Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4 A Hospital Run–In

“What are you doing here?” Jackson’s voice came sharp and cold from behind her.

Natalie looked up to see him standing with Aiden and Victoria. They were clearly there for Victoria’s follow–up appointment.

The three of them stood close, smiling, like the perfect little family.

Victoria blinked in surprise, then gave a tight smile. “Ms. Foster, there’s no need to play games. If you wanted to see Jackson, you didn’t have to come all the way to the hospital. You just got out of prison–showing up here like this only makes things worse for you.”

Mom came here to find us? Does she regret not going home with us? A flicker of hope flashed across Aiden’s face. But then he remembered what she’d said the other day. His lips puckered, and his voice came out in a pout. “You’re such a liar, Mom. You say you don’t want to be with me and Dad, but here you are. You just won’t admit it.”

Jackson scoffed. “I thought you were done with us. All that talk about not coming back to the Collins family… And now here you are, two days later, trying to get our attention. Classic Natalie. Still the same as ever.”

Before he could finish, the doctor stepped in.

“Ms. Foster, here’s your medication,” he said, handing her a small bag. He glanced at Jackson and the others with clear disapproval. “Do you all mind? You’re blocking the counter. Let my patient through.”

Natalie raised her eyes, expression cold. “I came to pick up meds. You’re the ones making things up. Might want to get your heads checked while you’re at it.”

Jackson’s jaw tightened, his irritation deepening.

7

She was sick? Already? Just days after getting out? Was prison really that bad?

Natalie turned to leave–but just as she did, she felt a small tug on her sleeve.

Aiden’s voice was softer now, almost unsure. “My graduation’s in a few days. Even if you’re mad… you should still be there. You’re my… mom.”

The last word came out barely above a whisper. He immediately glanced at Victoria, like he was afraid she’d be upset.

But Natalie didn’t even look at him. She gently pulled her arm away. “You’ve got the wrong person,” she said flatly. I’m not your mom.”

She turned and walked off.

Victoria’s voice rang out behind her. “I understand that coming home after prison is hard, Ms. Foster. But that doesn’t give you the right to abandon your responsibilities. You haven’t been around in three years–are you really just going to keep ignoring your son?”

Her words were loud–too loud.

Heads turned. Whispers followed.

Prison. Neglect. Mother who walked away.

Natalie felt the stares immediately.

Then a man in uniform approached–badge on his chest, confident stride.

“Ms. Victoria,” he said, stopping in front of her. “We had a report of stolen property–two angel statues, to be exact. They were identified in a televised segment filmed at your residence. I need you to come with me.”

Gasps echoed around the waiting room.

Jackson’s brows furrowed. She went back to Oakridge Estates?

Victoria turned red, her shock giving way to panic.

Before she could say a word, Natalie let out a soft cough. Her face was pale, but her voice was clear and cold. “Aiden is nine. He can decide who he wants to call ‘mom,‘ but I’m also free not to play that role.”

The law might require her to pay child support–but it didn’t require her to love someone who helped ruin her life.

Then Natalie turned to Victoria. “As for you–those angel statues were mine. Personal property. My husband at the time had no right to give them away. And if you can’t return them… you’ll get a taste of what prison feels like too.”

Aiden piped up too, frustration bubbling over. “Yeah! If it weren’t for Great–Grandpa and Ms. Victoria, I wouldn’t even want you to be my mom. And now you’re being mean to her again? You’re not even coming to my graduation!”

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