Eleven years ago
“Mommy, what’s wrong?”
Aria watched as her mother glanced behind her and all around. Even at eight years old, she knew this was unusual. Normally, her mother had nothing to do with her. Drew was more her mother.
“Oh, honey, nothing is wrong. I just need you to be a bit quiet for me, okay? Do you think you can do that for me?”
Joan cupped her face, her thumbs stroking across her cheeks. The affection took Aria by surprise, and she smiled at her pretty mother and nodded. Most of the time, her mother treated her as if she wasn’t there.
“I can.”
“Good girl. I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten, sweet girl. You’re so amazing and special. I hope you know that. So beautiful.”
Her mother kissed her cheeks. Aria wasn’t used to this.
As her mother went about packing a bag f
