Chapter 21: Saying Goodbye

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I woke up in the morning to no one in my room. Sam wasn't beside me anymore. Dylan wasn't on the floor. Where'd they go?

I stood to my feet and walked over into Nate's room. They weren't in there. Neither was Nate. My eyes caught the clock on Nate's nightstand.

11:30.

Did I really sleep this late?

Laughter from upstairs caught my attention. Then the smell of cooking bacon and some other breakfast foods filled the air. They were upstairs? Dylan was? I'm very shocked at that.

I shook my head and made my way upstairs. When I rounded the corner of the kitchen slowly no one noticed me. Kami and Monte were at the stove cooking. Nate was setting the table. Sam was in the fridge. Then Stew and Dylan were sitting at the island counter.

Everyone was dressed for the day. Except for Sam and Nate. They were pretty much half dressed. The two of them dressed in jeans but no shirts on. My eyes locked on Sam. His back muscles easily noticed.

"Well good morning sleepy head." Nate's voice cause me to look away from Sam and over at him. He was smiling at me.

I smiled back and walked into the room. Everyone saying good morning to me. My feet carried me over to Sam as he stood at the island counter. I placed my hand on his back and he looked down at me.

"Morning beautiful." He greeted me then kissed my cheek. I smiled then looked at Dylan.

"Now I understand why you love it here." He laughed.

That made me really happy. I'm glad he was getting along with everyone. It made everything a little easier.

"Riley, Dylan here is such an amazing boy. It's a shame you didn't have him come here sooner." Kami said.

"It's amazing to think that you two came from such a horrible place yet turned out so much better." Monte added.

I let out a little laugh at that. That's definitely one way to put it.

"Oh, Riley. I'm leaving tonight by the way." Dylan told me.

"You are?" I questioned.

"Ya. Stew helped me find a flight so I could get back as soon as possible. I have to get back to Reighmound. Never know when a family wants to meet me." He smiled.

Ok I know I said he can't stay here long... But now I want him to. I love him to death and I've missed him so much. It's gonna suck when he leaves.

"Well I'm happy for you Dyl. Really you deserve a new family." I told him. He smiled at me and then looked back at Stew's laptop. The two of them were watching some type of video.

"Boys put that away it's time to eat." Kami laughed walking over to the table with two plates in her hands. Monte had two plates as well. Sam left my side and grabbed another one.

I just went over to Nate who was already sitting down. I sat beside him. Sam came over. Sitting beside me. Stew and Dylan were across from us. Monte and Kami at each end of the table.

At breakfast I wasn't really talking all that much. Everyone else around me were having conversations with each other. Laughing at jokes. Except me. I just sat there. Pushing the food on plate around. Taking bites out of it periodically. I kept my head up with my hand. My elbow resting against the table.

I'd say I don't know what's wrong with me.

But that would be a lie.

I do know. It's Austin and Max. Images of them kept flashing in my eyes. The memory of them triggered all those other memories from back home. The two of them. My parents. Cody. Everything.

All of the images and memories were just too much for me. I set down my fork and quickly stood from my chair. I stormed out of the kitchen and just went down stairs to my room. I can't be sitting down. I needed to do something with myself.

My feet left me pacing my room. Back and forth. Running a hand through my hair, trying to blink away the images. But they wouldn't leave.

"Riley." I quickly turned at the sound of Sam's voice behind me. He startled me a little. "What's wrong?"

Sam came closer to me. I just shook my head and looked up at my reflection in the mirror.

"I can't get them out of my head. Everywhere I look, all there is them." I choked out.

Sam stayed silent and just came up behind me. Placing his hands on my waist. Resting his chin on my shoulder. My eyes moved to him. And I actually saw him.

Not Austin. Not Max. Not Cody. Not my parents.

I saw Sam. Our eyes stared at each other's for a few seconds before he turned me around. He looked down at me and I looked up at him. It's amazing how much more I've fallen in love with this boy just in almost 24 hours,

"They're not going to bother you Riley. They'll have a lot of people to get through first. Before they can touch you. You're safe. You've got me. You've got Nate, Stew, his parents. You've even got the Jacks and Leigh and Mallory. You have all of us."

I smiled faintly at his words. That would make me feel better if I didn't know Austin and Max as well as I did. They would get to me no matter who they have to go through.

"I love you. Alright? And I'm going to do everything to keep you safe." He added. Then he leaned in. Connecting our lips together in a sweet lustful kiss. He pushed me against the was for better support as my hands wrapped around his neck.

I melted into his touch. The feel of this soft lips against mine was enough to send my heart beating. After a minute he hesitantly pulled away from me. His forehead rested against mine. We were both silent.

"I'm right here. And I always will be. No matter where life takes us." He told me. Hearing that really made me feel good.

For a person who never heard that in their life, it feels good hearing it now. And from people who actually mean it.

Being here in Omaha has taught me many things. The way I look at people being one of those things. Everyone I've met here in this town have treated me well. It has shown me that not everyone is horrible. There are nice people here.

"Come on, you should spend time with Dylan before he leaves." Sam said grabbing onto my hand. I nodded and followed him as he led me back upstairs.

Dylan leaving. Ugh I don't want that.

__________

Dylans flight was leaving at 5. So we didn't have all the time in the world. Everyone sat in the living room. We were talking and joking around. Everyone enjoyed Dylan's company. It was great.

When it was time for Dylan to get to the airport I decided to go with him. Nate let me take his car so I could drive him there. No one else came with us. It was just me and Dylan. Gave us a little time to catch up with each other just by ourselves.

I even walked him over to the gate he needed to get on in the airport. He's 13 I'm not gonna let him walk in their alone. Can't believe he came here all by himself.

The announcement for Dylan's flight came over the intercom. We stood up from our seats then looked at each other.

"Take care of yourself. Ok Dyl? You know where to find me. If anything ever happens or you need help, come to me." I told him while pulling him in for a hug.

"I will Riley. Just stay safe and watch yourself." He laughed.

We pulled away from each other. He started walking towards his gate. I watched him. He turned and waved goodbye to me before disappearing into the gate.

Everything inside of me was hoping he'd be ok. I want him to have the best in life. He deserves a new family. He deserves a new home. He needs people that will take care of him. And not treat him wrong.

If I could I'd have him here with me. It would assure a good home, a good family, and good care. But I'm already here. Having him here would be too much on the Maloley family.

Dylan found me once. He can find me again. Our paths will cross again some other day down the road. And when that day comes, I'll be happy.

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