Finding Happiness, page 2
Kelsey remarked, “Don’t worry you’ll do great.”
Following a brief silence, Kelsey continued, “You know that if you run into trouble that you can come to me, right?”
Geneva leaned over and gave her sister a hug whispering, “Yes. I know. Thanks, Kels.”
After a few more minutes, they got up and headed to get ready for dinner.
What Geneva didn’t know was that when she began high school, she would meet someone who knew the identity of her birth mother.
Chapter Two
* * *
Isabelle grumbled.
She had been in the air-conditioned school meeting with the athletic director and the principal in regards to the dance team. Now, walking out of the building she was hit by the heat of the sun. The last few days have been hot; today was no exception. Holding the items in her hands, she dashed for her car. Once in the car, she started the engine feeling the breeze from the air conditioning sitting in the car enjoying the cold. Following a fifteen-minute drive, she was home. After she had gotten into the house, she began choreographing routines for the returning team members and getting information ready for students who may want to join them.
When she had finished, Isabelle took some time to relax. She began organizing photos of a recent family trip to Utah trip into a photo album. Completing the album, she picked up another photo album of previous trips and looked through it. While doing so, she saw pictures of her and Feliciano’s six-year-old twins, Zachary and Zinnia playing and staying active. She also saw photos from a few years back when the family traveled and did a lot of sightseeing at locations such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe. There were also many pictures of family reunions that the Santos family hosted every year.
As Isabelle reached the end of the second photo album, she saw a few photos that tugged at her heartstrings—pictures of her first-born daughter, Geneva. It had been hard for Isabelle to give her up for adoption. However, she knew had to and that the little girl would receive better care. While Isabelle chose a semi-open, semi-closed adoption she had requested only three photos of Geneva. Nevertheless, she had received a few more from the couple who adopted her daughter, as a gift. The other reason was she knew was that it would prevent her from changing her mind later. She remembered the first time she got a photo of Geneba looking very healthy. When she turned and looked on the back, it said, Geneva Laura, age three months. When Isabelle first saw the name, she knew that Geneva was probably a family name. However, she was glad they picked one of the names she suggested for the baby’s middle name.
As she thought of Geneva, she also remembered how after she left the hospital she got her life back on track. Isabelle sighed. Life now was spectacular. She had a loving husband, Feliciano Santos and two superb children, twins Zachary and Zinnia. Feliciano was supportive and always there when she needed him. She also had his large Portuguese family who accepted her right into the fold once they found out she lost her parents when she was young. She was glad that hers and Feliciano’s children were on their way to upstanding citizens.
Nonetheless, life hadn’t always been like this. When she was in college her life had fallen apart when the guy she was with, Dexter, knocked her up and abandoned her. Isabelle embarked on a long road in rebuilding it where studied hard to catch-up. Three and a half years later she, Michelle Helms, and Valentine Lu hadn’t only received their education degree but teaching credentials as well. After graduation Isabelle moved with Michelle to Vermont while Valentine stayed in Minnesota to work on her masters with hopes of teaching English in China.
In Vermont, Isabelle found full-time work at the dance studio. She had worked there for about six months when she met Feliciano Santos, the handsome ballet instructor. It hadn’t the romantic way like most would have thought. She came to his aid when he fainted. She managed to catch him before his head hit the ground. She decided to help care for him for a bit. Feeling indebted he had asked her out, but since she was still feeling the sting from Dexter’s rejection, she was hesitant at first. Feliciano sensed it and didn’t push. They first became friends and let things happen naturally. During that time, they got to know each other with neither knowing the other had a big secret. As time went on, Isabelle saw how good Feliciano was, and in turn, Feliciano saw how good at dance Isabelle was. Through their two-year friendship, he found out that she wanted to teach dance at the school level. He encouraged her to go back to school and get her certification which she did. While she studied, she continued to maintain her friendship with Michelle, began a relationship with Feliciano and kept working. No sooner had she finished, when Michelle said there was an opening at the school she taught at. Isabelle applied, and after a quick interview process, she immediately got the job. Shortly before she started coaching, she and Feliciano became a coupl;e. After coaching that first year Isabelle and Feliciano got married.
