"Mom, we need to talk," I said while watching television in the living room. I had just finished putting Isla to sleep.
"What's wrong?" she asks.
"This is about Lily's pediatrician," I said slowly.
"Yeah? Doctor Felix? Why?" she asked, looking intently at me.
"She's Lily's father," I shook my head, as I said those words.
"She's your ex-boyfriend?" mom almost whispered.
"Yes, mom," I said, I let out a deep sigh.
"What's your plan? Are you planning to tell him now that you had a child together?"
"No. I'm not ready, mom," I said, on the verge of crying, "what if it's too late for me to tell him?"
"I understand that you're feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do," mom replied. "But it's important to consider Lily's best interests in this situation. Have you thought about how keeping this a secret from her father might affect her in the long run?"
"I know, mom," I said as I leaned into the sofa. I buried my face into my hands in frustration.
Mom put her hands on my shoulder, "Iris, the time has come. Felix is now a part of lily's life now, they form a great bond as doctor-patient relationship,"
"I know, Mom," I said, my voice muffled by my hands. "But it's not just about Lily's relationship with Felix. It's about me, too. I'm not sure if I'm ready to confront my past with him and open up old wounds."
"I understand, Iris," my mom said soothingly. "But sometimes, we have to face our fears and the uncomfortable truths in order to move forward. Keeping this secret from Lily's father could have consequences down the line, and it's important to think about what's best for Lily in the long term."
I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of my mom's words. She was right - I couldn't just ignore this forever. Eventually, I would have to face the truth and tell Lily's father about his daughter.
"I'll think about it," I said finally, lifting my head up to meet my mom's gaze. "But I need some time to process everything."
"Of course, sweetie," my mom said, giving me a comforting pat on the back. "Take all the time you need. Just remember that I'm here for you, and we'll get through this together."
***
I sat at my desk, staring at the computer screen in front of me. Max's first launched book was a huge success after two years, thanks to Mia. The book had been on the New York Times Bestseller list for several weeks, and Max was being invited to do interviews and book signings all over the country. I'm so happy for Max, she deserves all the love and the blessing she's receiving. I know she's very humbled by all of the things that are happening around her.
As I scrolled through the articles and interviews featuring Max, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for my friend. She had worked tirelessly on her book for years, pouring her heart and soul into every page. To see her hard work pay off in such a big way was truly inspiring.
I remembered the countless times Max had talked to me about her struggles and doubts, wondering if her story was worth sharing with the world. But now, as I read the glowing reviews and praise from readers and critics alike, I knew without a doubt that her story was not only worth sharing but necessary.
I couldn't wait to see where Max's success would take her next, and I knew that whatever she did, she would do it with the same passion and dedication that made her book such a triumph.
While thinking about Max, Isla came into my mind. I remembered watching her with a smile on her face, as she chattered excitedly about Colin, the son of her doctor. Isla's infatuation with him had been growing stronger by the day, and I couldn't help but feel happy for my cousin.
It was sweet to see Isla so taken with Doctor Colin, and I knew that my cousin was a smart and caring girl who would handle her feelings in a mature way. I was glad that Isla had someone she could look up to, and she felt confident that Colin would make a great role model for her.
As I sat there, my thoughts turned to Isla's health. It had been a long road for her, with many ups and downs. I knew how much it meant to her to have someone like Colin there to support her, especially during tough times.
I couldn't help but notice Colin's gestures toward Isla. The flowers and fruits that he sent her seemed to indicate that he was drawn to her as well. But as much as I wanted to believe that they could have a future together, I knew that the situation was complicated.
For one, Isla was still battling with her illness, and her focus needed to be on getting better. Secondly, Colin was a doctor, and he had a professional responsibility to maintain appropriate boundaries with his patients.
But despite the complications, I wanted to be there for both of them. Isla was my cousin, and I loved her dearly. Colin was a friend of the family, and I respected him as a professional and as a person. If they ever needed someone to talk to or confide in, I wanted to be there for them
.
I knew that their situation was delicate, and any romantic involvement would have to wait until Isla's health improved and until Colin's professional obligations no longer prevented him from pursuing a relationship. But in the meantime, I wanted to offer them both my love and support as they navigated the complexities of their feelings for each other.
I also realized that it was important for Isla to have someone to talk to about her feelings for Colin. Crushes can be overwhelming. Isla needed someone to confide in and help her sort through her emotions, and I was ready to be that person for her.
In the end, all I wanted was for Isla to be happy and healthy. Whether that meant pursuing a relationship with Colin or simply focusing on her recovery, I was ready to support her every step of the way. As her cousin and friend, that was the least I could do.