Chapter 50
FIFTY
Bright Horizons
Clara chewed on a hangnail as she lowered herself on the chair in the counselor’s office, nervous as always.
Knowing Minnie was dead and Iris missing had increased her anxiety.
She could have sworn last night someone had been watching her and Hazel when they arrived back at Sanctuary House.
Ms. Hazel had seemed upset, too, but Clara had gone straight to her room and stayed there.
She’d seen shadows everywhere, especially outside her window and covered her face with a pillow to block them out.
Mabel Putnam, the counselor who was friends with Ms. Hazel, smiled and gestured for Clara to grab a bottle of water and take a seat.
Ms. Putnam consulted with each of the girls at Sanctuary House to guide them through the transition from pregnancy to motherhood and to provide support whether the teen moms chose to keep the baby or opt for the adoption route.
“So how are you today, Clara?” Ms. Putnam asked.
Clara sank into the big club chair and rubbed her hand over her belly as the baby kicked her bladder. She shifted to get more comfortable although with her due date nearing, she was never comfortable.
“Clara?” Ms. Putnam asked again.
“I didn’t sleep well last night,” Clara admitted. “I had nightmares about Minnie’s death and… little Iris. What could be happening to her?”
A sympathetic look flashed in the counselor’s eyes. “I know it’s upsetting, honey. I talked to Hazel about it. It’s so sad about Minnie. And we’ve all been worried about Iris. But I’m sure the police are doing everything possible to find her.”
Tears clogged Clara’s throat, and she bit back a panicked sob then nodded.
“Talk to me,” Ms. Putnam said softly. “You know this is a safe place and there’s no judgment.”
She chewed on her thumbnail again. “I know it’s s… selfish, but I’m afraid something will happen to my little baby, too.”
Clara squeezed her eyes shut to stem the tears then opened them and summoned her courage. When she’d first come to live at Sanctuary House, she’d been depressed and traumatized. She had refused to discuss her pregnancy and tried to deal with everything on her own.
But eventually Hazel and Ms. Putnam had helped her open up, although she still chose not to reveal the name of her baby’s father. It was too shameful a secret to say out loud.
“It’s understandable that you’re frightened,” Ms. Putnam said.
“Not only are you expecting a baby, but you’re dealing with hormones and emotions, and I’m sure you’re anxious about the delivery process.
All those feelings are natural, Clara.” Ms. Putnam squeezed Clara’s hand. “That’s what Hazel and I are here for.”
The panic rose again, Clara’s chest tightening. She suddenly stood and paced the small office, her breathing growing erratic. “But what if someone tries to take my baby after she’s born?” Clara blurted. “Minnie did everything you and Ms. Hazel said, but she was murdered and her daughter kidnapped.”
Ms. Putnam walked over to Clara and clasped her hands in her own, forcing her to stop pacing. “Those feelings are normal, Clara. Every mother has a natural instinct to protect their child.”
Clara laid their joined hands on her round belly. “But what if I can’t protect my little girl?”
The counselor smiled as the baby kicked again. “What happened to Minnie and Iris has nothing to do with you and your child.”
“But Ms. Hazel said the police think Iris’s father might have killed Minnie and taken Iris.” Clara swallowed hard. “Do you know who Iris’s father is?”
Ms. Putnam narrowed her eyes. “No, and even if I did, I couldn’t share confidential information. Do you know who he is?”
A shudder ripped through Clara. “No, but… I… think he hurt Minnie.”
And Minnie was afraid of him. Just like Clara was afraid of her baby’s father.