Send me a sign 03

3

 

Lena walked in the staff room in the morning and pulled her phone out of her purse. It beeped on her way here but she didn't check it because she was driving. She read Eric's text:

 

I'm sorry, I have a day off today, I'm in LA. Stefan called me to come. I'll be back tomorrow. Love and kiss, Eric

 

At first she felt a little disappointed that he went to LA without her. It's been six weeks since their first lovemaking and he became a part of her life. They didn't live together but they spent time together as much as possible and she woke up in his arms every weekend. She wanted to text him but she changed her mind eventually, put the phone back in the purse, changed her clothes and got down to work.

 

*

 

Eric was driving from Orlando's airport and he couldn't wait for seeing Lena. He didn't tell her why he had flied to Los Angeles because he wanted to surprise her. Stefan told him that he heard they were looking for a cook in the hotel he worked in and he thought Eric might want to take the opportunity to work there. So Stefan arranged an entrance interview for him and invited him to come.

 

Eric had no idea if it could work but he talked to the chief cook and they agreed that Eric could start in September which was four days away. He was very happy when he saw his future workplace because it was a beautiful, big and modern kitchen in a big hotel. He was sure he could do it.

 

With the fantastic opportunity to leave a small city and start a new life in Los Angeles he parked in front of Lena's house.

 

*

 

„When should you start there?“ Lena asked when Eric told her why he had been in LA.

 

„On Monday,“ he answered, disappointed by her reaction. She looked angry and sad at the same time. „Lena, I'd be glad if you moved to LA with me. I'll make more money so I can buy more beautiful and bigger house. We can take my mom with us and be happy together.“

 

She raised her eyes to him. „Eric, are you crazy? You can't take Mary from here just like that. She lives her entire life in Villages, she has friends there. She's an old woman. It could kill her to move her to such a big city that LA is,“ she struggled not to raise her voice.

 

„And what about you?“ he swallowed. It felt like the whole world collapsed. „You don't want to go with me, do you?“

 

„I can't do it,“ she stepped to the window, staring outside. „You want me to leave my home, burn all bridges behind me. I love it here. I love my work, I can't leave Sumter Place and all the old people that I take care of and first of all Mary. I have my best friend here. What would I do in LA? It's a huge city where I don't know anyone. You will go to work and I'll be all alone.“

 

„You can find a job, too. You'll find new friends,“ he stepped closer. „I don't want to get stuck here. The bigger city, the more possibilities. LA is amazing, you will love it.“

 

She slid around him and walked on the back porch and he followed. She sipped coffee from her mug and put it back on the table. She ran her hand through her hair and turned to him.

 

„I'm sorry, Eric. I won't throw away my present life within four days. I know you can't understand it. What seems like a chance of a lifetime for you, for me it means the end of life that I love,“ she sighed. „It's killing me to let you go but I can't follow you.“

 

„But... our future is full of hope, nothing stands in our way... I thought...,“ he broke off.

 

„You thought only about you,“ she turned to him sharply. „Stop, please and go wherever you wish. But without me. If you think there's your bright future there and you'll be happy, go. I don't want to keep you here. It's your life.“

 

„It's not true. I thought about you all the time. Lena, please...“

 

„Don't... Just go...,“ she averted her eyes.

 

„Lena...“

 

She looked at him. „Go!“ she shouted, pointed at the front door.

 

He wasn't able to control his anger coming from his huge disappointment and her refusal so he turned around and ran out of the house, slamming the door shut behind him. She flinched as she heard the door slam and her heart painfully clenched. The tears, pricking in her eyes, flowed down her cheeks as she realized that she would never see him again. She felt betrayed and abandoned.

 

*

 

Lena rinsed her mouth out with water and walked to the kitchen. She pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge and went outside on the back porch. She took a gulp from the bottle and put it on the table. After a short hesitation she reached out her hand to take her phone. She dialed a number and put the phone up to her ear.

