Twice in a lifetime

SELENA LOCKWOOD

It was Friday already and my nerves were eating me up. I had to leave for the venue in two hours.

It's JUST a business party!!!!  I had to remind myself over and over again.

 I'm really losing myself, aren't I?

I sighed at my situation.

It's been in a while since I have attended a business party in New York. With Lucian Ashford in attendance. 

Business parties were never really my thing. I would prefer staying home binge-watching my favorite movie any day.

The thought alone makes me wanna throw off this dress and get into my pajamas.

"Woah, Mommy! You look so pretty!"

I turned to the mirror and saw my daughter standing in the doorway, eyes wide with awe.

"Thank you, baby!" I said, smiling as I scooped her up in my arms. "I was waiting for you to show up. Mommy will pick you up before midnight, and then we can cuddle, and watch Tangled together!"

Mason's family had offered to babysit her for the night. They loved having Lyra around, and I knew she'd have fun. There's something special about children—their laughter, their innocence, the way they see the world. They bring a certain light into our lives, one that keeps us going.

"Yes!!! I love you mommy!" Lyra placed a huge kiss on my cheeks, expressing her excitement.

"I love you for eternity baby!!" I hugged her close. My heart warms up as she wraps her little arms around me. My baby!!

Lyra proceeded to get down and settled on the bed, watching me curiously as I applied makeup.

"You want lipstick baby?"

"Listick?" She pouted.

"Yes, baby Lipstick? Do you want it honey?"

"Yeeahh!!" I chuckled at her eagerness and applied a small amount to her lips. Once I was done, she went in front of the mirror and pouted, like every other time.

Sassy!!

Our sweet moment was brought to a halt when someone rang the doorbell. I asked Lyra to stay in our room, while I went ahead to check the door.

And sure enough, it was Mason and Bella who arrived to pick Lyra up. Then being with her most of the time, especially during her time at the hospital, brought them closer and she trusts them in a way I place my trust on the Martinez'.

"You look beautiful Selena! Also, I brought you a little something."  Bella practically dragged me through the door and towards my bedroom, a little too excited.

"Hope you have juice in here Sel!!" I could hear Mason yelling from the kitchen, and I shouted back a quick yes.

"Careful little bugger!!" Bella stopped my daughter who was sprinting out of the room to meet Mason and dropped a kiss on her nose.

"Hi Bellyy!!" She smiled, returned the kiss and went back to chasing her uncle Zephy.

As Lyra left, Bella entered the bedroom and brought out a small box from her bag. I looked at her in question.

"I bought it almost 2 years ago for you, from my first paycheck. I knew I would meet you somewhere." She opened the box to reveal a small necklace adorned with small stones. So beautiful and captivating. Each stone catches light with a soft sparkle. 

I was left speechless. 

"Bella... This is beautiful. You didn't have to." I was evoked on the fact that Bella was no longer a highschooler, who used to share all her boy problems with me. We even used to do prank calls on her exes at midnight. I miss those good old days.