Adopted love

Chapter sixteen - First argument

Josh's POV:

Kylie and I got closer. I think the day at Luna Park helped with that. We didn't do much there, but it was enough. I understood she used to go there with her parents when she was little. That day I wanted to hug her. Also, I wanted to say I was sorry. I didn't do it. No matter what I do, I can't bring her parents back. I would love to do this for her, but I can't. All I can do is make sure she is in a good mood. It's not like my mom is not doing it. I know she will never leave her alone. That's why I love my mom so much. She knows what to say and do to bring your good mood back. Dad is chill. He wants to be the cool parent who doesn't worry that much. Now I know why both of them are married. They make the perfect parenting duo. My parents might not be wealthy, but I am. I have everything I need. Not many kids have parents who love them and a little sister. Rosie might be annoying sometimes, but I love her. I like spending time with her. Honestly, it's not only me. Since I met my friends, they wanted me to bring my sister everywhere where we went. It's not like I mind. Now I will include Kylie as well. She is our age, which is perfect. That's why I have to watch out only for Rosie. She might be eleven, but I can't let anything happen to her. Otherwise, my mom will kill me. She might have Kylie now, but Rosie will always be her baby. It's obvious. They have this special relationship that no one can break. I can happily say that I'm one lucky boy. Well, I have to give credit to my parents for everything. Without them, I have no idea what I would've done. Kylie is right about one thing. I need to appreciate my parents more. It's not like they don't know it, but it's good to remind them. I hope that I will manage to keep the friendly relations with Kylie. She is nice, but I don't want to cross the line.

It's another school day. Around two months left until we graduate. Finally, I will get out of here. It's not like I mind school, but I have been there for five years. That is more than enough for me. Well, after a couple of years, Rosie will be here. Mom is signing her up for the same schools as me. I guess she liked my teachers. Honestly, they are not that bad. That is until you make them mad, which is not something you have to do. As I see it, Kylie liked the school as well.

I woke up and checked my phone. It was a bit early, but I will get up. I don't care about my appearance, but it means I don't have to rush. I got dressed and made my bed. When I was ready, I went to check on Rosie. She was still sleeping. I won't wake her up now. Next, I went to see Kylie. She was up and listening to music. Something has happened. She looked upset. Hopefully, it's not because of me. I carefully closed the door and sat in front of her. She looked at me.

- Good morning. How are you?

- I'm fine, thanks.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. What are you doing here? It's early.

- I woke up and had nothing to do. Rosie is still sleeping.

- Let her sleep. Life can be draining.

- Why are you saying this?

- Because it's true. You can take me for example.

- There is nothing wrong with you or your life.

- If you say so.

- Did something happen? You look upset.

- It's nothing you should worry about.

- What if I want to worry?

- Please, stop with this. Usually, when I am with my headphones, it means to leave me alone. You are lucky that I even talk to you.

- What did I do to you?

- Nothing.

- Then why are you mad at me?

- I never said that. Can you leave me alone?

- Why? I don't want to do it.

- But I do. You need to respect people's privacy.

- Well, I'm not going to do it today. - I said and pulled her for a hug

I was sure she would push me away. Surprisingly, that didn't happen. Kylie didn't hug me but didn't pull away, either. Maybe she is hurt. I can't help her if she doesn't tell me the problem. Soon, I pulled away and looked at her. I tried to read her eyes, but I couldn't. She didn't let me. In that case, I will walk away. I went downstairs to check on my mom. She was setting down the table.

- Hey, you are up.

- Yes, I am.

- What happened? Why are you upset?

- Nothing. You don't have to worry.

- I am your mom and deserve to know what is going on. Do you remember our deal?

- Mom, not now. Please.

- Speak.

- Ask your future daughter. She will tell you.

- Kylie? What happened? Did she do something to you?

- I don't want to talk about this.

- Ok, I will check on her. You can call your dad and sister.

- Sure.

Mom went upstairs to see Kylie. I'm not mad at her, but I wish she could share more with me. After all, she lives here. Meanwhile, I went to call my dad. I was about to see Rosie, but she was already there. Maybe someone is hungry. We sat at the table. Mom came with Kylie. I don't know what happened. Well, I guess I will be guilty. The breakfast was silent. I can say the same about the ride to school. It looks like Kylie doesn't want to talk with me. It's her choice.

I walked in and saw my friends waiting for me. Austin was on his phone. He always talks about girls, but I have never seen him with one. Maybe that way is better. If she breaks his heart, I don't want to hear about it.

- Man, are you ok?

- Hello? Josh?

- What?

- We were calling you. Are you ok? Your head is somewhere else. - Devan said

- Yes, I'm fine.

- Where is Kylie?

- I don't know, and I don't care.

- Now I know what the problem is. What did she do? - Austin asked

- Nothing.

- Yes, and I am a cow. Come on.

- I don't want to talk about it, ok? Please, leave me alone.

- Ok, why are you mad at me? I didn't do anything to you.

- I'm sorry. She is driving me crazy.

- Crazy in love. - Austin said, chuckling

- Don't play with fire if you don't want to get burned.

- Fine. It looks like you are not in the mood today.

I didn't say anything and walked to class. This time, I sat with someone else. I don't need my friends' lectures or to see Kylie. I didn't pay attention in class. It's not like I didn't try. I don't understand what her problem is. I tried to be nice, but it didn't work. Maybe I have to stop taking care of her. After all, she is not my sister.

On the lunch break, I went for food. I saw my friends with Kylie. Well, I can eat with someone else. That was until I saw the food. I guess my favorite meal is not on the list today. I put the tray back and left. It won't be my first time skipping lunch. I went in front of my locker and sat down. At least no one is here. Remind me not to speak so fast. Devan came and sat next to me. I was about to get up, but he didn't let me.