 

„Hi, it's Lena Gray. Would you have time to examine me today? I have to be at one p.m. at work.“

 

„Hi, sweetheart, I'm glad that you found time to call your old friend.“

 

„Damon, please... I feel horrible,“ she sighed.

 

„I'm sorry. Sure, could you arrive at twelve? I have half an hour off here.“

 

„Thanks. I'll be there.“

 

*

 

Lena was sitting in the waiting room in Promise hospital of Florida in Villages when Damon walked out of his doctor's office. He was Joel's friend and she has known him for several years. She had a romance with him before her relationship with Jon. They became very good friends.

 

„Hi, Lena, come in,“ he gestured for her to follow him. She did as he said. „Sit down, please. You're pale,“ he looked at her, studying her face with his piercing blue eyes.

 

„I vomited my breakfast as every day this week, Damon, and today's Friday,“ she ran her hand through her hair. „But during the day the sickness ceases. I feel quite good now.“

 

„A date of your last period?“ he asked, his face serious.

 

„August 6th,“ she said in a low voice.

 

Damon nodded knowingly. „Get undressed over there, please,“ he pointed at the divider. „I'm going to examine you. Don't worry, everything will be alright.“

 

In a few minutes she was sitting back at his desk.

 

„Lena, you're pregnant which you surely suspected,“ he looked in her eyes after he glanced at her hands clasped together in her lap. She looked nervous and vulnerable. „Are you OK?“

 

„Yes, I am, I will,“ she corrected herself, smiling faintly.

 

„Do you want me to write you some pills for calming your stomach down?“ he watched her, unsure.

 

„No, thank you, this is not a disease. I'll deal with it,“ she took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a few seconds. „Everything will be alright as you said,“ she smiled. „I'll be a mother.“

 

„Yeah... You know I wasn't sure for a moment if it is what you want,“ he smiled back, relief in his voice. „Well, come in two weeks again. We'll do an ultrasound examination. We will know more afterwards. My guess is six weeks.“

 

They got up and shook their hands. He held her hand in his a little longer, squeezing it. He was curious if she was with someone or single but he considered inappropriate to ask.

 

„Thank you, my friend. I have to go,“ she took her purse. „See you in two weeks.“

 

*

 

„It looks good. Everything's alright,“ Damon winked at her. „Do you want a picture?“

 

„I do, please,“ Lena watched the screen with a smile on her lips.

 

Damon printed the picture, handed it to her and wiped her belly. They moved to his doctor's office.

 

„I'm going to write you the prescription for vitamins. I'd like to see you again in a month.“

 

She nodded. „Thank you, Damon.“

 

„You're welcome, Lena,“ he looked at her. „You look better than the last time. What about your morning sickness?“

 

„It's still the same but I learned to live with it,“ she laughed lightly. „It won't last forever, right?“

 

„No, it won't. By the second trimester it should be gone. Of course it's individual,“ he handed her the prescription. „What about your personal life, Lena? Are you happy? I know it's not my business... but I noticed you have no ring on your hand...“

 

„I'm single, Damon. No wedding, no ring... Actually I'm happy because I'm not alone thanks to my child. Don't worry,“ she smiled faintly. „What about you? Still... ehm... single...,“ she shrugged with a grin.

 

„Yes, I am and I always will be as it seems,“ he smiled broadly. „You know me. I don't want to change my lifestyle as long as I'm enjoying it.“

 

„I see,“ she nodded her head slowly. „You're right, I know you and I don't judge you. It's your life,“ she got up. „I have to go. See you...“

 

„See you, Lena. Take care of yourself and if you needed anything, call me,“ he stroked her upper arm shortly. „Say hi to Eva.“

 

She opened the door. „I will,“ she looked at him and then she left.

 

*

 

„You mentioned a secret when you called me,“ Eva put two mugs of hot chocolate on the table and sat down heavily next to Lena. „Tell me.“ They were sitting in the living room at Goran's.

