Not for a Single Second - [Elizabeth Olsen]

Chapter 68: Solace

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed

Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder

Y/N's POV

November 27th, 2023

"So, how have things been over here?"

"They've been okay. After the open house, lots of people started contacting us to give donations and to see if they can become foster parents as well as adopt. The kids had been so happy meeting all types of new people, but of course, those who stay behind are feeling rejected and not loved"

"But that's not true; they are loved"

"They know that, but they can't help but feel that way after the recent events. Now, that doesn't mean we are just allowing them to feel this way and not doing anything to help them. We've been making sure to reassure them that they have a family here and that no matter what, we'll always love them and keep them safe in here, their second home", Tara explains to me with a smile as I nod in understanding, feeling calmer now that she has reassured me the kids at the foster home are okay.

"I'm glad to hear that then", I reply as we walk inside the main playroom of the foster home.

"Y/N!!!", the kids scream as they spot me, running in a hurry to jump in my arms and give me lots of hugs.

"Hey guys. I've missed you all so much!", I tell them as I make sure to hug every one of them. It took some time, but I didn't mind. I've got hugs to spare.

"I'll leave you to it", Tara tells me as I continue to chat with all the kids.

"Dids you bwing youw supa fwiends?", Patrick, one of the little boys of the home, asks me, making me laugh and letting me know he clearly has favorite visitors.

"No Pat, sorry. They're busy saving the world back home. But I promise you'll be seeing them very soon, okay?", I reassure him as he huffs and pouts, slouching in disappointment. I playfully mess his hair before walking further into the room and sitting on the coloring table, near the window reading nook. That's when I spot Madison, one of the teenagers at the home. "Hey Maddie, what are you reading?", I ask as she looks up at me from behind the book before moving it upwards for me to read the title. That's when I realized she's actually reading the last book Becky wrote, 'Finley Kade GI: Emeritus'. I feel my heart aching at the memory of my friend, but then, I smile, thinking about how her work and talent is getting known by many, even though she's no longer with us. "How are you liking it?"

"It's pretty fun. But I feel like Finley deserves a break. They never let her have any peace", Maddie tells me, making me chuckle, clearly knowing what she means.

"I've got to agree with you on that one. Any other comments or notes you have about the story, please make sure to tell me about them. I feel like I should know what the fans like before turning it into a movie", I explain to her easily as her eyes shoot out and she quickly discards the book.

"You're making a movie about it?!", Maddie asks me with a small grin on her face. I chuckled at her reaction before walking closer to her and whispering my answer.

"If everything goes well, I'll start filming the movie based on the first book next month. But you have to keep it a secret, okay?", I tell her as she nods in response.

"I won't tell anyone. But I want tickets to the premiere", Maddie tries to bargain with me as I move my hand forward for her to shake.

"Deal", I confirm, and she shakes my hand back, sealing our deal before she goes back to reading the book, and I look back at the kids playing around the room.