- What?

- What is going on between you and Kylie? Why are you mad at her?

- Now it's my fault.

- I didn't say that. All I want to know is what happened. Yesterday, everything seemed fine.

- Why don't you ask her?

- I did. She had no idea. That's why I came here. Kylie doesn't know why you are ignoring her. She knows she did something but doesn't know what it is. Can you talk with her?

- Why would I do that?

- Because I want to apologize.

I looked up and saw her. Great. I don't want us to talk now. She made a sign to Devan, and he left. This will be a long day. I don't want to know what will happen next.

- Can we talk?

- For what?

- I don't know why you are mad at me, but I'm sorry. I never wanted to hurt you.

- Whatever.

- Please. Josh. Talk to me. Am I that bad?

- Maybe.

- Won't you at least tell me what I did?

- I tried to be nice to you. Is it so hard for you to be too?

- What? I don't understand. What do you mean?

- You pushed me away.

- Do you mean this morning? Look. Sometimes, I am not in the mood, but it doesn't mean you should get mad at me. I didn't do anything to you.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, I am. I might have been a bit cold, but you are not the only one who I have treated like that. Try to understand me. I have to learn how to live with strangers. Do you think it's easy?

- I never made you do it in the first place.

- What?

- You are the one who came to my house. I didn't invite you.

- If you want, then I will leave.

- I didn't say that.

- But that's how it sounded to me.

- Mom won't like it.

- Maybe, but I don't want to be in a place I'm not wanted. - Kylie said and left

Honestly, I'm glad she left. I hope that she won't leave the house for real. Otherwise, my mom will get mad at me. I know how much she wanted Kylie to be at home. Maybe I am exaggerating things a bit. Well, it's too late. I can't take my words back. Also, all the siblings fight sometimes. I won't think about this now.

After school, I went to take Rosie. Kylie didn't want to be with me. She went straight home. The boys were busy, so I was alone. I expect them to come at some time, but I don't know when. Well, they are always welcome. Both with Rosie walked home. I believe Kylie is in her room. I won't disturb her. My sister did exactly that. Without knocking, she walked into her room. I went into mine and started with my homework. After ten minutes, Rosie came.

- Can I help you?

- Kylie kicked me out.

- Why?

- She said she wanted to be alone.

- Leave her. Soon she will talk with you. I promise.

- You can do it. Tell her to let me in.

- I will, but not now. I have homework to do.

- Come on. You can do it later.

- Rosie, I won't do anything. Now stop wasting time and do your homework.

- Fine. - my sister said and left

Until dinnertime, none of us came out of their room. I guess things won't end well. Hopefully, my mom won't understand this. I don't need a lecture from her. It's enough that I had a crappy day. Soon, my mom came into my room. She didn't look happy.

- Do you need something?

- Where is Rosie?

- In her room.

- Are you sure?

- Yes.

- Let me tell you something. She is not there. Rosie is not in the house, and you have no idea where she is.

- What? That's impossible. She won't go out alone.

- It looks like she did it. You are the one who needs to find her.

- Why me?

- Because she is your responsibility.

- Ask Kylie. She is the one who kicked Rosie out of her room. This girl is living like a guest here.

- Excuse me? What did you say?

- Nothing.

- Find Rosie. Now!

- Where? I have no idea where she is.

- The problem is not mine. You have two hours. After that, I am calling the police.

- Fine.

I walked downstairs and saw Kylie talking with my mom. I ignored them and went to take my shoes. That is when the front door opened. Rosie walked in with Austin. Now I want to know what happened. Why is she with him? How does he know she ran away from home? I am so confused. My best friend needs some explaining to do. I looked at Rosie, but she didn't do it. Instead, she stormed by me and walked into her room.

- Hey.

- Hello to you too. Next time, take better care of her.

- Austin? What are you doing here? - mom asked

- I came to bring back your daughter. You better keep an eye on her.

- You found her?

- No, she found me. Rosie came to my house. She said you and Kylie didn't pay enough attention to her.

- Rosie came to you? Alone? - I asked

- Yes, she did. Look, I don't know what is going on between you two. At least don't show it in front of her.

- Will you stay for dinner with us? - mom asked

- Thanks, but my mom is waiting for me. We'll go out tonight.

- Oh, ok. I will check on Rosie. - my mom said and left

- Hey, thank you for bringing her here. I didn't even realize she was gone.

- I know. Rosie is not guilty of the problems between you and Kylie.

- I will talk with her later.

- Rosie or Kylie?

- I don't know.

- Good luck. - Austin said and left

Dinner was ready, and all of us sat around the table. Mom was mad. It's probably at me. It's not like I don't deserve it. I already know what she will say to me.

- Say it. I know you are mad. - I said, looking at mom

- I am not mad, but disappointed. You know she is eleven.

- Yes, I know. She is old enough to go out alone. I don't need to babysit her all the time.

- Ok, what is wrong with you? The whole day you are mad. I know that is against me, but the others didn't do anything to you. You can't put your mood on everyone. - Kylie said

- Is he mad at you? - mom asked

- It's a long story.

- Will someone tell me what is going on? - dad asked

- Not me. - I said and left

The rest of the night I spend in my room. Mom tried to come in, but I locked the door. I don't want to talk with anyone. Probably what I do is stupid, and my behavior is childish, but I don't care. When my mood is better, I will talk with people. For now, I don't want to do it. I thought about calling my friends, but I knew what they would tell me. That's why I didn't do it. Instead, I watched videos on my phone. That was to make the time pass faster. I don't know why Kylie made me mad, but I am. Maybe I'm not ready to let someone live here. I already have a sister. I don't need another one. Well, the choice is not mine. I hope that we'll find a way to understand each other. I don't want to fight with her.