Through The Dark

Cassia’s POV


Daniel and I were eating breakfast when someone knocked on the door.
“You expecting someone, babe?” He asked, taking a sip of juice.
“Um. No, actually.” I replied.

Getting up from the table, I opened the door.
“Jeanette. What are you doing here? Come in.” I said.
My case worker smiled and stepped inside.

“I have some news.” Jeanette said.

Daniel got up from the table and walked over to me, slipping his arm around my waist.

“Your daughter was adopted yesterday. Her name is Sadie.” She said, handing me a file.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and took the file. I attempted to open the envelope, but my fingers were shaking and couldn’t grasp the clasp. Daniel smiled and opened it.

“Since you decided it was not a closed adoption, you will be able to contact Sadie and her family. The um... the family is listed right here.” Jeanette pointed out, showing the guardianship section.

I read the name. Then again. And once more.
Daniel held the paper with such a formidable grip, his hands lost all color.

“It’s just Ha- I mean him? What about a mother?” I asked, ignoring the look on Daniel’s
Face.

“When Harry, I mean the father, came to sign the pictures, a girl did come with him. They seemed... intimate, but she said something along the lines of, ‘I don’t need papers to show how much I love Sadie.’ So, no. She does not have a legal mother.” Jeanette assured me.

“Oh. Okay. Thank you.” I said.

“No problem! By the way, she looks just like you.” Jeanette chided, and walked out, gently closing the door behind her.

I sat down at the table and twisted a strand of hair as I read the information listed.
Daniel stood behind me, his hand on my shoulder.

I don’t know why I lost it. I shoved the papers away from me and watched as a swirl of inked papers fluttered before settling down. Standing up, the chair toppled over and Daniel stumbled back.

I stood with my back away from him, sobbing and taking big heaving breaths.
Two strong arms encircled me, and I turned to bury my face in Daniel’s soft black tee.

“Shh. It’s alright, Cass.” He whispered, rubbing my back. “It’s alright.”

I slowly sank down to my knees, pulling him down with me. In his embrace, I rocked myself back and forth.

“Every day for the past six months I wake up regretting giving the baby up. We could have done it, Daniel. I was too scared of being a mom.” I said.

“I know. It’s scary. And I would be there with you every step of the way. You can still see her though. As much as I hate seeing that curly-headed guy.” Daniel replied.

I chuckled, sniffling and wiping my nose with my sleeve.

“So, you’re okay now, right?” He asked, wiping a stray tear with his thumb.

“I’m fine.” I said, my voice quavering.

“I’ve learned... that ‘I’m fine’ isn’t what it seems. You’re not fine.” He whispered.

I stayed silent, eyeing the stack of papers strewn over the floor.

Daniel cupped his hands on my cheeks and I closed my eyes as he put his forehead on mine. I felt his lips softly move on mine. I slowly kissed him back.

He pulled away, smiling.
“You always make me feel better.” I said.

As Daniel got up, he held out his hand and pulled me to my feet. But, I went to the floor again and began picking up the papers. A colored paper fluttered from the stack.

Daniel leaned down and picked it up.
“She does look like you, now. You know how they say at six months the baby looks like the opposite parent. It’s true. ” He said.

I walked over and peeked to see what he was looking at.

A smiling baby with dark brown locks and hazel eyes looked directly at whoever was taking the picture, a sly grin on her face, with two little dimples.

I laughed at how different she looks from when I had her for the first week.
Daniel and I sat down on the couch adjacent to the dining room.
I sat with my legs hung over his lap, one arm around his neck, and the other already on my phone.

“You’re always on your phone!” Daniel said, pouting.

“I know. But this is a good reason. I booked us a flight to London to see Sadie.” I replied.

Notes