Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 62

December 10th, 2019

It had now been two days since I'd been released from the hospital. Javi and I were settling with Neo and his family, and so far, it had been pretty nice. Most of them seemed happy to have us and were going to extra lengths to make us feel welcome. Felix, Des, and Vanesa were still avoiding me, but I knew they were trying in their own ways.

School had been more awkward. I'd seen Eli and the triplets multiple times, and every time they passed, they were always staring at me. But they kept their distance and I kept mine.

Alan had barely spoken to me in the classes we shared together, choosing to ignore me completely. I think it was his own way of coping. He'd even changed seats so he was away from me at all times.

Harry and I still talked at least. I'd decided he wasn't really a part of the family drama, so we stayed friends. Even though we didn't see each other much, it was still nice to have another friend to smile at in the halls.

Things had changed so much, it all felt so weird. I sat with Janie and Neo at lunch and at work, which was nice. They'd both been so helpful and supportive, I was so glad to have them in my life. Especially now that people knew who I was, it was overwhelming at times. News reporters had been constantly hassling me for interviews and to answer their questions. Most New Yorkers were surprisingly relaxed about it, but there were always the few people who wanted photos or just to come up and talk. Janie had even shown me magazines and Tv clips featuring me on the front headlines. I hated every bit of it.

Neo was really good at keeping that stuff out of the house so I wouldn't notice it, and I was incredibly grateful.

*Alan*

I shuffled quietly through the streets, bumping into someone in my daze.

"Hey, watch it!" they growled, shoving me back.

I had to force myself not to retaliate, instead, sidestepping out of their way and moving on, stepping out in front of Java House. I watched Mia through the window, chatting and smiling at the customers inside. I don't think I'd seen her this happy in weeks.

I knew I wasn't supposed to be visiting her, but it had been three days since I'd last spoken to her, and even though I was trying to show her I was fine, I was completely broken. My entire family was, in fact. Eli's nightmares had spiked again, and the triplets were constantly getting some sort of trouble. Even Cato and Xander were struggling. Though they'd never show it, losing custody was really taking a toll on them too.

Being at school was the hardest. I could barely stomach seeing her in the halls and having to ignore her. I saw her coming into school every day on the back of Neo's motorcycle. They were never apart, it was infuriating. But I'd said it myself, he was better for her than I was.

Before I could stop myself, I opened the door to the cafe and headed inside, sliding onto one of the barstools.

"Alan?" Mia's voice was quiet.

I jumped up, turning to face her sheepishly. "Hey,"

She signalled something to Janie, who nodded and sent me a glare. "Alan, let's go," Mia muttered, walking off.

I hurried after her, following her into the staffroom. "Mia, I'm sorry," I told her quickly.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

I sighed. "You know why," I started, but she waved her hand to cut me off.

"Save it, Alan, I don't want to hear it,"

I moved in front of her, facing her pleadingly. "We'll change, I promise. No more fighting or gang stuff, I swear. Just... just come home, okay?"

Her eyes were searching mine studiously, a dull green. "I said no," she answered.

"Please, Mia, just hear me out," I begged, grabbing her arm to stop her from leaving. "I miss being friends,"

Mia tugged her arm from mine, casting me a sad look. "Me too," she whispered.

"So stop pushing us away," I inched closer.

"I just need time," she replied, shaking her head softly.

I scoffed. "You don't get how hard this is for us," I watched her frown. "Our entire family's a wreck. We miss you, we just want you to come home,"

"And what about what I want, Alan?" Mia asked bitterly.

I folded my arms over my chest. "And what would that be?"

"I want time," she answered. "You've had your entire life to process this. I've had a week. I need time to figure out how I feel,"

I felt myself clenching my fists and I tried my best not to get angry. "I haven't had my entire life," I argued. "We thought you were dead,"

Mia's eyes widened slightly before they narrowed. "You said you knew who I was the moment you saw me," she countered.

"So?"

"So you've at least had two months," she snapped.

I paused, finally realising that she was right. She couldn't just rush into something as big as this. I'd been preparing for it since I was four; she hadn't. "Alright," I said softly. "You're right. I'm sorry, I shouldn't push you into something you're not ready for,"

She offered me a tiny smile. "I know it hasn't been easy for you guys," she told me. "It hasn't been easy for us either. Javi really misses you," She paused. "So do I,"

"We miss you too," I replied softly.

Her smile widened ever-so-slightly.

I stuffed my hands in my pockets. "Look, I know you need time - take as much as you need - but," I hesitated. "Can we be friends again? Whenever you're ready," I assured her.

"Yes," Mia answered with a soft nod. "I'd like that," Her eyes had brightened again and she looked less upset.

I grinned, glad we were making progress. "Do you mind if I stay for a while?"

Her gaze flickered to mine in amusement as she nodded. "Milkshake?" she asked.

I rolled my eyes with a chuckle. "But of course," 

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A/N: I'm so glad everyone is enjoying the book so far!! All of the remaining chapters of the Butterfly Effect are already written, it's just a process of editing and publishing. Thanks so much for the all the reads! I hope you all love this book as much as I do!!

Also, shout-out to pansiesandpeonies for somehow guessing the plot of today's chapter!! Kudos to you and your spot-on psychic abilities! :)