Mothers Secret, Grandma Lies

By Tara Ramsey

A legacy of secrets, lies, and deception emerges when a beautiful bouncing baby girl was left on the doorsteps of an orphanage.

Carol Beal a lonely motherless widow who helps run the orphanage found the abandoned infant as she retrieved the morning newspaper. She took the baby inside. Carol names the baby Diamond.

The child grew up in the orphanage. Carol was exceptionally fond of Diamond and treated her as her very own. Diamond’s life took a massive turn for the worst on her twelfth birthday.

When the head of the orphanage learnt of Diamond tragedy they seek to send her away; in an effort to hide the truth. Diamond overheard the plan to get rid of her and she ran away.

Carol found Diamond and made a decision that changed Diamond’s life forever. From Carol’s good intention to love Diamond, comes a legacy of lies, deception, and an abundance of hurt.

Diamond spent most of her life living with hidden pain, brokenness as she was torn apart inside with hurt and resentment. Diamond trusted no one as she tries to deal with the present, bury the past, and face the future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tara Ramsey
• Release date: Feb 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465851567

Tara Ramsey

Tara Ramsey is the author of three books and one novel. A vibrant conference, workshop speaker. A Teacher, Mentor and Counselor. Tara specializes in mentoring and counseling hurting women and teenage girls and has been doing so for many years in Broward County Correctional Facilities in South Florida. She has traveled far and near to accommodate those who have a need for her services. Places such as: The Bahamas, Haiti, New York, Philadelphia, Australia and throughout South Florida. She is available for speaking engagements.

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MOTHERS SECRET, GRANDMA LIES

By Tara Ramsey

First Smashwords Edition, 2012

Copyright 2012 by Tara Ramsey

Published by Smashwords

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover by Tatiana Villa.

Tara Ramsey is a Mentor and Counselor for women and teenage girls, she is a Motivational, Inspirational, Conference Speaker. Contact her via phone: [phone] or Email: [e-mail], you can also join Tara Ramsey Book club on Facebook.

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This book is dedicated to abused women and children.

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PROLOGUE

A legacy of secret’s, lies, and deception

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CHAPTER ONE

It was very early in the morning on November 15th, 1959 when Mrs. Carol Beal exited the backdoor of the old orphanage. This was her usual routine every morning, getting up early before the children woke. She came from the back of the building, emerging toward the front just to bring in the morning newspaper.

To her surprise, as she made her way around the bend, her eyes caught a beautiful young lady, Mrs. Lacey, running away from the building. Carol proceeded toward the front gate to get the morning newspaper; Mrs. Lacy did not see her. As Carol turned around to go back into the orphanage her eyes fastened on a package sitting on the doorstep. Curious, she raced toward the package. When she unwrapped the basket there was, to her surprise, a beautiful healthy baby girl inside.

Carol was quite astonished and dismayed. She did not know what to make of the surprise package, not to mention why Mrs. Lacy was running away from the orphanage. Mrs. Lacy was a young black woman who worked in a deli downtown.

Mrs. Carol, not knowing what to do and not wanting to start any rumors and accuse Mrs. Lacy of any crime, gently took up the basket with the baby. She took the baby into the nursery with all of the other orphan babies. She looked at her and said to her, Who would throw away such a precious jewel; I am going to call you Diamond.

Diamond was the only African American baby in the orphanage.

Carol paid special attention to Diamond, not only because she was the only African American baby in the orphanage, but because she had just lost a baby due to a miscarriage when she heard about the death of her husband in Vietnam. She was still hurting and healing all at the same time. But somehow the baby brought some sort of unexplained joy into her life.

Carol worked at the Catholic orphanage for many years even after the death of her husband. She worked daily and sometimes overnight. Over the last twelve years Carol and Diamond developed a very strong bond. Ever since Diamond came to the orphanage, Carol made every birthday special for her.

She knew what it felt like growing up in an environment where no one remembered your special day. Carol knew what it felt like not having someone there to care for you in a special motherly kind of way. She knew how special little girls feel when they get a present from someone. She wanted to give Diamond all of the good things in life she had always wanted and never been able to have. Even though Diamond was not her child, she felt like she belonged to her.

One day, on her twelfth birthday, Mrs. Carol planned a birthday party for Diamond. She told Diamond to go to the park down the street and play for one hour. This gave Carol time to decorate and get all of the kids together for Diamond’s special event. Diamond and a few of the other girls from the orphanage went skipping down the pathway to the park.

