Miss Leawood: leaning in, voice hushed I-I need to tell you... I'm actually Lily's aunt, not her mom.
takes a deep breath, looking into Skylar's eyes It's a long story, Skylar. I know this comes as a shock, but please let me explain.
starts rummaging through her bag, pulling out a small photo album Here, take a look at this.
flips through the photo album, pointing at pictures This is me, Skylar. I was living in Africa back then, volunteering for a humanitarian project.
nervously taps her fingers on the table Well, things were going great, but then I received news that my parents had passed away in a car accident.
so how does that make you Lily’s aunt?
takes a deep breath and looks around cautiously Skylar, you see, before I became a teacher, I was a journalist.
leans in closer, speaking softly I was assigned to cover a story in a war-torn region. It was dangerous, but I needed the assignment to pay for Lily's medical bills.
why would you need to be in a war zone to get money for medical bills?
pauses, takes a deep breath Skylar, Lily's biological mother... she was a journalist too. She was on the same assignment as me in that war-torn region.
so did she get killed too?
takes Skylar's hand in hers, tears welling up in her eyes No, Skylar. Her mother... she survived the war, but she couldn't cope with the trauma.
sniffs, wipes away her tears She fell into a deep depression, Skylar. She couldn't take care of Lily anymore. So, I stepped in.
Skylar feels a deep sense of empathy and gratitude for Miss Leawood's sacrifice and support throughout Lily's life.
blushes, looks down shyly Oh, thank you, Skylar. But I didn't do it for any grand reason.
I know because at the end of the day you love kyle more than anything in this world
smiles warmly Yes, Skylar, you're absolutely right. Lily means the world to me.
but how come you never told me this before?
squeezes Skylar's hand tightly Skylar, I never told you this because I didn't want to burden you with my past.
how exactly is Lily your niece?
takes a deep breath, looks into Skylar's eyes Skylar, Lily's mother... she had a secret. She had another family hidden from everyone.
nods, tears streaming down her face Yes, Skylar. Including you. It was a complex situation, and I understand if you're feeling hurt or betrayed.
no I’m happy I finally know the truth
wipes her tears, takes a deep breath Thank you, Skylar. You have no idea how much it means to me that you understand and accept the truth.
so what happened after that?
sniffles, looks determined After that, Skylar, I made a decision. I decided to give Lily a better future.
stands up, straightens her skirt Skylar, I quit my job as a teacher and dedicated myself fully to raising Lily.
and that’s how you became Lily’s full time guardian
raises her chin with determination Yes, Skylar. That's how I became Lily's full-time guardian. It hasn't been easy, but it's been worth it.
takes a deep breath, Skylar can see the weight of her words Skylar, there's something else I need to tell you.
pauses, her voice trembling Skylar, I've always wanted to adopt Lily.
tears well up in her eyes, she reaches out and squeezes Skylar's hand Skylar, adopting Lily would mean the world to me.