“An Unexpected Calling”

“An Unexpected Calling”

It was a warm Saturday morning in June. The sun was shining down like a spotlight from Heaven while the sky was a cloudless blue.

The birds were singing away. Their songs brought a little bit of Heaven to earth.

I smiled as I got breakfast ready for Kiana, Zaida and Sophie that morning. It was just us for the weekend.

Matt was off at another conference and Kaia was spending

the week at the shore with her best friend, Mae.

As I passed Kiana’s place, she sighed.

“Ana, are you okay?” I asked. I put my hand on her right shoulder.

Kiana nodded.

“Metai.”

“Ana’s bored.” Sophie piped up.

“Bored?” I asked, my voice incredulous. “you? The girl who can find somethin’ to do sitting in a room with nothing but your teddy bear and an Avatar magazine to entertain you?”

Kiana giggled, but nodded all the same.

“Ae.”

“Well…I might have just the thing for you.” I told her, winking at my third youngest.

“You do?” Kiana asked, eagerly. “What is it, Mama? What is it?”

I smiled mysteriously.

“Well, you’ll just have to wait and see. And anyway, you never know what God has in store for us. He might just have what you need as well.”

Sophie nodded in agreement.

“Mommy’s right, Ana. You never know what adventure God has waiting for us.”

Little did Sophie know just how right she was.

After breakfast was over, the girls got ready for the day. I had planned a mall trip for us, so that we could get out of the house.

A few minutes before we were about to leave, Shaina, Zaida’s best friend, called, inviting her to sleepover.

“Can I, Mom, please?” Zaida asked. Her brown eyes were full of hope and I knew she had been lookin’ forward to this for a while now.

“Metai.” I said, making Zaida’s face split into a grin.

“Thank you! Thank you!” She threw her arms around my waist for a hug, grinning all the while.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

Pulling away from me, Zaida got back on the phone and told Shaina the good news.

By the time we got into the cab, Zaida was all smiles.

As for Ana and Sophie, Ana had started to read, while Sophie stared out of the window.

“Hey, Soph!” Zaida said, tapping her younger sister on the shoulder.

“Aye?” Sophie replied, using the Irish word for ‘yes.

“Wanna play the alphabet license plate game?”

Sophie nodded.

“Okay!”

I grinned, watching my youngest and second youngest have fun. I liked it when my girls spent time together.

It wasn’t until halfway to our destination did disaster strike.

“That is not Kansas!” Zaida shouted, accusingly. “It’s Indiana!”

“No it’s not!” Sophie insisted.

“Metai it is!” Zaida shouted back.

I was about to intervene, when Sophie stopped the argument herself. She turned her attention to me, a look of curiosity on her face.

“Who’s that?” Sophie asked.

“Who’s what?” I asked, glancing out of the window the best I could.

Sophie blushed.

“Sorry, Mommy. I thought I saw someone out there. She looked sad and lonely.”

This got my attention right away. I hated it when kids were upset.

Zaida piped up just then.

“I saw her too, Mom. She had light brown hair and brown eyes.”

“Do you know what she was wearing?” I asked, wanting more info.

Zaida nodded.

“She was wearing a blue jumpsuit and a purple shirt.”

I nodded. I was about to tell the driver to stop, when he did it on his own. He was stopping for someone else.

“Let’s go help her!” Sophie announced. She was about to unbuckle her seat belt, when I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her.

“Soph, wait, sweetheart. We can’t just get out. I paid him, honey. On the way back, we’ll have a closer look, okay?”

“Promise?”

I nodded, pulling Sophie close.

“I promise you, my wee angel. I love you, Sophie Elisabeth. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mommy.” Sophie replied. She snuggled into me, causing Zaida to give me a hopeful look.

“I love you too, Zaida Nicole.” I told her, knowing she was only playing with me.

Zaida nodded, a grin spreading across her face.

I landed a kiss to Sophie’s cheek, before planting one on Zaida’s head.

Kiana was too engrossed in her book to notice what was going on. She was like her ‘Aunt Gloria that way.

As the cab started up again, I felt like someone was watching us…

Six year old Mae Alexandria, watched the taxi speed off. As she watched it go, she tried to fight back the tears welling up in her hazel eyes. She would give anything to have a mother who loved her and give her hugs. Instead, she lived with a man who didn’t want her and he showed it on a daily basis.

As Mae sat there, she heard her name being called from somewhere inside the house. The voice sounded angry, making the little girl’s heart skip a beat.

“Mae! Get in here right now!”

