- The next morning (Saturday morning) -

I woke up and I didn't know what do to do.

Should I run away?

I know that running away doesn't actually solve your problems, but it does clear my head.

I hit the button for the nurse to come in.

A few moments later, she walked into the room.

"Good morning, Ellie!" She said in her sweet voice.

"Good morning," I said.

She could hear the sadness in my voice, I could tell by the look in her eyes.

"So, are you ready to meet your new family today?" She asked.

I was hoping that it was all just a nightmare, but it wasn't.

What am I supposed to do?

I didn't answer.

I felt the nerves build up inside me again.

I don't want to go. I need to stay with my family.

"Ellie, I know this a very difficult change for you, but I promise this will be the right thing. It will help you," the nurse said.

I felt tears sting my eyes, but I forced them to hold back.

Just breathe.

Take deep breaths.

Inhale...and exhale.

Your going to be okay.

I know that I'm not going to be okay, but I need to tell myself that.

It's the only way to calm myself down.

Breathe.

The nurse unhooked the equipment and handed me a bag.

"What's that?" I asked.

"I know how difficult this is, I bought you something," she said. "Open it."

I grabbed the bag and opened it.

Inside the bag there was a sea foam colored journal and a matching pen.

"I know that the gift won't change what happened in your past, but just know that I care. I'm not trying to hurt you, or your family. I just want what's best for you. I want you to be safe. So, whenever you feel like hurting yourself, or you have some thoughts that you need to get out...just take a moment write them down and relax. You don't have to talk to anyone if you don't want to, but you can write them down and keep it to yourself. Okay?" She said.

I nodded and smiled.

"Thank you," I said.

She smiled. "No problem."

There was a knock on the door.

The nurse opened the door.

"Ellie, your family's here."

I nodded.

I stood up from the hospital bed.

My brothers ran over to me and surrounded me.

Then, they showered me in hugs and kisses.

I chuckled. "I'm not leaving just yet."

"But, when you do, that will be the worst day of our lives," Daniel said.

They nodded.

I frowned. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's not your fault."

I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

"Well, I better go get changed and then we can go home and I'll pack," I said.

Then, I walked into the bathroom.

I did my business and got changed.

-----------------------------------------------

We checked out of the hospital and got into the car.

The whole way home, we just listened to my favorite music.

I stared out the window and thought about what my new family would look like.

When we got home, I ran upstairs to my room.

I saw two suitcases on my bed.

I opened them up and started packing.

I put my clothes in one suitcase and my blankets , books and other things in the other.

When I finally finished, I sat down on my bed.

I sighed.

I picked up a family picture that I had originally found downstairs.

I stared at it.

Hold in your emotions. You're stronger than this.

Back when we were a happy family...

- Flashback -

"Ellie, do you want to play a game?" Noah asked.

"Sure," I said. "What game?"

"Truth or dare. You in?"

"Yes!" Seven-year-old me said.

"Cool." Max said. "Can I ask first?"

We all nodded.

"Ellie," Max began. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

He smirked. "I dare you to...go to the kitchen and eat an entire container of ice cream."

I smiled wide.

I jumped up and ran as fast as I could to the kitchen.

I accidentally slid into the wall.

My family chuckled.

I laughed as well but ignored the pain.

Then, I walked to the freezer.

I opened it and pulled out the Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie ice cream.

I took out a spoon from the drawer next to me and then began eating.

I was eating the ice cream pretty quickly.

"Ahhh! Brain freeze!"

Everyone laughed, which caused me to laugh as well.

Eventually, I finished the ice cream.

I felt sick.

I threw out the container and put the spoon in the sink and then walked back into the living room.

"Well, that was entertaining," Daniel said.

"It was delicious. But, I feel sick," I said.

"Honey, just try not to throw up on the couch." Dad said.

I laughed. "Okay."

"Ellie it's your turn," Jack said.

"Oh okay," I began. "Noah! Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

I smiled.

"I dare you to kiss the pole that's in front of our house," I said.

We all broke down laughing, except for Noah.

"What?"

"You heard me," I said. "Go get your girl!"

"Do I have to?" Noah asked.

"Yep."

"Fine," he said.

Then, he got up and opened the front door.

"I can't believe I'm about to do this," he said.

He walked outside.

We all watched through the window.

He walked up to the pole and wrapped his arms around it.

Then, he leaned in and kissed the pole.

After he kissed the pole, he started walking back to the house.

He saw us in the window.

He rolled his eyes and then walked inside.

He shut the door behind him.

"When can we meet your new girlfriend?" I asked.

Noah just glared at me.

We all just kept laughing.

Once we had calmed down, we sat back down.

"Okay, Jack truth or dare?" Noah asked.

"Dare," Jack said.

Our family really likes Dares.

"Okay, I dare you to let me smash a cake in your face!"

Jack groaned. "Fine."

Noah smiled. "Follow me, then."

Noah stood up first, then Jack.

Jack followed Noah into the kitchen.

Noah took a box out of the fridge and placed it on the counter.

Then, he placed the cake out of the box and put it on a plate.

"You ready?" Noah asked.

"Not really, but I don't really have a choi-" Jack began but was soon cut off by cake flying in the direction of his face.

We heard a big slap.

Then, I saw Jack on the floor.

"Okay, well I think that wraps it up for this game for today," Mom said.

We laughed.

"Max didn't even get to go." I said.

"I don't really want to!" Max said, staring at Jack.

I lightly chuckled.

Jack sat up and gave us the thumbs up.

"I'm good!" He said.

Then, he put some of the cake into his mouth. "And the cake is good too!"

We all continued laughing until our stomach's hurt.

- End Of Flashback -

I smiled at the memory.

Knock Knock!

"Come in," I said.

Then, my mom walked in.

She looked sad.

"It's time to go, honey," she said.

I nodded.

I quickly taped the picture on the inside of my journal and then picked up one of my suitcases.

My mom picked up the other.

"Thank you," I said.

"Your welcome,"she said.

I smiled.

She helped me bring my stuff downstairs.

"Your new mother will bring you to their house. She will be here any second. Okay?" My mom said.

"First of all, she is not my mother! You are! And second, no. I'm not ready."

She looked sad. "I'm sorry. I'm just stressed."

She nodded. "It's okay, honey. I understand."

Ding Dong!

She's here!

No, no, no!

My mom opened the front door.

A middle-aged woman with blonde hair and blue eyes stood in the doorway.

"Hello, you must be Mrs. Dawson."

"Yes, hi! It's so great to see you!"

"It's so great to see you too!" My mom said.

My mom was trying her best to be strong, even though I know she's hurting a lot deep down.

She's losing her daughter.

She's losing me.

And I'm losing myself.

-----------------------------

Author's Note:

Hey, everyone!

Chapter 3 is finally up!

Sorry for the sorta-late update.

I hope you are all doing well.

Please vote, follow, comment on your thoughts, and share this book with your friends and family!

Have a great day!

And I love you all! 😘❤️