Adopted love

Chapter six - Another kid?

Josh's POV:

Mom's friend Lesley woke up two days ago. She was happy to see her best friend again. Hopefully, now she will start going out again. I have no problem spending time with her, but she needs a social life like everyone else. Maybe now she can check on Lesley more often. I'm sure they have things to talk about. After all, they haven't seen each other for the past two months. I still don't understand why she didn't tell us, but my mom knows what she is doing. I'm glad that now she smiles more. I noticed her tired mood when she wasn't with us. No matter how hard she tried to hide, I still saw it. At least my dad is in a good mood. He was worried for my mom but never showed it to us. Mostly it's in front of Rosie. Yesterday she went to play at her friend's house. I used the chance to go out with my friends. Devan and I saw Austin with a girl. It turned out he only wanted a favor from her. If he ever wants to be with a girl is something I don't know. Let's say that my friend is a bit skeptical about this. I would love to do it. Well, I will wait until I find the right person. I believe I will feel it. Maybe she will be someone unexpected. I don't want to think about this now. It's not something urgent. Well, I would like it to be someone I know. The problem is that my only friends are Devan and Austin. I have talked with girls, but nothing serious. I mean, I never wanted it to be. For now, the only girls I know well are my mom and sister. I love spending time with both of them. For some reason, my friends love it too. Mom likes to spoil us, so it's understandable. Rosie sometimes pretends to be older and messes with Austin and Devan. Luckily, they don't mind it. They don't have siblings, so I know why they act like that. Taking care of someone feels good. I hope now my mom will feel better and won't be worried.

I woke up and went to get ready for the day. I asked my mom if we could walk to school, but she still wanted to drive us. It's not like I mind. As I see, she enjoys taking care of us. At least she and my dad went out one day. He deserves to get some attention from her as well. One day, I want to be like them. They deserve to be happy. Honestly, I have never asked my mom what makes her happy. Well, except for us. Maybe Rosie and I can do something for her. I'm sure she will appreciate it.

When I was ready, I went to Rosie's room. My sister was still sleeping. I woke her up and told her to get dressed. Meanwhile, I made her bed. Later, both of us went for food. Only my dad was here. Maybe mom is sleeping. It looks like I was wrong. She is dressed elegantly today. Usually, she puts on casual clothes. I am not the one to judge her. Also, she looks good. It's just not every day when I see her dressed like that.

- Mom, is there a celebration?

- No, why?

- You are dressed in official clothes.

- I have a presentation at work. Now I feel like a student.

- It's ok. Good luck.

- Thanks.

After breakfast, my mom drove us to school. Of course, there was a long hug for Rosie. I have told her to give me a short. Otherwise, both of us will be late. I have no problem with that, but she has an important day at her office. She can't be late.

I walked inside. The boys were waiting for me in front of my locker. Austin looked at me with a smirk. I have no idea what that was for, but I don't want to know.

- Hey, man. - Devan said

- Hello.

- Your mom looks good today. Where is she going? - Austin asked, chuckling

- Please don't talk like that. People will think you are hitting on my mom.

- What if I am?

- Austin!

- I'm kidding. Now, seriously. She has dressed up.

- Mom has a presentation at work. I don't know what it is about.

- She is lying.

- What? Why do you think like that?

- She always goes well-dressed at work. I don't think she will dress up only for one presentation.

- I'm sorry, but I trust my mom.

- Guys, don't argue, please. - Devan said

- Let's go to class.

- The conversation is not over, mate. - Austin said

- I know.

All of us walked to class. I noticed that Austin was checking a girl on i********:. I have never seen her before. She is not from our school. I'm sure about it. He doesn't pay attention in class but somehow has A's. I don't know what he is doing. It seems to work. He is not a straight-A student, but most of his grades are A's. Maybe I need to take some lessons from him. Yeah, that is a bad idea. I don't want to fail.

- Who is this? - I asked Austin

- Anna Siverson. She is a model.

- I have never heard of her.

- Because you are boring.

- Yeah, for sure, is that. Why are you checking her out?

- You are dumb. Look at her.

- So what? You can't date her. I bet you are not her type. - I said, chuckling

- I can dream about it.

- Are you texting her?

- It's always good to compliment pretty girls.

- I will never be able to understand you.

- No one made you do it.

That is where I dropped it. I'm glad my friend likes a girl. I wish she has been a person with who he had a chance. It's not mission impossible, but if she is a model, that makes things hard for him.

After school, the boys wanted to come with me. I told them I had to pick up Rosie. They don't mind this at all. I saw her waiting on a bench when I arrived at her school. Later, all of us walked home. She was quick to go to her room. Maybe she is planning something, but it's better if I don't know. The boys and I went into the living room. It's not only my sister who has lessons. The difference is that hers are easier.

- I will go for juice. Does anyone want something? - Austin asked

- No, thanks, man.

- Ok.

Austin went straight to the kitchen. The boys can go whenever they want. They are like my brothers, so my parents have allowed them everything as long as the house is in the same state they have left. Soon, Devan and I heard him mad.

- Rosie! I will kill you.

Of all of us, Rosie likes to prank Austin the most. If she had been our age, I would think she likes him. Well, my sister is only ten. We walked into the kitchen and saw Austin with a face full of flour. Good job, sis.

- You need to take care of her. Otherwise, I will do it, and she won't like it.

- Man, she is only eleven. - Devan said

- Ten. Next week is her birthday. Also, she wants you two to come.

- We? Why would I come to her birthday after what she did to me? - Austin asked, pretending to be offended

- Because we know you like playing with her. Also, she does too. That's why she pranks you so much. She loves when you chase her.

