They Adopted Me

A Long Trip Away From Home

Beep

Beep

Beep

Peeling her eyes open, she looked to her side, finding her alarm crying for her to wake up. Sighing, she slammed her hand on her alarm, shutting it off. She was a bit surprised she didn't break it. She layed in bed for a few more minutes. Mixed feelings churned in her stomach. Happiness, nervousness, sadness. Yet she knew she couldn't hide in her bed and hoped she could forget her problems (though sometimes she did). So she got up, and went to her closet, deciding what she would wear today. Looking into her closet, in the side of her eyes she could see her gray suitcase sitting next to her desk. Focusing her attention back at her closet, she decided she would wear a gray hoodie, with some black sweatpants.

Deeming herself presentable, she walked downstairs. It was rather quiet, there was no music playing, or Romans loud voice or Logan's mundane voice or Patton's sweet voice or Virgil Tired Dad Voice. It was silent. She didn't like it. It didn't hold the same feeling of home. It felt more like an empty house. Walking to the kitchen, she found the Sides and Thomas, they were all standing solemnly. Not making a noise, she walked to the cabinet and poured herself Honey Bunches. Putting in her milk, she got herself a spoon and began to eat it quietly. Soon she heard someone sigh.

"We can't act like this isn't happening," Virgil stated.

Everyone knew he was right. Even if they did, it wouldn't change anything. At the end of the day she would still get into her car and drive off.

"I hate it when you're right," Roman grumbled, while folding his arms like a child.

The group laughed at his begrudging self. Yet as the laughter came, it left as quickly, filling the room with silence. Al3ex didn't like this feeling of dread in everyone, it was like she was never going to come back. Sighing, she set her bowl down, tired of the atmosphere.

"Okay, we all know that you can't stop and you won't stop me?" They nodded. "We all know this is for the best. But it's not like you won't see me. I'll come back on weekends and breaks."

"True, but what if you get a flat tire and can't see us," Virgil worried.

"That's not that likely since Alex takes good care of her car and it's less likely she will get flat tired every vacation she has," Logan said matter of factly.

"See nothing to worry about," Alex reassured him.

"But you're still leaving!!!" Roman stated dramatically.

"Now, Roman, we have to be supportive," Potton told him.

"Guys, I know it sucks. It does, but I'll come back eventually I promise. But please guys, I don't want to spend the rest of the day sulking around. Lets make the most of today," she spoke.

"Well, how about we eat all that we can handle," Thomas commented.
"And watch as many movies as possible," Virgil added.

"And bake some banana bread."

"And read Harry Potter."

"And cosplay some Disney Princesses."

It was decided. For the remainder of the day, they would do everything they could do to make the day as amazing as possible. They did a Harry Potter marathon since it was movies and books combined in one. Then they dressed up as some anime characters, and baked banana bread in their cosplays. The rest of the day was filled with eating enormous amounts of unhealthy food while watching Netflix and Disney Plus. The group tried to forget that they wouldn't see Alex for the next few months, yet as much as they wanted to forget, it still rested in the back of their mind.

As much as they hated the thought, they supported her. They made a promise to always be with her and love her, no matter whatever she chose to do with her life. Even if it meant for her to leave the nest. It's not like they didn't expect it to happen, it's just they didn't think it would happen so sudden and fast. It almost felt like just yesterday they were dropping her off at school. But they were blessed that they were able to see her grow.

The dreaded hour came and the fun stopped. They knew they couldn't forget now that it was time. Putting away their things, time seemed to speed up. Before they knew it, they were in front of the house, with Alex holding her suitcase.

Looking behind her, she sighed. She knew she would have to eventually leave, but she hoped she would have still had some time. But guess that her time was up. She tried to think positively, thinking she could visit them often. But even then, those thoughts weren't enough to comfort her. She was afraid of being alone, she wouldn't have the Sides or Thomas or Travis next to her the entire time. It terrified her. All her life she has had someone next to her to tell everything was going to be okay. But she now had to venture into the big world alone. It would scare anyone.

Opening her trunk, she plopped her suitcases inside. Once she put all her things in, she closed it. Taking in a deep breath, she looked at her family. It was time to say goodbye.

Walking up to Virgil, they did their handshake, the one he taught her in middle school.

"Don't trust guys who wear cardigans and drink white claws," he warned.

"I won't she laughed," she laughed.

Embracing her, Virgil held her tightly.

"Good luck, kid," he whispered.

"Thanks, Virg."

Breaking the hug, Alex moved on to Logan.

"Well I guess I'll see you at Christmas," he told her.

"Yeah, I guess," she mumbled.

To her shock, he tackled her into a hug. Shocked for a moment, she hugged him back tightly, with tears forming in her eyes.

"You'll do great," Logan whispered.

With no words, she nodded. Peeling her arms off Logan, she gave him a smile and moved to Patton.

"Oh my little girl, I'm going to miss you so, so much," he admitted.

"Me too Patton," she said.

Kissing her forehead like a father would, he gave her a bear hug. It was a bit longer than the others, with Patton swaying a bit. Giving her one last forehead kiss, he ushered her to Roman. The prince had tears in his eyes, but refused to let them fall. He held her by her arms and studied her features. Tucking a hair behind her ear, he spoke.

"You really do look like a Queen," he declared.

With those final words, their tears fell. Hugging her, his tears fell onto her hair. Not caring, she sobbed into his red vest. She was going to miss his flamboyant personality. Breaking apart, he wiped away her tears.

"Now no crying, you're too pretty to cry," he complimented.

Laughing, she nodded and reached Thomas. They looked at each other for a moment. There were no words to tell each other. So they just hugged each other like the world was ending.

"I love you," he muttered.

"I love you, too," she cried.

Their hug lasted a few more seconds before they broke apart. Wiping away their tears, Alex walked to her car. Getting in, she started the car. Looking out the window, she waved at them goodbye. Driving away, she saw the house get smaller and smaller until she turned the corner and they were gone. She wiped away her tears and took in a deep breath.

"Goodbye, home. Hello college."