When Seraphine’s kid was left crying during a birthday celebration for the family, all that she had believed she could silently put up with burst apart. The next thing that happened was a stance that was formed by love, devotion, and a vow made by one mother: no one has the right to determine who belongs, not in her family, and not in her daughter’s heart neither.
I was 28 years old, divorced, and already a mother when I happened to meet Cassian.
When I took Lila out on a date, she was only two years old. I brought her with me mostly because I was unable to pay a babysitter, but I also brought her because I wanted to know right away whether or not this person would love me in every way, including her.
The majority of the men made an effort to seem as if they were OK with it. While some people smiled politely, others delivered uncomfortable high-fives to each other.
Cassian, on the other hand, knelt down on her level, inquired about her bunny socks, and spent over twenty minutes assisting her with adhering rainbow sequins to a sheet of paper as I ate cold fries and watched them.
After a period of two years, Cassian and I tied the knot in a modest ceremony attended by just our immediate family and close friends. A flower crown was worn by Lila, and she expressed a desire to go down the aisle while holding both of our hands. Her speech was delivered during the reception while she was holding a cupcake in her mouth.
He was referred to as her “almost-daddy” by her. Everyone laughed at me. There was a tear in Cassian’s eye.
On the occasion of her fifth birthday, he formally adopted her. Using paper lanterns and a cake that we had prepared ourselves, we had a party in the garden. After Lila had finished opening her presents, she got into Cassian’s lap and gave him a strong hug around the neck.
Can I call you Daddy at this moment? To be honest ” Her voice was soft.
His words were, “Only if I can call you my daughter for the rest of my life.”
When I saw them, I believed that love would make everything better. that eventually, the pain caused by the separation and absence would be healed. because the term “step” would never place them in conflict with one another.
But I’ve realized that love does not always make its way to every nook and cranny. Particularly not the ones in which judgment is concealed beneath a pleasant smiling face and a great dress.
Never once did Verna, Cassian’s mother, attack me in a direct manner. However, she never inquired about Lila’s schoolwork or took note of the pictures that she had given her for Christmas.
Even after the adoption was finalized, she continued to send greeting cards with the words “To my Cassian and Seraphine.” In addition, she once raised an eyebrow at my handmade lasagna after we had finished eating together as a family.
“I can only imagine how quickly you had to learn how to cook in order to raise a child on your own,” she remarked.
When I relayed it to Cassian, he made sure to give me a firm embrace. He had also heard it.
Simply put, she is adamant about her methods. Allow her some time,” he said.
Yes, I did. My daughter was invited to a birthday celebration for children, but she was not allowed to go.
Today was a bright and beautiful Saturday, the type of day that made one feel upbeat and joyful. My brother-in-law, Soren, was entertaining his son, Milo, who had just turned seven years old, with a party that was themed around Pokémon.
Clearly, Lila was ecstatic. She continued wondering what Milo may like the most over the whole week.
One evening, while she was twisting the hem of her pajama top, she posed the question, “Does he still love Pokémon?” After I responded with a yes, without a doubt, we went online to look at several present possibilities.
Her eyes glowed with excitement as she took in the sight of the limited-edition Pokémon card set.
It’s that one! “Mommy, he’s going to lose it!” she said, gripping her cheeks in an explosive display of drama. We informed her that it was from her, and she assisted in wrapping it in glossy gold paper. Cassian and I shared the expense of the gift among us.
As she posed the question for the one hundredth time, “Is he going to love it so much?”
I kissed her on the forehead and whispered, “He’ll love it almost as much as we love you, baby girl.”
at the morning of that particular day, she chose her dazzling blue dress, which included flutter sleeves and a satin ribbon at the back.
“I want to look nice for the pictures,” she added with a tremendous smile on her face. “Is Milo going to enjoy the present?”
I repeated, “Absolutely, baby,” as my response. I could tell that she was anxious since she kept asking questions. “Yes, Lila-girl, you have the appearance of a real-life princess.”
At around midday, we left her behind. The date that Cassian and I had planned included having lunch at our favorite Italian restaurant and perhaps going for a stroll along the pier.
At the entrance, Soren and Juniper were grinning broadly as they welcomed us.
The front yard was filled with the sound of children laughing. After saying our goodbyes to Lila with a kiss, we instructed her to wash her hands before eating and to reserve some cupcakes for us before we went.
