Unintentional Heart's Desire

Against all odds.

Amy never felt at home quite like she did at that moment.

It was strange because for as long as she could remember, she'd felt like an imposter in the house she'd been brought up in.

She'd always felt like at any moment her real family would come and claim her, it didn't even have to be her biological father.

She was just never convinced that she belonged there.

But in that moment;

"Mom."
Her heart pounded against her chest as if it begged to be let out.

Tears hung on to her lower lashes like leaves on a rainy day.

"Sweetheart."
Mrs. Rutherford looked rather shocked at the exchange, but she welcomed the embrace nonetheless.

She hadn't seen her daughter in quite a bit and she'd been worried. But the news she'd been seeing on television for the past week gave her the reason why.

She was grateful that a team was sent to protect them, but she was more concerned about her daughter.

She knew Amy too well, her introverted nature hardly allowed her to have any friends.

And now she'd been the main story of every news outlet in the country.

"Are you ok?"
She didn't look like she was. Not in the least bit.

"Hi Dad."
Amy, clearly ignoring the question, averted her gaze to another important person in her life.

She found his presence to be something she'd much taken for granted her whole life, not intentionally of course.

In the recent weeks, Amy had learned how she lucked out when it came to family.

When she'd visited 'the pack' with Jason, she'd learned of how Max's family disowned him for choosing to own a farm instead of continuing the family's legacy.

And then she continuously witnessed the exchange between Jason and his mother.

That made her situation look miniature.

Maybe her family wasn't perfect but they always wanted and encouraged her to follow her heart.

It led to engineering and they made sure she got there.

She knew if she'd chosen any other career path, the support would've been the same.

That was the reason why her tears had started reaching her cheeks.

"Did that Cooper boy do something to you? Because I swear..."

"No Dad, he didn't do anything. It's just been a lot. And I missed you guys, so much. I'm sorry I didn't come here sooner, I didn't think you wanted to see me after..."

Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford scrunched their faces in confusion.

"Uhm... after she missed all those Friday night dinners."

The three turned their heads to see Kendra who stood awkwardly by the door.

"Mom, Dad, do you mind if I talk to Amy?"