Her Last Plea✨

Chapter 39

"Miss Hailey?"

Hailey looked down at Ara, who had been snuggled up against her since the beginning of the movie that they had started to watch after lunch. Layla was asleep against her other side, while Karl sat in his father's recliner, reading a book about dinosaurs. She and kids had had a fun day baking cookies and then while she made lunch, the girls had enjoyed playing tea party, and even Karl had joined them. 

Ara called Hailey 'Miss' only when she wanted something and so Hailey raised an amused eyebrow at the six year old.

"Miss Arabelle?" Hailey repeated with a smile, her fingers playing with one of the girl's long blonde curls.

Ara exhaled a heavy sigh. "What do you think people do in Heaven?"

"Heaven?" Hailey asked, surprised at the question.

"That's where Nana Faith says people go when then die," Ara clarified, her voice soft. "When Daddy's mommy, Grandma Ariana died, Nana Faith said it was okay to be sad, and when people die, they go to Heaven. So….what do you think they do?"

"In Heaven?"

"Yeah."

Hailey chewed on the inside of her cheek, contemplating the question. She noticed Ara's question had caught her son's attention as well, which made her all the more nervous about making sure she gave the right answer.

Ughhh, Lexi is so much better at these type of questions, Hailey snapped at herself in her head.

As Hailey thought about what to say, Ara continued, "Nana Faith says Heaven can be whatever you want it to be. She also says Heaven can be whatever makes you the happiest.…but how can you be happy if you're away from everyone forever?"

"Oh Ara," Hailey whispered sadly, kissing the top of the girl's head as Ara dropped her gaze to her feet.

"Maybe Nana Faith means that Heaven is supposed to be a place that makes you so happy it doesn't let you be sad about being gone," Karl offered, closing his book but keeping a finger in between the pages he was reading so he wouldn't lose his place.

Ara thought about Karl's words and Hailey couldn't help but grin slightly as the little girl chewed on her lower lip, just like Alexis did when the gears in her head were turning.

"I bet if Grandma Ariana is in Heaven, she is surrounded by lots and lots of sparkly jewels, because that's what she liked best," Ara said finally, looking at Hailey with a hopeful smile.

"That must be where you get it from," Hailey said with a smile, nodding at the large, faux ruby ring on Ara's right hand.

"Daddy thinks so too," Ara replied. "He always says I gots excellent taste."

Laughing softly, Hailey said, "You even look just like your Grandma Ariana; same honey-blonde curls, blue eyes and soft round face. She was quite a beautiful woman and I think you're gonna grow up just the same."

Ara beamed at that and exclaimed, "Daddy says so too! But, I've seen Grandma's old pictures...... I think she was prettier."

"Oh sweetie, you are also very beautiful," Hailey assured, pulling the girl closer to her.

"I hope so! Or else, Prince Charming may not want me," Ara replied in a very serious tone.

Hailey giggled slightly and said, "Honey, I assure you, your Prince would want you just the way you are."

"Thanks Hails," Ara whispered, hugging Hailey tightly with one arm. She shot a quick glance towards Karl - a look that went unnoticed by Karl, but not by Hailey, who quickly bit down on both of her lips so as not to embarrass Ara by laughing aloud. What I wouldn't give to be six again, Hailey thought wistfully.