together, she said, “I know. Let's finish up here. I have a surprise for you.”
As they continued their task, I could see where Cole got his personality. They
both emitted a strong feeling of warmth and love. Being around them was like drinking liquid sunshine. They both radiated joy. The bond they shared made me
smile. Cole was truly loved by his mother, and it was apparent he felt it. His deep affection for her was just as evident.
With the last cupcake frosted, Sarah sang out, “Cole, it's time to share my special surprise with you. Well, actually, it is for Bay, but I wanted you to see if
you think she would like it.”
“What is it, Mom?” An eager grin spread across his face.
“I made her a special drink. Here, would you taste it and tell me what you think?” Sarah held out a small glass tube filled with the blue and silver liquid.
“It's so shiny.” Cole eyed it curiously. “Will I like it?” Without waiting for her answer, Cole greedily took a long drink and started to smack his lips. “Well,
it is good, but it’s blackberry. She would like strawberry much better, so I think
we're going to have to try again, Mom,” Cole declared.
“Cole, you know you're the one that likes strawberry.” Sarah swept Cole into
her arms and tickled him.
His giggles were soon replaced by a big yawn. “Why don't we go sit down,
and I'll read you a story.”
“Ok.” Cole sleepily rubbed his eyes. By the time they made it to the living
room, Cole was already fast asleep.
Sarah held him in her arms, gently rocking him. “I'm sorry. She's out there watching. This is the only way I know to keep you safe. I hope, one day, you’ll
understand and forgive me.”
Watching her hold him, my thoughts drifted to my little sister. Was she safe
and warm? Was she scared? A loud knocking on the door startled me, drawing
my focus back to the moment.
Sarah called out to the visitor, “Come in.”
The person who entered was none other than my mother.
Eliza wore a pink and white dress with a matching headband. Her dark red
hair hung loosely down her back. Her makeup was softer and more playful than
the last time I’d seen her. She looked young, vibrant, and, as always,
devastatingly beautiful. Looking at her, I understood why she received so much
attention. She was stunning.
“I was just taking Cole up for a nap.” Sarah greeted Eliza with a kiss on the
cheek. “I'll be right back.”
Eliza watched as Sarah climbed the stairs. When her friend was out of view,
she picked things up around the house to examine them. Once in the kitchen, my mother took her finger and scraped it through the frosting bowl. After she tasted
the sugar coating, giving a sound of approval, she continued her inspection. It appeared she was looking at everything, but not finding anything of importance.
When Sarah returned to the kitchen, she held out the plate of cupcakes to Eliza. “Did you want one?”
“Of course not,” Eliza snapped.
My mother never would allow herself to eat sweets. She was too vain to even
gain an ounce of weight and possibly lose her position as the most beautiful woman in Starten. The fact she even tried the sugary concoction was enlightening.
Did my mother have a secret sweet tooth? I wondered.
As quickly as Eliza angered, she composed herself. “The topping is good
