On the Run

Excitement

Over the next few days, you watched the friendship between Aria, Kya, and Oliver blossom into beauty. Every other day, they were asking if they could have a sleepover and if she could play with them after school. You tried your best to grant almost all their wishes. Unfortunately, you couldn't fulfill the sleepover one. They understood of course, but it didn't make them any happier. Plus, you didn't want Aria to be overwhelmed. She was still getting used to you as her potential mother, and you didn't want to scare her off.

But it was hard. Which was why today was special.

"Mama!" The children shouted, sprinting towards you. The smile on your face was grand as they stumbled to you. 

"Hello, sweets. How was school today?"

"It was awesome! We played with the jump ropes in PE and I jumped 10 times!" Kya shouted. 

"That's awesome Kya! What about you Oliver?"

"I climbed the monkey bars and only fell once!" 

"That's wonderful!" 

You expected another voice to speak, but it seemed that the girl wasn't there. 

"Where's Aria?" you asked.

Kya tilted her head. "Huh? She's right here."

A small head of black hair popped up behind Kya, almond-shaped eyes nervous.

"Hi," she whispered. Your smile widened.

"Hello precious. Are you ready?"

Aria nodded. Today was the day. Both you and Aria were going to tell Kya and Oliver that she was going to be a part of your family. It wasn't official yet, with the current search for Aria's birth parents going underway. CPS was adamant about at least making contact with her parents, relatives, someone. But currently, it was a good chance that it would be made official over the next few weeks.

"Mama? Why is Aria coming with us?" she asked curiously. Usually, she'd talk to you for a few minutes, then a car would come a pick her up. To where? She wasn't sure. 

"She's going to hang with us for today."

"Really?!" Kya shouted. She jumped in excitement. "Yay!"

"Let's go. I have sandwiches in the car that we can eat."

They hopped into the car, filling the silence with happy chatter between all three of them. 

...

You arrived at the beautiful park, decorated with colorful flower beds and grasses. the sun shone over the deep green grasses and trees. There were walkways over small creeks, different pets, and their owners trekking the trails. You inhaled deeply, tension leaving your body. Today was perfect. You smiled at the chaotic laughter of your children as they ran away from you, off to explore. 

You secretly took pictures of the children. One of Kya and Aria tossing a ball to each other, another of Oliver helping Aria tie her shoes, and Kya and Oliver doing cartwheels and handstands. Another was of them playing Hide-and Go-Seek. Aria's surprised expression when Kya snuck up on her. 

But your favorite one would be the one right before you. You were all gathered on the picnic blanket, the children stuffing their faces with sandwiches. Kya and Oliver were both offering their chips to Aria, in case she wanted more. She kept declining, also offering her food to them. It made your heart swell, and you kept the adoring squeal to yourself. Soon, all their cheeks were full of food, chubby and bright with contentment. It was perfect, and it would be stuck in your memories forever. 

"There's something I need to tell you guys," you started as they winded down. Kya and Oliver looked up the toys they were playing with, Aria coming back from the flower bed.

"What's wrong Mama?" Oliver asked, worry already in his voice.

"There's nothing wrong hon'. It's actually a good thing."

"Really?" 

"Yes. This has been on my mind for quite some time."

"Our ears are open Mama." They pulled on their ears, and you chuckled. Aria came around to sit next to you, hiding her face in your arm. It seems you won't be hearing from her for a while.

You contemplated how you were going to tell them. How does one even begin this conversation? The answer is, you don't. 

"I'm adopting Aria," you said bluntly. All the children stayed silent. Aria pressed her head further into your arm, shaking in fear. Her heartbeat was erratic. You rubbed her back, waiting on the reactions of your children. Oliver's eyes were already getting brighter, while Kya's mouth stayed agape.

"Close your mouth honey, you don't want to catch any flies."

That's when they were broken from their stupor.

"No way!"

"Are you-"

"I can't-"

"How-?"

"Calm down!" you laughed as they bombarded you with questions. "One at a time."

"Are you for real Mama? You're adopting Aria?" Kya asked. You didn't mistake the hope in her voice. 

You nodded. 

"This isn't a prank?" Oliver asked.

You shook your head. "Nope, this is not a joke. I've decided to adopt Aria." 

She peeked her head out from your arm, an anxious expression on her face. 

"So, does this make her-?"

"Yes," you nodded. "That makes her your new sister."

A brief moment of silence passed. Then, Kya shrieked with glee, jumping into your arms. You landed on your back with a grunt at Kya's strength. Soon, Oliver landed on your stomach, hugging you tight. You laughed. 

"Calm down! I can't breathe."

Their voices were teary, but you could tell they were happy. Aria stood off awkwardly to the side. She stared nervously at the family pile. You stretched your hand out to her.

"Wanna join?"

"Can I?" she asked quietly. Was it true? Was she really going to be a part of a real family?

"Yeah!" the kids shouted. Kya grabbed her hand, dragging her down into the family bear hug. You wrapped your long arms around them, snuggling them close to you.

"Welcome to the family, Aria. You're an (L/N) now."

For the first time that evening, Aria smiled. Your own smile brightened. As the sun set, you absorbed the happiness of your children. It was something else to add to your memories.

End. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. This marks the start of Arc 1. Next chapter will finally introduce my favorite character. It'll come out soon.