Chapter 155 - Mother and daughter moments (1/2)

Diana was stunned by her question. The tone in which she used, was as if she was certain something was wrong with her.

Diana turned around and look her in the eyes, ”what happened to you as well? you don't look happy.” Diana replied and dropped the clothes in her hand, moved closer to her and wiped her tears with her thumb.

Stella's tears kept falling nonstop. Immediately Diana tried to retract her hand; she held onto it on her face.

She finally get to touch her daughter, look into her eyes and doesn't have to pretend like before, pretend like she's just a normal customer and nothing special.

Diana's heart race at her action. She tried to fight back her tears and act strong, but it's hard. It's the first time she's getting to look at Stella straight in the eye and know that she's looking at her birth mother.

The woman who sacrificed a lot for her. 'Don't cry Diana.' she told herself in her mind. It was hard but she tried to control herself.

She slowly moved into her embrace and wrapped her hands around her. Stella wasn't expecting it. She thought Diana will be angry at her, she thought she will have to go on her knees and plead for not being there for her, before Diana could allow her a hug.

”Thank you.” She said and held her tightly.

”No, thank you mom.” Diana replied, her tears finally finding their ways out of her eyes, ”thanks for your sacrifice for me.” she added.

Stella couldn't believe she just heard 'mom'.

”You called me mom.” She said in a broken voice.

”That's what you are, a mother. The best mother a child could ever wish for.” Diana replied. She wanted the woman to know her worth. To know that she shouldn't blame herself for anything and wait. Wait till all will turn out well and they can be together.

”I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. You've grown so much, but don't be too mature above your age. I'm still at fault my baby. I failed you.” Stella said, taking a deep breath and tightened the embrace.

Diana sniffed her nose and took a deep breath. If that's gonna make Stella feel better; she decided to give in.

”I forgive you for not being there for me and hope you can stay strong because you will get to be there soon.” Diana said.

Stella whimpered and closed her mouth with her palm to stop herself from crying out loud. To stop herself from calling attention to them and break this moment she has longed for everyday.

”I will be strong. But Diana what happened to you? You seem different. Are you okay? are you safe at where you are? where have you been? did someone hurt you? Shane, did he cause trouble for you?....

”I'm fine mom.” Diana cut in.

”You called me mom again.” Stella said.

Diana chuckled in between tears, ”yes I did, because you are my mother.” she added.

Stella pulled back, cleaned her eyes, ”give me a moment.” she said, took the clothes Diana dropped and headed out of the changing room.

Diana squat down immediately, buried her head in her palm and burst into tears. The warmth, she wants more of it.