Change of Heart

Chapter 13

"Today is national animal day. Please take a moment to remember your ex."

-Lawrence

I felt something keep poking my cheek over and over again and I groaned lightly. Who in their insane mind had the audacity to bother me while I sleep?! Opening one eye I expected to see Lawrence but to my surprise there laid Josiah in my bed with a huge grin plastered on his mouth. "Good morning, sleeping beauty. You're finally awake I see."

Grabbing one of the pillows I threw it in his face and got out of bed as he burst into a fit of laughter. "What do you want, Josh? I'm tired!" I whined.

He chuckled in amusement clearly enjoying himself. "Today I thought you and I should spend some quality family time together. We haven't hung out in like forever. Remember when we'd stay up all night on Saturday watching horror movies and you'd cling to me in fear?"

"First, I did not cling to you. I clearly remember you being the one clinging to me. Second, you have a girlfriend. Go spend some time with her instead of me. You two need some more time to rekindle you're relationship."

"Chris and I are fine. We talked all last night and sorted our things out. We both decided that I should spend more time with you since I seem to be failing as your legal guardian and letting you down."

"Josiah you're not letting me down or failing as my legal guardian. I know you didn't sign up for this and I know I can be a handful but you've done a awesome job of taking care of me. You gave up your dream life to take care of me and I'm grateful for that. Mom and dad would be so proud of you.

He smiled, got off the bed, and embraced me in a tight warm hug. "I don't care that I had to drop out of college to raise you. There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do for you. I'm happy to have you in my life and be able to take care of you. I love you so much."

A big smile found its way on my face and I squeezed him back tightly. "I love you too." We stayed hugging for some minutes before he released me and smiled.

"You and I are going to have the best day ever. Meet me by the lake and don't bring anyone else with you. It's just family bonding time today. Got it?"

"Yes! I'll meet you by the lake alone! Now go already so I can get dressed!"

He laughed. "Alright, alright. You sure are grumpy in the morning."

"Who's fault is that?!" I said while glaring at him playfully.

"I hope you're not trying to blame me because we both know its clearly you're fault." I gasped at his comment and was about to throw a pillow at him but he'd already left out the door.

Sighing I threw the pillow back on the bed and went into the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and thought about brushing out my hair but decided against it. I used my hand to flatten it down the best I could before going back into my room and changing into my swimsuit. Just as I slid some shorts on someone knocked on the door. Going over to it I opened it and of course there stood Lawrence.

He opened his mouth and was about to say something but quickly I said "Josiah and I are hanging out today and you're not invited. We're having a family bonding time."

He looked surprised for a minute by my outburst but he quickly recovered and placed one of his famous grins on his face. "You and I should spend some time bonding. How about tomorrow?"

"Um...no thank you. I've bonded enough with you."

"C'mon, Alice! It'll be like old times when we were in middle school!"

I thought about it and stared at him as I saw he was smiling knowing full well he'd win me over. "Fine but on one condition. I get to choose the movies."