Giving Life
She’d been in labor for almost seven hours. Her mom and grandma stood by her side, each holding one of her hands.
“Push,” the midwife called out again, and with every ounce of energy she had left, she followed the instruction. A squeaky cry filled the room, and the midwife reached for the scissors. She brought up the baby, and the entire room fell silent.
A Quiet Existence
But this wasn’t the first time such a crippling silence had fallen around Dana Mallard, a twenty-six-year-old art collector from San Diego, California.
Dana had always garnered stares and gasps wherever she went. Although accustomed to it, she’d hoped her daughter’s life would be different. That hope diminished when she saw little Kimmy’s hair.
Her Condition
For Dana, growing up has been difficult. Due to a lack of melanocytes, Dana had piebaldism, a condition distinguishable by a streak of snow-white hair or skin.
Dana’s condition made her stick out everywhere she went. Although she learned how to live with it, she knew its toll on her as a child. She wouldn’t ever wish such a life on anyone.
Her Dark Childhood
Dana’s childhood consisted of kids bullying her at every turn. Children in her neighborhood and school called her names like Old Fogey and Grandy. They segregated her as an oddity.
It took years of therapy for Dana to accept herself. But the bitterness within her made her vow not to have a child. She couldn’t bear to watch history repeat itself.
A Change Of Heart
The idea of having a kid snuck up on Dana when she met Marcus. With him, the lingering pain from her childhood ebbed. She saw a future where she could have her family without the stigma that dogged her life.
Gradually, Dana warmed up to the idea of a child. Her musings over the matter turned into a craving. She opened up to Marcus, and they decided to get pregnant. But that’s where her problems would truly begin.
Unparalleled Happiness
Dana and Marcus got pregnant after a few weeks. The news brought unequaled happiness to their lives, so much so that Dana’s grandma moved states to be closer to her.
But the ripple effect didn’t stop there. Dana’s mom, whom Dana never connected with because of her traumatic childhood, was suddenly involved in her life. But there was more.
The Family Expands
Marcus’s family also came in to show their support. What was once a quiet house for the young couple had evolved into a lively home.
Dana, who rarely experienced this level of love and support, was overwhelmed. Slowly and slowly, her past insecurities began cropping up again.
Doubts Set In
Dana had experienced what it felt like to be loved and accepted. Would the child in her belly have to wait decades to be accepted as well?
Was Dana making a mistake having her? Was she in the right mind to have a child? Seemingly noticing her distress, her mom, out of everyone, sat down to talk to her. What she said moved Dana to tears.
Moments With Her Mom
“You’re the strongest woman I’ve ever known, mi hija,” Dana’s mom said with a curl of her lips. “You won’t make the mistakes I did. You’re loving, caring, and selfless, and you’ll make a better mom than anyone in this house.”
Dana’s sight blurred with hot tears. Her mom’s words showed her she meant to do this. She closed her eyes at that moment, and when she slit them open, she was in the delivery room with her daughter.
An Angel Worth Fighting For
Kimmy’s baby hairs were glossy black with a streak of dazzling white, just like her mom. She had her dad’s doe eyes, large and warmly brown.
Dana looked at her and knew right then that Kimmy’s life wouldn’t be like hers. Dana would do everything in her power to show her she was loved and special. Would her family stand by Kimmy?
Dreams And Nightmares
Dana fell asleep as soon as the nurses took Kimmy to the nursery. She was tired but happy, knowing that she was now a mom.
Lost in her dreams, she walked through her childhood days, experiencing the cruelty of her classmates and kids from her block. But there was no pain in these dreams, only resolve that life was better. Then a rough hand yanked her awake.
Waking Up
One of Marcus’s sisters was standing over her. She had something in her hand, large and dark. Dana blinked her eyes, trying to get a better look.
“Good, you’re awake,” Marcus’s sister said. The object in her hand flashed with blinding light. Then she stormed out of the room. Dana eased to her elbows. What was happening?
She’s Alone
“Marcus,” Dana called drowsily, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Mom?” she looked around. She was alone.
Giggles emanated outside her room, and she heard distant voices. Where was everyone, and why did Marcus’s sister take a photo of her? Dana reached beside her bed for her phone and called Marcus. He showed up immediately. What he shared made Dana’s heart pause.
His News
“People online are calling you Rogue,” Marcus exclaimed. “Rogue?” Dana asked. “What’s a rogue?” “The superhero. From X-Men,” Marcus said. “Guess what they’re calling Kimmy?”
Dana shot up, remembering her childhood. Pain erupted through her abdomen, but she ignored it. “What?” she asked. “Marcus, what’s going on?” Couldn’t the world wait for a night before it started tormenting their little girl?
A Roguish World
“Little Rogue!” Marcus screamed as he eased down to her. “They love you two!” “What?” Dana stammered.
“I uploaded Kimmy’s picture on Instagram,” Marcus explained. “The comments and likes have been streaming in. When I explained Kimmy’s hair color, people wanted to see her mom’s hair. The post is currently at sixty thousand likes and counting!” Dana’s eyes grew wet. She couldn’t believe it. Maybe the world coming for her daughter wouldn’t be the worst thing.