Forty-five minutes later, I received a call on my phone.
The name Lila appeared on the screen at that moment. Because she is too young to have her own phone, we had provided her with Cassian’s old phone so that she could get in touch with us during situations like these.
I responded on the spur of the moment, putting the phone on speaker so that Cassian could hear me. She said in a little voice that was barely able to keep together.
Sniffling, she said, “Mommy?” “Are you able to come help me? According to Grandma, I needed to go outdoors. It was she who stated… Since I am not a member of the family,
I became numb. I had a firm grasp on Cassian’s arm with my hand.
What are you doing, sweetheart? I inquired about it.
“In the backyard,” she cried out in a weep. Near the entrance. “I don’t want to walk on the sidewalk,” she said.
Cassian informed Lila, “We’re coming from here.”
In five minutes, we were at the location.
When the automobile finally came to a halt, I hopped out very quickly. Lila was standing by the fence, clutching her little present that was wrapped in gold as if it were the only thing she had.
In addition to having swollen eyes, her cheeks were red and damp. There were grass stains running down the bottom of her glittery dress.
I felt something inside of me break when I saw her.
Before I could unbuckle myself, Cassian had already exited the vehicle. After running to her, he got down on his knees and kneeled on the grass.
He said, “Lila,” as he drew her into his arms and held her close. “It’s not a problem, sweetheart. We have arrived at this moment.”
As she sank against him, she grabbed his shirt with both of her hands and let out a sob that she had been holding back until she felt secure.
Not once did I stop. My every stride was motivated by something profound as I marched in the direction of the home.
Inside, Verna was sitting at the table, eating birthday cake in a composed manner. Despite the fact that it was simply another day, she giggled at something that Juniper had said. From a speaker, music was played at a low volume. The sounds of children, joyful and oblivious, could be heard coming from another room.
“What is the reason that my daughter is outside?” My voice was piercing as I spoke.
A hush fell over the room.
Verna did not show any signs of blinking. Putting her fork down, she wiped her lips with a napkin, and then she glanced at me as if she were discussing the weather.
She made the statement, “Lila is not a member of this family.” The celebration is for the family and friends of the host.
I was unable to breathe. A sinking sensation came over me, like if the earth had been removed. With my mouth gaping wide, I simply stood there for a while, trying to make sense of how she could possibly say that… whether anybody could possibly mean it.
The color returned to Juniper’s face. Her speech was scarcely audible above a whisper as she glanced at her plate.
She said, “We didn’t want to make Milo’s day more difficult by getting into a fight.” “Soren and I felt that it would be best to let Verna handle it…”
I was so angry that my voice was quivering as I shouted, “You allowed her to sit outside by herself.” You let a little child to weep in the backyard so that you may eat cake without making a problem for yourself. Do you consider my daughter to be… an exception? Verna, you are a pitiful person. In addition, Juniper, you need to feel humiliated. “You are a mother; how could you behave in such a manner?”
It was not because I was finished that I turned around and went out; rather, it was because if I remained, I would say things that I couldn’t take back.
Nobody made a single sound.
The whole time they were driving home, Lila was clinging to Cassian, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as if she was afraid he might go. At regular intervals, she would reach out and touch my shoulder once or twice.
In the midst of speaking gentle words into her hair, Cassian continued to keep one arm around her. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, I slid into the backseat with them, brushed her hair away from her wet face, and again assured her that she was secure.
A hushed voice said, “Baby, I am so proud of you.” “There is nothing wrong with you. Such bravery on your part!”
Chocolate ice cream with rainbow sprinkles was the one that we purchased for her. On the occasion when the cone was dripping down her wrist, she produced a little grin.
During that evening, Lila chose to watch her favorite movie. Using more butter, we prepared popcorn. She eventually found a regular breathing pattern as she went asleep beneath the blanket, cuddled up between us on the sofa, and fell asleep lying there.
While she was sleeping, I sat in the low light of the television, more tightly gripping Cassian’s hand than I had intended to.
My words were, “I can’t let this go unnoticed.” My apologies, but I just am unable to. “She is only a child…”
His tone remained unwavering as he said, “I won’t either.”
in the end of the second week, we decided to have a birthday picnic for Cassian in our backyard.