Along with Diamond, Cindy, Rachel and Charlotte had so much fun playing in the park, swinging on the monkey bars, sliding down the slide board, racing to the swings,. The running was endless. They were tired of the swings and slide board. They joined in with another group of kids playing stick ball and the fun continued.

Diamond’s team had just struck out, and the other team was up to bat. They all scattered for the outfield. As they tried to catch every ball that came their way, Rachel suddenly asked, Where’s Diamond?

She was right over there, replied Charlotte, pointing to some shrubs. Just then Diamond came from behind the shrubs.

Oh there you are, Cindy yelled. Where were you? We were looking for you.

Oh I was just over there; she said holding her head down, I thought I saw something in the bushes.

Rachel quickly spoke and said, We better get back to the orphanage. The girls all agreed and began to head back home. Something was wrong with Diamond but no one seemed to notice.

As the girls reached the orphanage, Charlotte opened the door and everyone yelled SURPRISE. Diamond opened her eyes with excitement as if she was surprised, even though she knew it was her birthday party they were planning. There was cake and ice cream, cookies, candies, hot dogs, chips and drinks, all of Diamonds favorite foods. The room was beautifully decorated and everything was just lovely. Everyone seemed to be having a good time except Diamond. Something happened out there in the park and she was hiding it.

After the party, Mrs. Carol noticed that Diamond was not looking her usual self. Everyone was cleaning up after the party. Diamond went into the girls’ room and lay down quietly on her bed. Carol followed her into the room, sat down on the bed beside her and asked, What’s the matter Diamond didn’t you like the party I gave you? Every year you love it when I throw you a birthday party.

I liked it very much, Mrs. Carol. I’m just not feeling well tonight. I guess I played too much at the park today.

Are you sure everything is all right, Diamond?

Yes ma'am, I’m fine, she replied. Carol knew something was wrong, since she knew the child was usually in good spirits when it was her birthday. But she just could not figure out what could have gone wrong.

It had been almost two months since Diamond’s twelfth birthday, and things just were not right. She was just not the same. Carol could not figure out what was bothering Diamond. She seemed very unhappy. Carol thought maybe she was just growing up and was beginning to miss having a family. She questioned Diamond occasionally and the answer was always the same.

Diamond was not playing with her usual friends, and was not her usual talkative self. Carol was now even more worried that something was wrong. She called a few of the girls together, Cindy, Rachel and Charlotte.

Carol began to question all of the girls. Did something happen the day I sent you all to the park while I was getting Diamonds party together?

Rachel replied, No Mrs. Carol we went to the park just as you said.

And we all had a great time, Cindy interrupted. Diamond almost caught a fly ball.

Yeah! She sure did, didn’t she? Charlotte said joining in with the conversation.

I can’t seem to understand why she is acting so strangely, Carol said curiously.

Cindy said to her, But she was gone for just a little while, I think she went to the bathroom. We did not see her in the outfield and were all wondering where she was.

Oh yeah, Charlotte said. I remember, and then she came out from behind the shrubs.

Did she say anything to you girls as to where she went?

No, Mrs. Carol Rachel answered. But she was acting different all the way home, she wouldn’t say much.

Huh! Carol said. I guess it’s nothing. I’ll see if maybe I can talk to her again.

Good luck, Cindy said to her. She’s not saying much of anything to anyone these days. Not even us.

The following day, Carol received a call from Diamond’s school teacher Mrs. Skoll. She informed Carol that Diamond grades were dropping, and that she was not as social as she used to be. Diamond was also sleeping in class almost every day. Mrs. Skoll was concerned that Diamond was being overworked or even staying up too late at night.

The conversation was more than enough to give Carol a new reason to speak with Diamond. It was almost time for Carol to end her shift for the day, but she could not go home until she spoke with Diamond. She waited for the kids to come in from school. When the girls arrived to their rooms, Carol was still in her office. Diamond I would like to speak with you for just a few minutes.

Yes ma’am, Diamond replied respectfully.

I received a call from Mrs. Skoll today.

Diamond looked surprised. Did I do something wrong? She asked Mrs. Carol.

No Diamond, Carol said. But we are all worried that you are not your usual self lately. In fact, since your twelfth birthday party you seem so different, so sad. Are you sure everything is alright?

You know I have always been fond of you, from the very day you came to this orphanage. I sometimes feel as if you are my own child. What is bothering you Diamond? Carol asked desperately. You can tell me anything. Have I ever disappointed you before?

No Mrs. Carol, she said.

So what is it child? I know something is wrong.

Nothing ma’am, Diamond answered as she always did.

Are you positive Diamond? Mrs. Skoll said that you are sleeping a lot in class and you are not completing your homework. Are you sure there isn’t something you want to tell me?

