"Meeting new people has always been a thing I find enlightening. I enjoy getting to know the people I don't know."
"Do you enjoy getting to know me?"
I smiled. "Of course I do."
Where a girl who just lost her mom and a boy who fights his own demons...
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I sit on my porch with a blanket over me and a cup of hot chocolate in my hands. I hold the cup with both my hands, blowing it to cool it down. I watched as the snow fell, making me regret the weeks ahead. Summer is getting closer with each day, it was the only thought that would get me through the winter. The screen door of the house opened, making me look at Lincoln who joined me with his hot chocolate and a huge blanket wrapped around him. He sat in the rocking chair beside me and gave me a small smile before his attention was on the snow.
I could feel my nose getting colder by the second. Alex was with Ashton and Annemarie while Father and Ellie went on their first real date. They didn't tell us where they went or when they would be back, so I could see myself cooking dinner once again. I didn't mind it at all, actually. It made me feel more responsible and it made me fit the thought of being a mother in my mind. Ever since Annemarie called me mama, I have felt a sudden love for the kids. Like I would do anything to protect them. If no one could watch them during the ball, I would stay with them.
Lincoln had been opening up to me lately. He told me everything him and his siblings went through before meeting me. He didn't sugarcoat anything. I almost cried in front of him, but held it in until I was alone. I didn't want to cry in front of them. I wanted them to see me as strong and put together. I had been taking care of myself and other people all my life, but knowing these kids have been through do much to bring them down, it hurts me. I wish Alex would've taken them in and it made me wonder why didn't he. I assumed his mother wouldn't allow it, but seeing her with the kids at the dinner made me second guess myself.
Lincoln and Ashton are two different. Ashton is more outgoing young brother. He makes sure people smile and laugh when he is around. It is probably why him and Laurie get along so well. Lincoln is more serious, but loves to read. He had told me I was the reason he started reading. I promised him I would take him to the library soon he can meet Lenard. I have a feeling they would be close. Annemarie is just a sweet little girl. She has been talking a lot more, not really walking yet. I wasn't sure when a child is supposed to start walking, but I knew I would be patient with her.
Before the ball, I made an appointment to go to get our family pictures taken. Making that appointment made me so happy. I had my own tiny family and I loved it. I even invited Alex and Ellie. They were basically family already, so they seemed excited to be involved.
I looked at Lincoln as he sipped on his hot chocolate. "Is it good?"
He looked at me and nodded. "You make wonderful hot chocolate."
"I don't think I have ever made this much hot chocolate. Probably because I was always alone." I took a sip of my now warm chocolate.
"Do you miss her?"
I looked at Lincoln. "My mother?" He nodded and I smiled. "Always."
He looked from me to the front yard that was now covered in a thin layer of snow. "I sometimes miss my mother too."
