Chapter 45: Chapter 45

Annabelle's POV

Stefan left to take a phone call while the food was being served. Everyone was busy eating and didn't notice much but I saw the disturbed expression on Stefan's face when he checked the number on his mobile phone. I was feeding Arielle, who refused to eat on her own when the doorbell rang. Martha opened the door to usher some women and children inside. She came up to me in the living room.

"Anna, they wish to talk to Arielle's mom," Martha informed me after seating them in the reception room. I looked at mom and she nodded at me, gesturing me to go and check what the matter was.

Arielle squealed with delight and rushed out to hug the children one by one. Then she came towards me and dragged me towards them, tightly holding my hand with her little fingers. Audrey also came along with us, curious to know what they wanted. A proud Arielle grinned at her friends.

"See, this is my mommy. Stella, Emma, Freddie, Lisa," said Arielle beaming excitedly, introducing me to her friends while dragging me towards their group. I smiled at all the children.

Just then Stefan walked in with a pale face like he had seen a ghost and came and stood beside me. I looked at him worriedly but he didn't meet my eye.

I got over the shock and one look at Audrey convinced me to play along and not upset Arielle in front of her friends. I had already thought of playing along though. I wouldn't want to upset Arielle. In fact, I already considered myself Arielle's mom.

"Mrs. Henderson, so glad to meet you. I'm Lucy, I live next door. Arielle comes to my house to play with my daughter, Stella," said one of the parents to me, holding out her hand for a shake.

"Please call me Anna," I said, shaking her hand and smiling. I didn't want to correct her that I wasn't Mrs. Henderson. In fact, I liked the new name. Stefan looked at us wordlessly.

"Actually our children are in the same class in school. Since they are so close, we were all planning a playdate this coming weekend at my house. We will send you the details. Please, you must attend with Arielle," said one of the parents.

"Pwease mommy, can we go? " said Arielle, with tears in her eyes, begging me to agree.

"Sure sweetheart, we will go," I said, glancing at a wide-eyed Stefan who was trying to understand what was going on around him. I exchanged phone numbers with Stella's mom.

"It's my birthday today, I request you all to have dinner with us please," I invited ushering the kids towards the buffet table. They obliged and helped themselves to the food. There was enough to feed a battalion, so we loved having Arielle's friends over. She was too excited to have her friend's over, proudly informing everyone that we were celebrating her mommy's birthday. I could see how ecstatic she actually felt.

Arielle didn't leave my hand as she showered love and kisses upon me, calling me "mommy". Mom, dad, gran, and the whole family were surprised but touched nevertheless at her antics. Stefan sat watching with his dad and his brothers at a table and talking to them while I helped the children and mingled with their moms. Mom looked after everyone's needs. At last, they left and mom spoke to Arielle gently. We didn't want to hurt her feelings but mom wanted to correct her.

"Ari baby, you shouldn't lie to anyone. Anna is your friend, you know that. We all love you, " mom said gently, holding her by the shoulders. I looked at her nervously. I didn't want her to be upset and take it to heart.

Arielle burst out crying. "I don't want Anna to be only my fwend. I have many fewnds, can't you see? I want her to be my mommy. Please, Anna, be my mommy. My fwends laf when I say I have no mommy," She said in between sobs. My heart went out to her. She was so little and yet she had to go through so much without any fault of hers.

I went and hugged her. "Alright honey, I'll be your mommy. Let's go home or do you wish to stay here?" I asked as Stefan came towards us and Arielle jumped into his arms. Stefan was exceptionally quiet after the phone call. I noticed his tense and pale expression. I thought of asking him at an appropriate time when we were alone. I had never seen him so disturbed and I was worried.

"Noo, I wanna go wit you and daddy. I wanna go home, not here. Pwetty pease, Anna, " Arielle pleaded while clinging to Stefan's neck. I nodded at mom that it was alright. She asked Beth to get everything packed and brought down.

I thanked everyone, hugged and kissed gran, hugged everyone, and left with Stefan, Arielle and Beth. Although it was the best birthday after my Pops died, a sense of dread overcame me every time I glanced at Stefan. What was it that was eating him up?

Upon reaching the mansion, as soon as Stefan opened the door, Arielle ran upstairs to Stefan's bedroom and deposited herself on the bed. We followed her. Beth called her to change and get ready for bed, but she again burst into tears. She was upset and I wanted to help her, calm her and comfort her.

"I wanna sleep with mommy and daddy. I don't wanna sleep alone. No one loves me," She sobbed more.

"We love you the most, Ari and you know it," said Stefan tiredly sitting at the edge of his bed and watching her with pain etched on his face.

"Alright, honey, you sleep with us. Beth, get her sleepwear and toothbrush, toothpaste and body wash. I will give her a bath and change her, I said to Beth and she hurried to get the things I asked for.

I looked at Arielle, '' I'll be right back after changing out of this dress, okay honey?" I told her.

She nodded and Stefan sighed and got up from the bed to change his clothes.