"I'm your mother," she informed me with a guilt-ridden face in my direction.

She looked ready for me to sob or shout–throw a tantrum at her feet, or go hugging her instantly.

But I sat there. Wearing no expression on my face, a trick I'd learned from so many foster homes.

••••••••••••

Judging by the reactions of the people she appeared to be with, my oh-so-lovely mother hadn't told her new family about me.

The older gentleman was gaping like a fish. He stared, wide-eyed, at my 'mother' as she spoke out.

The children– two girls–stared at their mother and I with distinct expressions plastered all over their faces.

The older girl looked to be my age, maybe older. She had short, light blonde hair. She was pale with a light blush tinting her cheeks. She was heavier-set than me, but looked toned and gorgeous, overall.

The girl was around 6. She was short, with a cute princess dress adoring her small figure. Her hair was long–like down to her butt long–and dark brown. She had cute little freckles and dimples. Her face was the epitome of confusion, trying to grasp the emotions of her parents and sister. Her big green eyes, identical to her–our, mother, stared at me in wonder.

I tried to look impassive towards the woman in front of me, but wanted nothing more than to cry in Xavier's arms while he held me.

I but my lip so hard that a copper taste overloaded my tastebuds. My hands were twisted anxiously behind my back while I tried to keep my composure.

I knew that Xavier could tell I was nervous. He moved towards me and stood behind me with his big arms acting as a barrier towards my 'mother'.

I cleared my throat, making it feel like I was swallowing sandpaper.

"Lauren," I addressed her with my solid bitch-face on.

"Oh, my baby!" She gushed with tears on her face. She moved towards me, attempting to hug me, but I pushed myself backwards into Xavier's chest more. I put my hand out to stop her from trying to get near me again.

"Baby, you don't want to hug your mommy?" She asked with a hurt expression masking her face. I couldn't care less.

I scoffed at her confused and hurt face.

"You're not my mother. You left Daddy years ago. He raised me–him and Mikey. You never earned the title of mother, Lauren," I spoke in a dismissive tone, resisting the urge to shoo her away like a cat.

"I gave birth to you, Delaney Taylor! I deserve some respect, young lady!" She screeched hysterically.

"You left. You left me and Dad. He was always enough for me, so I won't disrespect the best parent I've ever had–one who gave me the best life he possibly could–by crawling back to the bitch who left him. Especially given that your child seems to be my age. Not to mention the look your husband is giving you."

She turned quickly, looking towards the man with a panicked expression.

"Paul, please let me explain. It's not what it looks like," she pleaded.

He simply turned towards me, ignoring Lauren completely.

"How old are you, hun?"

"18," I spoke gently.

His eyes seemed to drown in tears after that. He looked betrayed.

"You were cheating on her father and I?!" He asked Lauren furiously, jabbing a finger in her face.

"I-I... n-no. I only love you! Please, Paul! Think of our family–of Callie and Olivia!"

"Were you thinking about anybody when you got pregnant with someone else's child and were still raising one with me? I mean, they are less than two years apart."

"She left us when I was a few months old," I informed him.

"So you were raising a kid with me while fucking someone else? How did you even hide both pregnancies from the other man?!"

"I wasn't that big–I just wore baggy clothes the whole time," she admitted, looking towards her oldest–Olivia–with hope adoring her face.

"Baby-" she started, reaching her hands out in a gesture to embrace.

She was cut off by a furious Olivia tugging Callie out of her reach.

"Don't touch me!" She hissed with venom seeming throughout her words.

I turned to Xavier, sensing the tension between the newly broken family.

"We should go." I murmured before turning back to the crowd that had formed around us.

"Look, you all obviously need to work through some–issues. And it's our anniversary, so we're going to head out and celebrate. Have fun." I waved at the little girl who grinned and waved back at me. The rest continued to stare at one another intensely.

I dragged Xavier through the crowd, breathing in the fresh air once we were back outside.

Then, I laughed. Loudly.

I bent over, belting out a laugh that shook my chest.

"What's so funny, sweetheart?" Xavier asked with confusion. His hand came down to rub my back, helping to calm me down.

Once I was composed I stood up straight and faced him.

"She's so stupid. How do you have a kid with one guy and hide it from the other guy you're dating? THEN SWITCH?! Did she really think I'd take her back with open arms?"

"Are you okay?"

"She disrespected my dad," I murmured. Tears of frustration coated my dry eyes.

"I know, babygirl. I know," he cooed, pulling me into a hug.

We stood there for a while. The silence help clear my mind of clutter.

The silence was broken by a small voice speaking up behind Xavier.

"Uhh-sorry to interrupt."

I turned to see Olivia and Callie standing there. They looked awkward and uncomfortable.

I shook my head and gave them a smile.

"What can we do for you?" I asked gently, still standing in Xavier's arms. 

"My dad and I wanted to say sorry–that you had to grow up without a mom because of her and us."

Paul walked out of the building shortly after. No sign of Lauren. He walked up behind his girls and embraced them.

"You don't have to be sorry. I had a great Dad–he gave me every ounce of love imaginable. Plus, it's not any of you guys' faults."

"Tell your father I had no idea. And that I'm sorry," Paul added.

Tears filled my eyes as I struggled to keep my emotions in tact.

"He... died when I was six. He was killed in action."

"I'm so sorry," Olivia spoke sorrowfully.

I shook my head, giving them a reassuring look.

"Thanks," I acknowledged.

"Are you my sissy?" Callie asked in an adorable voice.

I looked to Paul for answers, not knowing how to respond.

"Yes, she is." He patted her head softly. Then, he turned his attention back to me.

"Come to us if you ever need anything, hunny."

I gave him an appreciative smile and murmured a gentle 'thank you' before waving goodbye.

I laced my fingers with Xavier's and pulled them up to my chest.

I placed a soft kiss on his hand as we strolled down the sidewalk, enjoying the breezy night.