Bloodborn (sequel to 'Lucky 13')

Chapter 30: Amazing kid

Lily's POV

When I woke up, Catherine was gone. Marianne later told me that Catherine had left the house before breakfast, she had to do something. 

During breakfast, Marianne and her family were talking about random things while I was left on my own, to think. I was wondering about Catherine, about where she went, about when she'd be back. And about Emily.

I know I'm not treating her well, I know none of this is her fault, it's simply her destiny. But I'm just so angry, it's just so unfair.

"Lily," Marianne suddenly said, pulling me out of thoughts. "Are you ok?"

Everyone at the table now looked at me, all wondering if I was alright. "Yeah," I showed them a small smile. "I was just thinking about Catherine."

"Don't worry, dear," Marianne showed me a small smile. "She'll be alright, she'll be back soon."

I nodded and then looked back at my plate.

"Where's Emily?" Esmee suddenly asked. "Shouldn't she have breakfast?"

Marianne looked from me to Esmee. "We'll arrange that later on."

Esmee looked at her mother and then simply nodded. They probably exchanged a look, as many people do here.

After breakfast, I helped Marianne clean up the table. We didn't really talk much, just small talk occasionally. Marianne had told me that she suspected that Catherine was looking for a way to deal with her problems. I certainly hoped so.

Around 10, I received a phone call.

"Haewa?"

I smiled. "Hey haewa," I couldn't help but feel good when I heard her voice. "Where are you?"

She sighed. "At work," She paused. "I've got a busy day today, I'll be home late." 

I nodded, even though she couldn't see it. "I'll be waiting at home for you."

I knew she was smiling then. "I can't wait."

I smiled but didn't reply, I didn't know what else to say. And, when I knew what to say, Catherine was faster.

"I went to my father this morning," She said in a very serious tone. "We talked."

I gulped, unsure how to talk about this subject with her. Especially through a phone... "How did it go?"

"You'll meet with him today in the park, around 3. Take Emily too."

Somehow I didn't like the fact I had no choice. This was clearly a request, an order, not a question. Catherine and Vernon had arranged this together, I simply had to obey. "Ok."But, seeing as she did an effort, I'll do that too.

"Good, well I'll see you tonight. I haewa esaeu, haewa."

I smiled. "I haewa esaeu, haewa." I said, trying to repeat what Catherine had said.

I heard Catherine let out a chuckle before hanging up the phone.

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About 20 minutes before I had to meet up with Vernon, I started preparing myself. I put on my jacket, I put on my shoes and I asked Marianne to get Emily.

Emily slowly walked to me, she seemed unsure. And seeing that, I knew I had made a mistake by treating her so badly.

"Hey there," I knelt and opened my arms for her. "Come here."

Emily shook her head and walked backwards, away from me. She seemed like she was about to cry.

I got upset then. "Hey," I walked to her slowly. "I'm sorry, honey," I knelt in front of her again. "I was wrong."

Emily slowly hid behind Marianne.

I sighed and looked at Marianne. Marianne smiled a bit and pulled Emily up. "Hey there," She gently rubbed Emily's cheek, making her feel at ease. "Are you going to the park with mommy?"

Emily shook her head as she held on to Marianne.

Marianne looked at me and shrugged, unsure what she should be doing now.

I, however, couldn't wait anymore. Catherine specifically told her to take Emily too. And so I'd do that. "Come, honey," I got a hold of Emily and started pulling her away from Marianne. "Come."

Emily started crying and tried holding on to Marianne as best as she could.

Marianne didn't do anything but watch. She must feel bad for seeing Emily be so upset with her mother, it wasn't something that should be happening.

Eventually, I managed to get Emily away from Marianne. I held Emily close to me and Emily, surprisingly, held on. I then looked at Marianne. "We'll be back later."

Marianne nodded.

I left the house and walked to the park. On my way there, I looked at Emily from time to time. I noticed how tense she was.

"I'm sorry for yesterday, honey," I  said as I hugged Emily more. "I was so wrong," I stopped and looked at her. "Can you forgive me?"

Emily looked at me and then slowly nodded, though her sad face remained.

I slowly smiled and then leaned in to plant a kiss onto Emily's forehead. "I love you."

And it seemed as if that was everything she needed to smile again. After that kiss and those heartwarming words, Emily lit up and smiled bigger than before.

"There is my beautiful baby girl." I kissed her again before continuing our walk to the park.

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When we arrived, I looked around. I knew I was supposed to meet Vernon here, somewhere.

"Why here?"

I looked at Emily. "We're meeting grandpa here."

Emily smiled. "Knaoqgog!" She clapped her hands excitedly. "Where he?"

"I don't know," I kept looking around. "He should be here somewhere."

"Lily, Emily!" Vernon waved from afar. He was seated on a bench near the playground.

I smiled and walked to him. "Hey," I said as I sat down with him. "It's nice seeing you outside of your house." I wondered why Catherine let him outside the house, that's so unusual...

"Yeah," He smiled as he enjoyed the sunshine onto his skin. "It feels nice to be free." He then looked at me. "So, how are things?"

I slowly nodded. "Good, I guess," I then looked at Emily and noticed she was looking at the playground. "Do you want to go there, honey?"

Emily nodded excitedly.

"Ok," I slowly let her down onto the ground. "Be careful, honey." I said but saw Emily already running away.

Vernon smiled at Emily. "She's an amazing kid."

I then smiled, feeling proud of my daughter. "Yes, she is." I then looked back at Emily, and smiled as saw she was having the time of her life.