Found Along The Way

Chapter twenty-five

Rosie had grown so much, and didn't seem even a tiny bit like the little new-born bundle Lina and Joey had brought back from the hospital 9 months ago. She was crawling around at speeds they couldn't keep up with, babbling loudly at any given moment, and occasionally standing up while clinging onto her mother's legs for support. In her parents very accurate opinion, she was the most beautiful little girl in the world.

"And you're smart, and creative, and powerful," Joey told her, getting her dressed for the day. "And loud!" He giggled with her as she spoke in her own little language. Her language, while not making much sense, contained the occasional 'Mama', 'Dada', and 'Hi' , which was heart-warming to hear. Lifting her up and bringing her to the mirror he continued the pep talk that he gave her so often, he knew it was important for children to be raised encouragingly from day one. So it didn't matter that she didn't understand what he was saying, because one day she would.

"You are just the prettiest baby I've ever seen Rosie!" Lina joined in, gently brushing through her tiny curls with her hands. Her hair was as dark as Lina's, matching her deep brown, sparkling baby eyes. Lina had tried to tie the little curls into pigtails at the sides of her head, but they were swiftly removed by Rosie's wandering hands. She had a smile as radiant as her mother's and eyes as big as her father's. She was truly a beautiful child.

"She takes after you my love." Joey said, interrupted by another baby sentence, "She takes after you with how smart she is too!" He laughed.

"I love you." Lina reminded him. "Okay Rosie let's go get breakfast before auntie Anya gets here."

They sat at the circular table in the kitchen, Rosie enjoying her typical breakfast of mushed bananas and raisins. She was wonderfully distracted by making a mess while trying to eat, which gave Lina the opportunity to tell Joey her latest thoughts.

As most people, Lina had dreams. Things she wanted to do with her life, with her career as a writer, and while she said she wouldn't let being a mother stop her, she feared it was beginning to.

"Joey, I was thinking about maybe getting a job in publishing."

"You want to go back to working?" He asked, slightly surprised.

"Yeah, I don't want to give up on my writing, and working in that area opens doors to getting my own work seen." She explained with excitement. "Also it would be good for us financially."

"But Lina we're fine with money, my job pays well so you shouldn't have to work."

"It's more that I want to work, I know I don't have to."

"But what about Rosie? Who's gonna take care of her?"

"I'll work part-time, we can get a sitter, or Anya can take her."

"Hmm..." He thought out loud, exaggerating to make Rosie laugh.

But it seemed like he was trying to get the idea of working out of Lina's head, and Lina knew she didn't need his permission to work, it was her decision and her right.

"I don't want to be stuck at home forever as just a mom and a house-wife Joe." She defended herself. His face looked struck, caught off guard. He shuffled his chair closer to her and stroked her shoulder.

"I would never put that pressure on you Lina. If you feel ready, you should absolutely get a job."

The reassurance was a relief for her, and she smiled.

"You hear that Rosie? Mommy's getting a JOB!" She said excitedly, earning happy babbling in response.

It was official, she was going to get a job, she would be a working woman again.