After I married Daniel, I felt positive that we were beginning a new and better period for all of us together.
I could never have seen that, with silence, my daughter, Lucy, would start feeling separated from our family.
There are three children in our home, who are Daniel’s and mine. John and Mark are kids of both of us, but Lucy is the child of a spouse I had before.
Though she is not Daniel’s relative by blood, from what I thought, she has always been treated as a family member.
One Friday morning as I was getting ready for breakfast, I noticed Daniel packing all sorts of things in his backpack. He was carrying sun protection, shades, and charge packs; as if he was ready for a weekend of outdoor fun.
“It’s time to get going early,” he said with his eyes fixed on what he was doing.
“Where to?” As I was drying my hands on a towel, I didn’t realize any plans had been made.
“Disneyland,” he said as if he was mentioning something as casual as a trip to the store for food. “Let’s consider going for a little weekend outing as a family.”
I was stunned while I stood there. “The family?”
He looked at me and brought the bag over for zipping as he did so. “Yeah. Basically, there were only Mark and John in mind. My mom will join the celebration as well.
“And Lucy?” I questioned him because I felt something bad was happening.
Even before she got the chance to reply, Lucy entered the kitchen wearing her pajamas.
“Where are we headed?” she smiled.
Daniel didn’t hesitate or stumble during his conversation. “No, Lucy. Cruise vacation plans are reserved only for family members.
A feeling of disappointment crossed her face. But I am a part of the family, she said simply.
He acted as if it wasn’t important to him. “I’m not going to spend a lot of money to take care of someone else’s child.”
I froze. “Repeat what you just said:”
He gave me a glance that showed he was annoyed. I do not own Abby.
It felt as though I had been hit right in the heart.
Lucy just stood there, listening to every word and her smile went away.
“Another adventure like this, Mommy,” she said in almost a whisper.
I got close and sat beside her. No doubt you do, sweetheart. You should go into the living room for a while, I have to discuss something with Daddy first.”
After I defended myself, I turned and yelled at Daniel for his comments. How was it possible for you to mention that in front of her?
When the authorities asked again, he continued to say, “She’s not my daughter.”
“She’s my dog, so she’s your dog as well,” I said in a sarcastic tone.
“Not legally.”
I couldn’t understand the way he changed from the person who once gave Lucy comfort and encouragement at her school events.
Mark and John jumped at the mention of the trip and rushed in at once.
Mom, Linda, was there when the moment arrived, remaining completely quiet like her silence was saying everything I had to hear.
The house seemed empty and sad after they left.
I discovered Lucy was lying on my bed and looking at the ceiling. “Am I really not included in our family?” she hesitantly wondered.
I embraced her very closely. I consider you the most important thing in my life. Always keep this in mind. Daddy is feeling confused right now.
Because she wasn’t feeling good, I planned something to cheer her up. How would you like to have a weekend away with only us two?
It looked like something brightened her face. Is it possible for us to visit the Cheesecake Factory?
“You bet.”
The following day, we got ready with Lucy wearing her sunflower dress and went outside.
We made a mistake by ordering so much, laughed a lot, and discussed her wish to be a marine biologist. The sight of her smile brought me pleasant feelings and sadness at the same time.
Next, we went to a spa, and she showed strong discomfort during her cucumber-eye process, but she still giggled once it was over.
Picking anything out proved to be hard, as she repeatedly looked at every price tag. I got her clothes and shoes and, when she saw the bag, she hugged it like it carried something very precious.
Then we found about Build-A-Bear Workshop. Her smile made me wanting to agree immediately.
We helped each other make bears—on hers was written “I love you, Mom,” and mine was recorded to say, “I’m proud of you, Lucy.”
We had pancakes to finish off our weekend at a local cafe. She snuggled with her bear as she smiled softly.
When the boys and Daniel came back on Sunday night, Lucy opened the door to ask about what happened during the day.
But Daniel looked terrible because he had hives and was very sneezy.
Can you guess what we have been up to? We were on the phone with Lucy as she was enthusiastic about describing our weekend to us.
Daniel only gave a dark look. “Youre serious about the price for all of that?”
“Yes,” I replied in a calm manner. The cost was not a problem because the experience was special.
You are making her believe that she is entitled to extra attention.
No, that is not what I want. “I am retaliating against the way you were to me.”
“She is not my kid,” he screamed.
Lucy retreated with her bear.
While Daniel tried to reach for the key, I stopped him.
Any attempt to touch the bear or her meant that our game was over.
He got angry and stormed out of the room. Lucy had a frightened expression on her face. Could my behavior have caused this issue?
“No, my darling,” I answered while holding her. You followed every procedure properly.
For two whole days, Daniel refused to talk with us and stayed in a bad mood. Carter, Pence’s father, came to visit on Tuesday.
Carter saw his son and gave a smile. “You must have gotten grocery shopping and came back with a beehive on your heels.”
“I think there’s an allergic reaction,” Daniel commented.
She relaxed by taking a seat. To be honest, I already had her baby when we became a family. I made the decision to have him in my family since he was born.”
Daniel stood without saying a word.
Her little daughter is treating you as her father,” Carter said softly. “You then threw her away. Carrying on this way might cost you much more than Katherine. You will also say goodbye to Abby in the end.
He then appeared in the living room later on. Lucy looked away from her puzzle and looked a bit worried.
Even if it was awkward, he went down on one knee in order to show his sincerity. I want to say sorry to Lucy. I should not have kept you out of what happened. You are considered part of this family. You have always been [here].
She did not talk but held her bear close in her arms.
He turned and looked at me. I aim to make things better for everyone involved.
I gave a slow and small nod. It will be a process that takes its time.
“I understand.”
Lucy gave a glance upward. Let’s plan to go to Build-A-Bear the next time around.
Daniel smiled. I’d be very happy about that.
I pushed my hand against hers. She reacted to his passion with enthusiasm.
Daniel may now be discovering the true meaning behind what it is to be a family.