The Unexpected Visit

Chapter 25

I didn't get to sleep long. When I woke up, Anna was standing in front of us, looking very unhappy. She immediately made Owen leave to help Jackson with the docking of the boat.

"Why were you cuddling? And why did you fall asleep?" Anna asks, clearly concerned, but very close to being angry.

"He wanted to cuddle during the end of the story, and then Jackson left, and Owen and I talked and I just fell asleep..." I reply, rubbing my eyes.

"Were they telling you the story of what happened while you were unconscious?" Anna asks, sitting down next to me as I start to sit up.

"Yeah...they were," I reply softly, looking at my hands.

"Hey, are you okay? I know you probably feel like you were a burden during that time, but trust me; it's better that you were unconscious while you were there," Anna says, taking my hands and making me look at her.

"I don't know," I whisper, turning away.

"I wish I could give you some time to think this all through, but we are at the mainland. Maybe that will take your mind off...you know," She says, taking one hand away and slowly pulling me out of the cabin. I wonder why I feel this way.

I really wish I could have time; I need to figure out why tears are running down my cheeks and why I feel like I haven't slept in days. When we get up to the deck, Owen and Jackson at first glance are happy to see me but Anna leaves me at the edge of the boat and stops either of the boys from approaching me. I'm glad for that, at least; I wonder where we are? I don't see any signs anywhere. Then again, I don't think many boats come into this area. I turn around and watch them talk about me; I should probably care but I don't. I wonder if I will see my adoptive parents? Will they try to take me back? What will I do if I do see them? I hope Anna is around if that happens. I don't think I could face them, especially not after what happened the last time I saw them. We were fighting; I can't even remember what about. I think they might have wanted to legally adopt me so that they could help me with college and everything. For some reason, I didn't even want to go to college. We had just gotten home from a fancy restaurant to celebrate my turning 18 in a few days. It's hard to imagine all that's happened between now and then. I wouldn't change it, but maybe I would've done things differently with my adoptive parents. After all, they did raise me and pay for me, even though I wasn't theirs. Maybe I will understand that; although my real parents still don't seem to have realized that. Anyway, they've stopped talking now and Anna has come back. She takes my hand to walk with me; I do appreciate it; I don't think I would have the strength to leave this boat knowing that being an adult in the real world will be difficult, especially knowing we will hit brick walls. I'm glad Anna has a license, though. I hope it's updated.

"You still have your license, right?" Jackson asks, trying to break the uncomfortable silence that has fallen.

"Yes, I still have it. We have a couple of problems though, I need to get it renewed and I'm not old enough to rent a car," Anna says, looking at Jackson.

"I think I know someone who can help us. I knew her a while ago. I'm pretty sure she's the daughter of the person who supplies The Warriors with money and equipment. We need a phone in order for me to get a hold of her, though," I say quietly, still thinking about everything that's happened in less than a year's time.

"Alright, so our first order of business is to get a cell phone for at least two or three of us. It depends on what we can afford at the moment. We first have to set up a bank account and transfer some money from dad's account to get us started. We can always pay him back later. Okay, I have assignments for everyone. Rebecca and I will go to get my license renewed, you two will go get cell phones. For now, only get two. We will meet back at the boat in an hour or so, Jackson, remember you have to pay for the spot the boat is parked in, please!" Anna shouts as they walk away.

"Rebecca....are you okay?" Anna asks, looking at me concerned as I start to stumble.

"I don't know, my head is spinning and I can barely stand. What's wrong with me..?" I ask. Anna barely catches me as I start to fall.

"Rebecca....breathe, just breathe; it's going to be okay. Stop thinking about what the boys said, just look at me. Rebecca, remember we need you, do you remember what I said when our mom had me, Jackson, and Owen locked up? When you came to visit me, right before you left, do you remember?" Anna asks, making me look at her.

"Yes, y-you said that you love me no m-matter my mistakes, you'll never leave my side, a-and you would n-never leave my side," I reply, struggling to stay standing even with Anna's help.

"Yes, that's what I said; do you know why I said that?" She asks. I don't reply or move my head. "I said that because it's true, and it always will be. Rebecca, I know it's hard right now. I know that you feel like you can barely move; but this time, I need you."

I heard what she said but I am very close to passing out. I try to come out of it, I try so hard. I manage to move my head and regain my footing, but my head starts spinning again. "You're a burden! You mean nothing to me or them, why would we ever stand by your side?! Just let it go, you can't make it through this unscathed; go back to your mommy and you can be the queen. Let everyone fend for themselves," A voice inside my head yells at me.

"No, I'm not giving in this time. Last time, you won and I ran. This time, I won't be fighting with those closest to me. I'm getting through this unscathed, I'm not going back to my mother and becoming a queen, and I'm not going to be a burden; never again. Be quiet, voice inside my head; you don't have a place here. I have what I need with my family. They are what matter to me the most, and I'm not going to let you make me think I'm sick. I'm not going down without a fight," I whisper.

Anna looks at me, wondering what on earth happened inside my head that made me say all of that. I stand straight and look at her with a new light in my eyes: determination. "I'm ready, let's go."