Abandoned and Recovered

Chapter 12

"Mama is so glad you're feeling better today! I love when my little girl is happy."

Sadie gave a toothy grin as she was fed more applesauce. She smacked the highchair tray playfully as she waited to be fed another spoonful of food.

The previous day's events caused Ava to re-evaluate how she was caring for the girl and look deeper into why there was such a huge tantrum and attempt to run away. She knew the girl did not want to be punished and took Victoria's lies to heart, but was unable to understand how she could help Sadie recognize the difference between being punished and being abused. In the end, she decided not to go through with disciplining the baby further.

Despite her reservations, the older woman knew she needed to seek help.

"All done! Good girl eating all of your breakfast!"

Sadie clapped her hands childishly and laughed as her bib was used to wipe some stray applesauce from her face.

Ava smiled at the girl before tossing the bib into the sink. She knew they would have to be leaving soon and wanted to help her little one understand what would be happening that day.

"We're going to be going on a drive today, honey. Does that sound fun?"

"Ca' 'eat!" the tiny redhead squealed while kicking her legs wildly.

Ava nodded understandingly and chuckled at the enthusiasm.

"That's right! You get to ride in your special seat."

Sadie giggled and cooed happily before calming slightly.

"Goin' 'tore?" she asked inquisitively.

The black haired woman shook her head and tried to sound excited to help ease any of the expected anxiety that would come from the mention of where they would be heading.

"Not the store, baby. We're going to go visit someone very nice and smart who will help you and Mama understand why you get so scared sometimes. She's going to make Mama and you feel much better."

Sadie's face fell immediately and she began to tear up.

"No 'octor! Mama pee no!"

Ava remained calm and continued with a comforting hand on her little girl's leg.

"She's not really a doctor like you think. She's a special doctor who makes you feel better up here" the woman said pointing to her head.

"M-Mama 'cawed. I b-baby!"

The tall woman looked down sympathetically at the fearful redhead.

"She knows and understands. She just wants to help you. She's going to be a big help to Mama as well. Sometimes even big girl's need advice."

Though she appeared unconvinced, the girl calmed slightly and allowed herself to be taken from her highchair.

"Mama toos?" the baby said, pointing at her Vans.

"Smart girl. You need shoes to go."

Sitting in her butt, Sadie allowed her Mama to put her shoes on and pop her pacifier into her mouth. The girl gratefully accepted her lovey as it was handed to her as well.

"Ready to go? If you're very good, there might be a reward in store for you!"

This gave the baby pause before she nodded her head and was scooped up and carried downstairs to the parking lot.

"In you go! Now let Mama buckle you up."

Once she was strapped in, Sadie looked down and around before smiling brightly up at her caretaker.