+Stephanie's Pov+
I was out swimming in the pool. Just floating in a floaty and relaxing. Elizabeth and Jack were in the house playing hide and seek. Aiden, Melanie and Elizabeth were at Elizabeth's house. And Emily was playing with Haidyn in the house. Emily then came out of the house with Haidyn in her arms.
"Hey, Gus is calling you!"
I floated to the edge of the pool where she was and she handed me my phone.
"Thank you." "You're welcome."
I answered the phone and he talked first.
Gus: Hey baby.
Me: Hey.
Gus: Watchu doin?
Me: Nothing. Just relaxing in the pool.
Gus: Oh, I can call you later then. I didn't know you were relaxing.
Me: It's fine. You know I love talking to you.
Gus: I miss you and Haidyn already.
Me: We miss you, too. I really miss you. I've also still been thinking about last night.
Gus: Me too. I wish I didn't have to be gone. And this is only the beginning of this shit.
Me: Hey, I'll always be a phone call away for you. I will always try to answer, too. So please don't be too sad cause when you're with me or without me I'm always here for you.
Gus: I know. I love you baby girl.
Me: I love you too Gus.
Gus: I'm gonna call you back cause the boys are calling me.
Me: Okay. You stay safe and again, I love you.
Gus: I'll be safe if you will. And please kiss Haidyn for me.
Me: I will.
Gus: Okay. Bye baby.
Me: Bye.
I smiled to myself when I hung up and I got out of the pool. I wrapped myself in a towel and went into the house. When I was inside I seen Elizabeth and Jack at the table on their phones.
"Are you guys hungry?"
Jack said,"Yes."
Elizabeth said,"Me too. I don't know what I want though." "Well, here we've got culvers, mcdonalds, wendys, noodles and company, and some other stuff if you wanna look around."
"Okay. Show me the ropes then big sister." "Okay."
I smiled then went to go get dressed.
+Elizabeth's Pov+
Me, Stephanie, Jack and Haidyn ended up going to the park together and we got ice cream. I had got mint with chocolate chunks, Jack got vanilla with m and m's and Stephanie got vanilla with dove chocolate pieces in it. It was nice outside and it was warm with a cool breeze. I was also enjoying time with my brother and sister.
"I miss doing shit like this." "I'll let that cuss pass since I do, too. I missed you and Jack." "We missed you, too." "Don't lie..I know you guys hate me."
She let her head down with a small smile on her face. But it wasn't a good smile.
"What do you mean?" "Because I never came looking for you guys..and I should've known you were still out there.." "Is that what you've been thinking since we've been back?" "Yes..."
She set her ice cream to the side and I did the same with mine.
"Why would you even think that?" "Because it is my fault..I left you guys alone to fend for yourselves and I never meant for that to happen." "We might've been out there for awhile but we thought about you everyday. Especially Jack. He always asked about you and asked where you were and I didn't even know. I couldn't tell him. It was like countless days of not knowing what to say to him sometimes. And after awhile I had made up things to make him feel better. To make myself feel better." "And you shouldn't have had to do that at such a young age. You're supposed to be the one who's taken care of. And that's what I'm gonna do now that I'm here. I'm gonna take care of you guys. I promise I'll never let anyone hurt you ever." "I know. And I heard that night what that guy said to you. You're not a monster. You've never been a monster. You're a fighter and you're brave and you care heavily for the people you love. But you've never, ever been a monster. Not to me or to Jack. Not in mom or dad's eyes either."
She smiled and looked a little sad so I wrapped my arms around her.
"Nothing's your fault and it never will be. And me and Jack are here now so we'll all be there for each other." "I know."
She hugged me back and after awhile I let go and sat back next to her. I then seen Jack swinging on the swing looking as happy as ever.
"I'm gonna go swing with Jack." "Okay. I'm gonna walk Haidyn around a little bit." "Okay. I love you." "I love you, too."
She ran over to Jack and started to swing him. I stood up and started walking Haidyn around the playground while I watched Elizabeth and Jack play.
