Fairy Tale

Chapter 22: Autumn Wood

I saw Sophie and her mother smiling at me, wondering what was going on. I glanced at her strangely and they looked away, giggling.

The 'Officer Thompson' guy took my father out to the back of the police car and locked him in it. The burden of my parents had been taken care of, but now I had an even bigger problem on my shoulders; keeping my family together.

How was I going to manage that all on my own?

Dot came up to me and I picked her up. She smiled her sweet little smile at me and said, "What's the matter? Aren't you glad Mommy and Daddy are gone?"

I smiled sadly at her. "I'll admit, I am relieved. But that just created a bigger problem."

Dot frowned. "How is it a problem?" Her mind didn't comprehend why I was sad.

I looked at her. I didn't want her to worry or be scared she would lose me. "You'll...understand when you're older."

She pouted. "Why can't I be older now?" she whined.

I smiled at her, laughing. "I'm sorry, honey. It just doesn't work that way."

She smiled timidly and wrapped her arms around my neck, laying her head on my shoulder. "I love you baby doll," I whispered in her ear. I could feel her smile as she wrapped her arms tighter.

"I love you too, sissy."

Those five words warmed my heart and filled it with joy. This tiny creature in my arms was one of the few salvations in my life. I hugged her tightly, never wanting to leave the moment, but I knew I had to eventually.

It was official, as so the officers said. They found enough evidence to prove I had been abused. The adults talked for awhile, deciding what to do, while Luna pulled me over into the living room.

"This is a very brave thing you're doing," she said, looking at her feet. "I could never be as courageous as you."

I smiled at her and lifter her chin with my finger. "Courage isn't just bravery. Sometimes, it's just doing what you think is right."

She smiled back. "I've never been there for you like you've been there for me. I never tried to fight back against Mother and Father because I was scared of what would happen to me. I just want to apologize for...well...everything."

"You don't need to apologize, Luna." I brush a strand of light blond hair behind her ear. "You did the right thing."

"Really?"

I nod. "Yes. I'd much rather me get hurt than you. You're my little sis. It's my job to protect you, and you did your job of helping me protect you."

She smiled. "I love you, sis." She hugs me.

"I love you too." I and hug her tightly.

"What are we going to do now?" she asks, looking for guidance.

"I-I honestly don't know," I admit.

She looks up at me with her big brown eyes and smiles. "I'm sure we'll figure something out."

I look at her sadly, and try to put on a smile, not believing her. I nod. "Yeah..."

Sophie and her mother join us in the living room, Maya and Dot following closely.

"Woods," said Ms. Johnson excitedly. "we have something very important to tell you."

"Yes?" asks Maya impatiently. The duo smiles at us lovingly, exchanging glances.

"Girls, we have come to an agreement," said Ms. Johnson, looking at each of us. "We have decided to adopt."

I stare at her in disbelief, gaping. They were adopting us?! I refused to believe it. Did they think this was some type of joke.

Dot was staring at them intently, and turned to confusion. "Adopt who?" We all laughed.

Ms. Johnson leaned down and picked her up.  "You, honey. You're going to be my daughter."

Her eyes widened and she smiled from ear to ear. "Really?"

She laughed, a sparkle in her eyes. "Yes!"

I believed. I was going to have a real family again, like the one I had always dreamed about. I laughed. I had never felt so good.

I was going to have a family.

Praise God for letting me meet Sophie, leading up to this. I...don't know what to think...

I'm going to have a real family...