 

Lena pulled her sonography out of her purse and handed it to Eva. „Damon says hi.“

 

„Lena...,“ Eva stared at the picture, „are you pregnant?“ she raised her eyes to Lena. „What did Eric say?“

 

„He left three weeks ago.“

 

„No... what do you mean? Did you have a fight with him? How long do you know about your pregnancy?“ Eva shook her head. „Do you want to raise your child on your own? What do you want to do?“

 

„Too many questions, my friend,“ Lena smiled. „I'm pregnant for eight weeks but I know it for sure two weeks. Yesterday I visited Damon second time because of an ultrasound examination,“ she sighed. „Eric got a job in LA in a big hotel's kitchen. He wanted to take me and his mom with him but I can't leave Wildwood and Sumter Place, neither can't Mary. He was happy with the idea but... I probably disappointed him.“

 

„Did you let him know that he's going to be a father?“

 

„No, I didn't. I have no intention to tell him about it,“ Lena shook her head decisively.

 

„Don't you think he has right to know?“ Eva asked sceptically.

 

„I would have told him if he had stayed here,“ Lena furrowed her forehead. „I want nothing from him. I don't want him to come back because of it at all. He chose his way. I don't fit in his plans. I have some money saved. I will be able to raise my child by myself.“

 

„It's not as easy as it seems, Lena,“ Eva gave her the picture back. „On the other hand I understand your decision. So you want your child. It's good.“

 

„Yes. My child is the only thing left after he took off,“ Lena said, sadness in her voice. After a few minutes of silence she continued in a low voice. „It wouldn't have worked, Eva. He would have been so far away... And if I would have followed him... it's not for me to live in such a big city.“

 

„You know... I still think you should let him know,“ Eva shrugged.

 

„He presented me with a fait accompli. He took for granted that he'd tell me and I'd start packing my suitcase. They expected him to start in four days! Can you imagine that I could forget my present life, burn all bridges to live with him in LA? If I disappointed him how much he disappointed me!“ Lena leaned her back against the back of the couch, folding her hands on her chest, frowning.

 

„I understand you. But it won't be easy to be a single mother, Lena,“ Eva shook her head.

 

„I know. Yet it is exactly what I want to do. I'm fed up with all men, my friend,“ Lena broke off for a few seconds before she continued. „You know... most of my life I try to help people. I put my trust in Jon and it didn't work. He cheated on me. When I met Eric I was so naive that I trusted him. Only the people in Sumter Place are worth the effort,“ she wiped her eyes, overwhelmed by emotions.

 

 

*

 

Mary stopped, sat down on the bench as they were walking in the park and watched Lena sit down next to her.

 

„Don't you want to tell me something?“ Mary asked in a low voice and put her hand on Lena's. „Are you OK? You look tired.“

 

„Yes, I am,“ Lena smiled faintly, averting her eyes.

 

„You're pregnant, aren't you?“ Mary whispered, squeezing her hand. „I watch you sometimes. You look diferent, your eyes have changed, you know?“

 

„Really?“ Lena looked at her, surprise on her face. „I didn't know how to tell you, Mary. I'm sorry,“ she lowered her eyes.

 

„No need to be sorry, sweetheart. It's good you decided to start a new life, have a family. It makes me happy, Lena,“ Mary took her chin to look in her eyes.

 

„You don't understand,“ Lena sighed. „You know...,“ she kept looking in Mary's eyes and after a short hesitation she continued. „It's Eric's child.“

 

Mary gasped and her hand flied up to her mouth. „How could he leave you?“ she breathed out. „I told him many times not to hurt you when I saw he cared about you,“ she had tears in her eyes. „How long...?“

 

„Relax, Mary, it's not his fault. He doesn't know about it,“ Lena put her hand around Mary's shoulders and pulled her closer. „It's four months now. I found out I'm pregnant just a few days after Eric had left.“

 

„But...,“ Mary shook her head and calmed down a little, „... when do you want to tell him?“

