Scarlett's Lost Daughter

Chapter 20

Novah's POV

I had just gotten home from school to an empty house. Scarlett had texted and asked me if I could ride the bus home earlier in the day because something came up and she didn't know how long she would be. Colin was at work so he also wasn't able to get me. Honestly, I'm not complaining. I can finally get some alone time. I haven't really been alone since I've moved in with Scarlett. So it's kind of a breather. No crying baby, no talking, no loud noises coming from Rose. Just me, myself and I.

An hour went by and I had just gotten done with some homework. Mom and Colin still weren't home so I decided I'd play some video games for a bit. About 20 minutes went by and I was in the middle of playing The Last Of Us trying to find the fireflies at the University when Scarlett came into view. I quickly took off my headset and greeted her. "Oh hey mom. Didn't hear you come in." She raised an eyebrow. "Clearly, I've been calling you. I was starting to get worried been you didn't answer back." I gave her a sheepish smile. "Heh ugh, sorry about that." She just shook her head and walked over to me and kissed my forehead. "How was your day baby? And I'm sorry I wasn't able to pick you up. I had some stuff that I had to get done with work." I shrug "It's okay. I didn't mind. And it was okay, just long." She nods along to what I was saying. She then helps me up to my feet and starts leading me to the door. "Come on. I brought some dinner home. Hope Chinese is fine." I immediately pick up my pace which she laughs at. "I'll take that as a yes."

Weeks have gone by and it was all just a repeat for me. Wake up, eat, go to school, go home, bathe, sleep, repeat. Everything has been going good though. I've been getting along with my friends and making good grades. We've visited Nana some, yes I've started calling her Nana now. Should have seen the look on her face when I first did it. Couldn't wipe the grin off her face. Much like Scarlett when I started calling her mom. Rose has come back home from her dads. Everything has been great. But, there is just one thing that I've had on my mind these past few weeks. Who is my father? Ever since that day I made that story up of moving away from my dad, I've heard conversations from my friends about their relationships with their fathers. Which would sometimes come back to me and they would ask me what me and my father would do together and such which lead to me having to make up a lie. I mainly just told them of the things that Colin and I had done together. Which in a way, he kinda is my father... sorta. I don't know. I see him as a father figure. He's the closest thing I have to one. When I think back on the day I met my friends, I could have just told them I was adopted from the beginning and that maybe would have lessened the questions but I also didn't want them to know I was in the foster system for most of my life. I was already made fun of it before and I'd rather not go through that again. But it's to late to now so I'll just suck it up. I would ask mom about my father but I don't want her to be upset or feel like she isn't enough for me. Cause she is. She's more than enough. I just can't help but be curious. Who know's, maybe I'll be brave enough to ask her someday. 

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't hear someone come into my room. I jumped and screamed as I suddenly felt hands on my shoulders. I turn quickly to see Scarlett standing there in a state of shock and trying not to laugh. "Mom! You scared me!" She laughs finally and runs her hand through my hair. "I'm sorry baby, I didn't mean too. I just came to see what you've been up too. I mean, it's a Saturday and I thought you'd be downstairs with us but you've been hauled up in your room all day instead. Is everything okay?" I nod instantly. "Yeah, yeah. Everything's fine. Why wouldn't anything be fine?" My voices cracks as I blurt put. She pauses with a raised eyebrow while looking me straight in the eyes. Is it getting hot in here or is that just me? I try to maintain eye contact but I can't take it anymore so I look away. "Uh huh." She crosses her arms and puts her weight on one leg. " You sure everything's okay? You're acting a bit odd. You're not doing something you shouldn't be doing are you?" I instantly look back at her with wide eyes and shake my head vigorously. "N-no, no. I'm not doing anything. I swear!" I exclaim nervously. The last thing I want is for her to think I was doing something troublesome. The last time I got in trouble for something was when a glass patio door got broken, and I got beaten black and blue and then kicked out and I wasn't even the one who caused it.

Scarlett's face immediately softens when she see's the panic come across my face. "Hey, hey, it's okay. I'm only teasing sweet girl. You're okay." She says softly. What I hadn't realize was my breathing had become rapid. "Take some deep breaths for me darling." I took some deep breaths trying to hold back my tears and then force a smile. "I'm okay" Scarlett's eyebrows slightly narrow with concern filling her eyes. "Really, I'm okay now. I'm sorry." She shakes her head. "No. You never need to apologize. Ever. Especially not for that." I gulp and nod.

"Baby, I'm not trying to force you to talk to me or anything. But are you sure everything is alright? You know you can talk to me." She asks as she moves my hair out of my face. I nod my head. I would ask her but I just don't feel like this is the right time. So all I can do is nod. "Yeah. Really, I'm okay. Just thinking on some things. But I promise it's nothing bad or anything. B-but I promise, I'll come talk to you when I'm ready." She nods and gives me a small smile. "Okay sweetheart. Just know I'm always here." She leans forward and kisses the tip of my nose. "I know. I love you Mama." I give her a hug. "I love you so much more my little star."