Adopted By Who?

Don't Run

As I finished packing my bag, Jaime walked in. He looked at it, "What are you doing, Kay?"

I decided not to lie, "I'm leaving."

"What, why?!"

"Dad said I've caused a lot of  trouble and I don't want to cause anymore trouble for you guys."

Jaime sat beside me, "He didn't mean it that way. You've changed us a lot, and I'm glad. Don't take it to heart novio. I love you." He hugged me.

I sighed, "Thank you, Hime-Time. I love you, too."

He hugged me again, then got up. He held his hand out to me, "Come on, let's go make some tacos. Tacos will take your mind off of everything."

I smiled and took his hand, standing up, "They always do."

We walked downstairs and I helped Jaime make tacos. My head was starting to bother me halfway through, so he made me take some Tylenol and lay on the couch. I was watching The Golden Girls when Vic sat down at my feet.

"Why are you watching this?"

I smiled, "My mom and I used to watch this all the time. I wasn't old enough to get some of the jokes, but my mom loved it. So I did, too. I loved anything my mom did. I wanted to be just like her."

Vic smiled, "Awww, that's sweet Kaylen. You want to start that tradition again, but with me?"

I got up and hugged him, "I would love to Vic!"

He hugged me tight, "Then it's settled. We'll watch these funny old ladies any chance we get."

I smiled to myself and cuddled into his side.

---

Jaime called us all into the dining room for dinner. We sat down, I sat in between Dad and Vic. We all made our plates and started eating. 

"Hey, can I ask you guys something," I asked.

"Of course Baby Turtle," Mike said.

I swallowed my bite, "Well, it's two things. The first question is, what made you guys want to adopt a kid? And why did you guys choose me so quickly?"

I had never thought to ask this question and it didn't seem like now was a bad time to ask it. Everything I've put them through recently and what Dad had said got me thinking. So, why not ask?

Vic smiled, "Well, like we told you the first day we got you, Tony was the one who brought it up. And we all agreed that it would be cool to have a kid running around here."

"We chose you," Jaime started, "We chose you so quickly because you obviously knew who we were."

"And all the other kids looked like brats," Mike added.

I laughed, "Yeah, they were. Besides Brooke. I need to call her after dinner. I haven't done that in a while."

---

After dinner, I went up to my room and called Ms. Holly. She answered on the third ring, "Hi Kaylen."

I smiled, "Hi Ms. Holly. I was calling to talk to Brooke."

Ms. Holly sighed, "I've been meaning to call you about that."

My heart dropped, "What do you mean? Is she okay?"

"Oh, she's fine. It's just she got adopted."

"Is she with a good family?"

"Of course, Kaylen."

"Is there anyway I can call her family and talk to her?"

"I can't give that information out. I'm sorry Kaylen."

I sighed, "No, it's okay. Well, I'll let you go. Bye."

"Bye Kaylen."

I hung up. I feel terrible. I should have talked to her more. Oh well, I guess. As long as she's with a good, loving family. 

I went downstairs and cuddled into Dad. He was on the couch watching a Star Wars movie. He put his arm around me, "How's Brooke doing?"

I sighed and buried my face in his shoulder, "She got adopted, so I didn't get to talk to her."

Dad paused the movie and hugged me tight, "Aww I'm sorry Baby Turtle."

I sniffled, "It's okay I guess. I'm glad she got adopted, I'm just gonna miss talking to her."

Mike walked into the living room, "Oh no! What's wrong with Baby Turtle?"

Dad told him why I was sad and then Mike yelled for Jaime and Vic, "Vic, Jaime! Kaylen is in need of a group hug!"

The two came running in and they all piled on top of me and hugged me tight. I laughed, "You guys are the best. I love you all so much!"

"We love you, too, Baby Turtle," they all said. I smiled and absorbed the hug.

The doorbell rang. "I'll get it," I said.

They released me from the hug. I got up and went to the door. I opened it and a guy in his early twenties was standing in front of me. He had short brown hair, stretched ears, a nose ring, and green eyes. He was wearing a We Came As Romans shirt and black skinny jeans. He looked pretty cool.

I finally found my voice, "Uh, hi. Can I help you?"

He smiled, showing perfect white teeth, "Yeah. Are you Kaylen Klinedinst?"

I hesitated, "Um, that was my old last name before I got adopted. It's Perry now."

His smile widened, "Okay, well, Kaylen, I'm Jordan Klinedinst. I, uh, hear me out on this. Kaylen, I'm your older brother."