Chapter 7
DIMERA MANSION
A few weeks later, E.J. and Nicole had gone out again, so that meant Will and Mia were babysitting Sydney again. This meant that Mia could spend even more time with her baby. At the moment, she was putting Sydney to sleep, reading her a bedtime story.
MIA: “…they often talk about their race, but Bertie’s passengers don’t like being bounced like peas in a frying pan. And, the Fat Controller has warned Thomas about what happens to engines who race at dangerous speeds. So although, between you and me, they would like to have another race, I don’t think they ever will, do you?”
The baby was now asleep. Mia gave the baby a kiss and turned out the lights.
MIA: Sleep well, my little angel.
Then, Mia went downstairs to sit on the couch with Will.
MIA: The baby’s asleep.
WILL: Well, that’s good. So, what’s the book?
MIA: It’s a book full of short stories. The one I read to little Sydney is called “Thomas and Bertie’s Great Race”.
WILL: Can I see that book?
Mia handed him the book.
WILL: Say, isn’t that Thomas the Tank Engine on the cover?
MIA: It sure is. It’s a good book, if you enjoy stories about trains.
WILL: I didn’t know you were interested in trains.
MIA: There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me, hon.
WILL: Like one?
MIA: Like…I’m scared of heights. I love old rock music. I find children’s books to be quite interesting. And, it’s not a very good idea to put me on the teacups, or any other spinney ride at an amusement park.
WILL: Wow. That’s cool. So, I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked about this, but when do you think we should put the final phase of the plan into action.
MIA: Wow, either I’m out of it or I have a really bad memory. What was the last phase of our plan?
WILL: You know…taking your baby back.
MIA: Oh, yeah. That. Well, we could do it tonight, I guess.
WILL: Okay. Go get the baby.
MIA: Yeah, I will.
So, Mia went back upstairs to get her baby. On the way, she saw a picture of E.J., Nicole, and Sydney. They looked so happy. They were a happy family. Mia went into the baby’s room, went to pick her up, and stopped. She just stopped and stared at the sleeping child. She looked so peaceful when she slept, like an angel. And it was all because of E.J. and Nicole. Because Nicole had adopted Sydney, and took care of her as though she were her own child. Mia had a choice to make now. It was either she took her baby now, or kept her with E.J. and Nicole, who could give Sydney the life Mia had always wanted for her. That was the choice she had to make. A few minutes later, Mia came back downstairs and sat down next to Will. The baby was not with her.
WILL: Where’s the baby?
MIA: Where she belongs. Sleeping in her crib, in her house.
WILL: What do you mean? I thought you wanted to get her back.
MIA: I did. But…but lately I’ve seen her and E.J. and Nicole…and their all so happy together…
WILL: Hey. You’re crying. Sweetheart, what’s wrong?
MIA: I can’t do it, Will. I can’t take that baby away from E.J. and Nicole. They can give her the life I’ve always wanted for her, the life I wish I had had growing up. They love Sydney so much, and Sydney loves them. They’re a family, and I can’t just rip them apart. I love Sydney too much to do that. Ugh! A few days ago, everything seemed so clear to me, and now I just feel so messed up. What’s wrong with me, Will?
Will put his arms around Mia and held her as she cried into his shoulder.
WILL: Ssh. It’s okay. Everything will be all right. Nothing’s wrong with you. You just want what’s best for your daughter, and you know that having her stay with E.J. and Nicole is what’s right.
MIA: Yeah. It’s what’s best for the baby. Will, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I got you caught up in this mess. I’m sorry I almost had you help me steal a baby.
WILL: Hey, I love you. And, I would do anything for you. You don’t have anything to be sorry for. If you ever have a problem, I want to be here for you, to help with your problem.
MIA: Thank you so much, Will. You are the best boyfriend any girl has ever had.
WILL: And you are the most amazing, wonderful girlfriends any boy has ever had.
Will held Mia for a while longer. Mia felt better now that the problem had been resolved…or at least, mostly… A few hours later, Nicole and E.J. returned home. Will and Mia were getting ready to leave, when Mia stopped Will.
MIA: I need to do something first.
Mia walked over to Nicole.
MIA: I need to talk to you, in private.
So, Mia and Nicole went into another room.
MICOLE: What do you want, Mia? Come to have another attempt at getting MY baby?
MIA: No. quite the opposite. Actually, I wanted to let you know that I’ve finally come to the conclusion that what I did was absolutely right. Giving you and E.J. my baby was the right thing to do and the best thing for my baby. The two of you can give her a life I would never be able to give her. So, I’m not going to try and take her away anymore.
NICOLE: Wow. That was surprisingly grown-up of you. I respect that.
MIA: However, there’s just one condition.
NICOLE: Oh, boy. All right. Let’s hear it.
MIA: I want to be able to see Sydney from time to time. You know, I want to be able to babysit her, and see her on some holidays. I swear, I won’t be acting as a parental figure. I’ll be more of a friend or an aunt to her than anything. So, what do you say?
NICOLE: I think we can arrange something…
