Adopted love

Chapter nineteen - We are too close

Kylie's POV:

Less than a month has left until I graduate. I like living in miss and mister Carter's house. It might not be big, but it has space for everyone. The most important thing for me is that here people understand each other. Finally, someone is listening to me. It's not like I have much to say, but I like it when people value my opinion. Miss Carter is treating me like her daughter. No matter that I'm not. I mean, not officially. It needs to pass some amount of time before we go to court. Well, we were already there last week. You have to go there. That way, the judge can ensure that the parents treat the kids well. Luckily, everything went well. I wish I could hear from my friends too. I haven't heard from Nicole and Annie since they went to England. Hopefully, they are good there. I texted them, but there was no answer. Maybe the family took away their phones. I can call Angela and Brenda, but I don't know if they can help me. It's still a try. After all, that is my only idea. I have no idea what else to do. When the time comes, I will think about this. Now I have other things in my head. Soon is miss Carter's birthday. I haven't bought a present for someone since my dad's birthday four years ago. The problem here is that I don't know what she likes. I mean, I don't know her well. Also, I have been here only for two months. I was thinking about a photo frame of the whole family, but that is not enough. Well, a photo without me. I am not part of this family yet. I feel like she has this already. It has to be something better. I have seen a box with challenges that will make your life better. Maybe I have to try this. It's not unique, but it's better than nothing. I have to buy this woman something. After all, she has done many things for me. I hope that she will like her present. I don't know what else I have to buy her.

Today is miss Carter's birthday. I went to buy her a present yesterday. Hopefully, she will like it. I'm not the best gift giver, but my parents have always enjoyed what I give them. Maybe they have pretended, but it was still something. The problem is that I don't know her taste. She might like it or hate it. Well, I prefer the first option. Josh said that my present was great. I don't know if I have to trust him about that. Honestly, it's a stupid idea. The thing is that I couldn't think of anything better.

I woke up and checked my phone. It was only 8 am. I don't know why I woke up so early. The late-night movies became a thing for Josh and me. We do it almost every night. I won't be surprised if he is still sleeping. In that case, I can be nice and make breakfast. The problem is that I can't cook. Well, I have the internet to help me. I found some recipes. Finally, I got out of bed. When I was ready, I went into the kitchen. I'll try not to make so much noise. The plan is to make breakfast and go to bed as if nothing happened.

After an hour, the food was ready. I put everything on the table and went back into my room. Hopefully, miss Carter will like the little surprise. Soon, there was a knock on my door. It was Josh.

- Can I come in?

- Yes, sure. I woke up ten minutes ago.

- Same. What is the movie for tonight?

- I don't know. I haven't thought of that.

- Well, you have a whole day to think about that. This time, we are in my room.

- Ok, no problem. I'll do whatever you say.

- For some reason, I like that.

- You always do.

- True. If you want, we can go out after breakfast.

- It's your mom's birthday today.

- I know, but she will have lunch with her friends.

- What about your sister? We can't leave Rosie.

- Dad will take care of her. It's enough that I bring her everywhere with me. Sometimes, I like to be without her.

- Ok, then. What will we do?

- I will let you decide.

- Why me? You always let me choose everything. Don't you have an opinion?

- I do, but it's not as important as yours.

- Because?

- Because I said so. Don't ask so many questions.

- I'll keep my mouth shut.

- I didn't say that.

- But that's exactly how it sounded to me.

- If you say so.

Josh and I talked for a while. Later, we went for breakfast. We waited for the birthday girl to appear. She was already ready to go out. I won't lie. Everything looks good on her. She and my mom could've been good friends. Sadly, they will never have a chance.

- Ben, thank you, but you shouldn't cook. I would've done it.

- I want to say it was me, but that would be a lie. - mister Carter said

- What?

- I didn't do this. We woke up together.

- Josh?

- Don't look at me. I was with Kylie.

- Well, someone made this. The food didn't appear on its own.

- It's delicious. - Rosie said

- True. The chef is good. - mister Carter said

- Kylie, did you do this? - miss Carter asked

- Why would you think that?

- Because you answered my question with a question. You avoid the answer.

- But I was with her. - Josh said

- For how long?

- Since I woke up.

- I think she woke up before you. Am I right?

- Ok, fine. I did it. Are you happy?

- Yes, I am. Thank you for that. It tastes heavenly. - miss Carter said, chuckling

- Thanks. I'm glad you like it.

All of us ate breakfast peacefully. Rosie went into her room. Later, she came back with a gift bag. I wonder what she made. I'm sure the present is handmade, which already defeats mine. The thing is that I'm not good at anything involving crafting. That's why I have always bought my gifts.

- This for you, mommy.

- Your drawing skills have improved. Thank you so much. I will put this in a frame.

- I hope you never stop cooking.

- I won't do it for sure. - miss Carter said and laughed

- My turn. I was stuck with gift ideas, so my present was boring. I still hope you like it. - Josh said

- What is this?

- It's a reservation for dinner for you and my dad. I don't know if you like this restaurant, but one night alone with my dad might not be that bad. Well, you can take someone else if you want.

- Your dad is the perfect option. Thank you, honey.

- I have reserved a place for the weekend. Josh, you have to watch your sister next week. - mister Carter said

- No problem.

- It's only us.

- Yes, it is. I know what you are thinking about.

- I'm glad to hear it.

- Ok, so I'm not the best gift giver. You probably won't like my present, but I didn't come up with anything better.

- What is that box?

- It has a hundred challenges. After you do them, your life is supposed to get better. I mean, you will feel better.

- That is interesting. I will use this, for sure. That is a good gift. Thank you. Let's read the first one. It says to tell someone you love them even if they are your enemy. I already know how I will do this.

