises that she always keeps.

When I'm close enough, they begin to notice me and turn in my direction. They all stare silently at me.

"Umm...my name is Deetra. But I'm more commonly known as Mama Dee."

The girl flinches at my name and her face becomes more sympathetic looking. Then out of nowhere, she traps me in a hug.

"Thank you. Solane couldn't have had a better guardian." She lets go of me to go stand by her partner. "She told me all about you. How you found her and took her in. You cared for her. And all her birthdays were like, amazing. You helped her to get her get first job at your bakery." She smiles. "I'm Sharon. Solane's lost older sister." She points to the boy next to her. "This is Faine. My... friend?" She looks up at him for confirmation and he finishes her sentence with "boyfriend." She blushes.

"And you already know me, Mama," Melissa exclaims.

I nod. "Of course. How could I forget?" An awkward pause holds itself for a few seconds before I ask, "Listen, Solane and I... me and Solane.... We aren't really in a good place right now. I overreacted to her leaving and I feel as if I've broken our bond.... I really need to apologize." I fidget with my fingers as I speak. "I was hoping you children would know where I could find her?"