Taking one last look at the street, Mae ran back into the house she had called her own for the past four years.

Skidding to a halt in the living room, Mae had enough time to enter it before she felt a gruff hand slap her across the face.

“Where is it?” The man demanded, delivering another slap to Mae’s peach colored cheeks. “Where the hell is it!”

“Where’s what!” Mae screamed back, her voice full of confusion as well as fear. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, girl! Where is my damn beer!”

Mae’s heart froze. She didn’t think he would find out, but it looked like he had.

‘Please, God, help me.’ Mae prayed desperately. ‘Please. I don’t care what he does to me, but please keep Sara safe.’

Sara was Mae’s three year old sister.

“WHERE IS IT!” The man roared again. He delivered another slap to the child’s already battered face. This brought her out of her thoughts.

“I don’t know!” She lied, trying her best to get out of his clutches. “Maybe you drank it.”

The man, Greg Turner, considered this for approximately two minutes before launching another beating upon the little girl.

“I didn’t drink it.” He said, accentuating every word with a slap to Mae’s body. “I bought a new case last night. Now, WHERE IS IT!”

Mae was busted and she knew it. She didn’t like lying and she knew the truth was the best option right now. She didn’t care if she got beaten. The only person the child cared about was Sara.

“I threw it out.” Mae replied, truthfully.

Greg’s grey eyes seemed to grow larger with every word Mae spoke.

He glared at the child before proceeding to beat her. He pushed her to the ground before taking a leather belt to her already battered body.

Mae begged for him to stop, but her pleas went on death ears.

By the time Greg was done, Mae could hardly move.

“That’ll teach you to take it upon yourself to touch other people’s things!” With that, Greg left the room.

Mae lay there, battered and bruised, tears streaming down her face. She hurt all over, but she knew she had to check on Sara. If she didn’t, Greg might decide to take his anger out on her and the older girl couldn’t have that.

Taking a deep breath, Mae eased herself to a sitting position before attempting to stand.

As she did so, she felt a sudden wave of nausea overcome her. She swallowed hard, keeping it at bay for as long as she could. She had to check on Sara. If she could just check on her sister, then she would worry about herself later. But not until then.

Being careful not to make too much noise, Mae made her way to her little sister’s bedroom. They really shared the room, but Mae had left so that Sara could get a nap.

It was often hard for the girls to sleep at night due to Greg’s frequent parties and the noise he made when he was drunk or angry.

Pushing the basement door open, Mae descended the staircase. She hated living in the basement, but she was grateful Greg had given them a room at all.

Nevertheless, it was hard to sleep down there. It wasn’t very warm and there was only one cot to use.

Peeking through the curtain that hid their small bedroom from the rest of the basement, Mae sighed when she saw that Sara was fast asleep.

Just as Mae turned to leave, Sara rolled over. Her blue eyes fluttered open and she sat up.

The first thing the youngest noticed was how bruised her older sister looked.

“Mae, you’re hurt. He hurted you again, didn’t he?”

Mae nodded. She tried to put on a brave face for Sara, but the three year old wasn’t fooled.

“I’m sorry.” Sara apologized. She climbed out of bed and walked over to Mae. She gave her a hug while trying hard not to hurt her bruises.

“It’s okay, Sar.” Mae said, using her sister’s nickname. “I don’t care what happens to me. I have to protect you.”

Sara nodded, but her mouth was set in a firm line as well.

“I don’t want you hurted no more.”

“It’s anymore. Second, it’s hurt.” Mae corrected gently. “And it doesn’t’ matter as long as you’re safe.”

Sara shook her head. She had started to cry by now, forcing Mae to pick her up.

“Sara, shh. It’s okay. You need to be quiet. You’ll make him mad. Do you want me to tell you a story?”

Sara nodded, but the tears still poured down her face.

“All right.” With that, Mae took her baby sister over to the half broken rocking chair and pulled her to her lap. She was still hurting, but she ignored it for now. She had more important people to take care of.

“Once upon a time, God sent an angel down to protect all the kids who were bein’ hurt. One day, the angel discovered two girls who needed help. The older one always did her best to protect her younger sister, but they needed a family.”

“Did the angel find them one?” Sara asked, intrigued by her sister’s tale.

Mae shrugged.

“I don’t know.” She said, truthfully.

Sara gave Mae a look.

“It’s your story.” She pointed out. “How can you not know?”

“I just don’t.” Mae replied, her tone harsher than she had intended.

