Runaway (R.S.L)

Epilogue

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"I didn't realize I had this many boxes." I muttered, dropping the final box of clothes into the trunk of our rented van. 

"Well, we did go shopping a lot." Rydel commented. "Do you remember the first time we went shopping? I'm surprised we didn't buy out all the stores." 

I smiled at the memory, feeling as though it was just yesterday. I had lived with the Lynch's for almost two years, but it felt like they had just taken me in. From the moment I moved into their home, all I felt was love and care, two things I desperately needed. 

Two things I still had. 

Once the car was packed, I shut the trunk and made my way inside the house, where Ross was up in his room. It was completely empty besides his desk and bed, but the walls were bare from all his posters and his closet was completely vacant. It was strange seeing his room practically empty, and I guess he felt the same way because he was sitting on his bed, just staring at the wall. 

"You alright?" I slowly sat down beside him, linking my arm through his and resting my head on his shoulder. 

He nodded, placing his head on top of mine. "I'm just gonna miss this place. I never thought moving would be so hard, and before you say anything, I don't have any regrets." 

I cracked a smile. He could read my freakin' mind. 

"I'm happy that we're moving, starting our lives together," He continued, his voice quiet. "I'm just gonna miss my family. And I know we're still see them, but we won't see them everyday like we're used to. It's just gonna take some time to get used to, I guess." He placed his hand on my thigh, reaching for my own and lacing our fingers together. "You have no idea how excited I am, Scar. We'll finally have a place of our own. I don't want you thinking that I'm not happy, because I am. I'm extremely happy."

"I know." I murmured. I stroked his upper arm, connecting my lips against the fabric of his shirt. "You don't have to prove anything to me, Ross. It's completely understandable to feel these things when moving. I do. I've moved from foster house to foster house, but this is the first time that I'm going to miss a home, a family. You guys are the first family that actually care about me, and I care about you just as much." I paused to take a breath. "Am I getting too mushy?"

He allowed a loud laugh to escape, throwing his arm over my shoulders. "You're good." A moment of silence passed before he spoke up again. "I guess we should get going." 

I nodded in agreement, a wave of sadness washing over me. As excited I was about moving in with the love of my life, I was going to miss my family so much. I never imagined being taken in by a family who was so loving and caring, but I was so glad I did. They gave me everything I never had, showered me with love...just cared about me. They stuck with me through everything, even when my mere presence put their life in danger. 

I couldn't be more grateful. 

I clutched Ross' hand tightly as we made our way downstairs, my eyes automatically filling with tears as I caught sight of Stormie crying. She, along with the rest of the family were lounging in the living room, waiting for Ross and I to head out. It broke my heart to see her crying, but apparently Ross found it amusing. 

"Mom, we're not leaving the country. Stop crying." With the towel she was holding, Stormie swatted her son's chest as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a tight hug. 

"You're the first one moving out, son." Mark said, clapping Ross on the back. "She's gonna get emotional." 

"Or they could be happy tears." Rocky added.