Book 2 - Chapter 2: Shocking Secret

Zander I am still on the phone with Chris, hoping that what he is telling me isn't the truth. “Oh no, are you sure it's her?” I asked . I know Liz is not going to take this well. “It's definitely her. I explained that Liz met Mary in the park, and she already knew all about it. Mary had no children or known relatives. In all honesty, Zander, there isn't much information on Mary. That’s why it was so hard to track her down. She left a letter for Liz and because the executor of her estate didn't have Liz’s full details, she didn't know who to contact. The strange thing is that the letter is addressed to Elizabeth Henderson. I told her that it could possibly be for a different Liz, but she assured me that it was for our Liz. Mary left instructions that the letter must go to the woman she met in the park, and she even specified the date they met. I have the letter with me now, and I am on my way to your place,” he says, and I sigh. I wonder why she thought her surname was Henderson? “Thank you, I will let her know. We will see you soon.” I answered and hung up. I helped Liz into the car, before I got into the driver's side. I don't start the car, instead I turn and face her. “What’s wrong?” she asks, correctly deciphering my demeanor. “That was Chris, and he found Mary. I am so sorry my Liz, she passed away shortly after you claimed your winnings. That's why she never made contact with you.” I said. I watch how her face goes from a smile to immediately sad. “Is he sure it's the correct Mary?” “Yes, and she left a letter for you. The executor of her estate gave it to Chris, and he is on his way to our place now to drop it off. She didn't know your full name, so she didn’t know how to get hold of you. I am so sorry, my Liz.” I said, reaching over and cupping her cheek. “I don't believe it, all this time…” she whispers as the tears start escaping her eyes. I use my thumbs to wipe it off and kiss her forehead. I know she is going to feel bad that she didn't get to her in time. “I knew she needed help, and I wasn't there, Zander. I promised myself I would find her and help her. Was she ill?” she asks softly. “She died of cancer. I don't know much. We can go see the executor of her estate if you want to find out more. But I think you should read the letter first. Maybe it has the information you need,” I said, and she nodded. I kiss her forehead and she settles back down, while I start the car. She is very quiet on the drive home, so I put my hand on her knee in silent support. I know she is beating herself up for not finding Mary in time. But life doesn't always go the way we want it to. Things happen the way they are meant to, no matter how sad and devastating they may be. “What are you thinking about?” I asked. “I just wish I had gotten to her in time. Maybe we could have helped her. What if she died all alone?” She says softly and closes her eyes and rests her head back. “Don’t beat yourself up Liz. You did everything you could to try and find her.” I say, and she nods, but does not open her eyes. I am worried that she may upset herself too much. Any stress is bad for her and the baby. She goes quiet again, for the rest of the ride home. I parked the car and helped her out and held her close to my side. I hope my presence can bring her comfort, like hers does me. Chris was already there when we got home. I find him in the kitchen, chatting to Rosa. I can already tell she knows and is cooking Liz’s favorites to help comfort her. She pulls Liz into an embrace while I talk to Chris. “Zander, I have a feeling that Mary knew who Liz was when they met. Will you show me the letter once she has read it? I want to do some more digging. Mary’s last name was also Henderson,” Chris said softly. Did she mistake Liz for someone else? Or could they be related somehow? I hope her letter has some answers. But at the same time, I am afraid those answers may upset Liz. I just nodded at Chris, because Liz made her way over to us. “I am so sorry Liz. We can chat after you read the letter.” Chris says, pulling her into a hug and kissing the top of her head. She nods and takes the letter from him, but doesn't look at it. I took her hand and led her to our room. She only speaks when we are in our room, and she has looked at the letter. “Are you sure this is for me?” she asks, looking at the name on the letter. I led her over to the couch at the window and we sat down. “Chris said he was sure. Open it, I am right here with you.” I say and she nods and kisses my cheek. She takes a deep breath before she opens the letter and takes it out. A black and white picture falls out of a woman holding a baby. She looks at it and frowns. “This looks like it could've been Mary when she was younger,” she says. I have only seen Mary in the footage