DAISY
thirty-three
What a whirlwind this past week has been. I never imagined my life changing so much in such a short amount of time. It’s exciting and a little scary. My world is wide open.
Researching nursing schools has me buzzing and itching to get started.
Even looking for a job is exhilarating. I can apply for any job I want—well, within reason.
My qualifications only go so far. I’m happy to wash dishes if that’s what it comes down to.
Because it’s what I’ve chosen to do. No one else is guilt-tripping me into doing what they want.
I haven’t spoken with my father all week.
He’s sent me a couple of text messages, but I’m not ready to face him.
Not when I still have so much anger boiling inside of me.
I need it to simmer down first, or I might say something I’ll regret.
Although, even after everything he’s done, I hope to one day begin to heal and have a relationship again.
Kade is amazing. He tells me multiple times a day how much he loves me.
He has no trouble showing me too. And I don’t just mean sex—although that is amazing.
It’s the little things, like rubbing my feet when we’re watching a movie or making me tea in bed every morning.
It fills my heart with so much love seeing this big, tattooed man walk into the bedroom holding a dainty cup and saucer.
He's even bought me flowers. It’s the first time he’s ever bought a woman flowers. Never has he stepped into a florist. Not knowing what flowers I liked, he bought out the entire shop. There are vases with colorful blooms spread out throughout the apartment.
An apartment I’ve slept in every night this week.
As I sit in Natasha’s living room cuddling Remi, this week has given me extra time to spend with them. For the short amount of time I’ve known them, Natasha feels like a little sister.
Looking down at the baby’s sweet face, she gives me a small smile. Her eyes light up and sparkle, and I know it’s not gas. “She smiled at me,” I say to Natasha with excitement.
“She’s been doing it a lot lately. It’s so cute.” Natasha beams at her daughter.
What would it be like holding Kade’s baby? Would it have his eyes? His stubborn jaw? My heart swells. I can’t wait for the day.
“How’s your graphic design course going? Are you managing to get work done with Remi?” Two weeks ago, Natasha enrolled in the course. She doesn’t want to rely on Kade, Lincoln and Asher forever. She wants to make it on her own. ‘No more handouts.’ She’d said. I admire her for it.
“I love it. When Remi sleeps, I get work done.” She sits on the couch next to me and folds her legs up like a pretzel. I can see the excitement on her face because she’s doing something for herself and something she loves.
When I enrol in nursing school, I hope to have that same feeling. “That’s great. If you need any help with Remi so you can study, let me know.”
“Thanks. I will.”
Remi’s smiling face turns to little whimpers as she opens her mouth and turns her face toward my chest. “I think it’s feeding time.” I giggle and pass her over to her mother.
Natasha kisses Remi’s neck before she places her against her breast. Motherhood is what I want too. Kade and I haven’t talked about a future with kids. After the upbringing he’s had, he mentioned that he didn’t want them. Has he changed his mind? If not, can I imagine a life without them?
This is something we need to talk about. The sooner the better. Maybe after he finishes work tonight.
“Are you ready to celebrate your big eighteenth birthday tomorrow?” Kade booked a restaurant close by.
Everyone’s going, including Giselle and Daphne.
Natasha’s even invited a few girlfriends from her old school.
Tomorrow can’t come soon enough. Once she’s eighteen, she won’t have to worry about Bruce demanding her to come home.
“I can’t wait. I’ve never had a party before.” Seeing the excitement on her face makes me happy.
“I’m going to the club. Is there anything I can do for you before I go?”
“No thanks. Daphne will be here soon.”
We say our goodbyes, and I head into the elevator and down to the lobby.
I smile at the security guard at the door and step out onto the sidewalk.
A strong breeze blows through, and I close my jacket against the chill.
I scan the street for cars before I cross.
I take two steps in the direction of my car when a black, beat-up van pulls up alongside me.
Before I realize what’s happening, I’m thrown into the back.
My elbows hit the metal floor and pain shoots up my arms. Tires squeal as the vehicle takes off, tossing me from side to side.
Fear lances through me. What’s happening? What are they going to do to me?
I need to find a way out.
Fast.