Just Hold Me

Chapter: 3

Next morning, I didn't wake up until one.

I definitely would've kept sleeping if it weren't for that baby.

So loud.

She was crying about not wanting to eat her vegetables.

My mom was begging her to eat before Adam got here.

I have no idea who Adam is.

But his name makes him sound like a jerk.

It's rude to judge people. Especially by their names.

But that baby would not stop crying after his name was mentioned.

Coincidence?

I think not.

After a long while of trying to go back to sleep, I head downstairs to find my two little girls at the dining table trying to stuff their mouths with carrots and broccoli.

I mentally gag myself.

Kaitlin looks at me for a while but then waves. "Hello."

I force a smile. "Hey."

Mom turns around, spilling some of the carrots in the process.

She groans as Brooke starts laughing.

"Hi, honey," she says, bending over to pick up the carrots. "I have to go to work in about half an hour. Adam will be here in a few minutes. There is food in the fridge if you get hungry. All the numbers are in a little sticky note. Just call me or Jonathan if you plan on leaving the house. But be back by five. We have this thing planned for today."

I honestly didn't get half of that.

Jonathan walks down the stairs and gives a light pat on the back. "Hey, kiddo," he says cheerfully. "What are you doing today?"

I shrug. "I guess I'll stay here."

He smiles at me just as a tall boy about my age walks in the house.

My mom smiles at him. "Hello, Adam. How was your morning?"

He smiles kindly at her. "Hi, Mrs. Harper. It was okay."

I noticed the hesitation in his voice when he said that.

They talk for a very long while.

When I'm absolutely positive they don't want me around, I head back up the stairs to take a shower.

I haven't been to Florida in a very long time.

Due to that fact, I have absolutely no way of knowing where to go.

Five minutes later, I had put in a pair of shorts and a tank top.

I was putting all of my stuff inside my purse when the door opens.

Mom stood there for a while before coming in. "Are you leaving?"

"Not sure," I say flatly.

"Where are you going?"

I look at her. "I have no idea, mom. But I'll eventually end up at the beach, right?"

She looks down. "I was wanting to take you to the beach tomorrow. You know, with the girls and Jonathan. So they can get to know you better."

"Fine," I snap. "Then I'll go somewhere else."

She sighs. "I'm trying here, Emily."

"You never tried before," I mutter, loud enough than that she could here me.