- To understand that you like it.

- I love it. This might be my favorite thing. I mean, I will be occupied for the next hundred days.

- You can skip some challenges if they make you uncomfortable or you don't want them.

- Oh, no. I will do every single one of them.

- It's good to hear.

We stayed with miss Carter for a while. Later, she went for her lunch with her friends. Rosie was with her dad. Well, Josh pleased him to watch her for us. I don't know where we are going, but I am excited. Soon, we arrived in front of a fast food restaurant. Josh told me to stay outside while he bought food. After that, we went to a park. We sat under a tree to eat everything. The food was so good. I need to learn how to cook.

- The food is melting in my mouth.

- I'm glad that you like it.

- I need to learn how to cook.

- You did well with the breakfast.

- Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

- I like everything you do.

- Why? I don't have any talents.

- That's what you think. Everyone has a talent, even me. No matter that I haven't found mine yet.

- Well, you have time for that. - I said and took a bite from my food

- Yes, I do. - he said and came closer

- What are you doing?

- You have hair in your food. - he said, chuckling, and removed it

- Thanks. It has happened to me a lot.

- How long hair do you want to have?

- I don't know. I leave it to grow alone. I don't do anything to it.

- It looks like this is working. Your hair is beautiful. Well, you too.

- Thanks. I appreciate the compliment.

- I can make you one every day if you want.

- You don't have to do that.

- What if I insist?

- Then I have to agree. Otherwise, you won't leave me in peace.

- That is true. I'm glad how well we understand each other.

- I'm trying my best not to disappoint you.

- Hey, that will never happen. You are perfect the way you are.

- Oh, um, thanks.

- Let's eat now. We can walk around later if you want.

- I would love that.

Josh and I finished our lunch. We walked around the park for a while. For some reason, he is in a good mood today. I don't know what is happening, but he is extremely good to me. It's not like I mind. I haven't been treated like that soon. It's good to know that someone cares about you. Also, someone who appreciates the way you look.

After two hours, we walked home. Josh said he wanted to take a shower. I waited for him in my room. Mister Carter and Rosie were asleep on his bed. I guess they watched a movie. I only took a blanket and put it on top of them. Watching them reminds me of my dad. We used to do the same when I was little. Soon, there was a knock on the door, and Josh walked in. I think he is doing it on purpose. Why else would he come here with wet hair? I won't lie. He looks cute that way. It's better if I don't tell him this. He will be my brother. I have to keep reminding myself. Otherwise, I might do something stupid. That can't happen.

- Kylie, are you ok?

- Um, yes, why?

- You kept staring at me.

- I'm sorry. I was thinking about something.

- Was it me?

- Sorry, but no. You are not the center of the universe.

- Maybe, but I am in yours.

- It's the wrong answer again.

- Are you sure? - he asked and sat right in front of me

- Y-yes. I am.

- Let's say that I believe you.

- You said you trusted me.

- Yes, and I still do. Why did you say it?

- Because you don't believe me.

- That is something different.

- How exactly?

- You are too young to understand.

- Hey, I am not Rosie. Even she would understand it.

- Maybe, but that is not the point.

- Then what is it? Also, won't you dry your hair? You might get cold.

- Thanks, mom, but I will let it dry alone.

- I'm not your mom, but ok. It's your choice.

- It's always mine.

- What is wrong with you today? You are too nice.

- I am in a good mood. Is it that bad?

- No, but you have treated me this way.

- Don't you like it?

- I do. It feels nice.

- Then why are you complaining?

- What? I'm not complaining. It was a simple question.

- That's why I gave you a simple answer.

- Did you hit your head somewhere?

- I did.

- Where?

- In your heart.

- I think it's time for you to go.

- Why? Don't you want me to be here?

- I'm not sure.

- If I don't do anything to you, will you let me stay here?

- Maybe I will. It depends on your behavior.

- Ok, then. How about laying in bed and talking?

- We have talked up to now.

- I know, but I'm too lazy to do whatever it is.

- You were the one who suggested the lunch and the walk.

- You could've said no.

- Now it's my fault.

- I never said that.

- You don't have to do it. I feel it.

- Let's not insult each other.

- You are not making it easy.

- Ok, ok. I will stop bugging you. Maybe it's better if I go into my room.

- I never said that. You can stay here.

- Why?

- You might have annoyed me, but it wasn't that bad.

- Are you sure? What if I keep annoying you?

- Then I will throw you away.

- You can't do that. The house is mine.

- But I live here too.

- I am here for a longer time.

- But your mom picked me.

- Because she was blind.

- What?

- Sorry. Bad joke. - he said, chuckling

- I hope it was a joke.

- It was. I swear.

- Ok, ok. No hard feelings.

- Only warms ones.

- What do you mean?

- Nothing. Forget that I said something.

- I will try, but it won't be easy. I want us to have good relations, but we are too close. Don't you think?

- Why? I like it.

- I might get adopted soon. You know what this means.

- So? We are not blood-related.

- I know, but it's weird.

- Fine. I won't do anything to you.

- I didn't say that.

- That's how it sounded to me.

- Please don't get mad.

- Who said that I will? You can relax. I won't do anything. Neither will I get mad at you.

- Thanks. It's good to know.

Josh and I kept talking until dinnertime. Mister Carter took his wife out for dinner. She looked happy. I guess her lunch with friends went well. She needs to go out more often. I know she likes spending time with her kids. That is what I appreciate the most. Family should always be in the first place. One day, I might have my own. Honestly, I don't want to think about this. I would love it. Well, I don't know if I want to deal with it. Taking care of a kid is a big responsibility. There is enough time until then. I won't think about it now. What I will do is enjoy the time I spend here. I hope they would like to adopt me. This family is good to me.