Josh's POV:
Kylie ran away. I should've expected this. I don't know why her words and actions offended me so much. I am too nice to people. It hurts when they don't treat me the same way. She was right. Not everyone will treat you the way you treat them. I should've known this. The good news is that she came back come. Mom was mad at me for that. Kylie said she didn't run away because of me, but I know that was the reason. It was obvious. Also, she wrote it in her letter. She said she didn't want to be in a place she was not wanted. That's why I said this to her, but now I regret it. At least we managed to sort things out. I will try to be patient with her. She is not a bad girl. I have to accept the fact that she will live at home. It's not something horrible. Maybe I have to use the chance to help her. I have had parents my whole life, but she didn't. My parents can't replace hers. I know they will care for her. I have to do it too. After all, I am close to Rosie. It won't cost me anything to do the same for Kylie. I might not be able to take her pain away. I will try my best to cheer her up. I believe that is what she needs. Honestly, I have never done this before. That's why I was never that close to a girl. She will be my sister, but it doesn't mean we can't be friends. I will take her with the boys and me when we go out. Rosie is coming all the time. Also, she likes her new sister. She is part of the family now, and I can't ignore her. The thing is that I don't want to. I'm not falling for her, but I want to keep her close. Kylie is a good friend. I'm sure I can learn a lot from her. She had many lessons in her life. I hope that we'll manage to keep our friendship. I don't want it to change.
It has been more than a week since Kylie came back home. Mom has superpowers. The main one is her love. When she wants something, she is ready to do anything for it. On the other hand, my dad is the same when it comes to my mom. He won't let her go even if someone pays him. That's why I want to have the same relationship in the future. It feels nice taking care of someone. I realized it when I started doing it for Rosie. She might be annoying sometimes, but I will never give up on her. She is my little sister, and I will always care about her. No one can change that.
I woke up and checked the time. It's the weekend, so I don't have to get up early. It was only 9 am. I went to check on Rosie. She was still sleeping. I wanted water, so I went to the kitchen. I checked for my parents, but there was no sign of them. I guess they are sleeping. I was about to go to my room when I heard a noise. It came from Kylie's room. Maybe something has happened. I carefully knocked on the door and walked in. She was in her bed.
- Hey, are you ok?
- Oh, hey. Yes, I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me. - Kylie said and wiped a tear
- Are you sure?
- Yes. You can go to bed. It's still early.
- Can I stay here? If you don't want me, I will go.
- No, it's ok. I won't deny some company.
- Thanks.
I sat on the bed, and she immediately snuggled. Something has happened. I want to ask, but I think it's not the moment. If she is ready, she will tell me. I removed a piece from her hair. Then I kissed the top of her head. Can someone tell me why this feels good? Kylie will be my sister. I can't have feelings for her. Right? Technically, we are not blood-related, but it's still wrong. I looked up to see that she was sleeping. Maybe that way is better. I don't know what happened. Some sleep will be good for her. After all, I don't know when she woke up.
I woke Kylie up for breakfast. Mom came to call us. Rosie was already there. My sister is the first at the table when it comes to food. It's not like she is eating much. I noticed that Kylie was not in the mood. I looked at her, and she smiled.
- Kylie, are you ok? You don't eat much. - my mom said
- Yes. I'm fine. I'm still sleepy.
- If you play with me, I will wake you up. - Rosie said
- Thanks, but I don't want to play now. We can do something else if you want.
- Like what?
- I don't know.
- Rosie, leave her alone for now. She will play with you later. - I said
- Ok, fine.
- Rosie, why don't we go outside today? Your dad and I will take you to your favorite store. - mom said
- I don't know if that is a good idea. You know what happened the last time. - dad said
- Don't worry. I have a plan.
- If you say so.
- Let's go. I want to buy something. - Rosie said
- Ok, ok. Finish your breakfast, and we'll go.
My parents took Rosie out. I'm sure they are not going to her store. My sister made puppy eyes to get everything she wanted the last time she went there. Mom and dad spent a lot of money on her. This time that won't happen. Kylie walked into her room again. It's visible that she is still upset. I want to ask what happened, but I don't know if I should do it. Well, I still walked after her. She was hugging a pillow on her bed.
- Hey. It's me again.
- Hey.
- I know I shouldn't ask, but what is going on? Did I do something?
- No, it has nothing to do with you or anyone in the house.
- You said that the last time.
- It's true. Don't you trust me?
- I do. I trust you.
- Ok, then.
- Cool.
- It's my mom's birthday today. - Kylie said and broke down
Now I understand. At least I didn't do anything this time. It's not like that is not bad. I didn't say anything and hugged her. No words are needed. Honestly, no matter what I say, it won't be enough to make her happy. There is one thing I can do, but I don't know if she will want it.
- Kylie?
- Yes.
- Do you want to see your mom?
- What?
- We can buy her flowers. I'm sure she will appreciate it.
- Really? Will you do this for me?
- Yes, I will. You don't need to ask me twice. - I said, chuckling
- Ok, then. If you want, we can go.
- Sure. I am always ready.
- Thanks. It's good to know.
Kylie and I walked out. We went to the nearest flower store and bought a small bouquet. I don't know her mom's favorite flowers. Well, I think that doesn't matter. After all, we want to make her happy. Later, we walked to the cemetery. There was no one. Usually, here come people for the holidays. Today there is no celebration. I let her lead me. Her parents' graves were in the second row. Miss Jones was a beautiful woman. Now I know from where Kylie took her beauty. Honestly, as I look at the pictures, she looks like her parents. People say that I look more like mom. I don't see the similarity, but I don't mind. Kylie left the flowers and sat down.
