Lucy’s POV
I arrived at the hospital, rushing through the automatic doors of the hospital, my feet barely touching the ground. My chest felt tight like it was trying to match Noah’s lungs, failing to breathe right after being teased for calling the wrong woman his mother and even his nanny.
“Thank God.” I whispered.
I was relieved seeing Noah doing fine. He was sitting in a room. His eyes were puffy from crying, and an oxygen mask was covering his small face.
“Noah, my dear, are you okay?” I walked toward him slowly.
The moment he saw me, he whimpered, not with relief, but disgust.
“Get out!” he shouted, glaring at me. “I want Aunty Blair. Not you.”
Each word felt like a slap. My son was mad at me. I walked backwards and let Tom comfort him. He didn’t stop mentioning Blair.
He was asking for Blair and not me. Even Tom was shocked. He looked helpless staring at me.
I smiled, just a little. Just enough to hide the sting. “It’s okay.” I whispered. “It’s okay, honey.”
But I wasn’t. I froze at the door, one hand gripping the frame, the other holding my bag like it was the only thing keeping me standing.
Blair arrived just minutes later. Her heels clicked with confidence I could never fake. Her voice was a soft lullaby when she entered.
“Hey, sweetheart.” she said, brushing Noah’s hair back.
He lit up like the sun had walked into the room.
I watched through the glass like I wasn’t his mother, but a stranger who was uninvited and forgotten. Blair was sitting beside him, holding his hand. Tom was on the other side, ruffling his hair gently.
A perfect little family. And I wasn’t in it. A tear rolled down. I quickly wiped it.
Blair came out after calming Noah.
“Noah’s fine already. I’m sorry.” she said, with that too-perfect smile.
“Tom told me what happened earlier. Noah’s just in a phase, Lucy. Kids push boundaries. Maybe he sees me more because I’ve been around lately. I promise I’m not trying to—”
“It’s okay.” I cut in, voice too calm. “I understand.”
She smiled again, this time almost… pitifully. “I’m here if you need anything.”
Then she went back inside. Where I couldn’t go. I swallowed my pride for the sake of Noah. Even if it was breaking my heart, I don’t care.
Back home, the silence felt heavier than usual. I stood in the kitchen for a long time, watching the empty cookie container on the counter.
Tom came in later, jacket slung over his arm. He looked exhausted. But still, he smiled at me, trying to make things better.
“I’m sorry. It was my fault.” I took a deep sigh.
“No, Lucy. It wasn’t your fault. I talked to the school.” he said.
“It was his classmates. They teased him, told him he was a liar for saying you were his mom. That’s what triggered the attack.” he was trying to comfort me.
I nodded slowly, then lowered my eyes.
“No,” I murmured. “It was me. I upset him. I embarrassed him.”Tom stepped forward and held my shoulders. “Don’t say that. It wasn’t you. It’s those bratty kids.”
He meant well. But I still felt like the problem. If I didn’t insist on picking him up, this wouldn’t have happened.
“I’ll make sure with the school to not let those kids won’t go away with it.” he firmly said.
“Please.” I whispered.
“Just let it go. Don’t cause more trouble at the school.” I sighed.
His eyes searched mine. He was unsure. But he nodded.
“Okay. But are you sure?” He cupped my cheeks.
“Yes.” I nodded.
The Hawaii trip is in two days already. But I am no longer excited. I just wanted to stay at home. If I can just do that. And about what happened, Noah still didn’t talk to me. I can feel he still hates me.
“You’re still not packing?” Tom asked, standing by the bedroom door.
I shook my head, folding one of Noah’s shirts. “I don’t feel like going.”
“Lucy, don’t say that. This trip might help us reconnect.” he said gently. “Maybe the beach will fix what we can’t say out loud.”
I wanted to believe that. But hope felt like sand slipping through my fingers.
“Come on, Lucy. We can’t cancel this trip. If we will, Noah will hate us more. Do you want that to happen? You know how excited he was.” he held my hand.
I looked down and sighed. For Noah.
“Are you sure this will help us reconnect?” I suddenly asked.
Tom was also shocked. He squeezed my hands gently and smiled.
“Yes, Lucy. I promise.” he reassured.
Two days later, the trip to Hawaii came. Noah was very excited. Even Tom and Blair. It was just me who wasn’t.
“Yehey! Hawaii, here we come!”
The airport was loud and bright. But I only heard one thing, Noah’s laughter and excitement. It was light and loud. He clung to Blair’s hand and Tom’s, and even wore his red baseball cap backwards, the same as Tom’s. They were all smiles. But I am the only one sad.
As for me, I followed behind, dragging the luggage. I looked like a helper. Like an extra in a picture perfect movie.
Blair carried Noah’s backpack. Tom carried him when he got tired. While I carried everything else. And none of it felt heavier than the ache in my chest.
And I start to realize.
I shouldn’t have come.
