Bella's officially graduated middle school. After 3 years of ups and downs will high school prove to be the "best four years of her life" or will it be her most challenging time? Leia's getting older and beginning to form new thoughts, experiences...
Monday, March 28th, 2024 (1065 5th Ave.) Ding-Dong. The sound of the doorbell rang through the house. "Guys, she's here." Elliot and the kids raced behind me as I opened the door. "Christina, you made it!" We greeted Leia's social worker warmly. "Good afternoon, everyone. Is it okay if I start here with you two??" She asked. "Of course! Why don't you guys go in the family room?" "Sure, let's go play UNO. Come, Ace and Ryan!" "Woof, woof!!" "Please, sit." Elliot said warmly. "Thank you. You guys have a beautiful home. I especially love the photos of the kids." "Thank you." "Let's get started. These questions may get a bit personal, No judgement from me, I promise." "It's alright, we understand." "I'd like to start with how you two were raised."
"How was love expressed in your household growing up? How did your family members make you feel loved?"
"Well..." Elliot said.
Many years ago..... "Dad, can you help me build the rocket?" I asked. "Not right now, Elliot. I'm in the middle of a very tricky case." "But that's what you said last time-" "Elliot." He said sternly. I walked away sadly. Kevin's dad always helps him with his stuff. Mine won't. Mom's going crazy half the time and Dad's always....a cop. Do they even love me?
"Both of my parents...especially my Dad would build these little structures with me. He could be in the middle of anything, and he'd drop it to spend some time with me and you know that's hard when you have several siblings." Christina nodded. "And you, Olivia?" Olivia laughed.
March 14, 1982 "Mom? I'm back from school!" I didn't hear a reply. Sweet, I have the house to myself! I grabbed a snack and went to my bedroom. "I don't feel like doing homework, ugh!" I collapsed onto my bed. "Yes, I know Rosanne..." Oh, Mom's home. Great, my evening is ruined. "I-I can't do it anymore." I heard Mom say. "It's Olivia. Yes." What is she talking about? We haven't been fighting lately. I pressed my ears against the wall in an attempt to eavesdrop. "How could I love something that was created by such a monstrous act?" I heard her say. I slowly backed away from the wall and looked down. That explains why Mom always yells at me for stupid crap. She hates my guts and I don't know why.
"My mom always made sure to tell me that she loved me. That she didn't know that she could love someone so much." Olivia's eyes got watery. She took a tissue. Christina was writing down notes about the responses. "It's natural to get emotional. I have some more questions. Could you give me a tour of your home?" Olivia and Elliot showed the living and dining room, and kitchen. "So, where would your possible adoptive child stay?" "Down this hallway."
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"It's set up as a spare room for now, but we can easily convert it." Christina walked around and looked at every crook and cranny. "This is pretty spacious. May I see your children's rooms?" "Certainly. Leia's room is right here." Leia's room had a pink gingham wall, a hanging chair, and a new desk since she was a "big girl" now. "This room is adorable."
