Her Name Was Annie by Beth Rinyu (the little red hen read aloud txt) 📕

nodded and dabbed her face with a tissue. “So, you didn’t have any more contact with Senator Cavlan or his brother after that?”

“No. I moved away, started my own business, and met a great guy who I ended up marrying. It wasn’t until a few months ago that Tommy had gotten in contact with me, asking to meet up.”

“And that’s when you told him about the child you gave up?”

“Yes.”

“And how did he react to that?”

“He was shocked, saddened…angry.”

“Excuse me, Ms. McGuire.” One of the film crew snuck up behind me, breaking my attention from the interview.

“Yes?”

“Would you have any objections to going on screen if Robin decides to lean that way in the interview?”

“Umm…I really wasn’t planning on it.” I looked at Ken to back me up.

“It’s totally up to you, but if the viewers actually see you…the child she gave up because of Senator Cavlan’s actions, it will resonate with them more,” Ken explained.

I had two seconds to make a decision that would normally take me two days. I looked at Francesca, pouring out her heart and soul into this interview, allowing the world into her ghastly experience. The least I could do was show my face on camera if needed. “Fine,” I agreed. Within a matter of seconds I was standing up, feeling as if I was getting felt up by two of the film crew members wiring me up with a mic. It suddenly dawned on me how I was dressed—casually in jeans and a turtleneck. I hadn’t planned on showing my face on national television when I had chosen my attire that morning. “I’m not exactly dressed for this,” I murmured to Ken.

“You’ll be okay.” Ken reassured me as my stomach churned with apprehension.

“Well, I understand through all of the heartache from this story, something good did come out of it all.” My attention turned back to the reporter and the interview.

“It did.” Francesca smiled for the first time since sitting down. “Tommy was able to find my daughter…our daughter.”

“And not only have the two of you been in contact with each other, I understand she’s here today, supporting you through this.”

“She is.” Francesca nodded.

“Oh God,” I whispered as my body heated up.

“It’ll be fine.” Ken was being my sideline cheerleader once again.

“Famous last words,” I sneered. Ken let out a lighthearted chuckle, seeming to be amused by my turmoil.

“Can you tell us a little bit about her?” the reporter asked.

“Well, she’s a beautiful, intelligent woman. She’s caring and loving, everything I could’ve hoped for.”

“And what’s her name?”

“Well, for the past forty-plus years and while I was pregnant, her name was Annie, but as I came to find out not too long ago, she’s Stephanie.”

“Well, I think we need to meet Stephanie,” the reporter said.

Francesca’s eyes widened, seeming just as shocked as I was moments ago over the prospect of being brought on camera. The man who had helped with my microphone directed me where to go. Each step I took felt like a mile before I was standing front and center of the action.

“Stephanie, it’s so nice to meet you,” the reporter greeted. “Please have a seat.” I looked behind me to find an empty chair, uncertain of when or how it even got there. I sat down next to Francesca and she grabbed my hand. “So, tell us how you were feeling when you found out about this whole other family you had.”

“I had just learned I was adopted only a week or so before Francesca contacted me, so I think I was still a little in shock over the whole idea in general.”

“I guess you guys are making up for lost time as mother and daughter.”

“Yes, we’re getting to know each other.” I flashed a nervous smile.

“You were raised on the total opposite side of the country from where your mother lived.”

I didn’t want to hurt Francesca’s feelings, but hearing her referred to as my mother seemed like a dishonor to my mother’s memory. This was all so new to me, and I was trying desperately to tread lightly so no one would get their feelings hurt. “Yes, I was raised in New Jersey by two loving, caring, and doting parents. I could honestly say, I had the best childhood.”

“That must make you feel good to hear that she had such a happy life.” The reporter turned her attention back to Francesca.

“It really does. I will be forever grateful to her mother and father for stepping in when I couldn’t.” I was relieved to hear Francesca refer to them as my mother and father. In doing so, she reassured me that she respected how I was feeling on the matter.

“So, Stephanie. You never got to meet Thomas Cavlan, the man who was your biological father.”

“No. I witnessed him take his life in the ocean, but at that point I had no idea who he was.”

“Oh my goodness, how awful for you to have had to watch that happen. You must’ve felt helpless.” The reporter shook her head.

“I did. It was really sad to think that someone was so distraught with their life that they’d take such drastic measures.”

“If he were still alive, would you be as open to meeting him as you were with Francesca?”

“I would have. It was just a tragic situation all around. What he did was forgivable, and I think he gained the forgiveness he sought from Francesca before he took his life.” I looked at Francesca, hoping I didn’t overstep my boundaries by assuming how she was feeling. The confident nod of her head assured me I hadn’t. “What his brother did…that was and always will be unforgivable. I just can’t thank this woman sitting beside me enough for enduring everything she went through, then having the strength and courage to give her child away to have the life she knew she couldn’t provide.” Francesca squeezed my hand and I knew if I looked her way, the wall that was holding back my tears would come down.

“So tell