Second Chance with Love by Alana Hart, Ruth Tyler Philips Page B

wishes. Hilda didn't like to admit it, but her mother sought to live vicariously through her. She made sure her daughter went into modeling from the age of seven. She won most competitions. She forced Hilda into the popular groups. Even though Hilda never felt like she quite fit in, she preferred to be quiet. And so she became a target. Her so-called friends suggested she dye her hair, because it was looked like a carrot, her complexion was too pale, her body too thin. With the daily abuse, Hilda distanced herself from the popular girls and found solace in her father's letter. Hilda hid the pinch marks and cruel notes that came through the mail-box. Hilda wondered at times whether her mother simply chose to ignore the obvious, such as her hair being short at times, or moments where her mother had caught her crying. And even though Hilda was finished with the popular crowd, they were not necessarily finished with her. Jocks would force her to kiss them and promised that if she would be their girlfriend, her problems would end.
    Hilda watched as Aaron painted with Lucretia, and she smiled as she watched both children whisper together. She found it hard to believe she was ever so innocent, yet she knew it was true. When she first gave herself to Christ she felt renowned. Her sins had been forgiven and she'd been hugged... at that time she was 15 and her mother had allowed her to attend a summer school. Her mother had not thought much of the fact it was a Christian summer camp, but when Hilda return and told her mother that she had become a Christian, Justine Borja had laughed in disbelief. Yes, Hilda's mother had been raised a Christian and she still considered herself one, but Hilda's upbringing was different. Hilda had been groomed to have a successful life and not worry about miracles. Life was hard and the way to get ahead was to be active. Hilda was happy when her mother allowed her to attend church regularly and get saved. She watched her daughter in a sort of languid, amused way. As long as it didn't interfere with her studies and the direction her mother wanted her to go than it would be fine. This was the understanding that they had, or better yet this was the rule that her mother made.
    But ever since she became a Christian, Hilda began to see the world a bit differently, she had another perspective. Whereas in the past, her mother was the only authoritative lens to see the world through, now Hilda turned to the God and the bible. She learned that material gain was not really a gain, and that ambition was not the sole reason to live and strive and work. She also gained an interest in helping people. When she learned about mission groups, it excited her. Instead of working just to help herself get ahead, she could work and help others less fortunate.
    At the sound if this, Hilda's mother was disgusted and would never allow it. Also she dismissed Hilda's talent as a photographer, when Hilda showed photos she used to take when her and Melanie went to the park.
    Hilda knew her mother blamed Christianity for the way her daughter lived her life, that a life of mission work would eventually lead to poverty. But Hilda always felt her mother's fears were not grounded.
    "Mother, I know I have let you down." Hilda sat by as her mother laid back indulging in the sun's rays.
    "Well, it is too late for you. I will look after my grandson. Quite frankly, you are not fit to do it."
    Hilda felt the sensation of an eruption inside her chest, she pressed her hand to her heart.
    "Mother, how can you say that? You've seen how I much I give to my son. I love him more than anything in the world."
    "Well, put an end to this gallivanting around the world attempting to be mother Teresa. Find a good husband. Haven't you had enough fun yet? I'm already the laughing stock at the country club, I'll have you know."
    "Well, mother, this no longer has to be about you. You can let me live my own life." Hilda felt anger mixed with hurt, but she pushed her