Seeing her little sister’s lip starting to quiver, Mae mentally slapped her forehead. She hadn’t meant to make her sister upset.

“Sara, I’m sorry.” Mae apologized sincerely. “I didn’t mean to make you cry. I’m just scared and really sore.”

Sara gasped.

“You never get scared.” She said with three year old innocence.

Mae nodded.

“Yes I do. I just try and hide it because I know you get scared too.”

“What are you scared of?” The youngest asked. Her voice was full of genuine curiosity.

Mae took a deep breath.

“I’m afraid that we’ll never find a family. I’m afraid that Greg will hurt you and I won’t be able to protect you. I’m afraid of a lot of things.” She replied. The tears she had so bravely held back threatened to fall at any moment.

Sara nodded.

“Do you believe in angels?” She asked. She was never short on questions for her big sister.

Mae nodded.

“Yeah I do.”

“Do you think God has one for us?” Sara asked, her ocean blue eyes starting to close as she snuggled into her older sister for a cuddle.

Mae shook her head as she hugged her baby sister close. She planted a kiss on Sara’s right cheek before combing her fingers through her light brown hair.

As Mae continued to comfort her sister, the tears continued to stream down her face.

“I don’t know, Sar. I hope so. I really hope so.” With that, Mae tried her best to fall asleep. She knew she was in for a long day and she needed all the rest she could get. Little did Mae know what God had in store for her and Sara…

The next morning, Mae felt herself being roughly shaken awake. She was still sore from the previous night, which didn’t help her wake up any easier.

“Wake up, you ungrateful brat!” Came Greg’s gruff voice. “You’re going to be late for school and I want more beer before you leave.”

Mae sat up slowly, her eyes barely opened.

Apparently this wasn’t fast enough for Greg’s liking.

Raising her hand to touch where Greg had just struck her, she tried to fight the tears back.

“You’ll get even worse than that if you don’t move NOW!” He threatened.

This affectively woke Sara. She glared at the grown up who had hurt her sister for as long as she could remember.

“Stop it!” She cried, trying to protect her sister. “Mae didn’t do nothing wrong!”

Greg smiled evilly as he made a lunge for the youngest one.

“No!” Mae cried. In one quick move, the older girl had put herself in between Greg and her sister.

Not deterred in the least, Greg pushed Mae roughly out of the way before advancing on Sara.

Mae tried to help, but it was no use. Greg was just too strong for her.

Thinking quickly, Mae ran from the room, determined to get help. She was goin’ to save her sister if it was the last thing she did.

Running down the street, Mae made a left and headed down a side alley. She wasn’t even aware of where her feet were carrying her. All the little girl was concentrating on was getting help for her younger sister.

Taking a deep breath, Mae took a left and spotted two girls playin’ in the driveway of a house not far down the road. They looked familiar, but Mae couldn’t place them right then.

Running up to the house, Mae saw a young woman emerge. She had mahogany colored hair and a kind face. She walked over to the two girls and handed them each a cup of lemonade.

Mae wasted no time as she saw the woman sit down. She ran for her, her lungs burning and tears streaming down her face.

Stopping just a few feet away, Mae heard one of the little girls shout something towards her.

“Mama, look! It’s the girl Zaida and Soph saw the other day!”

The young woman gazed up and Mae could tell something was different about her. She squinted as though she couldn’t see right.

“Hi there, sweetheart.” The woman replied, addressing Mae. “I’m Lauren. And these are my daughters, Kiana and Sophie. What’s your name?” She then noticed how the little girl was shaking and she grew concerned.

“Mae!” Mae replied, her voice full of tears and desperation. “Mae Grace. Please, you have to help my sister, Sara! He’s hurting her and he won’t stop! Please!”

I frowned at Mae’s words. I knew now that God had placed her in our path. I knew without a doubt that there was a reason we had gone out that day.

Taking matters into my own hands, I called Zaida over. She had just come home from Shaina’s house a few minutes ago.

“Metai, Mom?” Zaida said as she approached me.

“I need you to stay here with your sisters while I help Mae. I’ll be back, I promise. I’m goin’ to get Kimberly to watch you.”

Zaida nodded. SHE didn’t hesitate. She could tell somethin’ was wrong.

Once the girls were safe in Kimberly’s care, I approached Mae carefully. She was already distraught and I didn’t want to scare her any further.

“Mae, is it okay if I pick you up?”

Mae nodded. She had already wasted enough time and she was worried about her sister.

Moving closer, I bent down and scooped the child into my arms. I made my way through our neighborhood to where Mae had come from.

