Wrong Injection

Chapter 62

It was time to depart for the airport, and with Dream dressed, I scooped her up and proceeded downstairs to join mother and Bella, who were awaiting our arrival in the lobby. Upon entering the living room, Dream's countenance brightened considerably. "Babibibii!" she exclaimed with evident delight, her gaze fixed upon her beloved individuals, mother and Bella.

"Baby Dream, you appear resplendent!" Bella remarked, gently taking Dream into her arms.

Dream's enthusiasm escalated, and she commenced rocking back and forth, inadvertently striking Bella's face. "Bibiiii!" she vociferated once more.

"Ouch, Dream!" Bella uttered, laughing and protectively shielding her face from Dream's gestures.

"Dream, stop it," I said, but she merely giggled and continued her antics, her laughter infectious. I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and shook my head, captivated by her adorable behavior.

"You're so cute," Bella said, playfully pinching Dream's chubby cheek.

"We should get going, or you'll miss your flight," Mom reminded us, and we all filed out to her car.

At exactly 7 pm, we arrived at the airport, and I took the sleepy Dream from Bella. As I did, I noticed the sadness etched on Bella's face. It was clear she was already missing us and was going to find our departure difficult. I understood that it wouldn't be easy for her, but I desperately needed this vacation. After all I'd been through in New York City, a long break was the only way to clear my mind.

"I'm really going to miss you guys a lot," Mom said, her voice trembling as she struggled to hold back tears. And I gazed at her in surprise, attempting to alleviate the emotional tension.

"We're only going on vacation; we're not going to die," I jested, hoping to elicit a smile from her. Her lips curved upward slightly, and we shared a warm hug.

"Stay happy and eat healthily, okay?" she reminded me, to which I nodded in agreement. "Take care," she said as we pulled back.

"Oh Bella, we're not going to die," I teased Bella but she managed only a faint smile, prompting me to exhale a sympathetic sigh.

"I'm really going to miss you, especially Dreamy," she said, gently pinching Dream's cheek.

"We'll return before you know it," I reassured her.

"Alright, I have something very important to discuss with you when you get back," Bella said, her expression grave. "I don't care if you're going to hate me after that," she added, and I scoffed at the notion, confident that nothing could ever provoke anger in me toward her.

"There's no way I'm going to hate you, Bella Ringo, never," I said, cupping her cheek gently and a small smile gracing her lips.

"Bella, what is it that you can't tell us now?" Mom asked, her curiosity piqued, and I groaned in response.

"Enough, I'm going to miss my flight," I said, and Mom knew she had no choice but to relent. She nodded, and I turned to her. "Let me know if you meet Grandma Araba, okay?" she reminded me, and I nodded in agreement.
~~~
Having spent a week in Ghana, we had thus far opted to reside in a hotel rather than with my grandmother. With her address at hand, we were en route to pay her a visit. I had been circumspect about undertaking this trip, harboring reservations about whether her family would extend a warm welcome to me. Given the acrimonious circumstances surrounding my mother's severance of ties with them following my father's demise, I was uncertain about their potential receptiveness to my presence.