No ma’am, nothing at all, she said.

Ok Diamond, if you’re sure, there is nothing wrong I guess there is not much I can do here.

Yes ma’am and I promise to do better with my homework and I will go to bed earlier so that I can get a lot of sleep.

Promise, Carol said.

I promise, Diamond answered.

Carol gave Diamond a hug before she left for the day and said, I will see you tomorrow Diamond, and remember your promise to stay alert in class and complete all of your homework.

It’s a promise, Diamond replied with a strange grin on her face. The thought of going home to a lonely house was not thrilling for Carol. She took the long way home, giving herself time to think about what was really going on with Diamond. She hoped that some great answer would pop into her head.

The next day was Friday; Carol usually slept in over the weekend and relieved the all-around care takers of some of their duties. She came in at eight o’clock in the morning. By this time the older kids were in school. The kids came in from classes at 2:30 p.m. and did their daily routine. Homework time, playtime and then supper time, the day was swiftly passing by. Carol paid close attention to what was going on. She was determined to get to the bottom to what was going on with Diamond. Somehow, she knew something was not right between the girls, but she just could not put her hands on it. The girls didn’t seem to be playing together as they always did.

Several times she asked Diamond if the girls were mistreating her. Her answer was always no. Carol did not believe her since suddenly she was not spending too much time with her friends anymore. She perceived that something had gone very wrong when she sent the girls out to play in the park the day of Diamond’s birthday party. Maybe the other girls were envious and did not like Diamond because Carol was giving her so much attention. Maybe they beat her up and made her promise not to tell anyone.

The possibilities were endless and Carol could not figure out what was going on. When it was almost bedtime, Carol told all of the girls to get ready for bed, while she finished cleaning up and putting away the super dishes. Meanwhile, the boys were being instructed by their room monitor Mr. Ned.

Every now and then, Carol would sneak a peek into the girls’ dorm room to see what they were doing. She wanted to see if maybe she would catch them in the midst of whatever they did when no one was there. But, at every peek, the girls all seem to be getting along fine; however, they kept their distance from Diamond. So, Carol finally went in and said her good night to all of them.

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CHAPTER TWO

Carol went into her room, turned down her bedspread and climbed into bed, completely exhausted. She slipped into a deep, sound sleep. During the night, Carol had a dream that woke her suddenly. She sat up in bed and could not believe what she had dreamt. Her heart was pounding, and her forehead had worked up a sweat. She jumped out of her bed quickly and ran into the girls’ room. She rushed over the Diamond’s bed. Diamond was sound asleep. She slowly removed the covers off of Diamond. Her heart fell as she looked and could not believe her eyes. A little pouch. Diamond’s little stomach was growing.

The pain Carol felt was more unbearable than she had ever felt before. Much different than when her husband died during the war. At the time, she had expected that something might happen to him, considering the circumstances he was in. The pain was much more than when she had the miscarriage. Over time, she had dealt with both these issues but nothing had prepared her for what she saw and what she learned next as she woke Diamond out of a sound sleep.

Carol leaned close to Diamond’s ear and whispered, Diamond, wake up. Come with me. Diamond was barely awake. Get out of bed and come with me for just a moment. Carol said to her.

Diamond slowly dragged herself out of bed, with Carol holding on to her arm for dear life. They both walked quietly out of the girls’ room and into Carol’s room.

Carol closed her bedroom door behind her and led Diamond to her bed where they both sat down. Diamond! Carol said to her. What has happen to you? When did this happen? Who were you with?

Diamond interrupted her, No one, I didn’t do anything, honest Mrs. Carol. I swear I didn’t do anything. She began to cry and tell Carol everything that happened to her the day she went to the park.

He grabbed me from behind and threw me onto the ground and he told me if I screamed he would kill me.

Who? Who is he? Tell me child, who did this to you? Carol was furious.

Diamond continued her story, she was very frightened.

Slow down and start from the beginning, Carol told her. Tell me exactly what happened.

It was the day of my birthday party. We were in the park playing stick ball. Someone hit the ball far into the outfield where I was standing with Charlotte, Cindy and Rachel. The ball went into some shrubs, I went in and got the ball and threw it back into the open field. I thought I saw something moving, so I went back and that’s when he grabbed me from behind.

Who grabbed you child? Carol said anxiously.

A man. I did not see his face. He grabbed me from behind. He put his hands over my mouth and a bag over my face. He told me if I screamed, he would kill me and if I told anyone he would come back and get me again. He said he knew where I lived. I was so scared. It was awful. He raped me and hurt me.