Halfway to our destination, I heard police sirens in the distance. I knew this wasn’t good and my heart was tellin’ me the same thing.

Rounding the corner to the block we had originally seen Mae on, a social worker who I knew extremely well approached us. Her name was Kristen.

“Aw, thank goodness Mae found help.” She said. She gave me a friendly half smile before gesturing to the house. “Lauren, it’s good to see you, but you should get her out of here.” She advised. “I’ll come over tomorrow to check on her and talk to you about a more permanent placement. But we need to get things taken care of here first.”

I nodded, but Mae shook her head. She didn’t make a move to get out of my arms, but she did look up at Kristen with a hopeful look.

“My sister! Is Sara okay? Where is she? Where’s Sara!”

Kristen shook her head sadly and I knew what that meant.

Mae did too. She shook her head in disbelief before dissolving into tears while burying her face in my shoulder.

I tried my best to soothe her, but it was no use. She was in pain and I knew I couldn’t take it away.

All I could do was help her to endure it.

I nodded to Kristen before carrying Mae back to my house.

When we arrived, I entered the living room to find Zaida and Sophie engaged in a game of Pac-Man while Kiana drew in the sunroom.

I asked Kimberly if she could stay with the girls for a wee while longer. I had to talk to Mae and help her calm down.

“Sure thing.” Kimberly replied. “You know I’d do anything for you and your Ohana. The girls are great.”

“Thanks.” With that, I carried Mae upstairs and made my way to the rocking chair in the loft.

Sitting down, I pulled the trembling child close and planted a kiss on her cheek.

I combed my fingers through her long light brown hair and tried my best to soothe her the best way I knew how.

“Shh, it’s okay, Mae. It’s okay. You’re safe now, sweetheart. You’re safe. Nobody can hurt you anymore. I promise.”

“It’s all my fault!” Mae cried. Her voice was full of distress and self blame. “It’s all my fault! I killed her! I didn’t protect her! I didn’t protect her!”

“No.” I said, my voice soft and full of compassion. “No. It’s not your fault at all, Mae. It’s not. It’s not your fault, honey. You didn’t do anything wrong. You did your best. You protected Sara for as long as you could. God knows that and He’s very proud of you for that.”

Mae raised her head and stared into my slightly unseeing brown eyes.

“It is my fault! I didn’t protect her! I promised Sara I would protect her, but I didn’t and now…now…” Mae’s voice trailed off as she started to cough before choking on her sobs.

“Shh, Mae, it’s okay, honey. You’re okay. Come on, sweetheart. Try and take a deep breath.” I instructed her kindly.

Mae tried, but I could tell she was having trouble.

“Would you like a drink of water?” I offered.

I felt Mae nod her head before letting out another sob.

“All right. Let’s get you somethin’ to drink. Aw, up you come.”

As I lifted Mae into my arms, I felt her snuggle into me for protection, making my heart melt.

Arriving in the kitchen, I managed to get Mae a sippy cup full of water.

The only reason I was using one was because I didn’t think she could handle a regular cup in her condition.

Getting back up to the room, I sat back down in the rocking chair before helping Mae to drink some water.

“There you go.” I said, stroking the little girl’s hair once again. “That’s it. Is that better?”

Mae nodded. She gave me a tiny smile while laying her head on my shoulder once again.

“Thank you.” She whispered, her voice soft and full of unshed tears.

“Aw, no thanks needed, sweetheart. It’s my pleasure. Would you like to sit here and cuddle for a while?” I offered.

Mae nodded. She gave me another small smile before the tears came again.

“Shh, it’s okay. You’re okay now. Try and get some sleep.” I advised.

“You won’t leave me?” The little girl asked, almost half asleep.

“Nasai, no.” I said, speaking in Nyatec out of habit. “I promise. I’ll be right here.”

“Thank you.” She whispered. “I feel safe here.”

“I’m glad.” I said, hugging her close. “I’m glad.”

As I sat there, holding Mae, I sent a prayer up to God, asking Him to tell me what to do. I was a wee lost and I needed my Heavenly Father’s guidance now more than ever…

I must have fallen asleep myself, because the next thing I knew, I heard a soft voice calling me.

“Mommy? Mom?” It was Zaida and she sounded worried.

Opening my slightly unseeing brown eyes, I gave Zaida a small smile.

“Hey Zai. It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m all right.”

Zaida nodded.

“How’s Mae?” She asked.

“She’s goin’ to be okay.” I told her, truthfully. “It’s goin’ to take the Father’s time, but she’ll be okay.”

