Too Early For September

Forward Like Time

PRESENT DAY

I sat at my desk wiping away my tears. Remembering the drama of my love for Eden was bitter sweet. Wishing for one moment again just to tell her the truth about my heart. From meeting her to kissing her, the last fight we had, her visiting me telling me she would miss me. I loved it all.
My office door opened and i noticed it was night and i was there alone, through the open door a head popped through it and i stood slowly. "Bara?" Since i was released from the hospital three months ago i haven't seen her. "Hey, Sidney. Can we talk?" She spoke softly. I looked around the room as i hesitated to answer "Um. Sure. Have a seat."
She sat and so did I. I was facing her while i sat at my desk. "So?" I wasn't being rude; we just weren't friends or even a little friendly so why was she here?
"I wanted to talk to you about Eden." I nodded slowly and she took a deep breath "Well, not really about Eden. I just-" i reached over and touched her hand
"So do I" I agreed. We both missed her
"Our last meet was very hostile and I wanted to apologize. I don't even know why I acted that way. I saw how happy you made Eden. Then I realized the glow she had for me was nothing compared to what she had for you." We both were crying at this point "She was such a good person and I hurt her so badly and I never once said I was sorry and I feel so fucking dirty cause she's gone and I cant take it back. I was so stupid and selfish" I quickly rose and rushed over to Bara and hugged her deeply.
"I feel the same way. The last thing I said was she was a coward. She ran behind me and I was too stubborn to stop and listen." I cried as Bara pulled me closer. "I forgive you Bara. Don't let this weigh you down. We all make mistakes and I'm learning from mine as well."
Bara let out a shaky sigh. "She told me she forgave me in her letter and -"
"Letter?" I looked down at her as we parted from our hug
"Yes. You didn't read yours?" She looked at me confused
"What letter?
"In her office. Letters for you, Austin and Adam."
"I haven't been in her office since-"
"I understand."

******

I stood outside her door for what felt like hours, i turned to go back to the kitchen when i heard a book drop and I opened the door in anticipation "Eden!?" My eyes undressed the room as a white house lizard dart pass my foot then I was rushed with reality as her scent barged through my nostrils. Lavender and honey and I smiled.  Oh, Eden. I wish you were here. I swiped my hand along her books and remembered when she recommended "Me before You." I took the book and held it close to my heart as I purred at the memory of her voice. 'I love this book Laurie!  Its sad but so sweet.' I turned to my heel leaving her office when a fake rose caught my attention. It laid upon six letters in envelopes. Two to August, one to Austin and three to me.
1. To: Ms. Sidney Lauren Bishop.
2. To: Laurie
3. To  .: Unnamed.
Sub Lettered to Sidney L Bishop.
  Unnamed? Leave it up to Eden to leave me with a mystery. I ripped open the envelope and my mouth dropped to the floor when i read the letter head of the document
'Commers Adoption Agency.' A small photo of an ultrasound fell to the floor and i gasped. Almost losing my balance from being overwhelmed with feelings. How long were these letters here? What if they found a new home for her already? I looked over the document and saw Eden's signature under "Parent 2" and the space for parent one was blank.  It was the waiting for my signature. I saw a personal number for the agency, under the name Sheldine Commers. I dialed the number with my hands shaking.
An oddly deep female voice answered the phone.
"Hello-" i sobbed "My name is Sidney Bish-"
"Ive been looking for your contact for two weeks. We changed secretaries so it's been a task." Ms. Commers interjected
"Oh" I cried "I just saw a letter from Eden and- I just - is this true? Like this is real?"
She laughed lightly "Your daughter was born two weeks ago."
I couldn't help but cry harder, I was engulfed in warmth thanks to Eden. She listened to all of my rants about longing to be a mother and she went forward for a kid. For me! For us! There truly was more than she said on her heart and I felt it in my heart as well. I looked at the rose in my hand "Whats her name?"
"That's up to you, she hasn't been registered as yet." She paused for a moment.  "Eden loved you Sidney. She spoke about you every time we had a conversation"
A string of tears fell "How'd you know her?"
"She and I are cousins" she said lightly.
"Im so sorry I-"
"My dear, if you are anything like she has described I should be sorry, i know you miss her dearly."
"I do."
"She did up all of the documents for you so you just have to sign the document she had and two others that are already here and in two weeks you will have full custody of your daughter."
I took a deep breath
"How does tomorrow at 10am sound?" Sheldine asked
"That's fine." I replied
"See you soon" she said hanging up.
I swirled the rose in my fingers and smiled. "I understand Eden. I hear you loud and clear."
My daughter,  no, OUR daughter would be called Rosalee Eden Bishop-Jones.