Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Indigo

I take five calming breaths and begin to move my shaky legs towards the front door. Shivers run up and down my spine. I'm covered in goose bumps. I can't believe I am actually doing this. It's surreal. A million thoughts run through my mind, and by the time I get to the door, I realize I have no idea what I am going to say to her. I don't think, 'Hi, I'm the daughter you abandoned almost twenty five years ago' is a great opener.

I stand in front of my mom's house for a couple minutes, just trying to collect my thoughts and process through my head that I am actually standing in front of my mom's house. I decide it's like pulling off a band aid and I just need to knock on the door. Before my mind convinces me to chicken out, I lift my fist and knock on the door.

When I hear movement coming from inside the house, I'm tempted to turn around and book it. I keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, as I keep reminding myself that I can do this. A few seconds later the door opens, and I am almost certain my heart stops for a good couple of beats.

The woman who opens the door is of average height, with a petite waist. She is extremely beautiful. She has the same porcelain doll skin as I do, but unlike me she has shoulder length, straight blonde hair. She has a small nose, with big blue eyes that are darker in colour than mine. Her lips are full, and she is wearing a cream cashmere sweater with dark blue denim jeans. She has a few soft wrinkles on the corners of her eyes, but opposed from that she looks almost too young to be my mom.

"Meredith Holmes?" I ask.

She gives me a puzzled look, letting me know that she has no idea who I am. My stomach drops shortly, but I regain myself, as she answers. "That's me. How can I help you?"