Chapter 8

Paisley walked into a quiet house, Serena already asleep, a cherubic picture of innocence nestled in her bed. Paisley's heart swelled; she resisted the urge to kiss her daughter.

In the dining room, the aroma of food beckoned. Maria smiled. "I made something light," she said, placing a bowl of oatmeal before Paisley. The warmth was a comfort.

"How was Serena's day?" Paisley asked, guilt nagging at her for missing school pickup.

Maria's brow furrowed. "She seemed unhappy, a little red-eyed. She wouldn't say what was wrong, but the teacher said she was probably homesick."

Paisley sighed. "Anything else?"

Maria hesitated. "She met a boy who didn't want to play with her." She scrubbed the already clean table. "Didn't want to play with Rena! She's our princess!"

Paisley chuckled, letting Maria vent.

The next morning, sunlight dappled the pavement. Marissa pulled into the kindergarten lot. Stella piped up from the backseat, "It's that lady again."

"Who?" Marissa asked, peering in the rearview mirror. She noted a familiar, commanding figure near the gates.

Stella pointed. "Yesterday, Sonny got upset thinking about his mom when he saw her."

A gust of wind ruffled the woman's hair. She turned, revealing her face. "Paisley?" Marissa gasped.

Stella tilted her head. "Aunt Marissa, do you know her?"

Stella then noticed the little girl in Paisley's arms. Recognition dawned. "It's her," Stella said, disapproval coloring her voice.