Page 25 of Sapphire Queen
Chapter 18
“Wow… I wasn’t expecting to see that.”
Emersyn glanced at Sarifena, sleeping on the couch. Snuggled against her was the most adorable boy. His raven hair curled around his porcelain face, which was pressed against Sarifena’s chest. Her arm was draped around his tiny body as if to hold him in place.
“She tried to fight sleep, but her emotions have taken a toll on her today.” Heath stared at her still frame, watching her breaths rise and fall. “We found the boy in the village. He is an orphan now – his parents were killed in the explosion.”
“Why didn’t you turn him over to social services?” Emersyn glanced back at the tiny toddler.
“Sarifena wouldn’t have it. He was immediately taken with her and wouldn’t allow anyone but Sarifena to hold him. I have a feeling she won’t be giving him up.”
“And how does that make you feel?” Emersyn smiled, “You’re in love with her, so this affects you too.”
“I want a family. She wasn’t wrong when she told you that… but I don’t care if our family consists of our biological baby or not. Nothing will make me walk away from her.”
“Emersyn,” Sarifena blinked the sleep from her eyes as she yawned. Realizing Alex was in her arms, she smiled and pressed a kiss to his head. “I’m sorry, I fell asleep. How long have you been here?”
“Just got here. He’s adorable.”
Sarifena slowly eased herself up, shifting Alex in her arms so as not to wake him. Once he was cradled in her arms, she glanced at Heath and smiled.
“He is. I couldn’t leave him with some stranger. Not after he lost everyone, he knew. We’re both orphans now.” Sarifena wiped at the tear with her free hand.
“Oh, Sari.” Emersyn sat down beside her and pulled her into a side hug. “You’re not an orphan. You have me, Onika and Heath. You’re not alone.”
“I know… it’s just,” she swallowed back the bile creeping up her throat, “my mom died not knowing I forgave her. I never told her I was sorry and that I loved her.”
“Oh, sweetheart. Your mom knew you loved her. Stop beating yourself up for her death. It wasn’t your doing. She wouldn’t want to see you drowning in grief.”
Nodding, “I know… it’s just,” Sarifena couldn’t hold in tears any longer. Heath scooped Alex from her arms, allowing Emersyn to tug her into a firm embrace.
“Cry it out, Sari. You’re allowed to be sad.”
Sarifena allowed the tears to spill, holding her sister with all her strength. Even though her mother was gone, she still had the support and love of her newfound sisters.
“Where is Onika?” Sarifena asked through the tears.
“I’m here!” Onika ran into the room, “Sorry… I had to deal with an issue at home.”
Squeezing in beside her and Emersyn, Onika wrapped her arms around Sarifena.
“What do you need?” Onika brushed her hair from her face.
“Nothing… everything,” she sighed, “Hell, I don’t know.”
Just as she rested her head on Onika’s shoulder, Alex began to cry. Sarifena stood abruptly, taking him from Heath’s arms.
“It’s ok, I got you.”
Alex immediately calmed down and relaxed. He scanned the room, his eyes full of apprehension and curiosity.
“Sarifena?” Onika glanced at Emersyn, then at Heath, “Why do you have a toddler in your arms?”
“His parents were killed today. He wouldn’t let anyone else help him but me. I couldn’t just let him go.” She nuzzled his hair, smiling at her sisters whose mouth’s hung open in shock.
“You’re good with him. It’s like he belongs in your arms.” Emersyn smiled, sauntering toward her and Alex. “Can I hold him?”
Holding her arms out, Emersyn stood still, hoping the tiny toddler would let her take him.
