I Was Babysitting My Neighbor’s Daughter When She Asked Why I Had Her Mother’s Necklace – Story of the Day

I Was Babysitting My Neighbor’s Daughter When She Asked Why I Had Her Mother’s Necklace – Story of the Day

I didn’t expect a question that would break my heart when I promised to watch my neighbor’s daughter; instead, I expected laughing and crayons.

When she asked me, “Why are you wearing my mommy’s necklace?” with wide eyes, everything in my life suddenly became illogical.

Being a mother is the most fulfilling thing in life, or at least that’s what I’ve always thought.

Being a mother is the most fulfilling thing in life.

And that belief only grew stronger when I eventually became pregnant. A year into our marriage, Ethan and I had decided to begin trying.

Like children anticipating Christmas, we eagerly waited for those two tiny lines on the test.

I yelled so loudly that I woke Ethan up by jumping on the bed and brandishing the test in front of his drowsy face when they eventually showed up one calm morning.

Like children anticipating Christmas, we eagerly waited for those two tiny lines on the test.

Being a mother seemed like my calling. I dreamed about our baby’s appearance, the first moment I would hold them, and our parenting style for hours on end.

I had a cup of herbal tea outside the garden one morning when I was seven months pregnant.

Then, from across the fence, I heard a woman’s voice and laughter. Hannah, my neighbor, was running across the yard after her daughter, who is four years old.

I thought Hannah was admirable. A single mother who works hard, is patient, and is always kind to her young daughter.

I had no idea how difficult it must be to raise a child by yourself. With my palm on my stomach, I silently thanked my husband for accompanying me on this journey.

I moved toward the barrier. “Hannah, good morning!”

“Hey! How do you feel?

“Slow and big,” I chuckled. “How about you?”

To be honest? Not very good. I recently lost my job. I’m currently looking for a new job before the rent is due once more.

I whispered, “I’m so sorry.” “You’ll find something soon, I’m sure.”

“Thank you. I’m attempting to maintain my optimism. I agreed to drop Lily off at my mom’s before lunch, so I should leave anyhow.

When I said, “Good luck with everything,” she waved and hurried inside with her daughter.

A few days later, Hannah was sitting on her front steps with her head in her hands as I was returning from a stroll. Beside her, Lily played peacefully while using chalk to sketch on the concrete.

I went across the yard. “Hey, how are things going?”

“My mom is sick, and I have no one to watch Lily, so I have a job interview tomorrow.” I may have to postpone.

“Cancel? “No way,” I replied. “I am able to observe her.”

Hannah’s eyes blinked. “Oh no, that was not a question I could ask you.”

I said, “I’m offering, you’re not asking.” “There is absolutely no trouble. Sincerely, I could need the practice, and I like children.

She loosened her shoulders. “Are you certain?”

Yes, without a doubt. You’re going to ace the interview.

She gave a thankful smile. “You save lives.”

I turned around and began to walk home. “May I ask you a question, Hannah?”

She gave a shrug. “All right.”

“Lily’s father… Does he offer any assistance?

Hannah gave a little chuckle. “Aid? He refuses to acknowledge that she is his child. A total moron.

That’s terrible. Why don’t you sue him for child support in court?

She firmly stated, “I don’t want anything from him.” “On our own, we are fine.”

I remarked, “But it’s his responsibility.”

She replied softly, “He has a family now.” “I only hope that he has changed.”

I scowled. Men like that are always the same. If it were possible, I would express my thoughts to him.

Hannah laughed. “Me and you both. In any case, I should get dinner started. Again, thank you for tomorrow.

I smiled and answered, “Of course,” but her remarks stuck with me longer than I thought they would as I made my way home.

After supper that night, I leaned over the table and gave Ethan a hug. He chuckled, rather taken aback.

“For you,” I said. “For being present. for becoming the ideal spouse and prospective father.

“For what purpose was that?”

“Well, that’s nice, but what’s the source of this?”

“Today, I spoke with Hannah,” I said. She informed me about Lily’s father. Is it possible? He refuses to acknowledge that she is his child. She is raising that young child by herself.

Ethan’s grin dimmed. That’s difficult. However, things do happen. You can never be certain of what transpired between them.

I gave a headshake. “No, that isn’t a justification. If it’s your kid, you’re accountable.

Always. I would never allow someone to live in peace after they left like that, and I could never forgive them.

Ethan nodded after appearing to want to disagree. “You’re correct. Men who act like that are jerks.

“Exactly,” I replied. “Stupid people.”

I went to Hannah’s place the following morning to keep an eye on Lily. Hannah was smiling and a little anxious, but she was well-groomed for her interview.

“Grace, once more, thank you,” she said. “This means so much to me, you have no idea.”