“Are we gonna adopt her?” Zaida asked. My girl was never short on questions.

“I don’t know, sweetheart.” I answered. “We’ll see what happens.”

Just then, Sophie was heard crying downstairs.

“I’ll take care of her.” Zaida offered. “I know you’re busy.”

I shook my head.

“I’m never too busy for any of you. You know that.”

“I know, but Mae needs you right now. I’ll take care of Soph.” With that, Zaida gave me a kiss before kissing Mae on the cheek and leaving the room.

Shaking my head in amazement, I smiled to myself. My girl never ceased to amaze me.

It was then that Mae started to stir. She whimpered as her sparkling brown eyes opened.

“Shh, it’s okay, Mae. It’s all right. You’re safe, sweetheart. I’m right here. I have you.” I assured the frightened little girl.

Mae relaxed at the sound of my voice. She snuggled into me for a cuddle as her eyes opened all the way.

“It’s okay, sweetheart.” I assured her, sincerely. “You’re safe.”

Mae gazed around the room, trying to gage her surroundings. When she didn’t recognize anything about the room, her lower lip started to quiver in fear.

“It’s okay.” I repeated. “It’s okay, Mae. You’re safe now.”

“Whe-where am I?” Mae asked, her voice full of fear.

“You’re safe.” I assured her.

It was then that the last few hours came floating back to her.

As the realization hit her, the just turned six year old burst into tears again. She let out a painful sob, breaking my heart into a million pieces.

“Shh, it’s okay, Mae. It’s okay. You’re okay. You’re not alone anymore, sweetheart. I’m goin’ to take care of you now.”

“It’s all my fault!” Mae cried once again. “It’s all my fault! Sara died ‘cause of me!”

“No she didn’t.” I insisted, trying my best to convince this sweet little girl of the truth. “You protected her as best you could. And when you couldn’t protect her anymore, you went to get help for her.”

“But I wasn’t fast enough!” Mae protested tearfully. “I wasn’t fast enough and she…she…” Her voice trailed off as she started coughing again.

As she tried to catch her breath, I heard her swallow hard.

Thinking quickly, I pulled the trash can over to us that was sitting in the corner of the room.

Setting Mae down in front of it, I pulled her long light brown hair back as she heaved, bringing up the contents of her stomach.

“Shh, shh, it’s okay, Mae. It’s all right.”

Mae let out another sob as her stomach lurched again.

“I’m sorry!” She cried, thinking she was in trouble. “I’m sorry! I’m sa…” Her voice trailed off as her stomach lurched once again.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. You’re not in trouble. I’m not mad at you, sweetheart. I’m not.”

“I don’t feel good!” Mae whimpered. She turned around and buried her face in my shoulder once again.

“I know, sweetheart, I know. All right, Mae, it’s okay. I’m gonna try and help you feel better. Can you tell me what hurts?”

“Everything!” She replied.

I knew she meant the various bruises and welts she had received, plus the physical pain from the flu she was experiencing now.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to take care of one thing at a time.

Picking Mae up, I gently pushed some of her long hair out of her face so I could check her for a fever.

I gasped when I realized she was burning up!

I knew what I had to do and it broke my heart. But it was the only way to get her fever down.

Moving quickly, I carried Mae to the bathroom.

Once there, I closed the door and set Mae down upon the ground beside the toilet just in case.

Mae curled into a ball, partly to protect herself and partly to keep warm.

Seeing this, I pulled a blanket out of the linen closet and draped it across her shaking form.

“There you go.” I said. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I’m not gonna hurt you. Nobody is goin’ to hurt you ever again. I promise you that.”

As I prepared to start the bath, Mae spoke. Her voice was unsure. And what she asked me, broke my heart.

“Am I gonna sleep in here?” Her voice was so uncertain and full of fear.

I shook my head.

Fighting back tears, I knelt down to her level and took both of her hands in mine.

“Mae, listen to me, sweetheart. I want you to listen to me very carefully.”

“Okay.” Mae replied.

“I don’t know where you slept at the place you lived at before, but you’ll have your own bedroom here. Either that or you’ll share one with Sophie or Kiana. But I promise you, you will never have to sleep in the bathroom.”

Mae nodded.

“The basement.” She replied, her voice soft and timid.

“What was that, sweetheart?” I asked. I had been busy setting the water and therefore, I hadn’t heard what she had said.

“Sara and I slept in the basement.” Mae repeated. “It was cold and we only had two blankets and a cot. I let Sara have the cot and I slept on the floor.”

