Returning... sequel to Meant to be Luke Hemmings, 5SOS fan fiction

37

"So... are you gonna open it?" Louis asks. We have been home from the doctor for about an hour. Brady, Lauren and Harry fell asleep right when we got home and now we are all sitting at the kitchen table. I have been staring at the four over filled folders sitting in front of me. I have been putting off looking at them because I don't know if I could handle the memories.

"You don't need to do it." Ashton says comfortingly.

"I-I want to." I admit.
"I just don't think I can handle what I'm about to see."

"Sweetie, I'm not going to lie, these pictures in here, they are terrible. It's going to be a lot but if you think you're ready, I'm here for you." mom explains.

"We all are." Luke says placing his hand on my knee. I nod slightly and pick up the top folder with my shaking hands and place it in front of me. I take a deal breathe open it. My heart skips a beat as I pick up the top picture. It was 12 year old me in a sports bra and shorts standing in front of a blue wall. I gasp and place a hand over my mouth. This was the night I was saved from my parents. I take in my appearance. My blonde hair was all messy. I had dried blood on my bottom lip and a purple bruise surrounding my eye. I notice the cut on my forehead and raid my index fingers to touch the small scar that still remains. My eyes work down my body, taking in every bruise and cut. I place the picture down on the table as a tear escapes my eye. Ashton immediately pulls me into a hug. We pull away after a few seconds and I smile weakly. I look to see Louis in shock and mom holding the picture.

"This was the worst day."she whispers.
"I knew things were bad at home. But when I saw just how bad they treated you that night, I was so scared. I didn't know if you would ever be the same cheerful little girl. I'm so proud of what you have become." She smiles at me and a chuckle escapes my lips.

"Even the part when I got pregnant at 18?" I ask jokingly making her laugh.

"Wouldn't have been my first choice... but I'm happy it was with someone I trust and you guys love each other." I smile and look at Luke who has many tears running down his face. I frown and place my hand on his cheek but he just stares at the table.

"Baby, what's wrong?" I ask worriedly. He shakes his head as more tears come out.

"Y-you were treated so bad. I thought Bradys pictures were bad, b-but these are just horrible." He stutters and cries more. I frown and gently turn his head.

"Luke, look at me." He slowly makes eye contact and I can see his tears blue eyes.
"Don't cry. Please. Look. I'm okay. I'm still me. That picture and however many pictures and files are in these folders don't define me. I'm me and I'm fine." I say trying to calm him down. He shakes his head.

"But your not." His eyes leave mine and they glance down at my arms. I bite my lip and pull him into a hug which he gladly reciprocated. He squeezes me tightly and I do the same, not wanting to let go. Eventually we both pull away and I wipe 5e remaining tears on his cheeks before placing a peck on his lips.

"You know, I never EVER would have thought that you would end up like this." Mom says. I tilt my head in confusion.
"I mean, when you were little, you were so cheerful and always happy and goofy. But once everything started to happen,  we had to watch you slowly become sadder and quieter. It was so hard to watch the car free little girl slip away. Once you came back from the retreat and moved in with Ash, the changes in your personality were huge and easily recognizable. You were becoming yourself again." She elaborates. I smile and nod.

"I'm glad." I reply shortly. I begin flipping through the rest of the files. I see more pictures, prescriptions, x rays and letters. I continued flipping through until something caught my eye. I tilt my head in confusion as I pull out the page and examine it. My eyes widen as I read the words. Suddenly the confusion was replaced with anger and sadness. I cover my mouth as tears slide down my face. I hold up the paper getting everyone's attention. Everyone looked at me confused.

"What's that?" Louis asks pointing at the paper in my hand.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I ask in a slight yell voice at mom.

"What sweetie?"

"Don't play dumb!"

"What do you mean?"

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!" I scream.

"Rose, wha does the paper say?" Luke asks calmly.

"It's my birth certificate." I say with my eyes on mom. I watch as her face changes.
"The man who raised me," I begin.
"He's not my father and you didn't tell me."