Chapter 50 - HOME SWEET HOME
'Home sweet home.' I mumbled softly when the colossal iron gates of the Crawford residence pulled open and the regal Crawford Mansion came to view. I took a deep intake of breath as the awe-inspiring modernized structure glowed beautifully under the early morning sun.
"Were home, honey!" Alexander Crawford exclaimed softly, unable to contain the fondness that now glowed upon his inky eyes as he stared ahead. After he turned the roaring engine off, he hurriedly clambered out of the car, turned in the opposite direction, and pulled the car door open for me.
"Thank you, papa," I mumbled absentmindedly, never once taking my gaze away from the sight of the Crawford Mansion which looms over me like a titan.
I hastily hopped out of the car with Faith secured around my chest wrap in a thick layer of white linen and fast asleep. For a moment, I took my gaze from the sight ahead and fixed my attention on the rise and fall of Faith's chest. The sight was enchanting and bewitching at the same time making my chest full with emotions that I'm afraid it would burst any moment soon by how tight it becomes.
I couldn't believe that I gave birth to this angelic creature I'm holding in my arms. Her presence was such a huge blessing that I couldn't help but thank the Lord every day for giving her to me. "We are home baby." I leaned closer to her ears and whispered. In response, as if she understood what 'home' means, her lips stretched into a sweet smile that brightened my face with adoration.
Tears I didn't expect to come slowly made their way around the corner of my eyes. A few days ago, I recall standing on the same exact spot overcome with fear and dread. And yet, looking back at the memories now, there's not an ounce of regret in me when it was clear as day I made the right decision. I was brave to come here on a fateful day and as a reward for my bravery, I stumbled upon the truth and found the family who never ceased hoping they would find me one day! They actually did!
A warm palm landed on my shoulder. When I looked up, Alexander Crawford was beaming at me. The gentleness plastered on his face did wonders to his face for he looked then years younger. The line etched on his forehead seems to disappear for a moment while his face remains bright and lively.
I moved to the direction where the door was located as it impatiently waited for me to come and see what waits behind the door. As I slowly made my way to it, I filled my lungs with air, telling myself that I will not cry. But when Alexander Crawford pushed the door open, I swallowed my words and uncontrolled tears spilled on my cheeks.
WELCOME HOME BEATRIX. It was the words written in the banner in bold, capital letters. My tears become uncontrolled, they slowly clouded my vision until I could no longer read the words.
Waiting there at the bottom of the stairs was my dearest grandmother wearing a sweet smile on her lips while tears drift down on her wrinkled cheeks. She looks amazing in her cream-colored gown. The beautiful glow in her eyes surpassed the brilliance of the set of jewelry she wore for the occasion.
My heart melt by simply staring at her. Words weren't enough to describe the sudden rush of emotions that took hold of me. If I weren't holding Faith into my arms, I'd run to her already and flung my arms around her frail body.
Clarissa Crawford wasted no time and immediately crossed the distance between us with quick but careful steps. She was surprisingly agile and lovely despite her old age. She could still move with elegance and finesse like that of a twenty-year-old lady.
Before I knew it she was already beside me, wrapping her dainty arms around me while giving just enough space to allow the baby to breathe peacefully.
I don't know how long we've been standing there, I simply lost count of time as we poured our hearts out in the form of tears. There were so much tenderness and affection in the way she hugged me as if I daughter she never had. I can't hug her with Faith settled in my arms, instead, I laid my chin into her shoulders and closed my eyes to block the endless flow of tears but even with my eyes firmly closed, the tears refuse to be restrained, they continue to slide down the smoothness of my cheeks.
"Welcome home Beatrix. I never once doubted that I would find you. Now that you're here, I want to make up for the wasted years in our life." Clarissa spoke when she's a bit calmer and dabbed a handkerchief to dry her tears.
"Welcome home!" My brothers g—eight of them— greeted in unison, each of them wore a wide, welcoming smile on their faces. I shifted my gaze to them, smiling in return, and mumbling a quick thank you as my eyes surveyed each of the faces gathered around me. I still couldn't remember their names since there were too many to remember. Maybe in time, I could finally address them with their given name. Since he was the oldest, Ethan was the only face I could recognize from the crowd.
"I guess you must be tired and probably your arms are strained from having to carry that adorable baby for hours. I will accompany you to your room upstairs. I bet you're badly in need of rest." Clarissa said, glancing up at me and seeing the bags under my eyes.
I nodded my head in approval. I haven't had a decent sleep for straight three days. I dreaded hospitals and I could never force myself to sleep inside my hospital room no matter I forced myself to.
I couldn't be more grateful to temporarily have a quick rest. My body ached all over and it had been screaming for me to have rest the moment we left the hospital. My arms were a bit numbed too. Faith was surprisingly heavy.
Alexander offered his arm to Clarissa who thankfully took his arm for support. He was such a caring man despite the hard facade he was used to showing everyone. His deep reverence for Clarissa clearly shone in his eyes as he helped her climb on the modern curved staircase.
We reached my room in silence. It was Alexander who opened the door to my room and allowed me to enter first. Wild, bewildered gaze swept the room with awe as I slowly entered. My feet sunk, on the soft, carpeted floor making me sight with content. I closed my mouth after realizing how wide open it was.
I walked straight into a princess' luxurious room with its exorbitant furnishings. The luxury was way too much for me to handle. From the high ceilings, pink walls, and the soft carpeted floor were fashioned with sophistication. There's not a thing inside which I could call inelegant.
A mini-chandelier hung on the ceiling, giving the room a queenly ambiance. In the center of the room, a fancy, canopied bed with matching colors with the walls stood. Beside the bed, there was a wooden night table with a lampshade on top.
I gasped in awe when my eyes landed on the left side of the bed, near the florals sofa set, where a floor-to-ceiling shelf stood, it was filled with a variety of books—collector's item, limited edition, Newyork bestselling. All are just my liking!
When I could no longer take the strain on my arms anymore, I carefully lowered Faith into the multifunctional baby crib situated just beside the Queen size bed. When I was transferring her into the multifunctional bed, she stirred but surprisingly she did not awaken.
"How do you find your new room, Beatrix?" Alexander inquired while I was stretching my fingers forward and easing the numbness on my arms.
"It was beautiful, Papa, "I replied, giving him a reassuring smile. "This is too much," I added while my gaze surveyed the room once more.
"I am glad you like it, Beatrix. This room had been waiting for you for almost twenty-three years now. You deserve nothing but the best." he said giving me a cheerful smile.
"We will be leaving now. If you need anything just ring the bell and a maid will come to your aid."
"I will Papa."
The door closed and I was alone in my room. I stretched on the bed and stared at the flawless white ceiling. This is my life now, whether I like it or not, I shall welcome it with wide, open arms. Any woman would kill to indulge in the luxury held in front of me. I should be thankful for all of this.
My eyelids were becoming heavier each minute but I did my best to stay awake. I was too tired and unable to sleep for days that without me knowing I finally succumb to the urge and fell into a deep slumber.
This content is taken from fr(e)ewebn(o)vel.𝓬𝓸𝓶