Lucy’s POV The next morning, I called Amanda as soon as Tom and Noah left the house. “They’re gone.” I whispered, holding the curtain aside to watch their car disappear down the street. “I have all the hair samples.” I added. “Good.” Amanda replied. “I found a lab. It’s discreet and trustworthy. They’ll have the results ready within the day.” She couldn’t come with me. She was tied up with work, but I understood. Knowing she was on my side was more than enough. “I’ll text you the address.” she added. “And Lucy? Whatever happens, I’m here.” “Thank you,” I murmured and hung up. The hospital wasn’t hard to find. The drive felt longer than it was. I gave them the samples and sat in the waiting area. Staring at the floor, my fingers knotted in my lap. I have patience but it seems like I am very nervous. Two hours later, the door opened. “Here’s the result, ma’am.” They handed me the envelope. My hands trembled. My heartbeat thudded in my ears. I looked at the paper and my eye
Lucy’s POV I called Amanda and she answered immediately. My hand was shaking so badly I nearly dropped the phone. “Lucy?” Her voice was soft, concerned. I didn’t answer right away. I just stood there on the sidewalk, trying to swallow the storm rising in my throat. “I need to talk. Can I come over?” I finally said, my voice breaking. Amanda went quiet for a moment. “Of course. Come now.” she said without hesitation. When I arrived, she didn’t ask anything. She just opened the door and pulled me into a hug. “Oh, Lucy…” I let her hold me because I needed it. She guided me to the couch. She helped me sit down and handed me a glass of water. I drank slowly with my mind spinning. She sat beside me waiting patiently. I looked away, struggling to make sense of everything, including the test results that were burning a hole in my thoughts. “I don’t think Noah’s adopted.” I finally whispered. My own voice didn’t sound like mine. Amanda blinked. “What?” “I think… he’s Blair’s and
Lucy’s POVI walked in just as everyone was cheering. The candles on the ice cream cake were lit, and Noah was getting ready to blow them out. But the moment he caught sight of me standing by the door, his mouth stayed open. He froze. I saw the surprise in his face or maybe even guilt. I didn’t let myself cry. Not in front of all these people. I walked into the room slowly, carefully, and tried not to let the shaking in my legs show. A few guests turned and stared. Some smiled. Others looked at me up and down. “Who is she?”“That’s Noah’s mom.” “You’re kidding? That ugly woman?” “She looks like she ate his real mom.” “No way she gave birth. She’s way too big for that.” “Poor kid. No wonder he ran to the other one.” “Yeah, the pretty one. She actually looks like a mom.” “I bet she’s just some aunt or the maid or something.” I swallowed my tears and went straight to the table. I placed the cake beside the other one, the pretty store-bought ice cream cake. I remained composed.
Lucy’s POV One week has passed, Noah’s seventh birthday is coming closer like he became closer to me. He became sweeter and nicer, unlike before. “Noah, your birthday is coming up. What do you want for your birthday?” Tom asked him. Tom and I had already talked about it. We wanted to throw him a party to forget what happened last week at his school. Blair apologized to him, but we know Noah was still hurt. Blair explained that her friend ditched her and took her money. I almost kicked her out of the house because of anger, but Noah forgave her. I was frustrated but couldn’t do anything. They accepted her again like nothing happened. “I want a party!” he jumped with excitement. Tom and I looked at each other and laughed. “Sure, honey. We’ll make that party work.” Tom said. Noah nodded and slowly looked at me. His face looked so sincere and sweet. Awww. He’s so cute. “Mommy, can you make my birthday cake?” he smiled sweetly. I was surprised and thrilled. We used to just buy his
Lucy’s POV The next day, I took the day off. Amanda let me watch Noah's spacecraft competition, because she knows it’s important as well. And I also want to see what Blair replaced with Noah's spacecraft. I was going with Tom. He wore a light blue shirt and black pants. I threw on a plain white top, baggy jeans, and a beige cardigan to hide the weight I hated. Noah ran out excited. The school was just a short drive. We waited while Tom parked.The crowds filled the entrance, and suddenly, I felt it, not just nerves for Noah’s project and performance, but also the whispers about me.“I’m nervous. Blair isn’t still here.” Noah said beside me. I smiled and fixed his hair. “Let’s just wait for her, sweetie.” I spoke. Noah nodded. As Tom arrived, Blair just came out of the cab as well. Good thing she showed up early. She was carrying a big box. It must be Noah’s spacecraft. Noah jumped excitedly. “Yehey! This must be better than the previous one!” he clapped his hands. With an unhap
Lucy’s POV “Aunty Blair, you’re finally here!” Noah beamed happily. Like he didn’t cry at all. He hugged her. I looked away and took a deep breath. “Of course, dear. I came over as soon as I heard what happened.” she softly said, cupping his face. Noah’s face turned sweet, like Blair was petting him. My heart shattered. Noah held her hand and let her sit. “Here’s my space capsule craft.” Noah excitedly showed her his almost finished project. Blair was amazed. “Wow! Did you do this?” she asked. “Yes, mommy and I repaired it.” he said.I was relieved and happy. But looking at Blair, she didn’t seem happy… more like she’s jealous.“Wow, that’s nice.” she nodded and looked at it.“Look at the photos we need to follow.” he showed pictures of it. Blair nodded like she knew everything. I just grinned and decided to watch. I will not leave and see what she could do. Noah showed reference photos on his phone; he bounced on his toes with excitement. "This is the shape we copied. It’s