They held my hands as if I were already family.
« We’ve waited so long for this, » Vanessa said. « You’re an answered prayer, Emma. »
« I just want to help, and honestly, I want to go to school. This would mean everything. »
« Then we’ll help each other, » Richard said, smiling, though his eyes flicked once to his watch.
I told myself I had imagined it.
« We’ve waited so long for this. »We signed the paperwork in a conference room. Mr. Pierce, the Hollisters’ attorney, slid pages toward me with a pen that probably cost more than my rent. He didn’t smile, but lawyers never did, so I let that go too.
The first trimester passed in a blur of saltines and overtime.
Vanessa came to the early appointments wearing soft sweaters and perfume. She’d rest a hand on my belly and whisper:
« A healthy little one. That’s all we want. Just a healthy one. »
I’d nod.
