The Harper Family: Second Chances (Wattpad Version)

Second chances

Keaton

I focused on my sobriety and attended therapy. Between my dad and Ricardo, they suggested I see a therapist to deal with my trauma. I didn't want to see anyone in the family, so I found a different therapist. One that worked with addicts.

The therapist explained my addiction and trauma became intertwined. The drugs led to the trauma from turning tricks. I used them to cope with the situation. It made sense once she explained it to me.

I also dissociated sex from an emotional attachment.  Ricardo changed that when he introduced me to intimacy. It wasn't about sex with Ricardo. He was affectionate and communicated with me.

We would have lengthy conversations about everything and anything. It helped me understand myself better while improving my relationship with my family.

We grabbed an ice cream and walked along the water while we talked.

"It's funny," I said.

"What is?" Ricardo shoved a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

"I never imagined meeting someone and turning my life around."

"Therapy helps. I saw a therapist when I turned eighteen. I wanted to understand myself better. It made me realize I wanted nothing to do with my family. That's not a life for anyone."

"Did your family ever look for you?"

"I heard whispers but nothing concrete. I altered my appearance and changed my name. Chase helped me with that."

I glanced at Ricardo. "Do you miss Chase?"

"Every day. We were like brothers. Chase gave me a place to stay and helped me talk to his parents. I wasn't sure if his dad would help me. But he did."

"Do you still talk to Chase's family?"

"It's been a while. After the academy, I didn't have time to talk to Chase's family. Not with the undercover work I did. It didn't help my last relationship. My ex couldn't understand why I always had to leave."

"For what it's worth, I'm glad it didn't work out with you and your ex."

"I am, too. I met someone much better. And I love gingers."

I smiled and licked my lips. Ricardo took that as an invitation to kiss me. I let him. I loved when Ricardo showed me affection.

"We better stop before I take you home," Ricardo said against my lips.

"I wouldn't mind." I smiled against his lips.

Ricardo pulled away. "I promised your grandparents to bring you home."

"My family does realize I'm almost twenty, right?"

"You're still working at getting better. I promise I will make it up to you."

"Fine." I sighed.

Ricardo chuckled. Of course, he would find amusement in my situation. The guy is a Boy Scout.

*******
Ricardo

I would love nothing more than to take Keaton to my place. But I had to earn his family's trust since my family was distrustful assholes.

We finished our ice cream before I took Keaton home and dropped him off. Then I headed to see Sofie. Odin still had reservations, but I didn't care. Sofie was my family.

I knocked on the door.

Daría answered it. "Sofie! Your long-lost cousin is here!"

"Let Ricardo in! I'm helping Odin!" Sofie yelled.