One Head Bump and another universe later

As long as you need

"Ri has told me all about you Mikayla, how are you doing with everything? If you need a place to stay you can always stay here" Margaret started with a caring expression

"That's uhm actually what we wanted to talk to you about mom, you see Mika's parents haven't been home in God knows how long and she's even ran out of food. We were wondering whether or not Mikayla can stay here for a little bit and sleep downstairs of course so everybody will still have their own privacy. We'll all have our separate rooms, but I just want to help out with her situation the best that I possibly can." Ri spoke in an orotund voice with hope in their eyes.

"I'm sorry if i cause you guys any trouble, Ri offered and I was going to decline because I didn't want to impede on your guys' life but they made a convincing argument and he convinced me to at least talk to you about the situation since I'm alone in my house and I fully one hundred percent understand if you don't want me invading your home we just thought we'd ask, I'm sorry." The words were rushed and panicked coming out of my mouth, i didn't want to make Ri's mom upset since she was already so sweet, and I didn't want her to hate me but then Margaret interrupted my rambling.

"Mikayla, my darling, you can stay here however long necessary, I might not know you very much personally but by the way my son talks about you I can tell you are a wonderful girl and just by our few interactions I have no problems at all letting you into my home. Anything you need I will try to provide for you. Now how about we go and get your room setup, sound good?" Margaret beamed while answering me in her usual calming angelic voice of a nurturing and loving mother."

"o-Ok, thank you so, so much" I croak, getting up to hug Margaret trying not to cry.

She holds me like I've never been held before but have always dreamed of. This is it. This must be like what family feels like. It doesn't feel angry and full of hate. It feels nurturing, caring and full of love. Family is people who will love you and care for you no matter what. I might have considered my parents family but now. This. This is family. This is how it should have always been, and now that I know that. I can never go back to the abuse that is my blood.

"Its ok Mika, its ok, let it all out, your safe'' Those last two words were my breaking point it's like everything that I've went through my whole life, the pressure that i was carrying on my soldiers without even realizing was being lifted off and in that i tried to hold back tears but i failed after multiple attempts not crying when i just starting gut wrenching sobbing, i made a mental to buy Ri's mom a new shirt. Ri came over and started rubbing my back telling me everything will be ok.

After about ten minutes I was finally able to calm down and Ri decided to show me around. His room was the epitome of my dream room having vines hanging from the ceiling. Hippie tapestry just hanging, and posters on the wall. It definitely gave off a forestry grunge vibe even though their closet was filled with alternative style clothing. I was just standing there when Ri started chuckling looking at the dumbfounded look of awe on my face.

"So, I can see you like my room" Ri boasted with a massive grin.

"Eh, it's ok I guess, not near as cool as bilbo's house from the hobbit though."

"You've seen the hobbit? That's- Like- my favorite movie of all time! I wish the inside of my room was like the outside of his house, it is so cool and unique, that's also why our backyard is so green, it is because the hobbit is both me and my mom's favorite movie!"

"Oh. My. God. That's the best thing I've heard all year. We have to have a hobbit themed day where we watch the trilogy, and we dress up as hobbits and drink tea."

"Yes, I can decorate my room especially for the occasion and we can ask my mom to make food that hobbits would eat, something with bread and cheese and meats, potatoes, ales- whatever ales are, and jam!"

"That sounds like that would be the best day ever!"

"Sure does!" Ri replied, ecstatic at the idea.
"Also- uhm, Ri, you are aware that Ale is a type of beer, correct?"

"Oh! I had no idea, maybe sparkling water then." Ri started grinning from ear to ear while I was chuckling about his surprised look. "Well Mika, would you like to continue the tour of my humble abode." Ri spoke, holding out his hand trying to poorly imitate a prince.

"Oh, how I would love to, your highness" I joked in an awful imitation of an English accent.

Me and Ri continued the tour and by the end of it I never wanted to leave. Ri was living my dream, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't jealous. Me and Ri went back into the kitchen to tell Margaret that we were finished with the tour, Ri feeling as accomplished as ever to finally have, successfully, given his first tour. Walked into the kitchen with his head held high purposefully trying to make his butt look bigger and announced that he didn't screw up the tour. Margaret burst out laughing at her son's smug expression and the way he was walking that it made everyone start laughing.

There was a lightness in the air at Ri's house that I've never felt anywhere else that made this place just feel like home. That was the moment I knew that my life was going to change forever.