Adopted love

Chapter seventeen - You will apologize to her

Carla's POV:

I am so happy that Kylie is at home. She is such a nice person. Mostly I'm glad that she and my kids understand each other well. Up to now, I haven't noticed any arguments. Rosie loves playing with her big sister. Maybe Kylie will help her grow up. I am afraid for my daughter when she goes into puberty. I know that during this period, teenagers do crazy things. I don't want her to get in trouble. My husband thinks I am worrying too much. From both of us, he is the chiller parent. Probably that's why the kids love him so much. Sometimes, he tries to act like them. I only sit and laugh at this. Our time has passed. That's why we have to leave the kids alone. It's not a lie that I like spending time with them. Well, that doesn't happen every day. I would love that, but I have to give them freedom. I can check on Kylie. She hasn't spent much time with adults. Brenda and Angela were always with her, but it's not the same. I can't replace her mom. Also, I don't want to do it. All I want is to give her everything she needs. That's it. She should feel good at home. I'm trying my best not to disappoint her. I have heard how the other families have treated her. I don't want to be one of them. Well, I'm trying to be a good mom. I don't know if I am successful, but since my kids aren't complaining, maybe I have done something right. I'm sure that we'll be able to understand each other. Some things take time, and I have to be patient. Luckily, Ben is always by my side. I have no idea what I would've done without him. Since I met him, I knew he was the one. This man supported me in everything. That's what I want to see my kids doing. They need to support each other. Girlfriends and boyfriends come and go, but siblings are forever. I hope that my kids will always be together. That is the power they have.

Last night my kids argued. I had no idea that this had happened since the morning. I know it's hard for Kylie to adjust here. That's why my son needs to be patient with her. It will take her some time. I mean, to get used to living with a new family. I thought they would figure this out by themselves, but as I see it, this won't happen. Honestly, I don't want to mess with this. Well, I think I have to. My kids are old enough to solve their problems alone. I will see what I can do about them.

I woke up and went to get ready. I have to make breakfast. Soon, the kids will be up. They have to get ready for school. I won't let anyone go there hungry. I'm glad that they don't complain about the food I cook. Sometimes I make their favorite meals. Well, that happens if they have done something good or deserved it. As I always say, if you do good things, they will happen to you too. I like awarding them. It's like an appreciation for what they have done.

- Hey, you are up. - Ben said

- I have to make breakfast.

- I wish you could lay five more minutes with me.

- I'm sorry. Maybe the next time, ok?

- You always say this.

- Being a mother is not an easy job.

- I never said it was. Well, I deserve some attention as well.

- Do you want something?

- I will tell you another day. Let's go and make breakfast.

- Will you help me?

- Yes, I will. That way, I can still spend some time with you.

- Ok, then.

Ben and I walked into the kitchen. Today I will make pancakes. I need to cook different food, but I know what my kids like. Also, I love them as well. As we were cooking, I heard someone running down the stairs. It was Rosie. She looked worried. Maybe something has happened. Usually, she is in a good mood.

- Honey, are you ok? Did something happen? - I asked

- Kylie is gone.

- What? What do you mean?

- I found this note in her room. She left.

- Rosie, what are you talking about? - Ben asked

- Read this note.

- Ok, I will read it. - I said

Dear miss and mister Carter. I enjoyed spending time with you in the house. It was nice. Finally, I felt like I was a part of something. It has been a while since someone has treated me well. I don't want to disappoint you, but my place is not here. I have people who must take care of me. No matter if they will do it or not. Also, I don't want to be in a place where no one wants me. I know you put a lot of effort into me, and I appreciate that. My decision has nothing to do with you or anyone else in the house. It's personal. Thank you for everything you have done for me. I will never forget it. I hope you won't get upset. I didn't want to hurt you. I have to go, but we can meet one day. I would love to see you again. K.

- I told you she was gone.

- Call your brother right now.

- Why?

- Do it!

- Ok, ok. I will tell him to come here. - Rosie said and left

- I can't believe she did this. I don't know what happened between her and Josh, but he will fix this. - I said

- How? Kylie doesn't say where she went. She can be anywhere. - Ben said

- Didn't she have an uncle in London?

- Yes, but he can't take care of her. Remember? Brenda and Angela said he has two jobs.

- You are right. Maybe they can help us.

- Hey, you wanted to see me. - Josh said

- You are in big trouble. - I said

- Why? I didn't do anything.

- Where is Kylie?

- I don't know. In her room.

- She is not in her room.

- Then, she probably walked to school.

- No, she didn't.

- Ok, so?

- Thanks to you, she ran away from home. I have no idea where she is.

- Why this has to be my fault?

- Because we didn't do anything to her. I don't know what happened between you two. You will fix this.

- How?

- The problem is not mine.

- I have no idea where she is.

- I will find out. You will apologize to her.

- Ok, fine.

While the kids were eating, I called Brenda and Angela. I told them what had happened. They said she might have gone to her grandparents from her dad's side. The problem is that I have no idea where they live. The women told the name of the town. Luckily, I can track her phone number. Thank god that technology exists. I called the school to say that Josh was sick. He is coming with me to fix this. Rosie will go with her dad. I checked online to see where the next flight was.

- Mommy, I ready. We can go to school. - Rosie said

- You will go with your dad today.

- Why? I want to go with you.

- I have to go and see Kylie.

- Will you bring her home?

- I will try. Your brother is coming with me.

- What? I have to go to school. I can't come.

- I called your teacher. You are sick and can't go.

- No, I'm not. You can't make me go with you.

- You will fix the problem. That's it.

- Why do you have to be like that? I don't even want her at home.

- Excuse me? That is not your decision.

