Chapter 3: Hard Home
Carrie parked outside Hillary's parents home and waited. This moment is a private moment, she thought. Although she wanted to be there for Hillary because many things could go wrong, she also knew that Hillary wanted to be alone with Nova. Nova, such a pretty child who'd been robbed of her parents for such a long time. Of course she's now 15 and hardly a child. Carrie had been taking her pictures and sharing with Hills. At first, Hillary had found it difficult to look at the pictures. She had cried and cried and cried the first time.
Carrie took all the outside world and its news to Hillary. Innovations, technology, politics, social gossips, family drama and Nova news. Nova news was always the most important of the topics discussed. Nova in her kindergarten uniform. Nova's first tooth loss. Nova's schools and classes..Nova's everything. Thankfully, Hillary's parents had allowed Carrie take news of Nova to Hillary. They supplied the pictures and information where Carrie couldn't get them first. Nova knew Carrie has her mom's friend. But she also heard that her mom was a horrible person who is suffering in prison for a big crime. Her father's family did everything they could to poison Nova's mind. So, Nova hated her mom and didn't want to have anything to do with a mom who was a criminal. Nova extended this hate to Carrie. One time when Carrie visited, she overheard the discussion between Nova and her grandma. That was the previous year and Nova was 14.
"You shouldn't have done that Nova"
"But she was mean to me first. She always sneers at me" Nova replied her granny.
"That is not enough reason to make her trip and fall"
"I guess it's not important that everyone tells me she's better than me. They say she's smarter and more beautiful. I am smart too."
"Yes you are baby. You have to know who you are and if you notice areas to fix, you fix. You don't let people tell you who you are or who is better than you. When they do, you don't listen. Because even though all humans matter...their opinions are usually fickle. The fact that they feel she's smarter is not important. Do you, Nova, feel she's smarter? If you do, do you want to do something about it? if you do, then fine. You go ahead and do that. If you don't...then go on your way. Just try to always give your best. The world always finds a way to adjust."
"Thank you Gran. It's just, you know, they make fun of me a lot. Some said my mom is in jail because she killed my dad. They say all sorts of horrible things to me. Gran, you never tell me about mom. All i hear are the stories from Dad's family when I visit them. Grandma Paula always cries about how mom was mean to dad. Was mom really that bad? She is your daughter. Why would you raise a bad daughter?"
Grandma Dee became upset and sad. Carrie had to come in. "That's enough Nova" said Carrie. Grandma Dee looked up, thanked Carrie with a small nod and went in.
"What? What did I do? I didn't mean to upset Gran. I'm just asking. Should I not ask?" she picks up her school bag to go in, then continued. " And why have you come? To send more gossip to that woman"
"That woman is your mom and she loves you Nova. You don't know half of what you are saying"
"You know I've heard enough lecture today. Thank you Ms Carrie. That woman that loves me so much has never asked to see me. When I was young and I would beg Grandma Dee to take me to her, she never did. Grandpa never answered any of my questions. Only my father's family spoke about her and how she is so horrible. How would I not believe them? Because even her own parents have never gone to see her."
Carrie couldn't respond to that. She just let Nova walk away. Nova had every right to be upset with a mom that was never there. A criminal. However, Carrie also knew the truth about everything. And the truth hurts too much to talk about.
The truth was another reason Carrie couldn't go in to watch Hillary's emotions when she sees Nova for the first time in the flesh.
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Hillary knocked on the door. It felt strange, knocking on the door of the house she grew up in. They must be expecting her. She'd called her mom on her way. Her dad has never spoken to her since she went to prison. She was not sure he would start today. However, nothing would stop her from seeing Nova. Nothing.
The door opens and Hillary's mom was there. Silence. After what seemed like an eternity, Hillary spoke up.
"Hello Mom."
"Hillary" her mother returned shakily. She tries to hug Hillary. However, Hillary remained a little distant. Hillary goes in and looks at the living room. Old pictures. Hillary and Marley's graduations, Marley's awards, Marley's medals. More Marley than Hillary. Old memories. Nothing new there.
"Dad?"
"He's not home."
"Did you tell him I have been released?"
"Yes"
"I guess he still hates me"
Grandma Dee kept mute.
"Err...mom. You know why I'm here. Please, where is she?"
"She's inside." Silence
"Can you please ask her to come out?"
Grandma Dee tried to bring out cookies and milk. At the same time, Nova came out and stood in front of Hillary. Conflicting emotions across her face. There was a long silence. Grandma Dee put the milk and cookies on the table and went to a corner.
"Hi Nova" Hillary said with tears.
"Hi" replied Nova with a tinge of apprehension.
" I am..uh..your ...uh..mommy"
"I know"
Hillary buried her face in one of the cushions and wept. it seemed like such an long time.
"Can i, uh, can i give you a hug?"
Nova shrugged. Like it didn't matter. Hillary rushed to her and hugged her for such a long time. Nova was shaking, but didn't return Hillary's hug.
After a while, Hillary calmed down. She then drew Nova to sit beside her. Started asking questions about everything Nova. Nova answered some and shrugged at many.
"Hillary, your father called. I think he's on his way back"
Hillary understood what that meant.
"Nova, I am so sorry. I am so sorry to you. In time, you'll get answers to your questions. Please bear with me for now. There is so much to talk about. In time. I will be staying with Carrie. I will get get a phone and will give you a call. I have so much to say to you. I hope you forgive me in time." She hugs Nova one more time then gets up.
On her way out, she grabs a cookie, dips in milk and munches. She sighs.
Nova watches Hillary enter Carrie's car through the window. Once in the car, Hillary exclaims: Oh, she's so beautiful Carrie." She bursts into tears. Carrie hugs her without saying anything.
"Take me home".
Carrie drives. Another life is about to start.
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