Forgotten
Giana was driving home finally and couldn’t help but think about Gloriana. The words “ did she forget about me again” echoed in her head as she became emotional… Giana knew all too well what it felt like to be forgotten by a parent and she couldn’t help but cry for the pain that little girl is going through at such a young age. Before long she was thinking of that letter on her desk and what Mike had said to her.
Being forgotten by a whole part of her family hurt more than she could describe. It wasn’t until this moment that she realized how much it really affected her day to day life. She lived with that fear of being left and that’s why she didn’t date much and had very few close friends. She finally pulled into her driveway and instead of going in the house she went to see Majestic.
Mike saw on the barn cameras that Giana was outside of Majestics stall. It wasn't usual for her to be in the stalls this late let alone be in the stalls in her work clothes. He took a second to text Roslynn to see if she knew what was wrong, After a few minutes he put on his shoes, filled his thermos with fresh orange juice, grabbed a small bag of muffins and walked to the barn to check on her.
Mike walked up next to Giana and didnt say a word as he placed the thermos and muffins down. He simply stood next to her waiting for her to finish thinking about what was weighing so heavily. He realized she wasnt just thinking but she was upset. He placed his arm over her shoulder and within seconds Giana was curled into his arm crying.
“Its a little late to be sneaking out and hiding in the barn isnt it?” Mike joked. Giana didnt move or say anything.
He could tell whatever was bothering her was big. He turned towards the barn door when he heard something. Roslynn was walking into the barn with a worried expression. Mike my must have worried her because she was sweatpants, a tshirt, a robe and slip on sneakers. Mike didnt say anything to Roslynn he just nodded his head in acknowledgement. Roslynn mouthed “whats wrong?” to Mike as she approached them and he shrugged.
“Giana baby are you okay?” Roslynn asked, stroking giana’s hair. Giana remained silent.
“GiGi honey you're making me and your mom worry. Talk to us whats wrong? Let us help you, whatever it is.” Mike hugged her tighter as he spoke.
“Can you just hold me for a minute longer please?” Giana said between sniffles. Mike didnt say another word and he just held her tight like she wanted. A few minutes later Giana pulled herself away from Mike and sat down on a bench next to Majestics stall.
“Giana tell us what happened to get you so upset.” Roslynn spoke softly as she sat next to her daughter. Giana just looked at her silently.
“Gigi, if something happened to you you need to tell us immediately so we can help you.” Mike said as he now began to worry. He had only ever seen Giana like this once in her life. It was the day she needed Mike's help because a guy she dated hit her and threatened her life if she ever told. So naturally now Mike was worried and ready to help this girl that he took care of like a daughter.
“Gi are you in danger? Do you need medical help or police? Your beginning to scare me baby girl.” Roslynn was now standing and checking over her daughter as she feared the same thing Mike did.
“No its nothing like that I promise.” Giana finally spoke.
“Whats wrong then GiGi?” Mike sat down more relaxed now that he knew she wasnt in danger.
“Today I had a new student in my class. She was the most beautiful and delightful little girl. But when it came time for the parents to pick her up, her mother never showed up… I sat with that poor girl until after 8pm when her uncle and father picked her up. The part that got to me though is this little girl kept asking if her mother forgot about her AGAIN like its a daily thing for her to just be left and forgotten.” Giana began to choke back tears again.
“I am so sorry you had to deal with that but why does it have you so broken Giana?” Roslynn asked innocently. Giana just looked at her with a look of sorrow and fury. Mike took Gianas hand in his and reminded her that her mother was clueless about the letter she had hidden in her room.
“Gigi I think you need to tell your mom what you told me when we went riding. Its only fair for her to know the whole story and not just this part.” Mikes words shocked Roslynn.
“What is he talking about?” Roslynns heart was pounding in her chest.
“Mom did you look in my pile of mail before you brought it to my room yesterday?” Giana asked her mom in a low voice.
“No, why would I do that? You mail isnt my business sweetheart your an adult.” Roslynn said.
“When you put my mail in my room there was a letter addressed to me. Mama, the letter was sent to me from Tia Sofia.” Giana looked her mom in the eyes looking to see if she reacted.
Roslynn was speechless. She couldn't help but look at her innocent daughter. A million thoughts were running through her mind.
“Before you ask Ros no she didnt read it. But it did affect her. Thats why we were out riding so late yesterday.” Mike reached over and took Roslynns hand too.
“I dont even know what I am going to do about the letter but I do know what that little girl feels every time her mother forgets about her. She is younger than I was when father left and she isnt surprised when her mother doesnt show up. Why are parents such assholes?” Giana was all out of tears. Now she was just angry.
“When he left why didnt he think of the damage and hurt he would leave behind? Was he that much of a POS that he just didnt care? Was he like Angie and just could care less about who we were with or where we were? I just dont get it"
"He didnt love you and he left you for whatever reason but he made a choice every single damn day to just never look back. He chose every damn day to forget I ever existed! That was a choice just like that little girls mother today CHOSE not to pick her up and left her daughter in my classroom feeling forgotten. Its bulshit. ” Giana was now speaking out of anger and didnt realize the words she spoke were hurting her mother.
Mike squeezed Gianas hand lightly bringing her back to reality, Giana hadnt realized she said that out loud and looked over at her mother in horror.
“Mom oh my god Im sorry. Mom i didnt mean it please dont be mad im so sorry. I was just angry.” Giana began to cry and hugged her mother. Roslynn was already holding back the tears caused from the hurt she felt.
“No Giana you're right. What he did wasnt fair to your sisters or you. You were his daddys girl and he hurt you worse than he hurt anyone in this family. You have evry right to be angry. You were so young and I never told you what happened. For that I am sorry. How about this weekend me and you go out to dinner and I promise I will answer all your questions and tel you everything.” Roslynn reassured Giana.
“Mike if you wouldnt mind I would like it if you could be there too.” Roslynn surprised them both.
“If thats what you and Gi want I will be there.” Mike said and then turned to grab the muffins and juice.
“Gi your still in your work clothes and you've had a rough couple of days her. I brought you food so please eat and I made you fresh oj with extra pulp. Do you work in the morning?” Mike changed the subject.
“Your the best papa. Dont tell Janice but I love your orange juice better. So Megan told me to take the day tomorrow and shed cover my class since I stayed so late. I do have to go in to grab some stuff I left but that wont take long. Whats up?” Giana was finally smiling.
“When you get back do me a favor and stop by my house there's something there for you.” Mike told her.
Now that Giana had calmed down they each stood up and said good night. Giana was the first one to walk out and walked to the house. Roslynn stayed behind for a short moment to talk to Mike.
“Is this a good idea for you to tell her everything?” Mike was worried.
“Its been long enough. Shes carried all this alone for all these years. I had no idea she still felt that weight. Im going to tell her and I dont care what anyone thinks about it. Theres one thing we need to do first though…” Roslynn looked to make sure Giana had definitely left before continuing.