I answered, “It’s not at all troublesome.” “Good luck; you’re capable.” Grinning, she kissed Lily’s head and walked away.

I glanced to Lily as the door closed. What would you like to do first, then?

Play!” she exclaimed, displaying her plush bunny.

I made her grilled cheese and apple slices after we danced to crazy songs and played with blocks.

I watched her for a while, thinking what a sweet child she was, while she giggled with crumbs on her cheeks.

We sat at the kitchen table with paper and crayons after lunch. Lily sketched a huge pink sun, her mother, and her home.

My necklace slipped from under my sweatshirt and caught the light as I bent over to grab another pencil.

Lily let out a gasp. “Why do you have on my mother’s necklace?”

I gave a quiet smile. “Oh, my dear, this is mine. Perhaps your mother simply has one that resembles it.

She gave a headshake. “No, it’s the identical one! Mommy promised to give it to me when I grew up.

My heart began to race. To hide my shaking hands from her, I grinned. “That’s very kind of her.”

But I was trembling inside. There was no way to purchase that jewelry.

Every woman in the family received a gold pendant when she became pregnant for the first time, as part of Ethan’s family custom.

They were all created to order, had the same design, and could not be found anywhere else.

I felt cold all over when I touched the pendant. My mind began piecing together things I didn’t want to see.

A month after we learned I was expecting, Ethan gave mine to me.

Lily was asleep when Hannah returned from her interview. I had just made sure not to wake her by tucking her in.

With her cheeks slightly reddened from the cool air, Hannah entered the room still wearing her clean blazer.

“How went it?” I tried to sound calm as I asked.

She smiled uncomfortably and replied, “I think it went well.” “I feel positive about it.”

With a forced smile, I added, “I’m really happy for you.”

A pause occurred. I glanced at her and the tiny gleam of gold that was visible through her sweatshirt.

“Hannah, may I pose a somewhat odd question to you?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Will you please show your necklace to me?” I inquired.

She took the pendant out from under her sweater and blinked, perplexed but not suspicious. The air left my lungs the moment I saw it. It was just like mine.

I started crying. I muttered, “Hannah, is Ethan Lily’s father?”

She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She stood there for a long time, silent and pallid. “I hoped you wouldn’t ever know,” she said.

“I wanted to think it wasn’t real.” God, I did.

“I’m really sorry,” she said. “I never intended to cause you harm. I don’t want anything from him, as I already stated. All I can hope is… He will raise your child better than he did mine.

“That is incorrect. At the very least, you ought to demand child support. He is not allowed to ignore this.

She said, “I don’t want to destroy your family.”

I responded sourly, “You’re not the one ruining it.” “He was the only one who did that.”

I drew a trembling breath and wiped my eyes. “If he never acknowledged that Lily was his, where did you get the necklace then?”

From his mom. She owned it. Since she was unable to give me cash to remain silent, she gave me this instead. advised me to sell it if I needed the money.

That is abhorrent. What sort of individual does that?

“I couldn’t sell it,” she muttered. “I hoped Lily would get it eventually.”

Slowly, I nodded. “You made the correct decision. He will be unable to deny anything at this point.

I had already packed Ethan’s belongings by the time he got home that night. His shoes were neatly put next to his baggage, which were at the door.

He froze when the door opened and he saw them. “What’s happening?” he inquired.

I just said, “I know.” “I am aware that you are Lily’s dad.”

His face turned white. “Please, Grace, it’s not—”

“Don’t,” I interrupted him. “I’d rather not hear it. Right now, I can’t even look at you.

“It was an error, Grace. A foolish, one-time event—

“I didn’t mean it that way!” he blurted out. It happened before we were married. After that, I promise, I never—

Are you saying that your daughter is a mistake?

I gave a sour laugh. “You believe I’m a fool? Just after we moved into this house and began dating, you cheated on me. Then, as if nothing had occurred, you watched her raise your child next door.

He didn’t respond.

“I’m finished,” I declared. “A liar who flees from his own daughter is not raising my child.”

“Please, grace,” he said. “This can be fixed.”

“No,” I firmly answered. “Betrayal cannot be fixed by you. It’s yours. You accept responsibility, which is something you obviously never taught.

He balled his hands up. “You don’t take the divorce seriously.”

I said, “I’ve already filed for it.” Additionally, I’ll see to it that Hannah hires an attorney. Both children will get child support from you. The least you can do is that.

I looked him in the eyes. “Observe me.”

“You wouldn’t risk it.”

After giving me a long look, he snatched up his suitcase and raced out, slamming the door so forcefully that the walls trembled.

After standing there for a bit and panting, I put my hands to my stomach. As if to let me know I wasn’t alone, the baby gave me a little kick.

“I swear, little one, I’ll raise you to be nothing like your father,” I said.

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