 

Lena slowly pulled her hand back and folded her hand in the lap, averting her eyes. „I have no intention to tell him. I don't want him to come back just because he thinks it's his duty,“ she broke off for a second. „But the child is the only thing that left of him. I want to raise my child on my own.“

 

„I understand your feelings, Lena, but he's going to be a father, he has right to know about it, don't you think?“

 

„He didn't want to stay here. Even if he knew about it, nothing would have changed. He can't raise a child and live in LA at the same time. I'll never take a phone to let him know, Mary, I'm sorry,“ Lena looked in Mary's eyes firmly.

 

Mary nodded her head slowly. „I see. Tell me... what would you do if he came back one day?“

 

Lena shot her eyes to her and swallowed. „I have... no idea,“ the mere thought he could come back made her eyes glisten with tears. She wiped them and shook her head. „He'll never return.“

 

„You still love him, don't you?“ Mary whispered, sighing.

 

„It doesn't matter,“ Lena whispered. „I'm grateful for my child,“ she looked at Mary. „I want to work as long as possible. But I will have to quit my work when my child is born. So I thought..., you could move from here to my house. You'll be a grandmother, Mary,“ she smiled. „You deserve to see your grandchild grow. What do you think?“

 

Mary took her hands, smiled but she wasn't able to say anything, overwhelmed by emotions, so she just nodded slightly.

 

*

 

Lena parked in front of her house and ran her hand through her hair. She returned from the visit at Eva's. For the first time she had a little baby in her arms, Eva's four month old daughter Charlotte. She got out of her car, locked it and caressed her bulging belly, feeling her child's kick. She couldn't believe that she would have her own newborn in her arms in a month.

 

She made her way to the house, seeing the light on in the windows. Mary moved to her house a week ago. Having someone waiting for her at home made Lena happy. She shifted her bedroom upstairs so Mary didn't have to climb the stairs every day.

 

Moving closer she noticed a figure sitting on the front porch. She walked to the door and turned the light on. He got up.

 

„Hi, I'm Jeremy,“ he slowly moved closer. She looked up at him because he was really tall. He had long dark hair, blue eyes and a beard. He gave her a small smile. „Are you Lena Gray?“ he broke off waiting for her answer. When she nodded slightly he continued. „It's quite late. You don't know me. I can come tomorrow. I need to talk to you.“

 

She was searching for words for a moment before she spoke. „Hi. I'm Lena Gray... What is your surname? You're right, I don't know you.“

 

„Perhaps it will be a little shock for you. Are you ready to hear my surname, Lena? I'm in shock to see you, too... so,“ he chuckled quietly, shrugging.

 

She tilted her head on one side, curious and placed her hand on her belly. She licked her lips and nodded. „Yes, I am.“

 

„My name is Jeremy Gray,“ he stepped closer, ready to catch her if she fainted. But she didn't, she just stared at him in amazement. He pulled his driving license out of his breast pocket and handed it to her. „Check my identity. I see it's hard to believe.“

 

She scanned it and held her breath. I have a brother!? I don't know him at all but I'd want to believe him so much. She gave it back, unlocked the door and led him inside with her. He followed her to the kitchen.

 

„Wait a minute, please,“ she raised her shining eyes to him and he nodded with a small smile. She went in the living room where Mary was sitting, dozing. She touched Mary's shoulder lightly. „Mary, I'm home. You can go to sleep,“ she whispered.

 

Mary opened her eyes slowly and Lena helped her stand up, looking over her shoulder to the kitchen where she left the young man. Mary turned around in the bedroom door. „Did the young man find you? He wanted to talk to you and I invited him inside but he said he could wait for you outside. So I brought him a cup of coffee at least.“

 

„Yes, he did. He's waiting for me in the kitchen,“ she glanced at him again. „Thank you, my dear,“ Lena smiled.