Isabelle knew everything about him and his family, and he knew everything about her family. He knew how her parents were killed in a car crash when she was young and how she was raised by her dad's sister, her Aunt Cora. Yet, here she was harboring a big secret, one that she is ashamed to tell.
As Isabelle continued to reflect, Feliciano arrived home. It had been a good day at the studio, all of his students were progressing well. However, when he came into the living room, he saw Isabelle staring into space. He slowly and quietly walked up to the couch. Isabelle in the meantime was wholly lost in thought and didn’t hear Feliciano come into the living room. It wasn’t until he covered her eyes that she responded. She turned around and gave him a kiss and a hug. Feliciano immediately knew something was bothering sua esposa (his wife). She seemed sad lately, but he chose not to push. He knew she would talk when she was ready—today might be the day. As he held her close, he whispered, “Meu amor (My love). Do you want to talk about what is troubling you my darling?”
It was now or never. Isabelle let out a deep breath and began talking. “Feliciano, I have a big secret I should have told you a long time ago.”
Feliciano was taken aback. He didn’t know what to think. Apparently, whatever was on Isabelle’s mind was important. Taking her hands in his, he said sweetly, “Go ahead my darling, tell me.”
Isabelle hoped for the best and that this secret wouldn’t tear them apart and destroy everything they had built together. Isabelle cleared her throat and began talking. “Feliciano, my story began fifteen years ago.”
Chapter Three
* * *
Fifteen years earlier, August 1993, 12 PM, Minneapolis, MN
Nineteen-year-old Isabelle Olson and her roommates Valentine Lu and Michelle Helms were moved into their apartment at the Scenic Palisades and now getting lunch at their favorite café hangout, the Green Garden Grill. It had become their favorite spot early on in their college careers because of the food and drinks were excellent. The three friends all caught up on what they did during the summer: Valentine had gone back to Guangxi to visit her relatives as per her annual family tradition and always had new stories to tell, Michelle had worked for the last time as a camp counselor, a job she dearly loved. Isabelle had helped her Aunt Cora on her medium sized farm she had just outside of Barnum, Minnesota. Isabelle had been raised by her Aunt Cora from the age of seven after her parents' lives were cut short too soon.
As they were listening to Michelle talk about her adventures, Isabelle made eye contact with a cute guy across the café. She noted he was with a few of the frat boys, and when Valentine noticed Isabelle had gone from talkative to quiet, she knew something was up.
Valentine leaned in waved her hand in front of Isabelle’s face and asked, “Isabelle? Are you with us?”
Isabelle shook her head, leaning in, her subtly pointing and asked, “Valentine, do you know who he is?”
Valentine turned around and saw who Isabelle was pointing at. When she saw who it was, she turned back to Isabelle and said, “Oh, he’s cute! You should go over and say hi.”
However, before Isabelle could do anything, she saw that cute guy was already on his way over to their table. Clearing his voice, he said smoothly, “Hello beautiful, what’s your name?”
Feeling flush Isabelle stuttered, “I-Isabell-e.”
“Nice to meet you, Isabelle. My name is Dexter Kong.”
Isabelle stuttered and said, “It, it is nice to meet you, Dexter.”
Dexter asked in a sweet voice, “May I spend time with your friend alone for a little bit?”
Michelle and Valentine both smiled and vacated their seats before Isabelle could say anything. From there, the two got acquainted, and she found out that Dexter was from Taiyuan in northern China and was here for a year as an exchange student. They talked before Isabelle realized she had not gone to get her books for school. Thinking it would be nice to show Dexter around campus, Isabelle asked, “Dexter I need to go and get books for class, would you like to come with me?”
Flashing a pearly white smile, Dexter replied, “I would love to Isabelle.”
