My Best Friend's Heart (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

         Natalie and Kathryn filled out the appropriate paperwork and sat waiting outside Melissa's office, waiting for the moment to arrive. Cole and Elizabeth demanded to talk to Melissa before they could take them home. They sat side by side in chairs, holding hands, anxiously waiting. They stared into each others eyes, reading the emotions in them perfectly.  

        They were nervous. They had every right to be. Adopting a child, much less two, is a huge decision but the number of children didn't bother them. They had the usual worries: what if they didn't like them, what if Cole had a problem with gay parents, or if Elizabeth didn't like the ranch. The many worries weighed on their shoulders as they turned at the same time to the sound of the door opening. 

        It touched their hearts to see Cole leading the way with his head held up defiantly and Elizabeth clutching his hand and hiding behind him. They were told the different scenarios but they weren't prepared for the tiny things that would drag them deeper so quickly. Cole's love for his little sister was evident with everything he did and Elizabeth was a darling that they knew they would love instantly. It was a matter of winning them over. 

        "So you're the lesbians that have adopted us?" 

        Natalie felt her heart drop at the words that spewed out of his mouth but Kathryn was the one that replied. 

        "Yeah. Do you have a problem with that?" 

        Cole stared at Kathryn for a couple of seconds before shrugging his shoulders and sticking his free hand in his pants pocket. Natalie turned to look at Elizabeth and smiled. The little eight year old had her thumb in her mouth. It was adorable, even though she knew that eight year olds shouldn't be doing that. Normally. The two of them have already been through so much more than any child should. Natalie smiled softly at Elizabeth. 

        "Do you have everything, Elizabeth?" 

        Elizabeth's wide blue eyes fixed her in a stare of horror. Natalie's heart panged again. She saw Elizabeth nod her head yes, like a doe in headlights. 

        "Well, we thought we'd take you to get some clothes for school. Is that alright with guys?" 

        Cole shrugged his shoulders again, his eyes meeting the floor in front of his feet. Elizabeth just kept staring at Natalie with wide eyes. Surely that was a good sign, Natalie reasoned with herself. 

        "Kat why don't you take them out to the car and I'll see if there's anything else we need from Melissa." 

        Kathryn nodded her head in agreement, sharing a look with her that said please hurry. They walked quietly to the car, somberly. It was sad to watch. 

        Natalie turned to Melissa and Melissa smiled quietly.  

        "They've been through a lot Natalie. It'll take awhile, but from what I saw, they know what you're doing for them. Cole especially knows how rare this opportunity is for foster home or adoptive parents to want two kids. Elizabeth knows what's happening, that little girl has a lot more spunk than you think she does. Just be patient and let them know that you care. That's my advice. Oh! And also keep your appointments with me, your social worker." 

        Natalie nodded her head. She walked out of the building and towards the car. She saw Cole and Elizabeth sitting in the back and Kathryn sitting in the driver's seat, her mouth set in a straight line. She knew she'd get frustrated. Natalie opened the car door and got in. Kathryn was off before she even had her seat belt buckled.