‘Please just tell me.’ Elle’s heart was beating so fast she thought it was going to burst through her chest.
‘We are pleased to tell you that your search has been successful. We have found your biological mother.’
Elle gasped, clasping her hand to her mouth. She lowered herself on to the reception chair and briefly closed her eyes while she digested the information. She’d waited to hear those words for a long time. ‘So soon. Is this real?’
‘Yes,’ replied Ann. ‘Are you okay? Have you got someone with you?’
‘Yes, I have my friend with me,’ replied Elle, reaching across and taking hold of Pippa’s hand for moral support. ‘Does she want to see me?’
Elle closed her eyes again, waiting for the answer.
‘Yes. Your mother has written you a letter, and we’ll post it to you First Class today. You’ll be allocated a caseworker – Emily Kirk – and she’ll liaise with you both about the next steps. All the details will be in the letter. Do you have any more questions at this stage?’
‘Can I ask how long she has been searching for me?’
‘The second of February just gone.’
Elle gave a tiny gasp.
‘Is there anything I can help you with today?’
‘No, I don’t think so. Thank you.’
In shock, Elle put down the receiver and met Pippa’s gaze.
Placing her hands on her chest, ‘They’ve found her. I can’t believe it; they’ve actually found her.’ Elle tried to compose herself but it was no use. The emotional impact had hit her like a high-speed train, and her cheeks were wet with tears. ‘She’s sent me a letter. She wants to see me.’
‘Oh Elle, that’s such wonderful news. I’m so happy for you.’ Pippa stood up and wrapped her arms around Elle, hugging her tight.
Aiden, who had been stood silently at the side of the desk for the duration of the call, gently cleared his throat. ‘I’m not exactly sure what’s going on here, but is everything okay?’ he asked tentatively.
Through her tears, Elle managed a nod. ‘It’s more than okay, I think.’
‘Come on,’ Pippa said, gently placing her hand beneath Elle’s elbow and leading her towards the staffroom, away from prying eyes. ‘Can you man the fort?’ she asked Aiden.
‘Of course,’ Aiden confirmed.
Sitting down in the staffroom, with the adrenaline pumping through her body, Elle looked up at Pippa through blurry eyes. ‘I can’t believe they’ve found my mother, and so soon. I was trying to prepare myself for never knowing and now I don’t have to. I feel so shaky, numb even.’
Pippa hugged her tight again. ‘This is amazing. What happens now?’
‘She’s written me a letter, and she wants contact.’ Elle breathed unsteadily. ‘I can’t believe it. Am I dreaming?’
Pippa pinched her on her arm.
‘Ow! What are you doing?’
‘You felt that, so you’re not dreaming. Elle, this is real.’ Pippa gave a tiny squeal.
‘This is really happening?’
‘Yes!’
Once again, they hugged each other tightly.
* * *
‘Elle! This is fantastic news!’