Ok, calm down Diamond. Here wipe your face, Carol said, handing her a towel. Little girls are just not safe in the world no matter whom they are and where they go. Great God almighty, what kind of world are we living in? You’re just a baby yourself, only 12 years old. Carol held her in her arms as Diamond wept bitterly.

Why didn’t you come to me Diamond? Why didn’t you tell me? You know you can trust me.

Oh Mrs. Carol, I was so ashamed, and I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t understand what happened. I just started feeling funny and sometimes sick. I thought I was dying.

Holding the child close in her arms again, Carol began to cry with her. We will figure something out. Don’t say anything to anyone, I mean no one at all. I will speak with Mother Darling on Monday morning and see what we can do. I do know that we must report this to the police.

No, please don’t Mrs. Carol, Diamond said terrified. That mean man said that if I told anyone he would come back and get me.

Don’t you worry about that mean old man, he cannot hurt you anymore. I will see to that. He only said that to you so that you would not tell anyone. He’s probably long gone from here by now, but we should still report it to the police. You will be fine Diamond, I promise, Carol said as she smoothed Diamond’s hair back.

Carol knelt down beside her bed with Diamond beside her and they both began to pray. When they were finished praying, Mrs. Carol escorted Diamond back into her room. Go to sleep she said. Remember, do not tell anyone about this,

Yes ma’am, Diamond said softly and slipped back into her bed.

As Diamond lay down, she was unable to go back to sleep right away. A part of her was so relieved after having had to carry such a burden around all this time. She was so glad that Carol took the time to talk with her. She would have told Carol sooner, but she was afraid that her attacker would come there and hurt all of them. Diamond could not help but worry about what Mother Darling might say. What would her friends think of her? How could she look at her classmates without feeling dirty and shameful? All kinds of thoughts raced through her mind until she finally fell asleep.

The next two days seemed like the longest weekend Carol had ever had at the orphanage. She was worried sick about what had happened to Diamond. A twelve year child, a baby herself, pregnant with a child. How could something so terrible happen to such an innocent young girl? Carol began to feel guilty for sending the girls out to the park unsupervised. She could not even imagine what Mother Darling, the head of the Catholic orphanage, would say, nor what she would do in a situation like this.

Saturday and Sunday passed as slowly for Diamond as it did for Carol. Diamond was her usual standoff self, not interacting with the other girls. She spent most of the day sleeping and eating.

Early Monday morning, as the other girls prepared for school, Carol came into the room to say goodbye as she always did to end her weekend shift. Diamond said goodbye, along with Rachel, Cindy, Charlotte and all of the other kids. The children all made their way out to school while Mrs. Carol stopped in the office to speak with Mother Darling about the terrible assault Diamond had experienced.

As Carol entered the office, someone else was there. She waited around for a while, and then decided to go home, promising herself to speak with Mother Darling the next day. But the next day never came, one month went by and Carol did not work up the nerve to speak with Mother Darling about the child. She noticed that Diamonds stomach was getting bigger and bigger and thought she had better tell Mother Darling now.

The following morning, Carol came in and saw the kids off to school. After they left she decided to pay a visit to Mother Darling. Carol knocked on the door.

Come in, said Mother Darling.

Good morning, Carol replied.

How are you doing today? asked Mother Darling.

Oh, not so well, Mother Darling, I don’t even know where to start. I don’t know how to begin to tell you. Something terrible has happened to one of the girls. Carol began to cry.

Go ahead and tell me what happened. Did one of the girls get hurt, were they misbehaving over the weekend? What happened?

Well, it’s Diamond, Carol said, sobbing louder.

What is it Carol? asked Mother Darling, Please tell me.

As Carol explained to Mother Darling everything Diamond had told her about the assault, Mother Darling was astonished with outrage. One of our little girls? What on earth are we going to do? I will have to call a meeting with the others, of course, and we must report this to the authorities. Carol, I know how fond you are of Diamond. We will call a meeting with the council. I must tell you, being a Catholic orphanage; I know they will not allow Diamond to stay here while she is pregnant. They will probably transfer her to one of the regular orphanages. There aren’t any close by. I am so sorry this has happened to Diamond. She is such a fine child. We are the only family she’s ever had. This is not going to be easy for her, not easy for any of us. All of her friends are here. But, we must abide by the rules and guidelines of the church.

I do understand, Carol said, her mind threatening to wander into a state of grief and despair, as she tried to stay focused.

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CHAPTER THREE

Mother Darling prepared the staff for a very important meeting with Father