After paying for the food, they left the restaurant and headed back to campus.
Over the next several weeks between her studies, ballet rehearsals, spending time with Valentine and Michelle she spent what little she had left with Dexter. Isabelle and Dexter got to know each other better. He sympathized her when he heard how she was orphaned so young. She was in awe when she found out he was from a wealthy banking family. She had thought that she would be with a guy who was from a middle-class background, not a wealthy background; maybe she was wrong.
Isabelle was the type of girl who had a sweet and caring disposition and loved helping people. Dexter, on the other hand, displayed characteristics of a bad boy: confidence, directness, dominance, mysterious, unpredictability, and much more. As time went on the most exciting part was how he was able to ruffle her feathers to make her mad only to be sweet again. She never thought she would love this type of behavior. Then again, she was not able to spend much with him because of her schedule, so she was oblivious what could happen down the road. The only person who didn’t like what she saw in Dexter was Isabelle’s Aunt Cora. She had heard about Dexter through the correspondence; at first, she had no opinion. However, when she saw a picture Isabelle had sent back home, and she immediately made it known to her niece, “Isabelle I want you to be careful with this type of man. He could hurt you in the end.”
Isabelle kept her aunt’s advice in the back of her head but kept seeing Dexter. Several months later, shortly after Thanksgiving Isabelle caved to his pressuring and they had finally their special night together. To Isabelle it felt special but to Dexter it was only a fling.
Weeks later, Isabelle was the happiest she had ever been; she thought she had found the one for her. He was strong, charming, and handsome, not to mention wealthy. She saw a future with him including children down the road. Alas, the happiness did not last. As suddenly as he had said he loved her wanted to be with her forever when Dexter pulled a one-eighty becoming cold, aloof and rejecting her outright. She was crushed and devastated. However, she had another pressing problem. Six weeks into the winter quarter she began feeling nauseated. She knew it wasn’t the cold. She tried her best to ignore what was happening so that she could focus on her studies and ballet.
As time went on, Isabelle began to feel more symptoms: vomiting, frequent trips to the bathroom, fatigue, mood swings, spotting, abdominal bloating, and not being able to stand certain foods that she loved. She chalked it up to nerves as exams approached. A few weeks later she and her friends were taking an exam when Isabelle felt dizzy, but she ignored it. Once she completed the exam, Isabelle stood up to go and promptly collapsed without warning.
Luckily, her friends caught her before she hit the ground, and the professor quickly called for an ambulance. When Isabelle came to, the first thing she noted was the bright hospital lights that hit her eyes. Then she looked around and saw her friends. As she opens her eyes, Michelle first said, “Oh my word, Isabelle are you okay? You gave us a big scare and had us so worried!”
Isabelle asked, “What happened?”
Valentine asked in a surprised voice, “You don’t remember?”
Isabelle shook her head and regretted it instantly as the room spun a little bit. Valentine chimed in and said, “Well we were a getting ready to celebrate the end of term when you fainted as soon as you stood up.”
Isabelle nodded her head slowly. Right then she saw a doctor come in who said, “Ms. Olson, we’re glad you’re awake.”
Isabelle asked, “Doctor what happened to me?”
The doctor nodded and added, “You had fainted due dehydration. I also found out the other reason why you fainted. Ms. Olson, have you considered the fact that you’re pregnant. Three months in fact.”
Chapter Four
* * *
Color left Isabelle’s face. Three months pregnant? At the moment, many things went through her mind. Oh. My. Word. That night I spent with Dexter. Darn him for being so smooth. Well, now there is no way in telling Dexter about his baby. The way he has been acting, he’s going to deny it. What’ll my aunt say about this?
She was so lost in thought that didn’t hear the doctor call to her. “Ms. Olson, are you okay?”
Isabelle came back from her reverie and nodded her head slowly so as not to set off any additional dizzy spells. The doctor said, “I’m going to have a tech come in and get your ultrasound taken care. Once that is done, we’ll discuss a course of a plan for you.”
