Just Breathe - Adopted by Mandy Gonzalez - COMPLETED

4 - Home

"Goodbye Jodie. I'm going to miss you." I give her a big hug.

"I have to come visit once a week, for three month, then once a month from then on until your 18th birthday. So I'll still see you, just not every day. You have my number, so call me or text me if you ever need someone to talk to."

"Will do. I love you."

"I love you too sweetie." I said a final goodbye and hugged her before I picked up the box, holding it against against my hip and the suitcase handle in my other hand.

"You have a lot of stuff here kid" Doug says almost angrily once we step outside and are 5 yards away from the building. "Why are we adopting her again, why can't we have a second child naturally?"

"DOUGLAS MELINI. I've just about had it with you. Just be nice to her. Becky's had a tough life so far. She's never had parents or a family, and she finally gets that. If you put everything you owned into boxes and bags it would be a lot more than this. This is everything she owns. And finally, we are adopting because I'm not losing my career right after I get it back, and Becky deserves a home and a loving family. We are giving her all she's ever wanted."

"Mandy, he doesn't want to adopt me. I should just head back inside. Thank you for trying to make my life better, you will always be my squad mom. But I guess, as much as I dreamed it was right, this isn't what's meant to be." I had tears steaming down my face as I turned back towards the orphanage that I'd only walked a few yards away from.

"No Becky." She took the box from my arms and put it on the floor before hugging me tight. "You're our daughter now. We've signed the papers. I'm not letting you go."

"But you're relationship with your husband is far more important than me."

Mandy wiped my tears and whispered to me, "Becky, don't you understand. You're my daughter. Adopted or biological, you're still my daughter and I love you lots. Doug and I are your forever parents. He will get used to it. He's always wanted us to have another child naturally but I've just got my career back and I can't let that go yet. Maybe one day, but not right now. As soon as I found out you were an orphan, I knew I had to adopt you. I discussed it with Doug, we argued a little but eventually he agreed. I then spoke to Jodie when you were singing and she said that I could adopt you. So I did, well we did. Now let's go home."

"Okay, thanks Mandy." I give her a tight hug before picking up my box.

"I'll take the box honey. You carry the suitcase."

"Okay." I take the suitcase in one hand and Maribelle grabs my other hand.

"Sorry about dad. It's be fine soon, you always have me." I smile down at her.

"Thanks sis." I squeezed her hand as we headed to the subway to head to what would be my new home forever. I sat with Mandy and rested my head on her shoulder. Doug and Maribelle sat in front of us. "What did I do to deserve this?" I muttered to myself.

"Been an amazing girl, done so much for me and the squad. That's what you did. Everyone deserves a loving family, even you. Especially you. And even if you aren't ready to call me mom yet, I understand, it's a big change. But I'm proud to call you my daughter, my forever daughter."

"Thanks Mandy. Can we keep this quiet online for a while. I know you said you would announce some family changes in the next few days, I just don't want people to think of me any differently. I never told anyone I was an orphan for that same reason. But now I'm part of your family, I'm scared what others will say about me."

"We can keep it hidden as long as you want sweetie. I'll wait for you to be ready."

"Thanks Mandy. Also I might just stay away from Doug if you don't mind, at least for a week or so. I'm sorry to be a pain."

"Don't think that sweetie. I'm annoyed at him for the way he's treating you. He keeps saying that we only adopted you because you were a fan, which is partly true. But I've always wanted to find ways to help orphans or kids in New York who need help. Which is why I took on a key role with the Eliza Project. And of course you deserve a home and a family and I want to give that to you."

"Well I really appreciate it. Also would it be weird if I put up all the things I had on my wall in the girls home, in my new room? It's mainly a lot of pictures of you and fan art and stuff."

"No, it's you're room, decorate it how you want, within reason. I'm sure Doug wouldn't mind adding a splash of paint if you want."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I want you to make the room your own. Design what you want and we can work on it as a family next weekend. We may be able to find some cute furniture somewhere. Currently there's just a bed and small walk in closet. It's also got a Jack and Jill bathroom with Maribelle, I hope that okay."

"It'll be perfect Mandy. Thank you."