Page 81 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

The warm California breeze hit me immediately after I stepped outside the airport. I pulled my suitcase to the awaiting cab, and I entered with Kayden in his carrier. He was fast asleep, and I was thankful for the little break.

My brain was on override as we drove to the apartment. No one knew I was coming. I wanted to surprise Vina. I imagined what her reaction would be when she saw Kayden. What would she think of me when I told her about Kayla? Would she keep my secret? Could I trust her?

I took a deep breath as I felt my heart racing and my palms sweating. I looked outside the window at the familiar landscape, and memories of this place slowly resurfaced. It was almost Christmas time, and the streets were decorated. I couldn’t see this place as my home anymore. So much bad had happened here that every good memory was tainted. I just needed some time with Vina. I needed to start all over with my baby somewhere else and pretend like the last two years had never happened.

I looked down at Kayden and smiled. I stroked his soft brown curls. He was like a cure for me. He gave me purpose and reminded me to keep going.

I dragged my suitcase with me into the apartment building. It was almost midnight, and I didn’t see a single soul outside. I didn’t want anyone to recognize me. I stared at myself in the reflection of the elevator wall. My face was puffy, and dark circles were beneath my eyes from my lack of sleep. I couldn’t wait to jump in my bed. Hopefully, Kayden wouldn’t wake up till I got eight hours of sleep.

The elevator opened, and I dragged my suitcase to the door. I paused and raised my hand to knock on the door. I was terrified, thinking of everything bad that could happen when I told her the truth. She could tell everyone, and Kayden wouldn’t be safe. I needed more time to think this through.

I pulled away and left with my suitcase. I found a hotel close by and booked a room to stay. I stayed hidden in the hotel for a few days. I only went out once to grab some baby food and diapers. I spent Christmas with Kayden, watching Christmas movies, drinking chocolate, and eating cookies. I was tempted to call Vina, but I resisted.

Kayden wanted to go out and play. I put on a baseball cap to hide my face and took him to the park close to the hotel. I sat down and watched him. My heart was racing at the thought of someone recognizing me. I took a glance at my old wristwatch I’d bought in Cuba for a decent amount.

“Hey, sweetie,” an old lady chirped, squatting next to Kayden.

I stood up quickly and walked toward them. She looked up at me and smiled.

“You must be his babysitter,” she said.

“Mom.” I faked a smile, slowly picking up Kayden off the ground.

He protested, wriggling his body, and started crying.

“Just let the kid play. I didn’t mean to come off as a creep.” She laughed.

There was something about her aura that made me comfortable. Maybe it was the softness of her voice and the gentle smile lighting up her face. I grinned and put Kayden down.

“He is so adorable. How old is he?”

“One,” I replied in an aggravated tone.

“I will get out of your hair. Sorry,” she said and stood up to leave, but I stopped her.

“I’m sorry if I made you uneasy. I’m just going through some stuff right now,” I blurted with a sigh.

She considered me for a moment. “I have all day if you wanna talk, sweetie,” she said with a nice smile.

I hesitated. Why did I have more trust in strangers than in people close to me?

“No pressure. I’m a good listener,” she urged.

“It’s nothing.” I smiled.

“Okay, take care. Bye, sweetie.” She waved at Kayden, and I watched her walk away.

That wasn’t my last time seeing her. I ran into her a few more times whenever I came to the park with Kayden. She started bringing Kayden his favorite candy, and I admired how they got along. How Kayden ran and gave her a hug every time he saw her walk through the park. Some days, we sat together, and she told me about herself and stories about her rebellious teenage years, which cracked me up. She was a fifty-five-year-old widow with no kids and lived alone. I found myself slowly opening up to her about everything and seeking her advice.

She suggested I keep Kayden at her place and said I could visit and stay anytime. I looked at the pros and cons of what she had offered. I slept over it and agreed the next day. I could make this work. I would still see Kayden every day while I stayed with Belvina and got a job that fit with my school schedule, and everything would fall into place.

I only needed two years, just two, and I would leave California and never look back. I could do this. I only had to make sure no one else knew about the twins.

24

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Reunion

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