Alexis Miller [Editing]

Chapter twenty two: Meeting Cora

"Cora, please come here!" I call out towards the kitchen. A little buddle of joy runs towards me, her blonde hair bouncing as she moves. Her big brown eyes light up in amusement. I can't help but admire her silky soft hair that she got from her father. He always did have the softest hair.

If you already haven't figured it out, Cora is my baby girl that I gave birth to just over three years ago. I probably should explain.

So about two months after I went to England I realised I was pregnant. Of course me missing my period and having morning sickness gave it away. My dad was quite angry with me and couldn't do anything about it. I didn't really care what he thought. I stopped caring about his opinion a few years ago.

That good for nothing bastard kicked me out and I was forced to find way and live on my own. I managed to find a small two bedroom apartment that I shared with a lovely person named Samantha. She become one of my very good friends. She would always help take care of Cora while I was away at work or school.

I was still only eighteen and in my final year of school. I wasn't able to attend day classes but I got extra help from a few colleges that offer undergraduate lessons.

It wasn't that hard to identify her father since I have only ever been with one guy. Cora is a constant reminder of him. Not that it is a bad thing, but I had forgotten Ryder. I had forgotten the things we used to do together that made me happy. The places he would touch me that made me shudder. I still wonder now and then if he has forgotten about me. If he had forgotten the feelings he felt, because frankly I haven't. I only forgot how much I enjoyed it.

I didn't like the memories mostly. The tears would come easily and everyday I would break my promise that I made to him. It was a constant battle between remembering and forgetting.

I didn't mean to forget but I was only still a kid when I had Cora. I was alone and scared since my dad basically disowned me. I had considered giving her up for adoption but had gotten to attached.

Now that I'm nineteen, I am glad for everything that has happened. Fortunately for me, the people here are kind and very helpful. I made some friends that I would never forget, like Sam.

"Grandma wants to talk to you." I hold up the phone to her tiny ear as her face lights up with joy.

"Grandma!" She screams into the phone. "Yeah...I want see you!...love you too!" She pushes the phone towards me after she is done talking. I proceed to continue talking to my mom.

After leaving for such a long time, I realised how much I truly love and miss my mother. Even though she wasn't the best mom over the yeas she still tried. she was better to me than my father ever was.

"Yes, we will be flying in tomorrow...No thanks. I want it to be a surprise...I love you too...bye." With that she cuts the line. I turn to Cora who is playing with one of her dolls. "Hey girl, come over here." I pick her up and put her on my lap. I kiss her forehead and give her a tight hug, "We better get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long day."

*****

I walk towards two big glass doors with Cora sleeping in my arms. "Mom!" I exclaim once I see her waiting on the other side. She comes over to me and gives me a side hug in order not to wake Cora. But she slowly starts to open her eyes as soon as mother let's me go. She looks around at the unfamiliar place.

"I'm so glad to see you! And this must be Cora." My mom grins, literally grabbing Cora from me. I laugh while moving her over. "I'm your grandma."

Cora takes a few seconds to realise what my mother has said. "Grandma!" She shouts then hugs my mother.

My mother chuckles, "Hello Cupcake," she then turns to speak to me, "Shall we go?" I nod in reply.