It was made abundantly clear in the invitation that “We are celebrating Cassian’s birthday.” It is open to anyone who considers Lila to be a member of their family.
After an hour had passed, I received a text message from Verna on my phone.
What are you doing, Seraphine? Are you excluding me?
It’s just that I’m going to follow your rule, Verna. Keep in mind? Everyone’s family is different.”
But she did not respond.
It was a wonderful picnic lunch.
Along with spreading out soft blankets and folding tables on the lawn, we also placed fairy lights in the trees that were located in the rear. During the morning, I was responsible for creating jars of wildflowers, folding tablecloths, and ensuring that the fruit remained at a cool temperature.
My desire was for it to be flawless.
My sister drove up with cupcakes and a huge embrace, and then there were the cousins of Cassian who arrived there. There were also a few aunts who I hadn’t seen in a while. A few of Lila’s close pals also showed there. A party of love was not a party of pity; rather, it was a party of love.
Without a doubt, Soren arrived. He is the only sibling that Cassian has.
He entered the room while holding Milo’s hand. They did not have Juniper with them. It did not surprise me. Even when confronted with difficult situations, Juniper never fails to grin and ignores them.
The expression on Soren’s face suggested that he was uncertain about whether or not he was welcome or whether or not he should speak up first.
But he didn’t have to do it. As soon as Milo spotted Lila, he immediately let go of his father’s hand and raced immediately to her.
“I’m sorry Grandma was so cruel to you,” he murmured as he came to a halt in front of her. I let her know that I did not enjoy it. It’s almost like you’re my sister, Lila. My behavior will never be like hers.
As a result of being taken aback by how straightforward he was, Lila blinked. After that, she flashed a warm grin from her eyes, and without more utterance, she dashed back into the home.
“Were you able to find her?” I gave Cassian a quick look.
The moment he was about to respond, Lila rushed out of the room while carrying the gold present bag that she had crafted two weeks before. She came to a halt in front of Milo, seeming to be a bit taken aback.
While she was presenting it to him, she remarked, “I kept it.” You were the one I wanted to have it.
“You still have a present for me?” Milo gazed at the bag as if perceiving it to be something of great value.
And she said, “Of course.” It is really your birthday.
It seemed as if I were dreaming the rest of the day away. We shared an excessive amount of pastries while laughing and singing. As if having Milo there helped her feel more stable, Lila remained in close proximity to him during the whole process.
When the sun went down behind the trees, our backyard sparkled with light.
That evening, I uploaded a single photograph of Lila and Milo sitting next to each other on the picnic blanket, their foreheads coming close to touching and both of them smiling as if nothing else was important.
What is the caption?
The phrase “family is love, not blood”
After a fortnight had passed, my phone rang. When I noticed Verna’s name, I made a little pause. However, this was followed by Lila entering the kitchen while carrying a dish of grapes.
“Could it be her?” she inquired.
I gave a little nod.
“Is it possible for me to speak with her?”
I handed her the phone and added, “Only if you want to, baby,” as I handed it to her.
“Hello, Grandma,” she whispered back to her. A brief pause transpired. In a tone that was composed and confident, she continued. “Please forgive me… But please don’t again treat me in such a manner. It was not a pleasant experience.”
There was again another lengthy delay. After that, Lila delivered the phone to me.
“She apologized,” she murmured. “I’m sorry.”
At a later time that evening, Cassian joined me at the kitchen table, and before he spoke, he remained silent for a few period.
My mother and I had a conversation a few days ago. I informed her that she would lose both of us if she is unable to accept Lila as a member of the family. I was serious about it.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, the words bearing more weight than they seem to have at first glance.
Since then, Verna has undergone a transformation. She is sending Lila adorable tiny cards that have stickers and kittens. There have been a few calls from her, during which she has inquired about Lila’s favorite foods and school projects. Also, she made a birthday cake for Lila that was decorated with pink icing flowers.
I continue to be cautious. I am not one to forget things quickly.
Are you Lila?
There was a time when she informed me, “I think Grandma will be better now,” as she was combing the hair of her doll.
It’s possible that Verna doesn’t completely understand what she did or how much it cost.
However, I am certain that Lila will never think that she does not belong again. Not in my home at all. Not in my family at all. However, this is not the case in her own narrative.