SINKING SHIPS

The Last Day

Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. – Joseph Campbell

Aunt Bonnie worried that Bella would not show for breakfast.  Bella had been so shocked to find out she was her mother that she took the rest of the day to gather her thoughts.  As she looked up, she saw Abigail and Calista coming across the room to join her. Everyone got their breakfast, hesitating to mention Bella. 

Bella had stayed up all night.  Thoughts and questions had run rampant in her mind all night.  Why hadn’t her mother or Aunt Bonnie told her the truth?  Why hadn’t she been told when her mother died?  She thought about her mom and the love she had given her and was grateful. She reflected on her relationship with Aunt Bonnie over the years and knew that it had been good and one of much love.  Surely, she could not forget all the love just because she was hurt by a secret.

Abigail and Calista had spent yesterday with their mother.  She talked to them about what it was like being pregnant at sixteen and how hard it had been not to tell Bella she was her mother.  She would never do anything to hurt Bella.  At the time she did what she felt was best for Bella and she had never second guessed her decision. 

Abigail and Calista told her they would do whatever she needed of them.  She asked them to think about it overnight.  In their minds, there was nothing to think about.  They were going to do all they could for her just as she had always done for them.

Bella finally rolled out of bed and showered. She had put off seeing everyone long enough.  She slipped into a pair of shorts and t shirt and headed to the dining room.  She walked slowly trying to get her nerves under control.

Bella had finally showed up for breakfast much to Aunt Bonnie’s relief.  She ordered a cup of coffee, bagel and lox. She looked at everyone and realized they were waiting for her to speak.  She looked at them and then to Aunt Bonnie, I cannot forget all the love you have shown me over the years and will do whatever I can to return that love.  Aunt Bonnie sighed with relief.  She grabbed Bella's hand holding it, tears in her eyes, thank you.

Aunt Bonnie reviewed what the next steps would be with all of them. She had already made all the necessary arrangements to have them tested as a match.  She did not have much time.