- I miss you. I don't know why you left me, but that was a mistake. You have no idea what I have been through. You left me to be with these awful people who didn't even care about me. I went through hell to find the perfect family. Why did you do this to me? Do I mean nothing to you? Answer me! I want to know why you left me. Why? I hate you for that. I hate you! - Kylie yelled and broke down again
I hate to see her like that, but the fact that I can't do anything is even worse. I pulled her for a hug and let her snuggle. That is the only thing I can do right now. Words won't help. Honestly, they might make it worse. We stayed like that for a while. She had been holding me as if that was the last time we could see each other. When she was ready, we went for lunch. I offered to go home, but she didn't want to.
- Are you sure?
- Yes, I am. I need a distraction.
- Ok, then. I know a small restaurant.
- Cool.
Both with Kylie walked in. She wasn't hungry, but I made her order something. I know she is upset, but it doesn't mean she has to starve herself. After half an hour, our food was ready. Meanwhile, I texted my mom to tell her where we were. Probably she won't search for us, but it's better if she knows.
- The food is good. - Kylie said
- I'm glad that you like it.
- Thank you for coming with me today.
- Do you feel better?
- A little bit, yes. I owe you a lot.
- You don't owe me anything. That is what at least I could do after everything I did to you.
- It's ok. I know it's not easy for you to let a stranger live in your house. I felt the same every time I was with a new family.
- I guess it wasn't easy.
- The worst thing was when I had hope. You have no idea what it feels like to believe in something. Then this gets crushed into a million pieces.
- I'm sorry. I hope you don't feel the same at home.
- No, I don't. Your mom is good to me. For the first time in ages, I feel like someone cares about me.
- Mom is lovable, and I'm sure you two will have a great relationship.
- I hope so. I don't want to disappoint her.
- No matter what you do, you will never disappoint her.
- Really?
- Yes. That is because she wanted you so bad. She was disappointed in me, but she will never be in you.
- If you say so.
- What do you want us to do this afternoon?
- I don't know. You can choose.
- We can go for a walk or go home. I don't mind.
- I prefer the walk. I don't want to go home yet.
- You said home.
- Yes, I did. Why?
- I don't think I have heard you say this before.
- Some people change. - she said, smiling
- I am happy to hear that. How about this? We can walk around and then eat something in a park.
- It sounds like a plan to me.
- Ok, let's go.
Kylie and I walked around the town for about two hours. I know she is still upset, but I hope the walk will make her feel better. I don't know what else I can do for her. After that, we went to a*****e to buy snacks. I suggested one park nearby. Her head was somewhere else, so I took this as a yes. We sat down and peacefully ate our food. Kylie was looking in front of her, but there was nothing. I mean, no people. There was a tree and a bench. I pulled her in for a hug and kissed the top of her head. I don't know how many times I will do this today, but I like it. Hopefully, this won't become a habit. I want us to get close, but not that much.
- Do you feel better?
- What?
- I asked if you felt better.
- Yes, I do. Thanks. You are a good friend.
- Is there anything else I can do for you?
- For now, no. I will tell you if I need something.
- I hope you will need it soon.
- Need what?
- Whatever it is. I like helping you.
- Why? I haven't done anything for you.
- I know, but take it as an apology gift.
- Thanks, but I don't want to do it. You didn't do anything wrong.
- Mom didn't think this way.
- I will talk with her. All of this was a misunderstanding, ok?
- If you say so.
- There is nothing you should worry about. Leave the talking to me.
- Ok, I will do it. Can I do something to make you feel better?
- Thanks, but I already feel better. What you did was enough. I don't need anything else from you.
- Are you sure?
- Maybe a late-night movie in bed won't be a bad idea.
- I like the way you are thinking, miss.
- Thank you, mister. If you want, we can go home. I don't want to miss dinner. Also, your mom might need help.
- I don't think so, but ok. We'll go home.
I'm glad that Kylie feels better. The whole way home, she was smiling. I don't think it's because of me, but I like seeing her like that. She looks better with a smile on her face. This girl needs to smile more often. We walked in and saw my mom cooking. I guess we came just in time. Of course, Kylie went to help her. I know she doesn't want to feel like a guest here. I regret saying this. She is welcome here, and I'll make sure she knows it.
- Dinner is ready. Will you call your sister? - mom asked
- Yes, sure.
- I am here. It smells so good. I need a full plate. - Rosie said
- I called her. - I said, and my mom laughed
- Someone is hungry.
- Well, I haven't eaten since lunch. My body needs food to function right.
- Look who is clever. Ok, young lady. You will receive this food.
- You owe it to me after the prank.
- What prank? - Kylie asked
- Mom and dad didn't take me to my favorite store. They lied to me.
- We will take you, but not today. - my dad said, coming in
- When?
- Soon.
- You always say that.
- Rosie, let's not fight tonight. I want a peaceful dinner. - dad said
- This is not the end, daddy.
- Should I be scared? - he asked, chuckling
- You better be. - Rosie said and started eating
The rest of the dinner was good. Later, Kylie went to play with Rosie. My sister didn't leave her in peace. She knows how to make people do what she wants. This girl is a little manipulator. Luckily, she fell asleep. After that, Kylie was mine. We didn't do anything except for her late-night movie. The whole time she was snuggling with me. I love that we became so close. Finally, we have good relations. That is what I wanted from the start. I don't want to argue with her. It's not something good. All I want is for Kylie to feel good at home. I hope that I will manage to do it.