Living With Ian

Chapter 26

The next morning Sarah woke up to the smell of pancakes being made. She smiled as she realized where she was and then she headed down the hall.

 “Good morning,” said Ian as he flipped a pancake on the skillet. “How’d you sleep?”

 “Really good,” said Sarah. “I’ve missed being here.” She looked around. “Where are Ashley and Bradyn?”

 “They left late last night to go back to their hotel room. But Ashley is coming over again later today and she’s going to hang out with you while I talk with your uncle.” Sarah nodded. She looked up at him as he slid two pancakes onto her plate.

 “What are you going to say to him?” she asked. Ian sighed.

 “I talked to him last night Sarah. And he’s really upset that you ran away. I told him that I would let you stay here for a while but I really don’t think he will agree with letting me have you live here all the time.”

 “But Ian,” Sarah argued.

 “No buts. I’ll talk about it with him today.” Sarah nodded and got started eating. She looked up as she heard the doorbell ring and then Ashley walked in.

 “Hey,” she said.

 “Where’s Bradyn?” Ian asked. Ashley rolled her eyes.

 “Good morning to you too little brother. My night was fine. Thanks for asking.” Ian sighed and looked at her. “He’s with his daddy today. They haven’t had much father son time here lately.” Ian nodded. Ashley looked down at Sarah.

 “Whenever you get ready I’ll take you shopping. We can get to know each other a little better.” Sarah nodded and finished her pancakes.

 “I’m gonna go get dressed,” she said as she slid off the chair and headed down the hall into her bedroom. Ashley turned and looked at Ian.

 “So what are you gonna do about today?” she asked. Ian sighed.

 “She wants to stay here,” he told her. “And I want her to stay here too. But I don’t think her uncle is going to agree to it. And if it came down to a custody battle, there’s no doubt whatsoever that he would get it.” Ashley nodded.

 “It’s all going to work out Ian,” she assured him. Ian sighed and looked at his older sister. She had always been able to reassure him whenever he was having trouble with anything. But the problems he was facing now seemed to be over both of their heads.

 “I really hope so Ash.” They stopped talking as Sarah walked in.

 “Are you ready to go shopping?” Ashley asked her. Sarah nodded. “Great, let’s go.”

 “Good luck,” Ian called as they walked out the door. Ashley rolled her eyes and led Sarah towards her car.

After shopping for a few hours, Ashley and Sarah stopped at a café for lunch.

 “So,” said Ashley. “Tell me a little about yourself.” Sarah shrugged.

 “There’s not much to tell,” Sarah said. “I’m thirteen, I go to Carter Middle School, my favorite color is purple, what else would you like to know?” Ashley smiled.

 “How about how my brother found you? I’m sure this is an interesting story.” Sarah blushed. She was embarrassed to think of how she had first reacted to Ian.

 “He scared me,” she told Ashley. “He basically kidnapped me one night. I was on the streets and he was concerned, and he took me to his house. And he took care of me so I started living with him.” Ashley nodded.

 “If you don’t mind me asking, how did a thirteen year old end up on the streets?” Sarah looked down at her glass of water and shrugged.

 “I didn’t really have a good home life,” she told her. “And my mom kicked me out one day.” Ashley nodded.

 “I understand. It was pretty hard growing up for Ian and I too.” Sarah nodded.

 “He told me about your dad.” Ashley looked surprised.

 “Really? Normally he doesn’t like talking about it. I’m glad that he did though. He’s had it really rough trying to become my protector. It’s in his nature but I don’t like how his temper is.”

 “Me either,” said Sarah. “He scares me when he gets into fights. But I like him being strong and overprotective. It makes me feel safe.” Ashley smiled.

 “I’m really glad that you came along. I was so worried about him for the longest time. But he has really changed ever since he took you in.” Sarah looked down at the table and Ashley noticed the sudden change in her demeanor.

 “What’s wrong?”

 “I just feel guilty,” Sarah told her. “I feel guilty that I left, just because we got into a fight.” Ashley smiled softly.

 “Don’t,” she said. “Ian told me what happened and you had every right to be upset at him. He shouldn’t have done that. But he really does feel sorry about it.” Sarah nodded.

 “I know that now.” She looked up at Ashley.

 “Do you think I made a mistake by trying to move in with my uncle?” Ashley sighed.

 “You’re in a tough situation right now Sarah. And I hate seeing you have to make such big decisions. But I think that no matter what is decided between your uncle and Ian today, you’re going to live in a home where people care about you.” Sarah nodded and they finished their lunch quietly.

After another hour of shopping, Sarah was exhausted. She now understood why Ian had told her good luck before they had left. Ashley could go on shopping for days at a time.

By the time that Ashley led her up to Ian’s apartment, Sarah was exhausted but still happy. Her and Ashley had become good friends and Sarah could see them becoming as close as sisters.

Sarah was laughing at something Ashley had said as she opened Ian’s front door. But her laughter soon stopped as she walked into the living room and saw Ian and her uncle sitting on the sofa waiting for her.