Finally Wanted

Chapter Eleven

Louis smiled as he watched Harry introduce the Park family to Mitch. They seemed to be a nice family. Jonathan Park, the father was tall with red hair and a dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks that he knew Mitch would love. The mother, Jessie Park, had light brown hair and had a cheerful, almost too cheerful, personality. She was holding the hands of two six-year-olds. 

His eyes drifted over to where Corbin was sitting at the table, in such an angle that he was hidden from view, but could watch them interacting. The older brother was clearly tense and uncomfortable, but he stayed still. 

He glanced up as Harry came over and sat down next to him. "I think it's going okay." 

Louis nodded. "Yeah, they seem to be genuine," He stretched. "But I guess that you never really know." 

Harry nodded his agreement and watched for a while before he nudged Louis' shoulder with his own. "Do you think he'll agree to live with them?" 

Louis glanced over and saw the worry in Harry's eyes and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, don't worry about that, I'm sure he'll make a good decision." 

Harry smiled, "How do you think Corbin'll take it if Mitch agrees?" He was now watching Corbin, who was still firmly watching Mitch. 

Louis shrugged. "I think if Mitch is happy, Corbin will be happy." 

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Mitch gnawed on his lip as he watched Jonathan and Jessie drive away. He was now conflicted. He really did have a good feeling about this family, they made him feel special, and apart of their family, regardless of only knowing them for one afternoon. He glanced over to where Corbin was reading a book on the couch. He sighed and went to find Louis, he always knew what to do.

Finding him marking tests at the table, Mitch sat down next to him and laid his head down. 

"What's up Mitch?" Louis muttered, glancing over at him. 

Mitch sighed and sat up, "I don't know what to do." He confessed.

Louis tilted his head curiously. "How so?" 

"Well, I really liked that family, I feel safe and comfortable with them, but I don't want to leave Corbin." Mitch looked at Louis, his face conflicted. 'I-I do kinda wanna go with them tomorrow." 

Louis nodded, his face understanding. "Well, if that's how you feel, then I think you should talk to Corbin and tell him honestly how you feel."

Mitch thought for a moment then nodded. Leaving the table, he went into the lounge and sat down beside his brother. 

Corbin laid his book down and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "What do you think Mitch?" 

Mitch leant into his side and sighed. "I like them." He whispered, glancing timidly up at his brother, worried that he would see an angry or disappointed look on his face. But all he saw was a sad smile. 

"Mitch, if you truly want to go with them tomorrow, then you should go." 

Mitch frowned, his brow furrowed. "But-but what about you?" His voice was shaky. "What-what if you-" 

Corbin cut him off. "No, don't think about me, think about what would be best for you." 

Mitch caught his bottom lip between his teeth. "I think it would be best if I go." He said slowly. 

Corbin sighed and nodded, "I think so too." 

Mitch curled up into his side and hugged his torso. They sat in silence before Harry came in and sat in front of them on the coffee table.

"So Mitch, what do you think?" 

Mitch glanced up at Corbin, who gave a short nod. 

"It's okay if you don't want to go." Harry said gently. 

"Would I be able to come back?" Mitch asked softly. 

Harry nodded immediately. "Yes, if you decide to go, there will be a two week trial period where you get to know the family and decide if you're still okay there." He explained. 

Mitch took a deep breath then gave a small, hesitant nod. 

Harry smiled, "I'll go call Lou." He got up and left the two brothers alone.

Mitch sat upright and grabbed Corbin by the shoulders, forcing him to look at him. "Can you promise me that you won't spiral?" 

Corbin gently smiled and removed Mitch's hands from his shoulders to hold them in his own. "I can't promise anything little bro." 

"But if you feel like that again, will you please talk to someone?" Mitch begged. 

Corbin sighed and drew him into a hug, tucking him tightly into his side. "I'll try, I'll try."