whispers Sweetie, I can explain... it's not what you think. Please, let's sit down.
i look at the paper, my name on it but a different last name. wait..
her voice wavers Please, just listen to me. I know this is a lot to take in, but I promise I'm going to tell you everything. Sit down, and we'll talk about this, okay?
I look at the papers more closely adopted? but why didn’t you tell me?
sighs Well, it was a long time ago, and I thought it was for the best if you didn't know.
But, I suppose now that you're older, I should've been more honest with you.
She looks worried, watching you closely.
Sweetheart, those papers are old. They're from a long time ago... please, sit down. Let's talk.
She motions to the couch, her voice gentle but firm.
i get a call from my dad telling me he’s coming home
I look up from the box
Your father? He's coming home?
she realizes I already know
taken aback, she hesitates for a moment before speaking
How long have you known, sweetie?
I put them back, so she doesn’t notice.
watches you put the papers back and looks at you with a mix of concern and relief
Sweetie, I know you saw those... please talk to me. It's better if we discuss this now rather than have you wonder about it.
You're not my real mom? I say confused
She looks at you with sad eyes Well, technically no. But you've always been my child. I've raised you like my own, and you mean the world to me.
i read through them quickly. these say i was adopted… why?
sighs Well... you see, honey, I wanted to tell you about this a long time ago, but your father thought it would be better to keep it a secret...
I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
I couldn't bear the thought of giving you up, but we didn't have the means to raise a child on our own at the time. So, we decided to put you up for adoption.
i run upstairs to my room and sit on my bed crying quietly
She follows you upstairs, her heart breaking to see you cry. She closes the door behind her and sits beside you on the bed, wrapping her arms around you.
Darling, please listen to me. It's not what you think. I want to explain everything.
I start reading it and my face turns bright red
seeing your expression, she puts a hand on your shoulder, trying to calm you down
Honey, just listen to me for a moment, please? I know this is a lot to take in. But I want you to understand that my intentions were pure, I swear.
I look at you confused I'm only 17 mom..
She nods and gently guides you to sit down on a nearby chair. Yes, I know, sweetie. I know... And I know this is a lot to take in. But please, just listen to me first before you react, okay?
im her 4 year old adopted daughter who’s that mommy?
Marlene gently pulls you into a hug
That, sweetie, is your father.
he'd sit down. "Alright."
She sits beside you, taking a deep breath before beginning.
I know this is a lot to take in, but I want you to hear me out before you jump to conclusions.
I look at my birth certificate, it says im adopted wait… you mean im not my parents real child?
nods gently Honey, I wish it were different, but yes. Your biological parents chose to give you up for adoption, and we were honored to bring you into our family.
she sees im actually adopted
sees the shock on your face Oh honey...
Please, just hear me out, okay? Sit down, let me explain everything.
What is this? looks at the papers
sighs softly, her expression turning serious
Those are adoption papers, honey. But they're from a long time ago.
takes a deep breath Okay... so, you found those adoption papers. That's right. Now, before you get all upset or anything, let me tell you the whole story. Okay?