Into the Shadows

~Chapter seven - Reunited at Last~

 As we pass by houses, everyone is giggling and talking about how Scarlett 'Ended that motherfucker' and how it was so badass. Everyone is giddy and I can't stop smiling either. But I'm smiling for a bit of a different reason. Kyle is my boyfriend now. I get to have a relationship. I have someone who I can tell everything, who understands this crazy experience. I find comfort in it.

I've finished dropping everyone off except Kyle. A peaceful silence falls over us as I drive to his house. I pull up into his driveway and put the car in park for a second. I look over at him and he breaks the silence. "Hey, I- I wanted to say I'm really proud of you... for a lot of things. But this time mainly for letting me in.. for letting me help. I really love being close to you and love being with you. What..." His face gets red and it's so cute. I can't help but tilt my head and smile a little. "...What I'm trying to say is... I love you." Our eyes meet and he has a serious look on his face. So solemn, so sweet though. My lip wobbles as I smile and my eyes well up with tears. "I love you too." Hearing those words is surreal, saying them even more so. He lifts his hand and ever so slightly leans in but hesitates. He takes a breath before speaking. "Can... can I kiss you?" A moment of silence. "Please?" I can't even believe what's happening right now. This feels like a dream. I nod my head as I bite my lip. He leans in slowly and lifts his hand, putting it on the bottom of my jaw and sliding it back into my hair. He closes the gap and presses our lips together. Firm but soft. Butterflies fill my stomach. His lips are so warm and I can't help but lean just a little closer and close my eyes. I've never felt so relaxed and safe. He pulls back but leaves his hand in place. "Text me later, yeah?" He has a sweet crooked little grin on his face as he speaks and it makes my stomach flip again. I nod again as I speak. "Definitely." He pulls his hand away and grabs his bag before leaving the car. He turns to me before going into his house and blows me a kiss. With that, he's out of sight and I can't hold it in anymore. I'm smiling like an idiot and my face is definitely so red. But I'm so happy. I've never been happier before. I put my face in my hands and kick my feet in excitement, letting out a quiet squeal. I'm so glad I'm alone right now because it's so embarrassing. But I'm so, so happy and I can't wait to tell my parents about it someday.

Shit. Speaking of which, have no idea where I am and now that I think about it, might fucking send me back to the system for running away. I slide my hands down my face and start my car. Okay. Happiness gone. I'm stressed again. These are the best foster parents I've had my whole life and I'm pretty sure I just ruined my chances of being adopted permanently. I pull out of Kyle's driveway and head to my house which, isn't too far from Kyle's.

I spend the whole car ride thinking about what I might say to explain why I was gone. I can't think of anything and I'm starting to get shaky. Suddenly this car is feeling too small and I'm having a hard time breathing. As I pull up to my house and into the driveway I start breathing heavily. Fuck. What am I gonna say? How am I gonna explain? What are they- My thoughts get interrupted by my parents running outside and over to my car. I step out and prepare to apologize but before I can speak they're both hugging me tight. My mom is crying. "My sweet boy you're back! I was so scared... me and your father both" She sounds so genuine. I can't help the way I start crying. "I- Im so..orry guys-" My dad cuts me off. "None of that... we're just happy you're back. Your sister and Gnocchi missed you so much." I can't help but half laugh at the dog's name, especially because he's a big ol' Dobermann. Though, he's a very sweet dog. "So you guys and Anna decided on a name then?" My parents pull away from the hug and my mom wipes her tears as she speaks. "Yeah, she insisted we named him after 'her brother's favorite food'." Both my parents chuckle and I feel kinda torn. "You.. You guys let her name the dog after my favorite food? Even though I'm not staying?" They both freeze before smiling at each other. "We're adopting you honey-" My mom says happily. "We just didn't get to tell you because you went missing." My eyes get watery all over again and I hug them both.

"I love you both." I say as I squeeze them tight. "We love you too Spencer." They say in unison.

Just then Anna, my four-year-old sister, comes running out. "Spencer!" I hear her yell. My parents pull away so she can see me. "I can't help but chuckle at her clumsy little run. "Anna!" I yell with a smile. "Spencer your trip took forever! I was so bored! Momma and Poppa don't know how to play video games like you do! They suck!" This gets a laugh out of me and my parents before she jumps up and I catch her in my arms. We both giggle as I stumble backward into the grass in our yard. I sit in the grass with her on my lap hugging me. She fluffs my hair roughly. "I missed you and so did Gnocchi. We need our play buddy back!"

I climb into bed and smile to myself. God, I'm so lucky. I have amazing parents, an amazing little sister, a cute dog, amazing friends, and an absolutely amazing boyfriend. Speaking of which, I'm gonna text him before bed.