Page 57 of Ruthless Serenade

"Sharon, Auntie Alexis is here to see us," I say, shaking the blanket gently. I hear a muffled sound from under the covers. "Come on out, sweetheart," I coo. "Alexis would love to meet you."

The lump moves, and I feel tiny legs kicking. I slowly pull back the bedsheet and lean in close to Sharon’s ear.

"Hey baby," I whisper. "Guess what? I think your auntie has brought some chocolate with her. Want to come check it out?"

Sharon immediately recoils and pulls the blanket over her head, hiding from me.

"Okay, sweetie," I tell her gently. "You can come out when you’re ready, alright?"

I head back to the living room, leaving Sharon’s door slightly ajar. Maybe if she can hear us talk, it’ll coax her to come out and meet her aunt.

"No luck," I sigh, slumping down on the sofa, next to my sister. "She won’t come out of her room."

"Give her time," Alexis says, "right now, I’m just a stranger to her."

I shake my head. "It’s more than just that, Lex."

"What do you mean?" Alexis frowns.

"She has selective mutism."

Alexis gives me a confused look. "Selective mutism?"

"It’s an anxiety disorder that affects kids," I explain. "She only talks to people of her choice. In her case, it’s me, her nanny, and her teacher."

My sister furrows her brow. "What about other students at her school?"

I shake my head.

"Oh, Mindy." Her expression changes to sympathetic.

"It’s okay," I wave. "Most kids grow out of it as they enter adolescence. All I care about is that she’s a healthy and happy child."

Alexis shifts in her seat and I can see a question burning in her eyes. "And what about her dad? I mean… sorry, Mindy, but I don’t even know if it’s Maurice or Maron."

I feel a surge of annoyance, but I guess I can’t blame her. I could barely keep up with my life back then, let alone my sister who was battling her own problems at the time. "It’s Maron… if you have to know."

She instinctively lowers her gaze and reaches out to take my hand. "Shit… I’m sorry, Mindy. I heard what happened to Maron. The press was all over it. So, I guess you’re in this alone, huh?"

I nod, and to my surprise, I’m blinking away tears. "I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got."

My sister squeezes my hand, her eyes filled with empathy. "I know you are, Mindy. And I bet you’re an amazing mother. Sharon is lucky to have you."

"You haven’t even met her," I smile, hoping it will make my urge to cry go away. "She’s the sweetest little angel, and…," I swallow hard, "…she looks so much like her father."

As if on cue, we hear the soft creak of Sharon’s bedroom door opening. I turn to see her little face peeking out, her eyes scanning the living room. As soon as she sees us looking at her, she pulls her head back.

I give Alexis a reassuring smile and stand up. "Hey, baby. Want to come say hi to your auntie?" I walk over to Sharon’s room and gently guide her out, my hand resting comfortingly on her back. She clings to me like a lifeline, her small fingers gripping my shirt.

Alexis stands up and gives her niece a warm smile. "Hey there, Sharon. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you!"

Sharon doesn’t respond. Her eyes are fixed firmly on the ground as she follows me into the living room. She presses herself closer to me as if trying to disappear into my side.

Alexis crouches down to Sharon’s level. "Your mommy told me so much about you, Sharon and I’m so happy you’re here. And I see you even brought your bunny with you! Can I see it?"

Sharon remains silent, but her grip on her beloved stuffed animal tightens. She begins to fidget, her free hand tugging at the hem of her shirt.

"It’s okay, baby," I murmur, stroking her hair. "Alexis just wants to say hello."

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