taken at the park, and I couldn't see her face clearly. She takes the letter next, and opens it for us to read together. Liz I can tell this is Mary in the picture. She was a beautiful woman in her old age, and she was even more stunning in her youth. I opened the letter and proceeded to read it, with Zander by my side. ‘My dearest Liz, I am sorry I was not able to see you again. I am so happy that my little gift helped change your circumstances. You may be wondering how I knew the numbers would bring you luck. Call it luck, belief or a Christmas miracle, but I prayed and asked God to give me something to give to you, before he took me home. Those numbers came to me in a dream. And after everything I have been through in my life to find you, I believe in signs and miracles.’ I stopped reading and looked at Zander. “Why was she looking for me? I don't understand what’s going on.” I say. “I think I have an idea, but let’s read on,” he says, and I nod and start reading the next page. ‘When I was 25, I gave birth to a beautiful little girl. She was my pride and joy, but my life was not my own back then. I was on the run from her father. He was very abusive and he did not want a child. So I ran away to save my baby. I ended up in this town, with nothing and I knew no one. I met a wonderful couple who had a daughter of their own. They took me in and helped me as much as they could. I owe them my life and so much more. But sadly, my husband found me. I did not lead him back to my daughter. I made him believe I was getting my belongings, so that we could leave together. I went to say goodbye to my daughter and the couple agreed to keep her as their own, and give her a good life until I returned. I just needed to get my husband away from there so that he didn't discover the baby survived. I didn't know that he followed me, and learned the truth. He attacked me and the family I was living with tried to help. But he shot me, before he turned the gun on himself. I almost died that day, but they got me to the hospital in time. The bullet did some damage to my brain, and I was in a coma for nearly a year. When I came to, I had no recollection of who I was. I stayed in a facility for many years thanks to that wonderful couple. My memory and motor skills did not recover, and it was a battle learning to walk again. I only got my memory back seven years ago. I remembered everything. The first thing I did was go back to the couple that looked after my daughter. Only to find that they had both died, as well as my daughter. The only solace I had was that I had a granddaughter out there that I needed to find. I wanted to tell you all of this the day we met, but you were already having a bad day. I didn't want to add to it. I secretly didn’t want to tell you either. I didn't want you to watch me die. You have exceeded all my expectations, Liz. You are beautiful, like your mother, and you have a kind, pure heart. I approached you as a stranger, and you showed me nothing but kindness. I am so proud to be your grandmother. Yes, my dear Liz, I am your biological grandmother. Your mother’s real name was Annabelle Henderson. I am so sorry for all that you have endured in your life. If I had known earlier, I would have been there with you every step of the way. I hope your lottery winnings and that wonderful man helping you, give you the kind of life you truly deserve. I love you, and I am so proud of you, Liz. I watched your interview, and read all the articles. Be well, and live a good life. All my love, your grandmother, Mary Henderson.’ I dropped the letter and I couldn't stop the tears. They just keep coming, and have been falling since I started reading. Zander pulls me into his safe embrace and holds me. He picks me up and carries me over to the bed and lies down with me in his arms, while I cry. I cry for the wonderful woman who gave me a fresh start. I cry for the grandmother I didn't know was searching for me. I cry for everything she went through in her life. I cry because I wasn't there to help her or say goodbye. And I cry, because, yet again, I lost my family. I think I believe in signs too. That's the only way to explain the need I had to find her and help her. Maybe she was right in not telling me. But I would've loved to say goodbye to her. Just for her to know that I was there with her. I don't know how long I cried while Zander held me and soothed me. I started feeling a little dizzy. “Zander,” I tried to say through my sniffing. “I think something is wrong with the baby. My back is hurting, and I have pains in my belly, sharp…” I say, but don't get to finish because everything around me goes blurry and then black. The last thing I hear is Zander yelling my name, but I just can't open my eyes. They just feel too heavy, my whole body feels heavy.