The Boy in the Basement

Chapter 18

I was enveloped in a big hug from Liesel as soon as I stepped in the door. This was my first time back home in almost 2 weeks. I had missed being here, but having my own place, with Cora, was amazing. Ya, we were a bit busy since we moved in, because we had to keep up with expenses. But so far we were doing perfectly good, and we even had a tiny bit extra. A few nights, we had friends over, like Amelia or Nik, for dinner. Those were good nights, and I wouldn't trade them for anything. But it was nice to come visit my family again. And Max... there was a hole in me that felt like it had just opened up when I left, and I knew that it was from missing him. It was from missing our reading sessions, showing him how to draw, or even just talking.

"You're back, I missed you so much..." Liesel said. She was hugging me so tightly that I was having a bit of trouble breathing. All of her soccer was really making her strong, I though.

"I told you, I wasn't so far away. I missed you, too." I kissed her forehead. "So how has it been around here? Are you manning the Hubermann fort?" She laughed.

"Ya, I am. Everyone is doing alright. We all just miss you. Mama managed to get another washing customer, that made her happy. I think Max misses you the most of all, though. We didn't really tell him you were coming today - we thought it would be a nice surprise if he didn't know."

"Well, I'm excited to see him. I'm excited to see Mama and Papa, too." I said.

"They can't wait to see you, either. Mama has been cooking so much for your birthday." I had almost forgotten about that - today was my birthday. I was 24 years old. I had been so preoccupied with moving that I had forgotten about that. "You forgot that it was your birthday, didn't you? I can tell by your expression."

"Ya, I forgot." I admitted.

"You forget every year!" She said. "C'mon, everyone wants to see you." She grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. "Mama, Adeline is home! She's back."

"Finally." Mama came in and hugged me. "It's been a long two weeks without you here. How has it been living in your apartment?"

"I love it." I said. I told her and Liesel about some of the things that had happened. "I miss you all, of course, but it's great to have my own place."

"We've missed you, too." Mama said. "So, your papa is out doing a few things, but he'll be back soon. I'm assuming you'll want to see Max? He's been quite lonely without you."

"Of course... I'll be back up soon." I went down to the basement. I felt like I couldn't make it down fast enough, and when I got down, Max was reading. He looked up, and his face lit up.

"I didn't know you were coming back today!" He got up and hugged me. " I was starting to fear that you would never come visit."

"Ya, I decided to come back today." I said. "I missed you."

"I missed you, too." He kissed me. Now that was something I missed. "I haven't had my drawing buddy. I miss having you around for that."

"I know. I've missed that, too."

"So how's the new apartment? I've been waiting to hear about that."

"It's nice, I love it." I said. "So, we've been quite busy lately, trying to get all that we need in order. I picked up a job at an art store, working 5 days a week. But it really is wonderful." He smiled.

"That sound's great." He said. "I'm happy for you. What brings you back today, of all days? Is it some sort of special occasion?"

"Well... it's by birthday." I said quietly. I never really considered my birthday that much of a special occasion, but I knew he would want to know."