Princess of the universe // Hardzzellee

Chapter 15

It was finally Thursday. Most of Ben's injuries had healed. Two of his knuckles weren't fully healed, but you couldn't tell that those got injured in a fight. Addison was already sitting in the same office from which they picked her up last time. She smiled when she heard Ben's voice.
"Can we get a hug?" Ben asked while sitting down on one knee. Addison ran up to them before wrapping her arms around Ben.
"Hi, sweetheart. I missed you," Ben said. Addison moved to give Gwil and Joe a hug as well. The caseworker cleared her throat.
"We talked to Addison the past week and she is really excited to be a placement for a longer period of time. For now, we packed all of her belonging in this suitcase. We couldn't find a different bag, so we put the rest of the clothes into the trash bag for now. These are all the files we have on her. I'd recommend you read through them over the course of the next few days. If you have any questions or if anything is unclear, you can always give me a call." She handed Gwil a binder with a thick stack of paper. Ben had already grabbed the suitcase and the trash bag. 

The caseworker bent down to Addison's level. She gave Addison a one-sided hug.
"Have fun at your new home," She said. Addison nodded. Joe grabbed Addison's hand in his own. With that, they left the building. Ben put everything in the back of the car before taking place in the driver's seat. 
"Who wants some ice cream?" Ben asked while turning around. Joe had his hand raised. Addison looked to her side before doing the same. Ben laughed loudly.
"Alright, let's go," Ben said while starting the car. 

When they arrived home, Gwil took Addison to her bedroom.
"As you will be here for longer, we are going to unpack your bags, okay?" Gwil asked. Addison nodded. Gwil started with the trash bag. He emptied it out on the floor. He started sorting through everything. While placing everything within its categories, he folded it.  
"Oh, I love this shirt. Do you think it'd fit me?" Gwil asked while holding up a Disney shirt. Addison giggled while shaking her head.
"You are too big silly," Addison said. Gwil pouted while holding the shirt in front of him.
"I want a shirt just like this one," Gwil said. Addison continued giggling while Gwil pretended to put the shirt on. 

In the suitcase were some more clothes that Gwil pulled out first. When he had all the clothes sorted out he opened the door to the closet. The closet had two levels of hanging racks. Gwil put all the hangers on the lower level. That way Addison could access them herself. Gwil noticed that she had fairly few clothes and he made a mental note to go shopping with her. They made their way back to the suitcase. Gwil pulled all of the books out of the suitcase.
"Do you have a favourite book?" Gwil asked. Addison pointed at a book that had 1001 different stories in it. 
"Do you want me to read a story tonight before you go to sleep?" Addison nodded. Gwil put the books on the shelves of Addison's nightstand. Addison took Misha out of the suitcase before placing her on top of her pillow. 

Gwil took out a dirty-looking blanket.
"Do you want me to wash this?" Gwil asked. He had learned in the class that some items could have been taken directly from home and would be comforting due to the familiar smell. He wasn't surprised when Addison shook his head. He folded the blanket before placing it in one of the drawers of the dresser. It didn't take long before the entire suitcase was emptied out. Gwil held his hand up, waiting for a high-five. Addison looked at him for a second before giving him the high five. 
"I am so glad that you are staying with us," Gwil said before giving Addison a hug. Addison climbed on top of his lap while she held her hands around his neck.

Ben had opened the door and smiled when he saw the big hug Gwil and Addison were wrapped in. He quietly closed the door again before walking away. Joe was already in the kitchen.
"Give Gwil a few minutes," Ben said. Ben put everything on the table. When he was done, Gwil and Addison walked in.
"Ah just in time, dinner is ready," Ben said. He grabbed Addison's plate.
"How hungry are you?" Ben asked. Addison held her arms entirely open. Ben's eyes widen.
"That hungry?" He asked. Addison nodded. Ben put quite a lot of food on her plate.
"You can stop if it is too much," He said.

After bringing Addison to bed, Joe asked Ben to come with him to the living room.
"I am sorry for distancing myself. Especially after what you have done for me. But I've got to be honest, your anger and deliberation to punch him, scared me. I couldn't help but think what would happen if you'd turn that anger towards us. I took a few days to rewire the assumptions in my brain because I know you'd never do something like that. I just needed some space to work on that. But I can honestly say that I am thankful for what you did for me and that I'm sorry you got hurt." Joe said. Ben stared at Joe for almost a minute before he moved forward to embrace Joe in a hug. 
"I am sorry," Ben said. Joe shook his head. 
"No, you don't have to be sorry for anything. You saved me and I am very grateful for that." 
"I am just sorry for everything you had to go through. And I am sorry that he was there to remind you again."

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Hey guys,

I hope y'all are doing alright?

There is some drama coming, but I hope for now you can enjoy the wholesome content.

Take good care of yourself and others. Stay safe, stay healthy.

Goodbye,

Xx Itsametaphorjoe