 

„You're welcome,“ Mary walked in. „May I ask who is he? Do you know him? Your eyes are shining.“

 

„No, I don't, but I hope I'll get to know him. He told me he's my brother, Mary,“ Lena smiled widely. „I'll tell you more in the morning, OK? I've never seen him before you know.“

 

Mary smiled back and gave her a wink. Then she closed the door behind her.

 

„I'm sorry to keep you waiting,“ Lena poured coffee into two mugs and handed him one.

 

„It's OK. Thanks,“ he sipped from his mug. „I forgot one mug on the front porch. Your... the woman that opened the door, brought me the mug of coffee outside. I didn't want to come in when you weren't here.“

 

„I'll bring it later. The woman, Mary, is like my mother,“ she led him to the back porch. „I love sitting here if you don't mind.“

 

„No, I don't,“ he answered, settling next to her on the bench.

 

„Now tell me everything. How did you find me?“ she looked at him closely, the doubts were still there. „You're thirty as I noticed in your driving license. Do you remember our parents?“

 

„I was five when our mother passed away. I wouldn't remember their faces without photos...,“ he said, a hint of sadness in his voice. „I remember our mother when I saw her the last time... she told me she would be back soon with a baby... but she'd never returned,“ he waved his hand. „Well... I grew up in a children's home and a foster care just like you. Then I changed jobs several times. I met my currrent girlfriend five years ago and she inspired me to try to find you. You know I wasn't sure if you're alive at all,“ he broke off.

 

She listened to him closely, nodding now and then. „Do you have the photos of our parents?“ she asked, whispering, a hint of hope and curiosity in her voice.

 

„Yes, I do. They sent them to me after our grandmother's death when I was in the children's home. She couldn't raise me because she spent the rest of her life in a hospital. But she knew about me as it seemed. So when Olivia, she's my girlfriend, came up with her idea to find out if I had any siblings I pulled the album of pictures out of the closet and a letter dropped out of it,“ he smiled faintly. „I'd never noticed it before so I read it. In the letter there was written that my mother passed away giving birth to a little girl that survived. She didn't know where the little girl was but I received an information that she was alive.“

 

„Wow, it had to be hard to find me,“ Lena observed.

 

„It was. It took a really long time because no one knew where did you go after leaving the children's home. I was in the children's home at Mount Dora and you were in the different one. I asked my lawyer and a private eye to search for you. Anyway I'm happy they were successful,“ he sipped from his mug. „And what about you? I noticed you're going to have a baby soon,“ he smiled.

 

„Yes, I am, in two weeks,“ she proudly ran her palm over her belly. „I worked at Sumter Place as a personal care attendant all the time. I met Mary there and when I left my work a week ago I couldn't leave her there. As I said... she's like a mother to me. I love her very much. She's also... a grandmother to my child...“

 

„Really? And its father?“ he asked carefully, noticing emotions running over her face.

 

„I broke up with him seven months ago. We didn't know about our child at that point,“ she shrugged. „So I'm single but not alone,“ she winked. „I have Mary and soon my child will come,“ she made a pause. „And now I probably have a brother,“ she looked at him, her face serious. „Where do you live actually?“

 

„I live in Orlando with Olivia,“ he answered. „Now we're checked in the hotel Budget Inn here in Wildwood. It's ten minutes by car. I can come tomorrow, take the album and my girlfriend with me and we can talk more. I should let you and your baby get some sleep,“ he winked with a smile.

 

„Sounds good to me,“ she nodded. She walked him to the front door and he handed her the forgotten mug on the front porch.

 

„Good night, little sister,“ he hugged her and she reluctantly wrapped her arms around his waist. She was surprised how natural and pleasant it felt even though she saw him for the first time.

 

„Good night, big bro,“ she smiled when he let her go.

 

*

 

After waking up Lena got out of the bed, used the bathroom, got dressed and went downstairs. Mary was already in the kitchen. She'd prepared breakfast and was waiting for Lena, drinking her morning coffee.

