SINKING SHIPS

The Talk

“Sometimes, loyalty gets in the way of what you want to do. Sometimes, it’s not your secret to tell.” ― Stephenie Meyer

Aunt Bonnie had been up for hours. She had enjoyed her time with the girls and was glad to see they were all getting along.  She had put off what needed to be said for long enough. Today would be the day.

Bella looked at her reflection in the mirror and realized she had been smiling and humming. She felt happy and rested for a change.  She was glad to have spent time with the family.  She was worried about Aunt Bonnie.  She had noticed that she tired easy on their outings, was pale, and not eating good. Everytime she asked how she was, she just said she was fine.

Abigail was glad that her, Bella, and Calista had been able to spend time together.  It felt like old times again.  She wished they could vacation forever, but life had taught her that all good things must come to an end.

Calista was having a good time, but she missed her boys.  They had been staying with her neighbor while she took her vacation.  It would only be one more day and then back to the rat race.  Her boys kept her going and now she had Bella and Abigail back in her life.  She only hoped that they would continue to stay in touch.

As the girls lounged by the pool, Aunt Bonnie watched these beautiful young ladies and remembered them as little girls.  A smile crept over her face.  A penny for your thoughts she heard Calista say.  Oh, I was just thinking about how beautiful the three of you are. As Bella and Abigail turned to hear what was being said, Aunt Bonnie said she needed to speak to the three of them, but it would have to wait until later.  She needed a nap. Are you feeling alright asked Bella?  I am good, only tired.  I will see you girls at dinner. You all do not need an old lady cramping your style anyways, laughed Aunt Bonnie as she nodded toward the men that had been staring at them all day.

The girls took a quick dip in the cool water of the pool and came back to their chairs.  They stretched out and began talking. Have you all noticed how pale and tired Aunt Bonnie is looking? I thought it was my imagination, but I have noticed said Calista.  Abigail looked at them and said, you do not think she is sick, do you?  Maybe that is what she wants to talk to us about. As the girls continued to speculate about what Aunt Bonnie wanted to talk to them about, Aunt Bonnie was reviewing the notes of things she needed to say.  She had read it so many times that the paper was all wrinkled.  She was finally going to share the secret she had held on to for all these years.  She had decided to write some notes down incase she got so nervous she could not remember it all.

As the girls walked toward the dining room, they could not help but wonder what Aunt Bonnie wanted to talk to them about and worried if it was bad news. They walked into the restaurant turning heads. Bella in a white pant suit, Abigail in slim fitting cocktail dress, and Calista in a nice white maxi dress.  Aunt Bonnie sat at the table looking at them thinking that they were perfect.  The most beautiful girls in the world. They ordered their dinner.  Tonight they all went with Italian.  Lasagne for Aunt Bonnie,  shrimp scampi for Bella, scallop and shrimp alfredo for Abigail, and Chicken Parm for Calista. The air was thick with worry. What in the world did Aunt Bonnie want to talk to them about?

Once the plates were cleared, Aunt Bonnie said well if I can get your attention, I have something I need to tell you. She pulled out her paper and began to read her notes hoping that by reading it she would not start crying. I have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. With myelodysplastic syndrome, the only chance for full remission is a bone marrow transplant, which involves destroying the immune system and "rebooting" it as if you are a newborn.

The doctors said I need to act fast. There is no time to search the national donor database. He said it was best to test family members at this point. A transplant hinges on whether one of you are a bone marrow match. If you are willing, I will need for you to be tested right away.

Calista grabbed her mom’s hand.  Oh mom, of course whatever you need.  Abigail’s eyes teared up.  Are they sure this will work?  There are no guarantees, but I have been in good health and I am at an age where my chances are good with a donor match.  

Aunt Bonnie, I am confused.  How can I help you? I am adopted.  Yeah mom, Aunt Margaret adopted Bella.  She is not blood related.  Well I need to talk about Bella’s adoption also.  Bella’s mom had told her she did not have any information on Bella’s biological parents so what could Aunt Bonnie have to offer.  

As you all know Bella is the oldest by five years.  Well what you do not know is that I am Bella’s mother.  They all looked shocked.  Bella’s head started to spin with confusion. I do not understand said Bella.  I am sorry Bella.  I was sixteen when I got pregnant and seventeen when you were born. I was still in high school and did not know what to do.  Margaret and Steve had been trying unsuccessfully for a few years to get pregnant, so we decided it was best if my sister and her husband adopted you. Who is my father?  He was a young boy I went to school with.  He does not know about you. 

My whole life has been a lie exclaimed Bella.  No sweetheart it has not.  You have had people around you that loved you. Your family. When I graduated high school, I went on to college where I met Dave, Abigail, and Calista’s father. 

 Mom, why didn’t you tell us sooner? Did dad know? Yes, dad knew.  I had promised Margaret that I would always let her be Bella’s mother. The girls were in shock. I understand that all of this comes as a shock and I will understand if you do not want to help me, but I had to at least ask.