My heart caught in my throat listening to this little girl’s story.

“You will NEVER sleep on the floor in this house. The only time you will sleep on the floor is if you are having a sleepover with one of your sisters or a friend. Do you understand me? And when you do have a sleepover, you’ll have a sleeping bag to sleep in.”

Mae nodded.

“What’s that?” Mae asked. She had never seen a sleeping bag before.

I felt a pang of sympathy for this little girl. She had been denied a normal childhood all because someone decided to hurt her instead of love her.

“It’s a really soft blanket that has a zipper and you climb in it to sleep. It’s really nice. Tell you what. When you’re feeling better, I’ll let you see Ana’s sleeping bag. It has Avatar characters on it.”

“Does it have Katara?” Mae asked.

I smiled.

“It sure does.”

Mae smiled sincerely for the first time since we had met.

“I like ‘Tara. She’s my favorite.”

“She is huh?” I asked. I gave Mae a reassuring smile as I knelt down in front of her.

“Uh-huh.”

Heaving a sigh, I knew it was time.

“I like Katara too.” I told her. I then tried my best to explain to the frightened little girl what was going to happen next. Mae, sweetie, I need to put you in a bath to bring your fever down.”

“I’m hot!” She whined.

“I know you are. This bath will help you, I promise. I’m goin’ to warn you though. It’s cold. But I’ll be right here and I won’t let anythin’ happen to you.”

Mae nodded, but I could sense the fear in her eyes.

“All right, up you come.” With that, I took the blanket from around her and helped her undress.

Once she was ready, I placed her in the tub.

The moment I did so, she started to cry, begging me to get her out.

“Shh, Mae, it’s okay, sweetheart. I’ll get you out soon, I promise. You need to stay in there so you won’t feel so hot anymore. The bath will make you feel better.”

“It’s cold!” Mae cried.

“I know, honey, I know. But it will help you. It’s okay. It’s all right…” With that, I tried to soothe her as best I could. I knew she was scared to pieces and I wanted to help her feel more at ease.

Just as I was getting Mae out, she swallowed hard.

“Lauren, I…I don’t feel good!” She whimpered, her voice shaking with the effort not to throw up everywhere.

I went to the linen closet and retrieved a bucket from the top shelf.

Bringing it back, I gently held it underneath Mae’s chin.

“It’s okay, sweetheart, it’s all right. You’re goin’ to be okay. You need to let it come. You can’t hold it back.”

“It hurts!” She wailed, breaking my heart into a million pieces.

“I know it does, honey. I know. I’m goin’ to help you feel better. But you need to do this.”

Just as the words left my mouth, Mae heaved for the fourth time that night.

“That’s it, sweetheart. It’s okay. You need to get it up. Thatta girl…”

After Mae’s stomach had calmed down, I rinsed the bucket out and concentrated on getting the child out of the bathtub.

Once she was out and dried off, I put her in a pair of Sophie’s Princess Jasmine pj’s that she didn’t wear anymore.

Once that was done, I carried a half asleep Mae upstairs to the glider that was in the playroom. I figured some cuddle time would do her good.

As I started to sing Mae a song I sometimes sung to Sophie, I heard a door slam in the vicinity of the second floor.

Heaving a sigh, I decided to go check it out. I had a feeling who it was and somethin’ told me I was in for a long night.

Setting Mae down in the bed in the guestroom, I landed a kiss to her cheek before getting Zaida to watch her.

“Zaida, can you do me a favor?” I asked when she appeared in the doorway.

“Sure.” Zaida offered. “What’s up?”

“I need you to watch Mae for a few minutes.”

“Okay. And it was Sophie.” Zaida told me. “She’s pretty upset.”

“Thanks, Zai.” I said. I then added sarcastically, “I never would have guessed.”

Zaida giggled. She loved it when I was sarcastic. She especially liked it when I used Katara’s dry sense of humor.

Giving my girl a hug, I planted a kiss on her cheek before leaving to take care of my wee angel.

“If Mae wakes up, tell her I’ll be right back.” I instructed.

Zaida nodded.

“Will do.”

Walking into Sophie’s room, I found Sophie laying face down on her bed, crying her heart out.

“Sophie?” I asked, my voice full of concern and love. “Sophie, what’s the matter with my wee angel?”

“Leave me alone!” Sophie cried. Her voice was desperate and full of pain.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.” I told her, sitting down on the edge of her bed. “I can’t do that because I love you too much.”

