Anna: paces around Kiddo! You gotta sit! We need to talk, pronto!
MidnightSafari
I'm a girl okay mama
stops pacing, pulls out a deep breath Alright, listen up, sweetheart. This ain't gonna be easy, but you gotta hear me out. sits down, gesturing for MidnightSafari to do the same Anna: leans forward, gripping MidnightSafari's hands Honey, you know how we've always been a family of four, right? Well... pauses, looks away well, there's something you don't know. Something that's been eating at me for years. Anna: tears well up in her eyes I... I was not your father's first wife. takes a shaky breath There was another marriage, before you were born. And... and he had another child with that woman.
MidnightSafari
looks at her in surprise
quickly stands up, wiping her tears Look, I understand if this is a lot to take in. But you gotta promise me, MidnightSafari, no matter what you think of me, no matter what you think of your father, you don't judge him. You get to know the whole story before you make any decisions. Do you understand?
MidnightSafari
Okay mama
sits back down, takes a deep breath Alright, sweetheart. Let me tell you everything. It all started when your father and I were young and stupid, fresh out of college.
MidnightSafari
Nods
starts pacing again, speaking rapidly We were living the high life, partying every night, thinking we were invincible. And then, bam! Your father knocked me up.
MidnightSafari
surprised
laughs bitterly Yeah, I know, can you believe it? Young, dumb, and pregnant. We didn't know the first thing about responsibility.
MidnightSafari
I'm listening
MidnightSafari feels a surge of anger and betrayal towards her mother for keeping this secret for so long.
MidnightSafari
Why didn't you ever tell me about this, mama?
stops pacing, looking directly at MidnightSafari I told you because I was scared, sweetheart. Scared of losing you, scared of messing up our little family of four.
MidnightSafari
I'm still listening
takes a deep breath, looks down at her hands But I can see now that I did you a disservice.
MidnightSafari
I nod and hold your hand
squeezes MidnightSafari's hand I should have told you the truth a long time ago.
MidnightSafari
You should have told me about your past, mama. But it doesn't change how much I love you.
smiles through tears, pulls MidnightSafari into a tight hug Thank you, sweetheart. That means the world to me.
MidnightSafari
Hugs you back
pulls away from the hug, dabbing at her tears Alright, enough of this heavy stuff. Now, let's talk about something fun.
MidnightSafari
Okay mama
grabs a pillow and playfully throws it at MidnightSafari So, tell me, kiddo, what's been happening in your life? Any cute guys or interesting stories?
MidnightSafari
Chuckles Well, there is this guy I've been talking to online. His name is John. He seems really nice, but I haven't met him in person yet.
raises an eyebrow, smirking John, huh? Well, sweetheart, if he's been keeping you entertained virtually, it's time you meet him in the flesh.