Mia

Chapter 36: Meeting

It took us around a forty-five-minute drive to reach the pavilion where my mother patiently sat, waiting for me after seven years of silence. I took a deep breath and sighed, while Cambria put her arm around me, holding me close. She was providing me the comfort I craved and needed. I realized there was no way in hell that I could do this alone, and I am forever thankful for her being here beside me. I can't believe that it has actually been seven years since I've seen my mom and looked her in the eyes... I certainly didn't know what to expect or what I would be able to handle. The only thing I know undoubtedly is that Cambria loves me. Her love is what empowered me to muster up sufficient courage to take another step in the direction of my mother.

From where I stood, I could clearly see my mom's back. She was sitting down at the table on the right, facing the opposite direction. Meaning that she couldn't see us yet, to which I was thankful for. We were about ten paces away from her when Cambria suddenly stopped, making me look at her, wondering why she halted. As she put her hands on my waist, I noticed her hickey. I lifted my arms to her bun, releasing her beautiful hair from its confinement as she leaned her forehead on mine. I almost forgot about giving her a hickey... I don't think that would be something my mom should see on the first day of meeting Cambria.

"Ready, babygirl?" She asked me softly. I only nodded because I hadn't found my voice and wasn't sure when I would.

"Before this happens, I need you to know that if it gets too hard for you, or if you need me, anything... just look at me, and I will know when we need to leave, okay?" She added, placing the most tender kiss on my lips, and I nodded in agreement once again. Okay, it's time... I was as ready as I was ever going to be. With that in mind, I took Cambria's hand in mine, which informed her that I was okay to continue walking. She intertwined our fingers together and walked up in front of my mom.

Ali stood up as soon as we were visible and looked between the two of us. She began to walk towards me, and I backed away somewhat. Cambria noticed this and immediately stopped her from coming any closer to me.

"No... If Mia is okay and ready to hug you, then you may do so. Not a moment before, understood?" Cambria expressed in the most territorial manner that I've ever heard from her, which made me feel very protected.

"Oh, of course... I understand," My mom said and sat down. Cambria and I followed soon after her. I stayed quiet, focusing on my breathing while Cambria glanced at me to make sure I was okay. I showed her a small smile to reassure her, and she held my hand under the table. That action gave me additional comfort, which I gladly accepted. There was no way for me to be the first to speak, and the only thoughts running through my head was that my mom kicked me out and now made the first step in contacting me, so she should be the first to start this conversation.

"I'm sorry, Mia... for everything..." My mom said, speaking up and finally breaking the silence between us.

All I could do at this time was to look at her with tear-filled eyes. No one said anything else until I ultimately gathered enough nerve to ask the one important question I needed an answer to... That one question that possibly could give me the comfort and solace to move on from that horrible moment in my life.

"W-why?" I asked. A tear slid down my cheek, and Cambria wiped it away. Her eyes didn't leave me until my mom spoke up again.

"I don't know, there's a lot to say, and at the same time, there isn't a lot to say either. I don't know if I will have a good enough answer for you, but... I will try my best..." My mom said. It seemed as though she needed a minute to collect herself before answering. Seeing her give my question some time before responding to me makes me feel like there might be hope in the idea that she'd want things to work between us... It's still early, though...