My voice had taken on Monica’s accent, which was a source of comfort for Sophie, since she was Irish.

“No you don’t!” Sophie shot back. She sounded so lost and sad, my heart nearly broke right there.

“Aye, of course I do. Why would you think I didn’t, sweetheart?”

Sophie sniffed as more tears spilled from her brown eyes.

“Ba-because ya-you spent all day and night with…with Mae! You don’t love me anymore!”

“Sophie, honey, listen to me. I love you more than anythin’ in this world. You need to know that. I do, darlin’.”

“Then why didn’t you help me when I fell and hurt my knee? Zaida and Kimberly helped me, but I wanted you! But Zaida said you were busy with Mae!”

As the realization of Sophie’s words hit me, I fought to hold my own tears back.

Reaching out, I started stroking Sophie’s golden brown locks gently.

“Sophie, I-I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I told Zaida I would help you, but she offered to do it. I did tell her I wanted to, but she offered to help.”

“I wanted you!” Sophie sobbed. “I needed you and you didn’t come!”

“I know, Soph, I know. And Mommy’s very sorry for that. I am. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I love you so much, baby. I do.” I said in my normal tone this time.

“Just leave me alone!” Sophie cried again. “Please, leave me alone!”

“Do you really want me to do that?” I asked, making sure Sophie wasn’t speaking out of anger.

“Aye! Please! Just leave me alone! Leave me alone!” With that, Sophie let out a sob and continued to cry.

Fighting back tears, I did the hardest thing I ever did since bringing Sophie home nearly two years before. I left her alone.

Before leaving, I planted a kiss on her cheek and told her I loved her one last time.

“Please, just leave me alone.” Sophie begged. Her voice was soft, but the pleading note was still there.

Zaida met me outside the door. She had heard the whole conversation and I could tell she wanted to help.

I tried to hold my tears back from her, but my girl could tell right away. That was how strong our bond was.

“Mom, it’s gonna be okay. Sophie will forgive you. I’ll watch her tonight.”

“Thanks, my precious angel. I love you, Zaida. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” Zaida replied sincerely. “And so does Sophie. She’s just upset and confused. But I know she loves you.”

“I know.” I said, a few tears falling in spite of my effort to hold them back. “I know.” With that, I went back to check on Mae.

When I arrived back in the room, I found Mae wide awake. She was clutching one of Ana’s bears and gazing around nervously.

“Hey, Mae. It’s all right, sweetheart. I’m back.”

Mae breathed a sigh of relief when she saw me standing there.

“I’m sorry.” She managed to say before bursting into tears.

Rushing to her side, I took the upset child into my arms and started rocking her gently.

“Sorry for what, sweetie? You have nothin’ to be sorry for.”

“I made Sophie mad at you!” Mae sobbed.

“No you didn’t.” I assured my soon-to-be adopted daughter. “I promise you, Mae. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not your fault, sweetheart. Sophie will be okay.” I told her, praying silently that I was right. “She’ll be fine in the Father’s time.”

“You sure?” Mae asked, her voice full of uncertainty.

“I’m sure. Now let’s see about getting’ you back to sleep. Is your tummy feelin’ better?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Good. I’m glad.” With that, I hugged Mae close and tried to help her fall back to sleep. I knew she was worn out from the days events. She needed all the rest she could get. We both did.

I didn’t realize how tired I was, but I fell asleep rather quickly after Mae had drifted off to dreamland a little while later. Little did I know what kind of night I was in for…

It was around two-thirty in the morning when a fearful scream broke the silence of the night. It was quickly followed by someone calling out, “Mommy!” twice before the voice broke with tears.

Recognizing who the voice belonged to, I jumped from my spot near Mae’s bed and ran for Sophie’s room.

Upon arriving, I found Sophie awake and in tears. She was shaking and sweat was forming on her forehead.

I wasted no time in rushing to my wee angel’s side.

Sitting on the edge of Sophie’s bed, I put a hand on Sophie’s shoulder to let her know I was there.

“Sophie, it’s okay, sweetheart. It’s okay, darlin’. Mommy’s right here. I’m right here, my wee angel. I’m right here. I’m here.”

“Mommy?” Sophie asked, her voice full of fear and unshed tears.

“Aye, I’m right here, Sophie. It’s okay.”

Sophie recognized my voice and dove for the safety of my lap.

Fighting back tears of joy at being able to hold her again, I concentrated on making her feel better.

“Shh, it’s okay, Sophie. It’s okay. Mommy has you now. You’re safe, sweetheart. You’re safe. You’re safe.”

