My forever Mate

Chapter 2

Cassie switched to online studies so she could be at home with Leah, who was extra clingy, as she failed to understand why her parents had to go away. Leah started waking up, crying, in the middle of the night looking for mommy and daddy and often ended up snuggling with Cassie, looking for the love, comfort, safety and security her little heart craved. "Cassie, why couldn't mom and dad watch over us from right here instead of becoming god's angels," Leah asked, crying.

"Hush baby, don't cry… God thought Leah is a big girl now, and she has Cassie, so HE asked for mom and dad to come to HIM. One day, a long way into the future, we would be able to meet with them both again; till then, they will look after us from up there," said Cassie, trying to console Leah.

She hugged her precious sister, kissed her and promised that she will always take care of her. It took a few weeks before they finally fell into a routine that worked for their little family of two.Thankfully, their home was paid for by their parent's insurance, and if she was really, really careful, then there should be enough funds left over to see them through the next couple of years. When Leah would start school full time, Cassie decided she would start working full time as well. She wanted to give her little sister all the love and opportunities that she, herself, had received by becoming a part of the Hayes family. Her resolve firm, she decided to look for some online work after her classes so she could save some money for Leah's education.

It seemed like their parents were really looking out for them when they crossed paths with a kind lady who happened to own a recruitment agency, during the weekly grocery run. Mrs McKnight was just about to enter the store when she fell after being pushed roughly by a rude teenager who was in a real hurry to leave the store. Cassie rushed towards the older lady with her cart and bent down to help her stand up.

She had already paid for her stuff and was just heading out when this happened. Thankfully Leah remained silent, still occupied with her teddy, seated in the grocery store's shopping cart. She walked the old lady over to a bench near the store entrance and offered her bottled water from her cart. After she was somewhat settled, Cassie asked, "Are you alright?"

The old lady nodded and said, "I'm fine, dear. I appreciate your help."

"Do you want me to call someone for you, maybe take you to your home?" asked Cassie.

"No, no, dear... I am fine. I just need to sit for a while to steady myself."

Once she was feeling better, she introduced herself as Mrs McKnight. "What is your name, dear and who is this little angel."

Cassie politely introduced herself and Leah. Leah took quite a liking to Mrs McKnight and completely charmed her with her nonstop, innocent chatter. Leah felt so connected with Mrs McKnight that she wanted to be with her for some more time.Cassie requested Mrs McKnight to come with them for some rest and a bit of refreshments before her little demon went into a full-blown tantrum mode. When quiet, Leah looked like a serene angel, but an upset Leah could fully bring the house down with her screaming fits. Mrs McKnight, who asked Cassie to call her Jackie (Jacqueline), understood her situation and heartily agreed to follow them home.

Once inside, Cassie put the groceries aside and comfortably settled Leah with a snack. She then prepared coffee and sat down with Jackie.

Jackie was so warm and understanding, that before Cassie knew, she started telling her about how they had lost their parents recently, making her Leah's legal guardian. She also told her about her plan to look for online work so that she could start saving for her precious sister's education.

Jackie was such a patient and good listener that Cassie kept pouring out everything she had been going through… her need to grieve the loss of her parents, her fear of not being good enough to handle the sole responsibility of her sister, her uncertainty about the future… she didn't realize she was crying until she felt Leah's little fingers wiping away her tears, her sweet voice asking, "Why are you crying, Cassie? Please, no cry… please."

How could she tell Leah that their world would never be the same, that the security of their parent's love was gone forever, that she had become an orphan for the second time in her life, and this time, she was old enough to feel the loss? Instead, she hugged her tiny body, pulling her onto her lap and said, "I am ok, sweetheart. Don't worry." Cassie silently promised Leah that she would always take care of her, love her, and ensure that she was always safe with a secure future.

A few minutes later, Cassie felt a gentle hand on her left shoulder. "She's asleep, sweetheart. You can put her down now," said Jackie.

Cassie looked at her dazed as if just realizing that she was still here. She excused herself and carried Leah to her bed. After ensuring Leah's comfort, she headed over to the powder room to compose herself before joining Jackie in the living-dining room area, where Jackie was waiting for her patiently.

As she sat down again, Cassie profusely apologized for dumping all her emotions on Jackie. "I am so sorry, Jackie… you would think that I am such a crybaby for showing you my weak side when we have just met."

"No, no dear, don't you apologize. I'm glad you were finally able to express some of your grief," said Jackie. "I can't imagine what it must have been like to bottle up so much inside and still put on a calm and happy facade for your little sister. You've been so brave all this time when you, too, have suffered such a significant loss.I can't help but believe," Jackie continued, "that it was providence that we met, and you were able to express your pain at least a little bit. I can't take your pain away or fill the gaping hole that has been left in your life and heart, but I can certainly help in making your future a bit more easy and secure."

"I don't understand, Jackie. Why would you help us? I mean, before today, we hadn't even known about each other, so how will you be able to help us?" Cassie asked, surprised by her offer to help.

"I own a recruitment agency and can help you get steady online work. I also have a vast network of clients and acquaintances that can assist in other ways, like a financial planner that I know can help you set up a plan to save for Leah's future. Why don't you just relax the rest of this day, tomorrow sit down and decide exactly how you would want to move ahead? Meet me at my office on Thursday morning. Feel free to bring Leah with you. We'll do a quick assessment to get an idea of your skillset and match you with a job accordingly. If you want to meet up with the financial planner I mentioned, then I can give you his details as well."

As Jackie got up to leave, she said, "Be compassionate to yourself too, my dear, for you have to take care of yourself first in order to be there for that little angel sleeping inside. Your world may have shattered, but for her, you are her entire world now, and that is why you need to take care of yourself too."

Cassie still couldn't understand how she opened up so much with a stranger, but there was something so pure and assuring about Jackie that she couldn't help but believe that Jackie would try her best to make everything all right for them. That night, for the first time since her parents passed away, she slept with some peace and hope that it will all work out.

The following day Cassie woke up with a slight smile on her face and was looking forward to the day ahead. She freshened and went to wake Leah up, who seemed so peaceful and serene in her sleep that she just wanted to stand there and keep watching her. Her plump cheeks were gently warm and rosy, her eyes still wishing to stay close. Leah was her whole life now. She knew, at that moment, that she would do anything and everything for her. Leah was not only her last link to their parents but the only family she had left in the world. She was so grateful that her parents had the remarkable foresight to prepare a will and name Cassie as Leah's legal guardian; otherwise, she might have been fighting child services to keep Leah with her.

They went through their morning routine, and Cassie decided to make Leah her favourite breakfast of smiley pancakes with syrup and jam. Yeah, you got that right. Little miss sunshine liked jam on her pancakes.

After a hearty breakfast, Cassie dressed Leah in warm clothes, collected her jacket and took her to the nearby park where she loved feeding the ducks. Cassie watched lovingly as Leah enthusiastically encouraged the ducks to eat till all the bread was finished, then she ran back to her, holding her legs in a tight hug. They played for a bit, and Leah enjoyed the slide a few times before she was ready to leave.