- Fine, but I won't be her friend.

Ben took Rosie to school. Josh and I went to the airport. Luckily, there were available tickets. My son didn't want to talk with me at all. I don't know what happened. Everything was good in the beginning. He and Kylie understood each other perfectly. Maybe she said or did something to offend him.

- Josh? Will you tell me what happened? Why don't you like Kylie anymore?

- Please, leave me alone.

- We need to talk.

- I tried to be nice to her. She didn't even care.

- You expected to get treated the same way, didn't you?

- Yes, I did. She can't put her mood on everyone.

- Ok, listen. You will talk with her and tell her how you feel.

- It won't help.

- I think it will.

We left the airport and took a taxi when the plane landed. I gave the driver the location from my phone. Hopefully, Kylie is there. The drive was forty minutes, thanks to the traffic lights. I paid him, and both with Josh walked out. Please, tell me she is here. I want to see her. I knocked on the door, and one man opened it.

- Hi, hello.

- Hello. How can I help you?

- I am searching for a girl named Kylie. She is nineteen.

- My Kylie?

- Are you her grandfather?

- Yes, I am. Who are you?

- I am her new mom. Not yet, but soon I might be. For now, she lives at home.

- You want to adopt her?

- Yes, why? Is there something wrong with that?

- No. Come in.

- Kylie!

- Miss Carter. What are you doing here?

- Kylie, why did you run away? You had to talk with me.

- I know, but I didn't want to do it. I have to be here. My grandparents are still alive, so they must take care of me.

- Thanks to you, now I have to move out of here. - Kylie's grandmother said

- What? Why?

- I told you. I don't want you here.

- But why? I didn't do anything to you.

- You are the same as your mom. Hey, you. Take the girl and go. I don't want to see her.

- She is your grandchild. How can you talk like that about her?

- Josh?

- Hey. Can we talk?

- I have nothing to tell you.

- I know, but I do. Look, I'm sorry.

- For what?

- Really?

- Yes. I have no idea why you are mad at me.

- I know you didn't want to offend me, but you hurt me a little.

- Don't expect all the people to be good to you. I hope you learned your lesson.

- What lesson?

- The same I learned when I was with different families. Treat people the way they treat you. Otherwise, you will always get hurt.

- To understand that I have done something to you.

- No. I wasn't in the mood. I'm sorry about that. I didn't know you were that sensitive.

- I'm not sensitive.

- Yeah, for sure. That's why you acted like a drama queen.

- Now you are exaggerating a little bit.

- You think?

- Can you come home? Please. Otherwise, my mom will kill me.

- I didn't run away because of you.

- Really?

- No. All the time have been switching families. Meanwhile, the people who must take care of me live their life. They need to take responsibility. That's why I came here.

- So I didn't do anything to you.

- Not really.

- Will you come home?

- I don't know.

- Please, Kylie. I will do anything for you. Just come home with me. I love you, and I want to keep you. - I said

- What? You love me.

- Yes, I do. That's why I picked you. Please, come with me.

- Ok, fine. I will come with you.

- Really?

- Yes.

- Thank you so much. - I said and hugged her

Like that, all of us walked out. I booked three tickets for home. There were four hours, so I took the kids for lunch. I was hungry as well. I asked Kylie to tell me about a good restaurant. She and Josh shared a pizza. I ate only a salad. Kylie has no idea how happy I am that she is with me. I love her as she is my kid. I don't know why I got attached to her, but I am. To be a mom is the best feeling ever. I hope she will understand it in the future.

After lunch, we went to the airport. Kylie wanted to sit next to the window. During the whole flight, my son pretended to be the big brother. No matter that they are the same age. I'm glad everything ended. Hopefully, there won't be fights anymore. I want my kids to understand each other. It might take them time, but it's not impossible. When the plane landed, we walked home. Rosie was already at home with Ben. I guess he took a day off or came home early. I saw he was working. Now I know how he did it. I have worked from home as well.

- We are home. - I said

- Kylie! - Rosie said and ran up to her

- Hello to you too.

- Where have you been? Why did you leave me?

- Hey, I didn't leave you. I had to do something.

- I am not little. You left. Thanks to my mom, you came back.

- Well, your brother helped as well.

- I have ordered dinner. It's on the way. - Ben said

- Thanks, but I could've cooked something.

- Even the best chefs need a break.

- Ok, ok. What did you order?

- Soon, you will see.

- Then I better set the table.

- We have enough time for that.

- If you say so.

- Kylie, do you want us to play while the food arrives? I want to show you something. Please. - Rosie said

- Sure, why not? Should we invite Josh?

- No. He is grounded.

- What? No, I'm not. - Josh said

- Yes, you are. I said it.

- Miss big girl, you can't do anything to me.

- Don't be so sure. I can tell my mom to ground you.

- Honey, Josh is not grounded. - I said

- Why? Look what he did.

- Go and play with Kylie.

- Ok. Come on.

- Thanks, mom, and I'm sorry.

- I know. I hope you learned your lesson. Communication is key.

- I will use it the next time.

- Hopefully, that won't be necessary.

- Me too. I don't want to argue with her.

- Good. Let's set the table now.

- Yeah, sure.

After an hour, the food arrived. I called Rosie and Kylie for dinner. I'm so glad that everything is back to normal. We might not be her real family, but I want Kylie to feed well at home. She deserves it. We are not like the other people with who she lived. That's why I want her to stay here. I will do anything for her, the same as for my kids. I don't need anything else. They are more than enough for me. Money can't buy me this. Kylie was what I needed. The missing piece from the puzzle. I hope that I will be able to help her. That way, she won't feel alone.