Rise Up

Talie

Dad and I walked into our apartment, which I hadn't been to in weeks.  It felt nice to be back.  There was nothing in the fridge, so we immediately ordered Chinese to be delivered.  Dad took his suitcase back to his bedroom and I collapsed on the couch.  I turned on the TV but realized Dad had long since cancelled the cable since no one was living here.  I popped in a movie instead.

The food arrived a while later so we just ate and watched a comedy.  I curled up next to my dad with a blanket, resting my head on his shoulder.  It felt so nice to have him back.  I wish he'd come back before; not just when I'd swallowed all those vitamins.

When the credits rolled, Dad picked up the remote and turned the TV off.  He put an arm around me and kissed my head.  "So, we need to talk," he began.

I knew it was coming.  There was no way he was just going to let this go.  I'd had to be hospitalized.  I sat up and ran a hand through my hair.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I apologized.  "It was a stupid thing to do."

"You scared the hell out of me, kiddo," he told me.  "Now why did you swallow all those vitamins?"

I stared at the floor, my legs resting pretzel-style on the seat.  "I've been pretty down lately.  I like living with the Mirandas, but...I miss you.  And I don't know if I want to move to London."

He turned his body to face me.  "You've never been to London," he pointed out.  "Don't you think you should give it a try first before deciding you hate it?"

I smirked a little.  I didn't like change.  I admitted it.  Maybe London wouldn't be terrible.  They did speak English, after all so it's not like I'd be a total fish out of water.  I asked Dad to tell me more about his fiance and her two kids.  My future step-sister sounded similar to me.  Maybe we'd actually get along.

"I guess I could try it," I admitted.  He put a hand on my shoulder and looked really happy.  He even had tears in his eyes.  Dad then wrapped his arms around me and gave me a big hug.

"I've missed you so much," he told me.  "You have no idea."

"I've missed you too," I told him.

____

A few days later, I was packing my bags to go to London with my dad.  I'd correspond with my Hunter teachers online to complete the work so I could still say enrolled for now.  I'd see how I liked London and my future step-family and go from there.

Sebastian was having a hard time understanding what was happening.  He walked into my room, still in his pajamas, nibbling on his pointer fingernail.

"Hi, Sebastian," I said kindly as I packed some more clothes.

"Hi," he said, hesitantly coming in.  "Where are you going?"

Lin and Vanessa had sat him down and explained things to him, but he didn't like the answers he was getting.  Him and me had become buds.

"I'm going to London," I told him.  "It's all the way across the ocean."

"Are you going on a plane?"

"Yep," I said.  "I'm leaving later today."

He looked so sad.  "Can I come with you?"

I smiled and sat down, then opened my arms for a hug.  "I'd love for you to come, but you've gotta stay here with your mommy and daddy."

He stepped into my hug.  "But I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, little man," I said, truly meaning it.  He and Francisco were two of the few good things in my life.  They loved me unconditionally.  "But we can FaceTime and I'll be back."