MOTM:FFF Chapter 25 on AO3
MOTM:FFF Chapter 25 on Stars
MOTM:FFF Chapter 25 on Wattpad
They were showing me that I was loved. Which I needed to be reminded of constantly thanks to my incubator. Maria fawned over me. Nina told me that my mother was a heinous bitch and deserved what she got. Esme just gave me her silent support with her gentle, kind, loving nature.
My head was spinning from the meeting I’d just left. We were cutting ties with the Consortium. We were stopping the illegal activities and going completely legitimate.
I should be happy.
I am happy.
Am I?
Yes, I’m happy.
I’m happy that we were ending this chapter in our lives. We were moving across the country. I was a little upset at the move, but this city held too many bad memories. There were many great memories, but the bad memories were prevalent in my mind, in my recent memory.
Maria came over to the couch, handing me a cup of tea. “It’s an herbal blend. It’s soothing and calming. You look like you need it,” she said.
“Thanks, Maria,” I smiled, wrapping my hands around the cup. “How are you? How’s New York?”
“I’m doing much better. Anthony completely dotes on me and for the first time in my adult life, I feel safe,” she breathed, curling up next to me. “I’m building relationships with the people in the condo and I’m working part-time in a bookstore around the corner from Nina’s office. You’d like it. You should come to my bookstore. Three Lives Bookstore in Greenwich Village.”
“The next time I’m in New York, I’ll definitely make a stop. I love bookstores,” I said, sipping from the cup.
“Bella, I know that you’re struggling with happened to you,” Maria said. “You’re skittish and fearful. I understand. I understand that more than you probably realize. You saw who I was married to.”
“Your husband was a douche,” I snorted. “He deserved what he got.”
“Agreed,” she retorted. “I only wish I was the one to pull the trigger. I wanted to be the one to end him. I suffered for years under his …” Maria took my hand and stared into my eyes. “What your mother did was abhorrent. Some people are not meant to be parents, mothers.”
“I used to say that my mother was my incubator,” I deadpanned.
“Good description,” Maria smirked. “Bella, what I wanted to say to you was that if I can move past years, nearly half of my life, of abuse, so can you. Your husband, my nephew, is one of the best men I’ve ever met. Despite of his vocation, Edward is one of the kindest, gentlest and loving men I’d ever known. He’ll be your biggest advocate and …”
“I know and we’re taking steps to move on with our lives,” I whispered. I took another sip of the tea.
“It’s why I moved to New York City,” Maria said. “A new place, fresh faces, a better life. My life is filled with laughter, friendship, family, and love. My son and his wife are amazing, being patient with my physical, emotional and mental recoveries. I’m watching my grandbabies grow up. I still see a therapist and probably will continue to do so for some time.” She threaded her fingers with mine. “Your recovery will be ongoing. If you ever want to talk, I’m here for you. Bella, I know that you go the short end of the stick when it came to your mother. I know that I’m not your mother, but I want you to think you can rely on me like a mother. Edward adores you. Esme … she loves you and you are the glue that is holding this family together.”
I closed my eyes, a few tears falling down my cheeks. Maria took the cup away and hugged me. I leaned against her, crying quietly. She ran her fingers through my hair, allowing me to fall apart. “I’m sorry for crying. I’m a mess.”
“You may not have loved your mother, but you are grieving her loss,” Maria said, squeezing me tightly. “And you’re allowed to be a mess.”
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