Chapter 10: Unloving Parents

My heart shattered and broke into a million pieces. I knew she didn’t care for me much compared to Heather, but she had to at least realize she was looking at her daughter, no?

“No, I’m…” I was speechless. Totally and utterly rendered mute in front of my mother who had carried me for months and now had no idea that her own daughter was right in front of her.

And to think they were my family.

“Sweetie, are you alright? You look a little dazed. Do you want water?” She gestured to the inside of one of the waiting rooms and had me sit down.

Sweetie, she said. Even my own mother back then never called me that and she was calling a random stranger it? What the hell?

My heart just kept breaking as each second passed.

“Here you go. Weather’s been a little humid lately, huh? Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated.” She passed me the cup of water and I tried my best to stop shaking so much so I wouldn’t drop it.

“Hailey.” I accidentally blurted out.

Her head turned to me so fast and her