by Tabra Jordan
Jillian shook her head. Bravely, she raised another bill. “Do I have siblings?”
“Siblings,” she repeated, looking at Nicky. “Yeah. You have several siblings. You have even more in the trash can.”
“I asked you a simple question. A simple answer would have been appropriate.”
Fanny cocked her head to one side. “Listen to Ms. Fancy pants—with her smart mouth. Then too, you had a big mouth as a baby.” She grasped a raven curl that lay against Jillian’s shoulder. “Is this your real hair?”
Promptly, Jillian removed her hair from Fanny’s fingers. “Yes. It is. I have one more question for you.”
Fanny danced around with a sarcastic grin. “This is the easiest money I’ve ever made, Nicky.”
Once again, Jillian extended her arm with money wedged between her fingers. “Was I kidnapped?”
Suddenly, Fanny stopped laughing. She looked down on Jillian and became quiet. Smoke flew from her lips and then she snuffed out her cigarette. “Girly. You were not kidnapped. You keep pulling out them bills and I’ll tell you the truth.”
Jillian placed her purse aside and stroked her thighs. “I don’t have any more money.”
Nicky stared at Fanny. “Come on Fran. Tell her what she wants to know. You’ve played with her long enough.” He opened his wallet and pulled out the money Jillian had given to him. “Take it all. Just sit down and tell her the truth, okay? Can’t you see the kid is hurtin’.”
Fanny cackled. “You’re not the only one who came looking for me. There were seven of you. Each one brought me a nice pinch of change.”
“Are you saying you were selling your children?”
“Some people are not meant to be mothers. I’m one. I never wanted kids. I kept two—your brother, Ross, and your sister, Sonya.”
“Why are you so casual about this? How could you sell your children and not care who has them. Did you ever think that some of them were not as blessed as I was? I was able to find you. What are they thinking now? You’ve destroyed their lives. ”
Nicky grunted, and turned his head. “Looks like she did ’em a favor.”
Jillian stared at Nicky. “Nicky. She could have given those children to a reputable orphanage. Instead, we were sold on the street like a peddler sells vegetables! Where is your heart? Don’t you even care?”
“Sometimes,” Fanny scratched her nose. “I think about my babies. I don’t hear them crying no more. Then I think. Wow.”
Growling, Nicky cocked his head to one side. “It was easy to find you, Fanny. The Black Market Baby business is booming. People like you are making a mint. But, you shove the money up your nose. Right?”
“Is that true?” Jillian searched her mother’s eyes. “Fanny, is that true? You sold me on the Black Market? How much did you get for your precious baby daughter?”
“That's none of your business, “she spurned, turning from Jillian’s view.
“So, the man I keep seeing in my dreams is not a kidnapper. He was holding me until money was exchanged! That stinking foul man! How could you leave your babies with something so vile?”
Fanny shrugged. “I do, what I gotta do.”
“I tell you what. I’m going to leave here with no regrets. After seeing the kind of mother you are, I’ll rest easier.” Jillian stood up and then reached for her purse.
Nicky led Jillian to the front door. “I’m sorry. I knew this was going to be hard.”
“It’s not your fault, Nick. You gave me something I’ve needed for years. You gave me closure.”
* * * * *
That night, Jillian could hardly wait for Lake to come home; though she knew he’d be frantic with her. After hearing the entire story, Lake was pleased that Jillian had survived her ordeal. Then, he warned her about the consequences. “So. Are you going to confront your parents?”
Sitting on the sofa, Jillian turned to face her husband. “Yes! The lies. A lifetime of lies. They all knew the truth, yet they allowed me to live in agony. I never knew who I really was? Maria knew the truth, I’ll bet Celeste even knows.” Pain erupted from Jillian’s soul.
While Lake held her hand, she wept. “I doubt your siblings had any knowledge of this. After all, you were considered the eldest child.”
“How could my parents do such a thing? I was purchased like a mongrel at the pound. But, that’s not the worst part. When I was old enough to know better, they continued the lie! Well. The lie stops now!”
* * * * *
After meeting with her family, Jillian started the healing process. Her wounds healed and the nightmares ceased. A few months later, Jillian found she was indeed pregnant. With her fears abated, the couple gave birth to a beautiful daughter.
~The End~
About the Author
Tabra Jordan
Tabra Jordan is a fan of angels, horror, and mystery. In her spare time, she loves writing stories with young adult themes. For more information about Tabra, go to topazpublishing.webs.com