 

Lena sat down at the table, then she got up to pour some coffee for herself and sat back again. She reached out to take some sugar and put it in her coffee.

 

„Lena, are you OK?“ Mary asked worriedly when Lena kept stirring her coffee for a few minutes.

 

„Yes, I am,“ Lena smiled faintly, raising her eyes to Mary. „I'm... just lost in thoughts,“ she ran her hand through her hair, looking nervous. „As I said yesterday... that young man told me he was my brother,“ she swallowed. „I'd wanted to know for sure that he really is what he says. I feel kind of unease, you know? He'll come in the afternoon again to bring pictures of our parents and...,“ she put her hands on the table, looking at Mary, „... how can I be sure he is my brother?“

 

„Did he give you any proof of his identity? Did he tell you something about himself?“ Mary put her hand on Lena's. „You would love to have a brother, wouldn't you?“

 

„Yes, I would. He showed me his driving license and told me he had grown up in a children's home in Mount Dora. But still... how many people's names in United states are Gray?“ she shook her head. „On the other hand... why should he lie to me? What would he gain by that? I don't know what to do, Mary.“

 

„I know what you mean, my child,“ Mary took her hand in both of hers. „Look, Mount Dora is not so far away. You can reach the place within an hour by car. If it makes you feel better... then go and try to ask them about some informations of him.“

 

„It's a great idea, Mary, I love you,“ Lena smiled. „I'll give it a try.“ She finished her breakfast, put the dishes in the dishwasher and crossed the hall to the front door. „I'll be back soon. I'll call you,“ she hugged Mary and walked out of the door.

 

Mary was standing on the porch till Lena's car disappeared out of her sight.

 

*

 

Lena was standing in the middle of a lobby of the children's home in Mount Dora, looking around.

 

„Are you looking for someone, young lady?“

 

She turned around and saw an older woman who probably walked in right now. „Good morning, I'm Lena Gray. I just need some informations.“

 

The woman's eyes slid to Lena's belly for a second and returned to her face. „I'm Emily Johnson, the manager of Mount Dora. Come with me.“ She led Lena to her office.

 

„Sit down, please,“ Mrs. Johnson pointed at the chair in front of her desk, walked around the desk and sat down. „Would you like coffee, or tea?“

 

„Perhaps some water, thank you.“

 

Mrs. Johnson nodded, dictating to her secretary through the intercom on her desk what she should bring to her and to Lena. „Now tell me how can I help you. I hope you don't want to give your child for adoption,“ she looked at Lena, furrowing her forehead.

 

„No, not at all,“ Lena straightened up in the chair, frowned and put her hands on her belly, shaking her head.

 

„It's good,“ Mrs. Johnson's face melted in a smile. „You mentioned some informations that you need. What kind of informations?“

 

Lena smiled back, feeling relieved that the woman stopped being as reserved as had been just a minute before. „You know yesterday a young man came to visit me and told me he's my brother. My mother died giving me birth and I'd never known my father. I didn't even know if I had any siblings.“

 

The secretary brought coffee for Mrs. Johnson and a glass of water for Lena and quickly disappeared.

 

Then Lena continued. „You surely understand that it's hard to believe. On the other hand I'd like to believe him. He showed me his driving license,“ she broke off and sipped from her glass. „I'd like to ask you if the young man, Jeremy Gray, was brought to your children's home twenty five years ago. He mentioned that he had grown up here. Do you think you could help me out with that?“

 

Mrs. Johnson nodded her head slowly. „We have very strict rules, Mrs. Gray,“ she answered, pulling the keyboard closer. Nothing was heard for a while but her fingers tapping on the keyboard. She leaned back in the chair, turning her attention back to Lena.

 

„Can you show me your driving license? If I decide to give you the information at least I need to know your birth date and check your identity.“

 

„Of course. I understand,“ Lena handed her her driving license without hesitation. „I was born on June 13th.“

 

Mrs. Johnson shortly looked at it, then at the screen. „You grew up in a children's home, too, is it true?“ she continued when Lena nodded. „In which one?“

 

„In Convenant in Dunnellon,“ Lena answered quickly, holding her breath. Please, tell me it's him.

