C4 CHAPTER 4

Lucille was feeding Anna when their own daughter, Shannon walked in. Shannon stopped at the door immediately and asked, “Was mom pregnant with a child and I didn't know?” Lucille smiled and Shannon continued, “Oh my God! Mom was pregnant with a child and gave birth to her without me knowing about it.”

Lucille laughed. “Oh come on Shannon, what are you talking about? I wasn't pregnant.”

Shannon sat down saying, “Then are you babysitting the kid? It's late already, aren't the parents coming?”

Lucille lay Anna on the chair saying, “I am not babysitting any child okay. I found her at our doorstep.”

Shannon was confused. “Oh come on mom, is this a joke or something? How will someone just dump their kid right at our door?”

Bob came in saying, “That's how your mother saw it.”

Shannon stood up, went over to Anna and carried her. She then said, “Looks like her parents are filthy rich, considering the texture of her cloth.” Then she put her down and asked, “So, have you thought of a name for her?”

Lucille carried Anna up and said, “I'll name her Stacy.”

Shannon nodded. “Then Stacy it is.” She noticed the necklace on the baby cloth and asked, “Did you get this for her mother?”

Lucille looked at the necklace and said, “I didn't. I guess her parents must have given it to her. We'll keep it and give it to her when she's older.”

Shannon nodded and went into her room.

Lucille set Anna (now Stacy) on an old mattress. She smiled as she slept and said, “I don't know why you were brought into my life, Stacy, but I'll take good care of you. I love you my child.” Then she placed a light kiss on her forehead and lay down beside her.

The next morning, the police were at the Thompson's mansion and Dominic and Danielle came downstairs, with Danielle carrying Olivia.

Detective Jason continued. “Good morning to you two and congratulations on your safe delivery.” Danielle smiled and he continued, “We collected a copy of the CCTV footages from the hospital and we have started out investigation. We would get to the bottom of this.”

Danielle sighed and Dominic said, “Thank you Jason. If there's anything you want to know, just call me.”

Jason nodded and left the house with the other detectives.

Dominic held Danielle close saying, “I'll make sure we get to the bottom of this.” Danielle wiped her tears and smiled at him.

Ten years later, Olivia was in her room when Danielle came in asking, “Are you okay Olivia? Betty told me you refused to eat your breakfast.”

Olivia dropped her phone beside her and said, “Yes mom. I won't eat until I know the truth.”

Danielle sat beside her saying, “I really don't understand you my dear. What truth are you looking for?”

Olivia brought out a photo album of her last ten years. She opened a page and showed herself in two places. She then asked, “Mummy, don't you love me? I notice that whenever you and Dad make me take a picture, you make me wear another outfit and when I look through the album, it's always together, like twins. Do you want another daughter mom?”

Danielle was on the verge of crying and said, “Come with me.” Then Olivia followed her to the living room where Dominic lay on the couch. When he saw Danielle's teary eye, he immediately asked, “What's wrong Danielle?”

Danielle sat Olivia down and said,“It's time for her to know the truth about Anna.”

Olivia immediately asked,“Who's Anna?”

Dominic continued,“Anna is your twin sister. Our second daughter.”

Olivia was stunned and Dominic continued, “Your sister, Anna, was taken away from us the day you were born. We looked for her, but we didn't see her. For ten good years, Anna left us.”

Olivia stammered,“I....I...have..a....twin....a....twin.”

Danielle pulled her close and said,“Yes my dear.” Then she started crying,“Anna was taken away from us Olivia. I did my best to find her, but I didn't see her. For ten years Olivia, ten years. That was why we created that album, just to remember her. We kept it from you just for a while, but I'm so happy you know about it now.”

Olivia pulled out and said,“What if we find her mom?”

Danielle wiped her tears and said,“That would be the happiest day of my life.” Then she looked at Dominic,“Our lives.”

Olivia hugged both of them and went to her room.

Lucille and Shannon(Shannon is eighteen years) were cleaning the room when Anna(Stacy) came out wearing a yellow gown Bob got for her. Shannon shrugged,“Cute.”

Lucille went over to her and said,“You look beautiful my child.”

“Thank you mom.” Stacy said smiling.

Lucille went inside the house to get Stacy's necklace. She came out and said,“I have something for you Stacy.”

Then she wore the necklace round her neck and said,“You need to keep this on you at all times. It's very important.”

Stacy hugged Lucille and said,“Yes mother.”

Shannon groaned,“Would you guys hurry up and join me here? This is tedious.”

Lucille laughed and said,“Alright Stacy, go change and let's work.”

Stacy nodded, went into the house and changed to her working outfit. Then she went outside and they started working. Shannon stocked a pile of clothes and said,“Take these to the field over there.” Stacy collected the clothes and as she was going to drop the clothes on the field, she slumped to the ground.

Shannon immediately ran over to her and called out,“Mom! mom!! Stacy!!. Stacy look at me!!”

Lucille immediately ran over and knelt down beside Stacy panicking,“Stacy! Stacy my dear, look at me. Stacy!”

Shannon said,“She's still breathing. Let's take her to the hospital.”

Lucille carried Stacy and they both went to the hospital.

The public doctor, Doctor Steve walked in after some tests had been done on Stacy saying,“She has fever....a big one. She needs to be admitted and you have to pay up to $150 before we can go ahead.”

Lucille looked at the doctor and said,“But we don't have that kind of money right now. You need to help us.” She pleaded.

Steve shook his head. “Then there's nothing we can do. If the money isn't paid early, she would have to leave this hospital.”

Lucille was about to kneel down when Shannon held her back saying,“Stop mother.” Then she looked at the doctor and said,“You are trying to tell me that you won't treat my sister unless you see the money.”

Steve nodded and she asked,“So, there's nothing we can say to change your mind.”

“Just the word, 'Here's $150.”

Shannon looked at Lucille saying,“Come on mother, let's take her home.”

Lucille said,“But she needs help.”

Shannon nodded,“Yes mother, I know. But Doctor asshole isn't willing to help us, so let's go. We'll find a way....I promise.”

She hissed at Steve, helped Stacy down from the bed and left the room with Lucille. They were about to leave the hospital when a nurse ran over saying, “Ma'am, I heard about what you and doctor Steve discussed and I'm willing to help you. There's this organization that renders Charity to children of her age. A certain family is sponsoring it this week. You need to take your daughter there, she would be treated.” Then she gave her the address of the place and ran inside immediately.

Shannon smiled,“You see mom, miracle. We'll take her there tomorrow.”

TO BE CONTINUED...