- I will think about this.

- There will be a cake.

- You don't need to say more.

- That was easy.

Austin washed his face and went to search for my sister. She was hiding in her closet. Rosie better changes her spot. She always goes there after pranking someone. I bet she had been laughing.

- Now you will see, little demon. The tickling monster has arrived. - Austin said

- No, let me go. Please. I promise I won't do this again. - Rosie said, laughing

- That won't happen. You will get what you deserve.

- If you don't stop, I won't invite you to my birthday.

- What? You planned to invite me. I appreciate it, sweetie, but I'm too old for you. - Austin said, chuckling

- Eww. Get away from me. - Rosie said and removed his hands

- You are so easy.

- I hate you.

- I love you too, princess.

- You are not invited.

- Thank you.

All of us went back to our lessons. I expect my sister to come soon. She doesn't like being mad at people. For some reason, that makes her feel guilty. It looks like I was right. She came and sat on Austin's lap. She does the same thing with my mom and dad when she has done something wrong. No words, only sitting and snuggling.

- Look who decided to come.

- I'm sorry. Will you come to my birthday?

- I will think about this.

- Please. I will stop pranking you.

- Ok, ok. I will come. Will you smile now?

- Yay! Thank you.

- You're welcome.

- Can we play now? I won't dress you like a king. I promise.

- I have some work to do. After that, I am all yours.

- Ok. I will wait for you.

Austin played with her for a while. Mom invited the boys for dinner, but both of them denied it. Maybe next time. I noticed that her mind was somewhere else. Probably she is thinking about the presentation. I hope it went well.

- Mom, how was the presentation?

- What?

- I asked about the presentation.

- Oh, it was good. I did it well. My boss liked it.

- I'm glad to hear it. Is there something you want to tell us? Your mind is somewhere else.

- What?

- Nothing.

Rosie finished with her food and went into her room. Mom was thinking about something. I wonder what is going on inside her head. It's visible that it's bugging her.

- Mom, tell us.

- To tell you what?

- Something is going on with you. What are you thinking about?

- I wanted to talk with you two about something. I know it comes out of nowhere. I feel it's right.

- Honey, what are you talking about? - my dad asked

- Can we adopt a teenage girl?

- What? - my dad and I asked in sync

- I know what you think. I would like to have one.

- Can I know how long you have been thinking about this? - dad asked

- For a month.

- Mom! Why didn't you tell us?

- Because I wasn't sure if I wanted this.

- How this idea came to you?

- Thanks to Lesley. Why she was in come, the oldest daughter was taking of her brother and sister. I know how she felt even if she never admitted it. Once, I went to visit them. It was heartbreaking. Maybe we can help someone.

- I understand, but there are many girls. We can't take care of all of them. - dad said

- I know, but I would like to have one. I can dress her. Also, I can talk with her about boys and much more.

- Mom, Rosie is in her room. You can do the same things.

- If I talk with her about boys, your dad will throw me away. - my mom said, chuckling

- That is very likely to happen. - my dad said and laughed

- Are you sure you want this?

- I do. I hope you won't mind.

- No, but that is a big responsibility.

- I want to do it.

- Ok, then. When should we welcome our new sister?

- Things are not that simple. First, I have to decide who to take. Then she has to spend some time at home before we go to court for the final step.

- What about Rosie? You can't hide this from her.

- I will talk with her, but first, I wanted to do it with you.

- Do you want me to bring her?

- No, I will go to see her. I'll take everything off the table and will do it later.

- Dad and I will take care of it. You can go.

- Really? Thank you, boys.

- You're welcome.

I told this to my mom. That way, I could talk with my dad. Adopting? Since when mom wants to adopt a girl? I feel like she doesn't share many things with us. Before, things were different. That was a deal between my mom and me. I will tell her everything only if she does it. I helped my dad with the table. He was washing the dishes, and I was drying them.

- Dad, can we talk?

- It's about your mom. Right?

- Yes, it is. Why doesn't she share with us anymore?

- I don't know. I think she doesn't want to offend us.

- What about the girl? Do you think she will do it for real?

- Yes, and I think I know why.

- Why?

- She loves taking care of you and Rosie. You want her to have a social life. That's why she will take someone else to take care of, and it's the girl that she wanted.

- You think?

- It seems logical.

- Won't Rosie get jealous? You know how little kids are.

- Your mom will find a way to convince her.

- I'm sure about this.

Dad and I talked for a while. If adopting a teenage girl makes mom happy, I have no problem with it. I only hope the boys won't try to hit on her. That is not something I want to happen. Also, I believe it will be hard for her to get used to living with us. Soon my mom came, carrying Rosie in her hands. Some things never get old.

- Mom.

- Josh, please don't say anything

- I wasn't going to do it. How is she?

- I will have an older sister to play with me.

- That answered your question. - my dad said, chuckling

- I guess it did. Rosie, are you happy?

- Yes. She will play with my dolls and do what I tell her.

- That probably won't happen, but ok.

- Austin can rest. I won't park him anymore.

- Do you promise? You know he doesn't like it.

- Yes, he does. Why else will he play with me?

- Good question. - I said, and my parents laughed

The rest of the night I spent with my parents and Rosie. She wanted us to watch a movie with her. No one can say no to her. It's impossible, especially when she pulls out her puppy eyes. This girl is adorable. That's why I love her so much. I'm glad that my mom wants to help someone. I don't know if the girl will feel good at home. I know my mom will take care of her. She treats everyone as her kid. That's why my friends like her so much. Maybe that is a chance for me to have a new friend. I can't date her because she will be my sister. Well, siblings can be friends. I hope that she will feel good at home.