~~~~~~~~~Aiden's POV~~~~~~~~~

Back with my family, we hadn't had a family meal in years. Dylan hated the sight of us, so we'd always eat in our rooms after I cooked. Once Dylan And Ashley grabbed their portions, I'd take two plates or bowls and hand them over to my sisters, and whatever was left was for me. 

Sometimes we had little to nothing to cook with, so I'd be forced to spend that time on an empty stomach, and although Iv always said she'd share her food with me, I'd always smile and say 'I already ate'.

I know it's bad to lie, but they have always been my top priority. What happens to me isn't important as long as they're both safe and well.

As I sat with this new family though, the atmosphere felt so much different than then. They'd all talk and laugh with each other, smiling and growing closer, joking and messing around. I myself couldn't help but chuckle at the things they shared from their day as I ate, and I ate more that evening than I had in months.

I thought it would be awkward for me to be with them, but being honest..? I liked it..

It felt so familiar..

It felt like.. home..

...

"What about you, Aidston? How was your day at school?" Dad turned to me as he fixed his glasses a bit, a small smile on his face.

I brought a finger to my lips in thought. "It was good! Mrs. Wilson almost sent Austin to detention for sticking gum in Nate's hair, though, but they made up in the end so it's all good!"

My mom let out a small laugh. "I'm glad you had a good day today, m'ijo."

I smiled at them, continuing to eat my meal. With my parents sitting at the other side of the table, my twin sitting beside me, and our little sister in her toddler seat beside my mom, things felt so comfortable.

So safe, and happy.

I missed it..

I miss them...

...

But they weren't coming back, no matter how much I wished they did. I couldn't just hope for the impossible, they were gone, what's done is done.

Looking around the room once more, I was thankful nobody had noticed my quietness. I did notice that Noah wasn't glaring at me anymore, instead looking at his parents as he chatted with them.

I don't know how, or why, but I couldn't look away afterwards. I could feel my cheeks heating up as I eyed his now gentle features. I had already met him before, twice, and twice of the times was him helping me from stupid situations.

He then laughed at a joke his dad had made, and the sudden skip of my heartbeat made me grow nervous.

I had found some guys attractive before, but this was just absurd! I didn't understand why I was so entranced by him..!

I didn't understand, and didn't want to understand. I can't be with a guy, I didn't have the time, not now, and not for many years.

Even if he was.. really adorable..

However, I felt my body freeze when his gaze soon met mine, my face growing much much hotter than before in embarrassment. His sharp glare quickly returned, his tone cold as I noticed his pupils grow thin. "What."

"N-nothing, I was just.. l-lost in thought.."

"You sure you're okay..?" I turned to Sage, who eyed me in concern. "You've been staring into space for a few minutes now.."

Growing even redder, I nodded. "Y-yeah, sorry.. I'm okay.."

The mother, who I now knew as Iris, brought a hand to her chest as she let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, for a second I thought you disliked the food."

"N-no, of course not, it's delicious..!" I quickly mentioned. "And I thank you for the meal.."

"Mom always makes the best food!" Will, Sage's little brother, added with a wide grin, already on his second plate, which I couldn't help but chuckle at.

Noah still had his sharp glare, this time not glancing away for even a second. But it was my fault, I had dug my own grave.

Bill's expression had softened more, but still serious. He lifted his drink, asking a question after taking a sip. "So, how did you and Sage meet?"

"O-oh, well, I sit beside her in history class.. I only entered the school last week, though.."

"I didn't know anyone else in that class so I asked him to be my partner, plus he's the closest one to me." Sage finished for me.

Iris's head tilted to the side in curiosity. "How come you started the year so late?"

I bit my lip at the question, I didn't want to give too much information. "My family moves around a lot, we normally stay in one town for maybe two months.. Three at most.."

"Are you an army kid?" Bill asked, finishing his food.

I shook my head. "Good guess, but no.."

"Well, what do your parents do?" Will asked with a mouth full of food.

I couldn't stop the grim expression that overtook my face, gripping my fork. When I didn't reply, they all got worried, Sage placing a hand on my shoulder. "Aiden..?"

"Uh- s-sorry, I.. ... my parents passed away eight years ago, so.."

The mood changed almost instantly as I said that, immediately regretting my words. So I quickly waved my hands in front of me in a dismissive manner, forcing on a smile. "But it's alright, it doesn't bother me.."

They were all quiet for a while, until Iris looked at me with a warm smile. "Aiden, you seem like a nice kid, who has clearly been through some rough times.. So since you're going to be working with Sage for while, even afterwards, you're welcomed at our place anytime.."

"Are you sure we can't ban him?"

"Noé!" Iris scolded him as he crossed his arms with a grumble.

A second passed, and I shook my head. "That's okay, I can see I'm not really wanted here.. Thank you, though.."

"Nonsense, kid. You're a good guy, I sense it, feel free to come over any time you please." Bill waved his hand to dismiss Noah's words, smiling at me.

I sat there, a bit stunned by their words. "Y-you're really okay with that..?"

They nodded, and I felt a small smile grow on my face; after a very long time, I felt..

Accepted..

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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