The London Paradigm (book 4 of Adopted by the Josephs)

23. Samantha

I was home! The flight was uneventful, as flights should be. I had to wait a little bit for the airline to get my escort to the plane, so I was one of the last off the plane. And then I had to find my luggage.

But when I walked out of the baggage area, there were Mom and Dad and Rosie! I ran to them as soon as I saw them and jumped into Dad's arms. I was so happy to see them! Dad was so happy I was gone, he was crying!

And Jake was there for some reason. He said he just wanted to come see me, but that was weird.

We went to the car and Dad said they had a surprise for me. While we were walking, I asked how California was. They said they didn't go to California and asked how the festival was. What festival?

It was really weird, but I guess we just didn't think much about it.

I fell asleep while we were driving to wherever Dad said he had to stop first. He woke me up and we were in the driveway of some house.

I joked that he bought me a house, but wondered if maybe we were moving.

We got out of the car and all of a sudden, Uncle Josh, Aunt Debby and a dog came running out of the house!

After we hugged, like crazy, they told me they moved to Ohio!! I can't tell you how happy I am that they moved here! And they're close to our house too!

We visited for a bit and I played with their dog, Jim. He's so cute!!

Finally, Dad said we had to get going. I didn't want to really, but I was tired. I fell asleep again in the car.

When I woke up, I was in my bed at home. I looked around and smiled. I was home.

I stretched and then got up and used the bathroom. I listened and could hear the TV was on so I went downstairs.

"Hey there sweetie!" Mom said as I came down the stairs. "Hungry?  We were just talking about maybe going out for dinner. What do you think?"

"I try not to," I said, grinning.

Mom laughed.

"Grab your shoes. We're gonna go grab some dinner," Dad said. I went to the closet and pulled out a pair of Converse.

Mom got Rosie ready and we headed out. We chatted the whole way to the restaurant and I showed them some pictures as we waited for our food. Rosie kept leaning towards me and saying my name. I kept tickling her tummy and giving her kisses.

We had a lot of fun at dinner. Dad was, like, on top of me the whole time. He kept looking at me and smiling and, like, checking I was still there and so on.

After dinner we went home and I got ready for bed. Jet lag sucks.

Mom came in to say goodnight with Rosie.

"It's sad I'm going to bed the same time as a baby," I laughed.

"I know, right?" Mom smiled. I said goodnight to Rosie and Mom, and got into bed.  Dad knocked on my door and asked to come in. Obviously I said okay.

"So glad you're home, baby," he said to me.

"Me too," I said.

"Did you have fun at least?" He asked.

"Of course I did," I said. "Emma was a pill for a couple of days but we worked it out. And Benji was great until I had to to leave and he stole my passport."

"How did you handle that?" Dad asked, knowing I don't do stress so well sometimes.

"I cried," I said. "Then I told him I was mad at him and let him think about that until I had to leave. Then I told him I'm still unhappy with him, but I still love him and I'm not mad."

Dad smiled.

"Good job," he said.  "What about the extra week? Mark said there was a festival and you said he told you we were in California. What was that about?"

I frowned.

"I don't know. But they were really pushing this school Emma goes to. And how they could get a spot for me and all that. Carol even had me try on a uniform."

"Really?" Dad asked. "Why?"

"Partially because I think they thought it would be fun. Partially because I think they wanted me to stay and go to school there," I said. "It was kind of fun, but I definitely do not want to go there."

Dad looked visibly relieved when I said that.

"Well, kiddo," Dad said, tucking my blankets around me and giving me a kiss on the forehead. "I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you're home."

"Me too," I said. "England was fun and Taylor and Brittany are nice, but I missed home. I missed you and Mom and Rosie and American food and you. And Mom."

Dad laughed.

"But not once did you miss us, huh?" He laughed.

"Nope. Not once," I grinned back. Dad gave me another kiss on the forehead and said goodnight. I curled up, pulled my blankets closer and fell asleep.