“I’m afraid I can’t disclose that information at this time,” Vanessa replied, her tone measured.
Erin’s eyes filled with panic. She had cast aside Lily without a second thought, and now the system was deciding if she even deserved to keep her son.
As CPS launched its investigation, I couldn’t stop thinking about Lily. I spent the following weeks calling agencies, hiring a lawyer, and trying to find a way to bring her back into my life.
Finally, after weeks of effort, I received a call that would change everything. My lawyer had found out that Lily was still in foster care. The possibility of gaining custody suddenly seemed within reach.
I threw myself into the process, determined to give Lily the home she deserved. I transformed the spare bedroom, painting it pink and covering the walls with butterfly decals, while my parents rallied behind me with their unwavering support.
Three months later, I stood in the Family Connections Center, clutching a stuffed elephant, ready for my first visit with Lily. When I saw her sitting at a small table with crayons scattered around her, my heart shattered. She was smaller than I remembered, her eyes filled with a wariness no child her age should have.
“Lily?” I whispered.
She hesitated, then her face lit up as recognition dawned. “Auntie Angie?” she asked, her voice tentative.
I dropped to my knees, arms open, and she ran into them. “I missed you, Lily-bug,” I said, tears streaming down my face.
She pulled back, cupping my cheeks. “Where did you go? Mommy promised she’d come back, but she didn’t. Why did she leave me, Auntie?”
Her innocent question broke me. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t know where you were, but I looked everywhere for you. I promise I did.”
She nodded, her small hands holding my face gently. “I’m living with Miss Karen now. She’s nice, but she doesn’t make pancakes like you do.”
I laughed through my tears. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to do more than visit. I’ve been talking to some people about you coming to live with me. Would you like that?”
Her eyes widened. “In your house? With the big windows?”
“Yes, sweetheart. And I’ve made a special room just for you, with pink walls and butterflies.”
“And Mommy and the baby?” she asked, her voice uncertain.
“No, sweetheart. Not Mommy or the baby. But you’ll have me… and Daddy. Just the three of us.”
Her small face furrowed in confusion. “Is Mommy still mad at me?”