The Lost and Found Family

Nala

"You know, staring out the window won't make them get home any faster"

It was already getting dark, the bad november weather making the glass of the window cold at the touch and the increasingly raindrops causing the view from outiside become blurry. That didn't stop the two little girls from staying firmily on their spots; noses glued to the cold surface and doe eyes following every moviment from the few cars passing through. As one more came by and passed through, both kids sighed tiredly, the younger resting her open palms on the window sill and her chin on the back of her hands while the older turned around to face the young woman sitting on the armchair watching them with her knees drawn to her chest and an amused smile hidden behind a blue mug.

"They should be here already" The 10 year old girl half grumbled, half whinned, crossing her small arms above her flat chest, a cute pout apearing on her face. The woman on the couch pouted in sympathy and lowered her legs, holding out her free hand for the girl, who didn't hesitated in running forwards and nearly jumping into the comforting hug.

"Don't worry so much, Allycat, they'll be here soon"

"You said that over a hour ago, Aunt Sel" The little girl accused, looking as stern as her cute 10 year old face would allow her. Selena had to physically bite back a smile at how adorable her frustrated niece looked. She played with her soft brown locks and brought the girl's head to rest against her chest, dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

"... And that only means that they are closer to get home than they were over a hour ago, sweetie" Ally only snorted but cuddled into her aunt's body anyways, seeking for her warmth. Selena held the little girl close and seted her now empty mug on te coffee table, her gaze now landing on her younger niece still standing by the window "Dinah? Why don't you come cuddle with us?"

"Hm?" The 8 year old raised her head at the sound of her name, a little startled from being brought back from her own little world. The black haired woman smiled gently at the little girl and patted her free leg in a silent invitation. A big smile grew on the girl's face and she quickly made her way to the armchair, pausing for a moment to grab the fluffy stuffed yellow animal on the bigger couch. She plopped herself down on her aunt's free leg and rested her head against the chest facing her big sister.

"Oh my gosh! You guys are getting way too big for this" Selena joked, pretending to choke under the girl's weight and feeling satisfied when they both giggled sweetly. The sound was shot lived though and both girls soon grew silent, which by itself was worrisome. Both girls were the biggest chatterbox Selena had ever met and while it was mostly cute, it was certainly annoying at times. But now, both girls were completely silent, Ally staring out at nowhere and Dinah fidgeting with the ears of the stuffed animal she held in her lap. The woman sighed and rested her cheek against Ally's head, rubbing Dinah's back soothingly. "Are you guys nervous?"

"A little bit... More like anxious, I guess..." Ally answered almost immediately and her little sister quickly nodded her head in agreement. Selena hummed and brought the hand that was on Dinah's back to play with the girl's dark locks instead, still watching the two carefully.

"You know, I'm a bit anxious too..." She started softly, her words quickly grabbing Dinah's attention as the little girl looked up at her with big brown eyes "... But there's no reason to be nervous, alright?"

The youngest girl nodded in understanding and lowered her gaze back to the stuffed animal on her lap. She played with it in silence for a few more seconds before she held it slightly up to the other two girls while carefully studying it herself.

"Do... Hm... Do you guys think she will like it?" The little girl asked in a small shy voice that was so uncharacteristic for her little wild, loud self. Selena opened her mouth to reassure her small niece but Ally beat her to it, shining her huge bright and conforting smile to her insecure sister.