Lifelines

Chapter 32

I paced back and forth outside the building while Cheryl nervously taped her foot.

"Stop pacing Cassandra. You're making me nervous." She said and I froze, apologizing quickly, only to start pacing once again.

"Why are they taking so long?" I groaned but perked up when I saw Carson and Lucas walk out of the building with my family behind them.

I ran up to them and grabbed Carson's shirt in between my fists, searching his eyes for an answer.

"They got him." He whispered and I happily threw my arms around him, letting tears run down my face.

"I couldn't have done this without you." I whispered so only he could hear and he lightly traced my back with his fingers.

"But isn't that the reason we need to end things." He said almost bitterly and I pulled back like I've been burned.

"Hey, Cassandra!" I heard my name in the distance and saw James being pulled back by two cops and a herd of reporters.

I looked away but he wouldn't stop talking.

"Ah, come on babe, don't be like that. I hope you don't miss me too much. Don't worry, you'll be able to go for a ride on this again." He winked.

"Why don't you shut your mouth!" I heard a deep yell and surprisingly it didn't come from Carson but my father. Sharon held him back, whispering things into his ear and that's when I realized how terrible of a daughter I've been. I've barely been around to be with my own family. The family I've been disconnected from for so long. This whole time I've been worried about the minor things, I haven't had time to think of anyone else. I didn't think twice about how the past three months have affected my father.

"Dad, it's okay. He's going away now." I said and wrapped my arms around him. He was tense at first but relaxed soon enough, hugging me back with such force it reminded me of when I was little.

James was pushed into the cop car and I looked around at everyone who was here for me. Cheryl was definitely the most mature about the whole situation. She knew what to do and how to handle it. She asked all the right questions and I could tell she sincerely wanted to help me. I was another daughter to her now. Then, I looked to my father and Sharon who looked so upset but I now knew they were serious about being in my life. I could count on them for anything. They were my parents. I hated to admit this but, Sharon had been unbelievably nice to me these past months and I wouldn't mind getting close to her and having a mom again although that will be hard for me to do.

I looked at the last four people in front of me and my heart swelled with the amount of love I have for them. My Aunt Ray and I have been through a lot. She wasn't always nice to me but she was always grieving over the loss of a sister. It hurt her to see my face everyday that reminded her so much of my mother's. But, she didn't have to take me in. She could've sent me away to an adoption agency and never have to worry about a thing. But she didn't do that. She stepped up. She made her sister proud and even though the journey was rocky, I think I turned out alright.

I smiled when I looked to Lucas and Kara who were whispering to each other so lovingly. I didn't know Kara long at all but she became like a surrogate sister to me and I'm thankful that she stuck by my side and made the boys much more bearable. She was definitely a life long friend. Especially now that she is stuck with Luke. I almost laughed out loud at that. Almost.

Luke stood there with a brave face on for the world and he was like the older brother I always needed to protect me. He's always given the best advice and always there to make you laugh when you're feeling down. I love him. He's family. Without Carson, my childhood wouldn't have been filled with even half of the happiness I've had.