Sophie nodded. She let out a fearful sob before burying her face in my shoulder.

“I’m sorry!” Sophie cried. “I’m sorry!”

“Sorry for what?” I asked, not sure what my youngest was apologizing for.

“I’m sorry I made you sad. I’m sorry! I was scared!”

“Scared of what?” I asked, wanting to help Sophie feel better.

“I was scared you didn’t love me anymore!” Sophie confessed.

“Aw, Sophie, never, sweetheart. I would NEVER stop lovin’ you. Do you understand me, young lady?”

I had slipped back into Monica’s accent once again, but this time it was for a good reason.

Since Sophie was Irish, she sometimes felt safer if I used an accent she was familiar with. It was a source of comfort for her.

I had done it earlier that night as well, but Sophie was too upset to notice.

“Ba-but ya-you were spending time with Mae and you sung her our song and…I thought you…” Sophie’s voice trailed off as she started to choke on her sobs.

“Sophie, it’s okay, darlin’. You’re okay. Settle, sweetheart. You need to settle. You’re safe, my wee angel. You’re safe. I’m right here. I have you, but you need to take a deep breath.”

Sophie tried and succeeded after the second attempt.

“Good girl. That’s my girl.”

After Sophie had gotten her breathing back under control, she continued speaking.

“I thought ya-you didn’t love me anymore!” With that, Sophie broke down in heart wrenching sobs.

“Sophie Elisabeth Rodriguez, listen to me.” I said, my voice stern, but full of love.

Sophie knew that this stern meant she wasn’t in trouble.

“Aye.” She said in between sobs.

“Good girl. I will NEVER stop lovin’ you. You know why?”

Sophie shook her head as she started to calm down.

Smiling gently, I picked Sophie up and hugged her close. Pulling my wee angel onto my lap, I gave her a kiss and gently stroked her hair.

“I will NEVER stop lovin’ you because you mean too much to me and Daddy. You mean too much to us. I love you so much, Sophie. And I will NEVER stop. Do you understand?”

Sophie took a minute to compose herself before answering me.

I let her take her time, knowing she needed to control her breathing before she spoke. I was always very patient with all four of my daughters.

Finally, Sophie spoke. Her voice was soft, but she made a point to answer my question.

“Aye.”

“I’m glad. I love you so much, Sophie Elisabeth. Never forget that.”

“I won’t.” Sophie replied. She wrapped her arms around my neck and snuggled in for a cuddle.

“I love you too, Mommy. I’m sorry I made you sad.”

“It’s okay.” I told her. “I understand you were upset. It doesn’t happen often. I know you didn’t mean it, sweetheart.”

“I didn’t.” Sophie confirmed. “I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you too, darlin’. I love you so much.”

“May I sleep with you tonight?” She asked, closing her eyes while laying her head against my shoulder.

“Aye, of course you can. Come on.” With that, I picked Sophie up and headed for the room I shared with Matt.

As we got there, Sophie spoke up.

“Mommy, can we sleep in the guestroom tonight?”

“Why?” I inquired. I had a feeling what Sophie’s answer was going to be.

“I don’t want Mae to be alone.”

I smiled, despite the situation.

“Aw, you’re somethin’ else, you know that?”

Sophie nodded, making me giggle.

Once in the guestroom, the sight that met my slightly unseeing brown eyes almost made me fight back tears.

Zaida had Mae in a protective hug and the two were fast asleep on the bed that was against the wall.

I smiled at the sight.

Turning my attention to Sophie, I whispered, “I think Zaida has everythin’ under control. Come on.” With that, I carried Sophie back to my room and tucked her in.

Pulling her close, I planted a kiss on Sophie’s cheek before putting a hand through her hair.

“I love you, Sophie. Sweet dreams, sweetheart.”

“Love you too, Mommy.” Sophie mumbled, already half asleep.

I smiled as I gazed towards the window.

“Thank you, Father, thank you. Thank you for blessing me with these four miracles. Please help me to find a way to help Mae. Please. Amen.” With that, I Fell asleep, Sophie tucked safely in my embrace.

I knew Mae would be okay in the Father’s time. Everythin’ would work out for her and I would find a way to help her.

I knew the Father would help me find a way. I knew He had a plan and I knew from past experience that His plan would work out. It didn’t matter what storms we had to brave to get there. We would get there in the Father’s time. If He brought us to it, He would bring us through it. After all, we were all in the Father’s care and there was no safer place to be.

THE END