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Ch. 19

"Listen here Ashly-" Mark starts to say, but I interrupt.

"Mark, please let me talk. Let me explain. I need to talk out what is going on in order for me to move on from it. Can we go inside and you guys listen to what I need to say?" I speak out and fast. I wanted to get that out so Mark wouldn't, in turn,  cut me off and we all end up in an argument.

  Mark and Ethan just nod and we walk inside to the living room. I motion for them to sit as I stand in front of them to deliver my testimony.

"So I have quite a bit to say, so please don't interrupt. Okay,  so... I left that note for you guys because I was going to run away. Clearly. But I didn't get too far because I couldn't figure out what I was running from. I knew I just needed to leave because I have done nothing but bring stress and problems into your lives. This is not the kind of daughter you expected to adopt. I mean, you probably predicted past family issues,  just not the kind of issues that have arose since I have been living with you guys. The thought that I was causing people to hurt,  killed me. I just couldn't let it happen. So I figured, if I left,  you guys would not hurt anymore. But I know now, that you would. I know now,  that you guys were going to try to find me and get me back before something bad happened. I know now that the love you have shown and provided me with is not fake,  but real. I am so sorry for not seeing that earlier. I think that I figured I was a being that couldn't be loved, because love isn't an emotion I have felt in a very long time. I thank you guys so much for everything you have done for me and with me. So,  if it is okay, I would like to start over. Please." I finish.

  When I first started speaking I was looking down,  but towards the end,  I looked up to face them. They just stared at me. Their faces were almost blank, but I knew they were just taking in what I was saying.

"I think that is a great idea. Ashlynn,  hi,  I am Ethan,  and this is my boyfriend,  Mark. I understand some past family issues have brought you to a low point in life,  but just know the best decision you could do was let yourself be taken into another family. We love you." Ethan says while getting up to hug me.
  I look over to Mark and the stern dad look he usually has was gone. He was smiling as he stood up to join the hug.

"Alright,  thank you for telling us how you felt and what was going on with you emotionally Ashlynn. That's really going to help us grow as a family. Yes,  we do love you so incredibly much! But anyway,  welcome to the family! In this house, we are strong believers of everyday is absolutely a great day."

  With that we enjoyed a little laugh and continued talking about what we needed to do to be able to move on from what all has happended.
  After talking we ordered Chinese and watched movies. Around midnight we called it a night and parted ways to our bedrooms.
  My room was just how I had left it. I had cleaned it before I left last night, and the only thing missing was the note. Obviously it wouldn't still be here, but to my surprise,  my phone was. Even though everything has been talked through, I thought I would still be grounded. All well,  not going to complain.
  I go through every app on my phone in order to get updated on what all is going on and then text Damien. I just sent a long paragraph letting him know that everything is okay,  and then a goodnight text. Oops,  double texter. All well. Night.