New Life, New Love

- 13 -

Thanks for so much love on the last chapter!!
Remember keep on commenting and voting! As always, comment any ideas or thoughts you have. Love seeing the feedback <3

100 votes and 85 comments
______________________________

The room was silent as Madison tried to process what was happening. They adopted her? How was that even possible? So many emotions were running through her mind she wasn't sure what to focus on.

Relief. She would never, ever, have to worry about someone coming to whatever place she was in and telling her to grab her bag. Or someone deciding they didn't want to take care of her anymore. This would be what she always didn't have. Consistency. Love. A home. The thought alone made her feel 100 times lighter. She can't be plucked from a house again. It's over. All the distress, the pain, it's gone.

Fear. She was stuck here. To be this baby they had created in their minds. Daycare, diapers, bottles.

Safety. Something she never thought she'd feel. No, she wasn't entirely happy about the exact details of her new family, but they would never hurt her and she knew that. Madison had never had the certainty of safety. But she knew Liam and Zayn wouldn't harm her. Louis was a perfect example of that. He was genuinely happy here. And from the sounds of it, he had been in a similar situation much like she had.

Love. They told her multiple times every day. They loved her. She never knew if she could believe them. But this- this had to prove it, right? She was in a home. A real home. Not just a house. She'd never thought she'd be able to experience- let alone feel- love in a safe environment.

"Maddie," Liam questioned from next to her due to her silence.

"I,...," She hesitated- not sure of what to say.

"We're your family forever and ever now!" Louis cheered excitedly, doing what he does best.  He could always make her feel better, without even trying.

"You're not going to send me away?" Her weary voice, softly bounced through the room.

Liam sighed, gently taking the papers out of her hand and turning the girl around on his lap so he could see her.

"Madison, we love you very very much.  And I think it's past time someone showed you that you are more than worthy of a home and a family.  A true family."

"M'not sure what to say," She whispered breaking eye contact with the man.

She felt slightly guilty. Now would be the time to hug them and tell them everything they've ever wanted to hear. But she couldn't find words to describe how she felt.

"You don't have to say anything. We did this for you. So you would never have to worry about being taken again. Nobody is going to throw you out. We know how hard it is to trust people and we wanted to prove that everything we tell you is true. Your trust is something we value, as we hope ours is to you, and we want to prove we won't break it." Zayn spoke his mind, standing by the pair, still holding a fidgety Louis.

The dense stack of papers resting on the desk wouldn't stop entering her vision as Madison looked down.

"Papa, down," Spoken so softly, Madison was surprised the level of volume was even possible with Louis.

Zayn slowly lowered the boy to the floor, watching nervously as he approached Madison. She was in a very vulnerable state right now and although Louis wouldn't do anything to harm that, the man wasn't sure if he was aware just how cautious he needed to be.

Madison peeked around Liam's shoulder as he approached the two, eyes watching intently as his fingers wrapped between hers. Ocean blue eyes staring at each other, Louis gave her a crooked grin, gently lifting her arm towards him. "Les' watch toy story, otay?"