Lions ~~~ An Adopted by Skillet Fic (COMPLETE)

Eating Me Away

I bounced between people, going from listening to conversations to actually joining in. None of them were small talk, each was deep in its own way. Spencer and Joey spent most of their time discussing basketball, something I had no clue about. When I talked to Korey and Jen they talked about art, but when I talked to Joel I was the most surprised. 

I was sitting in one of the chairs in the living room, about an hour after I talked to Moriah. He sat down on the couch next to me and introduced himself. I was on edge as soon as he sat down. I didn't know this man, but Moriah told me that he was her husband and nothing but kind. And he was also in my favorite band, so I was an odd mix of star-struck and terrified.

"So I heard you like fashion," Joel said, smiling.

I nodded, curling my legs up underneath me. 

"That's awesome. I do love your outfit," The fact that he pointed out my jeans and t-shirt made me blush. I had just pulled all this on this morning in a rush.

"Thanks," My voice was more of a mumble. 

"John told me you're a big fan of our band?" Joel asked. 

I nodded.

"That's cool," Joel looked like he was going to say more, but John called for food in the kitchen. I stood and stretched, walking and talking with Joel. I didn't know that they had based a movie off the Priceless movement, and I told him I would see it. 

I grabbed a burger and some chips, feeling a little nauseous. Probably nerves. Joel and I moved back to the couch, talking and talking until John called us again, this time for cake.

I entered the kitchen, my face heating up. I looked around the room and only saw faces who truly cared for me, even though I haven't known these people for very long. The candles were lit, and for the second time that day I was sung to.

I made the same wish I did earlier because if I wish for something twice it's more likely to happen right? (I'm not entirely sure that's how wishes work so we'll roll with it). 

I opened my eyes after the wish, watching as Korey came next to me and cut the cake, giving me the first slice. The corner! Corners were my favorite because they typically have more frosting. Everyone else got their cake as I stood, moving back into the seat I had earlier. After a little bit Joel joined me on the couch again.

We sat in silence for a few minutes before Joel spoke up, "I noticed that you ran off last night." This time his voice was quiet. There was no one really by us though, and they were all absorbed in their own conversations. They wouldn't have heard us.

I nodded, "What about it?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. You seemed..." We locked eyes, "frightened."

I nodded again, "I was."

"May I ask why?"

I sighed. He was bound to figure out eventually, "My biological father wasn't exactly the best..."

Joel nodded, "You were afraid we would do something that he did."

I laughed a little and looked at him, "You read my mind." After a moment of silence, I sighed, "Can you... please not tell the other guys?"

Joel tilted his head, "Why?"

"I don't want them thinking I'm some kind of weirdo kid," I mumbled. I had been called that plenty of times in school. 

Joel nodded, "Your secret is safe with me."

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It wasn't until 10 o'clock that everyone ended up going home. I was completely exhausted, but I knew I had gained some new friends. Spencer and Joey were actually really cool (and really dorky). They actually loved video games as well and promised gaming on the tour that I could join in on. 

Alex was asleep on the couch, and I was about to be asleep as well. The door shut as the last guest left. Korey came over and shook me gently, helping me wake up. She let me walk to my room, and I didn't even change out of my clothes before passing out in my bed.

I was running again. This time, in a field. It felt so freeing, and the sun shining brought warmth to my skin. There was a line of trees on the edge of the field, and the light still somehow shone through the trees. I was running through the wheat, brushing the stalks with my hands. 

The sky grew dark, and I looked up. A cloud was covering the sun. Oh well, it will pass.

I looked around, watching as the wheat swayed. I saw a little patch where the wheat didn't match the rest. I started running, reaching it in a matter of seconds. 

It was covered in flowers of all types and colors. Daisies, roses, sunflowers, poppies. They were all beautiful. I knelt down and grabbed a rose that was orange with red edges. It was beautiful. 

I felt something hit my skin. I looked up and it had started raining. I stood, looking up. It was refreshing.

"ARIA!" I heard. 

"ARIA WE'RE GONNA FIND YOU!"

I knew who it was. John and Joel. I took off running, I didn't want them to find me. Eventually, I could see the tree line again.

I pushed myself harder, panting. I was about to step foot in the tree line, FREEDOM!, but my arms were snatched, tugging me away from the woods.

"No! NO!" I screamed. I was brought back into the same clearing, only to face my fathers. Both looked pissed. I struggled, trying to escape who I thought was Joel's arms. 

He started shaking me, "Wake up Aria! Wake up!"

I gasped, bolting up in bed. Korey was next to me, a worried expression on her face.

"Are you okay?" Her voice was low, "You were screaming and thrashing."

I didn't say anything, leaning forward to hug her. I couldn't stop myself from sobbing. She rubbed my back, staying with me until John came in asking if we wanted breakfast.