 

Mrs. Johnson took her phone and after a short call she hung up. She put her phone aside and looked at Lena again. „Everything fits, Mrs. Gray,“ she put her hands on the desk and smiled. Then she got up and stepped closer to Lena. „I like you, Mrs. Gray,“ she said in a low voice. She thought for a second before she uttered quietly. „It's him. Jeremy Gray came here twenty five years ago after his mother's death. She gave birth a girl. We didn't get any information about the girl.“

 

„Thank you for the information, Mrs. Johnson,“ Lena breathed out. „I appreciate your kindliness.“ Lena got up. „I should go. I don't want to keep you from work.“

 

„You're welcome. Take care of yourself.“ They shook their hands and Mrs. Johnson walked her outside.

 

„I remember him, Mrs. Gray,“ Mrs. Johnson said as they arrived to Lena's car. „Black hair and blue eyes.“

 

„Exactly,“ Lena lifted her eyebrow, surprised.

 

„He was very vivid child. Several times he ran away from his foster parents and the police had to search for him. That's why he stayed here. But I loved him. Even though he was such a tyke, he wasn't a bad boy. I don't know the way he is now though,“ she smiled faintly, averting her eyes. Lena noticed emotions overwhelming Mrs. Johnson and shortly caressed her upper arm. „Memories,“ Mrs. Johnson shrugged, trying to hide her feelings. „I wasn't a manager back then and I was young. It's a long time,“ she broke off. „Say him hi. Maybe he will remember me.“

 

„I will, Mrs. Johnson. Thank you very much. You're still young... at heart,“ Lena smiled.

 

„Thanks,“ Mrs. Johnson gave her a short hug. „Drive carefully.“

 

„Have a nice day,“ Lena got in the car. She saw her waving in the rear-view mirror as she turned to the main road.

 

*

 

Lena walked in the kitchen and lunch was on the table. „Mary, you made lunch! You didn't need to do it. I would have prepared something to eat.“

 

„You should get more rest. You look upset,“ Mary responded worried.

 

„I'm OK. I met the manager of the children's home, Mrs. Johnson,“ Lena started eating. „Imagine, she remembers him. It seems Jeremy Gray is really my brother. Of course I don't know him and she said he was a tyke but she doesn't know the way he is now.“

 

„Be careful, girl. But it's good news that he didn't lie,“ Mary smiled as she watched Lena's shining face. „I'm happy for you.“

 

*

 

„Mrs. Johnson says hi,“ Lena said quietly as she put a pot of coffee on the tray. Jeremy insisted on helping her when he arrived with his girlfriend Olivia in the afternoon.

 

„Really? Did you talk to her? Where did you meet her?“ his surprised voice made her raise her eyes to him.

 

„You know, I have a confession,“ she averted her eyes for a second. „I just had to convince myself that you really are what you said so I jumped in my car and went to Mount Dora. Don't be angry with me, I had to do it.“

 

„Lena, look at me,“ he put his hands on her upper arms and she looked up at him. „Why should I be angry? You don't know me, it's understandable you can't believe anybody who knocks on your door telling you 'I'm your brother.' Don't worry, OK?“ he pulled his hands back. „Tell me, Mrs. Johnson, Emily as I used to call her, so is she still in Mount Dora? Does she remember me? I wasn't a good boy all the time,“ he smiled faintly. „But she was my favorite educator.“

 

„Really? She told me she loved you even though you were such a tyke,“ she laughed lightly.

 

„It's nice. I should go to visit her sometime,“ he took the tray. „Come sit down. You have to be tired if you went there and back right away on your own.“ He led her on the back porch where Olivia and Mary were sitting.

 

„I'm going to have my coffee in the bedroom,“ Mary got up. „You have so much to talk about,“ she smiled and retreated inside.