The doctor left briefly, and an ultrasound technician came in a to get an sonogram of the baby. When Isabelle heard the first heartbeat she gasped—the pregnancy suddenly became real. After the technician printed a copy of the sonogram and gave it to her Isabelle began to cry. Michelle and Valentine both came forward and hugged her. They knew that their friend would need them now more than ever.
A short time later, Aunt Cora arrived. When Cora heard the news, she dropped everything and came as soon as she could. Isabelle, her aunt, Michelle, Valentine her doctor and an obstetrician discussed a plan of what to expect during her pregnancy. The obstetrician prescribed prenatal vitamins and made an appointment for the next sonogram. Aunt Cora left the room to make a few arrangements while the friends chatted. After a brief lull in their conversation, Michelle spoke up. “Isabelle, we’re so sorry that bastard Dexter did this you. We should’ve known better. Know that whatever you decide, Valentine and I’ll be there for you every step of the way, anything you need let us know.”
Isabelle smiled. She was so glad that she had great friends. She also knew she would have her aunt’s support. Thankfully Isabelle’s aunt wasn’t too harsh with her despite Isabelle ignoring her warnings about Dexter. Her aunt said she would be there to help her, and in return, Isabelle agreed that her baby would be better off in a home that can provide for her because at the moment she couldn't. Her aunt found a place to rent for the next few months so she could be there to help. Isabelle decided to take time away from ballet practice and semester off from school so she could focus on the pregnancy. During that summer Isabelle worked at a dance studio first as a receptionist. During that time, she quickly learned other dance genres: jazz, hip-hop, and modern. As time went on, she on hand to help with calming younger students who cried on their first day. Her hard work got her instructor’s attention, and therefore a permanent position. Isabelle smiled—her job continued to nurture her love for dancing. It helped her to realize her true calling, teaching dance.
Over the next several weeks, her pregnancy progressed smoothly. When she reached her second-trimester, nausea and morning sickness subsided, and the food cravings began to kick in. Most of the time it was manageable: anything potato, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken noodle soup, the occasional sweets. There were times where she craved pickles dipped in mayo and ketchup, especially at nighttime. When she reached fourteen weeks, Isabelle’s baby bump began to show. By week fifteen she started prenatal yoga and continued when she wasn’t at work.
As the pregnancy progressed, Aunt Cora, Michelle, and Valentine could tell that her pregnancy agreed with her. She didn’t experience a lot of troubles during her pregnancy, which was good. Now at the twentieth-week appointment, she had the option of finding out the baby’s gender. As the technician moved the transducer around her belly, she could hear a steady heartbeat beat and smiled when she saw the baby actively moving. Isabelle wasn’t surprised since she often felt the baby kicking. The technician asked her, “Miss Olson, would you like to know the baby’s gender now or wait until the baby is born?”
With a smile on her face, Isabelle answered, “I would like to wait and find out the baby’s gender when the baby is born.”
As hard it might be, Isabelle wanted to wait and be surprised. Seeing on the screen of how much the baby moved filled Isabelle's heart with so much love. She was just beginning to understand that concept of a mother’s love. Now she fully understood why her aunt and her late mother had always loved her unconditionally. After the ultrasound, the doctor discussed the progression of the pregnancy with Isabelle and was pleased that it was moving along very well. After the appointment ended and Isabelle had another copy of the sonogram, Cora took her to lunch before going back to her Aunt’s place. Before heading up, they checked the mailbox and saw there was a letter addressed to Cora. Cora opened and read it. As Cora read, Isabelle saw a frown appear on her face. Cora shook her head, and Isabelle knew something was wrong. She asked Cora for the letter, and although Cora was hesitant she gave it to Isabelle and Isabelle began to read the letter:
Dear Mrs. Fortier,
I’m writing on behalf of Dexter Kong, and he denies knowing an Isabelle Olson and denies being the father of her unborn baby. Please do not contact my client again.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
