My Perfect Adoptive Family

It Doesn't Have To Be Like This

Selena's P.O.V

I wake up, early in the morning. "Morning," Riker whispers as I sit up and stretch.

"Morning," I smile and peck his lips. "What?" I lay back down and wipe away his tear. He tells me about everything with Ella from last night as we get up and sit at the table. I wipe away a few tears before wiping his away.

I glance at the balcony where the teenager sits. "I don't know what to do, Sel," he whispers.

I grab his hand as I look back at him. "Go let her know that you love her and you're there when she needs you. that's all a girl wants from her parents," I say as I squeeze his hand gently. "I'm going to go back to my place.. I'll be back in a few hours," I sigh.

He kisses my cheek. "Love you," he calls as I walk to the door.

"Love you too," I smile before walking out. After he's on the balcony, I walk back in to 'spy'.

Ella's P.O.V

I hear someone open the sliding glass door. "Hey," Riker whispers.

I glance at him before looking back at the ocean. "Hi," I choke out as I lean my head on his shoulder.

He wraps his arm around my shoulders. "I want you to know that I love you, I'll always be here for you, whenever you need me. There's nothing that I can't help you with. If you need anything, I'll be there in a heartbeat."

I hug him tightly. "I love you daddy," I whisper.

He smiles, rubbing my back. "I love you more, princess," he replies.

Selena plops down beside me. "You alright now?" She asks unsurely.

I sniffle and nod. "Yes, I'll be okay," I sigh. Dad looks at her, shrugging. "What?" I whine as I sit up.

They both giggle. "Riker asked me to move in, but if you don't want me to--"

I cut Selena off. "I would love for you to," I shiver.

They both smile. "Cmon kid. It's cold out here," dad says as he pulls us into the house.

Only a few hours later, I begin crying and saying nasty things about myself.

Dad grabs my arms to stop me from moving. "Look at me!" He demands dominantly. I look at him, my vision blurry from tears. "It doesn't have to be like this! Just tell me what you need, I'll get it. I just want to end your pain! I hate seeing you like this, Ella. Let me fix you." I've never heard anyone say that to me.

I shake my head and look down. "You can't fix me," i mumble as he wipes my tears away.

"Oh, but my dear, watch me."

He pulls me into a tight, warm squeeze. I cry into his chest for some time. "I hate myself, daddy," I whisper as he pulls away.

We sit on the couch. "Why is that? Is it something I said or did?" He asks quickly as he kneels in front of me.

I shake my head. "No," I mumble simply.

"Is it something about the past?" He asks, causing more tears to fall. I nod. He climbs back on the couch next to me, allowing me to sob into his shirt again. "Shh, baby. It's okay, I'll protect you." Ive never heard someone say that to me either. "I promise," he whispers. My chest tightens, making it hard to breathe. I take in quick breaths of air. "Ella! Ella, calm down."

I pull back, trying to calm down. "I-I don't want you t-to feel like you d-did anything," I take another deep breath. "I'm just scared."

He wraps his arms around me again. "You don't need to be anymore, I have you," he assures me. Before I knew it, I was sound asleep in his arms.