 

*

 

After Jeremy showed Lena all pictures of their parents and himself he handed her the letter that he got from their grandmother.

 

„She was very unhappy that she couldn't take me in and raise me,“ Jeremy commented before Lena started reading. Her heart was beating like crazy and her child seemed to be upset, too because its kicks were often repeated.

 

She felt so much excitement and also sorrow as she went through the pictures with Jeremy who commented on almost every picture. She learned a lot about her parents, she could finally see how they looked. It was amazing and sad at the same time.

 

She finished reading with eyes in tears and suddenly felt a sharp pain in her belly. She curled and let out a sob.

 

„Lena? Are you OK?“ Jeremy watched her, disconcerted.

 

„No,“ she shook her head. „It's coming,“ she breathed shallowly, waiting till the contractions ceased. She slowly got up, her hand on her belly. „I have to go to the hospital.“ She went to the kitchen, took her purse and pulled her car keys out of it.

 

Mary walked to the kitchen at the same time as Jeremy did.

 

„Lena, wait, you can't drive. I'll take you there,“ he turned to Olivia. „Could you wait here with Mary, please?“ When she nodded he turned to Mary. „We have to go to the hospital. Olivia stays here with you. I'll let you know, OK?“ his eyes darted from Mary to Olivia.

 

„Sure, go,“ Olivia pulled him closer and pecked him on the cheek. „Be careful.“

 

„I will,“ he turned to Lena. She held onto the edge of the table, bent, her eyes closed.

 

Mary stepped closer without touching Lena. „Don't worry, everything will be alright, my girl. Just breathe.“ She handed Jeremy Lena's packed bag.

 

„Shall we?“ Jeremy asked as Lena straightened up and looked at him. She nodded and moved to the front door. Jeremy felt his heart beating as if it wanted to jump out of his chest but he tried to calm down himself. No panic can help her. We have to hurry... but rather slowly.

 

*

 

As they were seated in Jeremy's car Lena pulled her phone out of the purse.

 

„Damon, please, tell me you're in the hospital,“ she said, breathing heavily, expecting another contraction.

 

„Unfortunately I'm not. I'm at home...“

 

„I need you. It's coming. I'm on my way there,“ she broke off and tried not to shout out.

 

„Lena? Are you there? I'm in bed you know...“

 

She took a breath and interrupted him. „Listen, get your ass out of the bed. I don't care if you're having your one-night stand. Forget about anyone who you have in your bed and immediately go to the hospital, OK?“ she bit her lip, closing her eyes. When the contraction ceased she opened her eyes and glanced at Jeremy. „Don't listen to me, please. Just drive no matter what, OK?“ she put her hand on his. „It's OK. Stay calm. I can stand it,“ she attempted to smile but she rather grimaced. Then she put the phone up to her ear again. „Are you on your way, Damon?“

 

„Sure. I'm almost dressed. I'll be there,“ he hung up.

 

*

 

„It's a girl, Lena,“ Damon put a baby in her arms, smiling. „What name you chose for her?“

 

Lena opened her eyes, exhausted to death and looked at Jeremy. „What was our granny's name, Jer?“

 

„Elisabeth,“ Jeremy answered.

 

„Elisabeth will be her name,“ she smiled faintly, glancing at Damon. „Damon, I'm sorry I was so rude.“

 

„No problem,“ he winked at her, pulling up one corner of his mouth in a half smile.

 

„Thanks.“ She lowered her eyes to her child. She touched her finger to her little girl's cheek. „She's so beautiful and little,“ she kissed Elisabeth on her head. „Do you want to hold your niece?“ she looked at Jeremy.

 

He nodded and carefully took the baby in his arms. „It's a miracle,“ he smiled and took her little hand between his two fingers. „Welcome to the world, Elisabeth.“

 

Elisabeth opened her eyes and the first thing she saw were her uncle's eyes, big as saucers and his amazed face.