Last Chance

37.

"I'm going to take Digby out." Zoey grabbed the dog leash and walked over to Digby. 'Wait. I'm coming. It's time for a father daughter walk.' said Josh. 'Okay.' Zoey put the belt on Digby. Josh quickly put on his shoes and left home with Zoey and Digby to go for a walk around the neighborhood.

It was a week later and the weather was lovely. The sun was shining and Zoey finished school early today. The last two hours were falling out so around half past one Zoey was already on the doorstep with the news that she had a breakdown.

"How was school today?" asked Josh. 'Went well. I got an eight for my English test.' replied Zoey. 'Wow! How handsome Zoe!' Found Josh. Zoey smiled. 'It was also an easy test, you know.' said the girl. 'Yet. Really very handsome!'

"Thanks Josh." Smiled Zoey. 'And how are you making friends at school? Are you doing any better?' asked Josh. Zoey shrugged. 'Everyone is nice to me but I just don't click with my classmates. They just don't understand me.' she sighed. "Is there anything Ginny and I can help you with?" asked Josh.

They arrived at the dog walking area and Josh opened the door. Zoey walked in with Digby and she unclipped the leash. Digby ran frantically and Josh and Zoey looked after him. "Shall we sit down?" asked Josh. Zoey nodded. Josh and Zoey walked to a bench and sat down. "But how do you think Ginny and I can help you?" asked Josh. Zoey thought for a moment. 'I do not know.' she then replied softly.

"Zoey, Ginnifer and I are a little concerned about you. When you first moved in with us, you were having such a good time, but since meeting your birth mother, you seem so unhappy. We want to see our girl happy.' said Josh. "Our girl?" Zoey looked at Josh.

'Um yes. Ginnifer and I really wanted to say it to you and Sam at the same time, but we were wondering if you guys would like to stay with us forever?' Josh smiled at the girl. Zoey's mouth dropped open. "Adopt you mean?" Josh nodded. Zoey was silent for a moment. "Shall we go home and discuss it with Sam and Ginnifer?" Josh looked at the girl questioningly. Zoey nodded.

When they got home, Josh called Ginnifer, Sam, and Zoey over. Oliver and Hugo were playing in the playroom so it was the perfect opportunity to chat with all of them. "Why do you look so sad Zo?" Sam looked questioningly at her sister. "I'm not grumpy." Zoey replied quickly.

"Ginnifer and I want to discuss something with you." Josh started. 'The past few months have not been the easiest months for all of us. We had to overcome a lot of setbacks, but we also had a lot of fun times together. Our trip to the beach, the shops, the walks, the weekend getaway, the movie nights.'

"Now is the time when Ginnifer and I want to ask you something. Something very personal.' Mysteriously, Josh looked at the two girls. Zoey, of course, already knew what Josh was going to say, but Sam had no idea and looked curiously at the couple. 'What? What do you want to ask us?' asked Sam.

"Your credit." Josh looked at Ginnifer. "Josh, Oliver, Hugo and I would love it if you guys came to live with us for a while. And we don't mean foster children, but we would love to adopt you.' Ginnifer smiled. 'U.S?' Sam's mouth dropped open. "Of course we want to." Sam got up and she hugged Josh and Ginnifer. Everyone happily hugged each other, only Zoey stayed in her seat and stared straight ahead.

"So, aren't you happy?" Sam noted that Zoey wasn't joining the revelry. "I... I..." Zoey wanted to say so much but she couldn't get it out. Josh, Ginnifer and Sam looked at the girl expectantly. Zoey bit her lip and panicked and ran out of the room.

"Zoey, wait!" shouted Ginnifer. Zoey didn't listen and she ran away. She ran from her problems as she always did when she was afraid. She was afraid of being adopted. To make it official. Somewhere deep inside she wanted nothing more than to live with Josh and Ginny. She loved the couple and she loved them, but she also knew she wasn't good enough for them. She could never match their expectations.

Zoey ran out of the house into the street and ran as far as she could. Behind her, she heard Josh and Ginnifer yell, but she made no effort to turn. She just wanted to get as far away from this place as possible.