Stay Alive

Welcome Home

Today's the day! Alyssa thought as she got dressed in the bathroom. Today, June 29, Alyssa was finally going home with Tyler and his family. She had to stay at the police station for interviews and court paperwork. But it was finally over! She was actually going home!

Alyssa brushed her teeth and hair then left the bathroom. One of the police officers offered to let her stay and his place with his wife and kids. The kids liked her, but they were annoying, so Alyssa wouldn't miss them much. She flew down the stairs to the kitchen and poured some cereal in a bowl. But she couldn't eat...she was too excited! Tyler and the rest of the family was coming at 10. It was 8:30 now! Time was going so slow already!

Eventually, 10 o'clock rolled around and Alyssa brought her suitcase into the living room. She sat on the couch with the family she stayed with. One of the little girls said, "You should come visit! I'm going to miss you!"

"Uh, yeah," Alyssa replied but she thought, No way, you kids drove me out of my mind!

The doorbell rang and Alyssa snapped her head towards the door. A wave of fear swept over her. But she reminded herself that this was her real family. They'd love her. Mr. Wood, the police officer Alyssa stayed with, opened the door. On the other side, was Tyler with his siblings and their parents. Alyssa's parents and siblings too. She got off the couch and stood by the door.

Alyssa's mom rushed in and gave her a tight hug. Tears began falling down her face. "Alyssa, I've missed you so much. But now...you're back,"

Mom released herself from the hug and gazed into her long lost daughter's eyes. Then, Alyssa's dad and her siblings gathered around for a group hug. After the hug, Dad introduced the family to her. "My name is Chris. But obviously, you'll call me dad. Your mom's name is Kelly and these are your siblings. Madison is your sister and your brothers are Zack, Jay, and of course, Tyler," Dad said as he pointed to each family member in turn.

Madison gave Alyssa another hug. "It's good to have you back! Now I'll have someone to talk to about girl stuff," She laughed.

Zack said, "No way! She's going to be playing basketball ALL the time with Jay and I."

Tyler rolled his eyes and whispered to Alyssa, "I'm the oldest...see what I had to deal with? They still argue as adults!"

Alyssa tried to hold back a laugh. But she couldn't help it. Mom and Dad turned to Mr. Wood to thank him and his family. As they did, Jay asked, "Do you play basketball,"

Alyssa shook her head, "Nope. I can barely dribble a ball."

Jay and Zack gasped. "As soon as we get home, we're teaching you how to play!" Zack exclaimed.

"Well, what if she doesn't want to play basketball?" Tyler asked, "What do you like to do, Alyssa?"

All eyes turned to Alyssa. She said, "I like drawing and listening to music."

"She likes music. I know who her favorite sibling will be!" Jay complained as they walked out the door to the car.

The ride home was enjoyable. Jay and Zack were trying to teach Alyssa the basics of basketball while Madison was wondering if she had a crush on any guys. Tyler grinned at Alyssa as if to say, Get used to all the bickering! Dad and Mom were in the front seats and trying to talk to their found daughter. But Jay nearly spilled his water bottle on Alyssa when he demonstrated what a lay-up was. The drive was only 15 minutes, but it was one of the funniest drives she had gone on.

When they arrived home, Dad took Alyssa's suitcase while Jay and Tyler took her inside for the grand tour of the house. They walked in and Alyssa took a deep breath. "Welcome home," Tyler said.

Alyssa smiled and thought, I'm finally home...

(A/N I'm back! Sorry for no updates this past weekend! I was at Vidcon with some friends! But I'm back now! So more updates are coming soon! I hope you're enjoying the story!)