I call Mrs. Ryland and inform her that I won't be able to come in today. She was cool with it.

I roll over from my bed and take a long, hot shower.

They abandoned me.

I put on my favorite pair of skinny jeans and pull an off-shoulder knitted crop top on me. I grab my purse and leave the house without seeing either of my parents. My heart clenched at the word.

I head to Starbuck, order a venti Frappuccino and sit by the window. After a few moments someone hovers over me.

"Is this sit taken?", he asks. The voice sounds familiar and I look up to find Ryan standing there.

"We just keep meeting, huh!", I laugh. He scratches the back of his neck.

"I guess", he grins.

"Please take the seat.", I point him to sit down and he sits.

"So? How is everything?", he asks.

"Good, not so good. To be honest, very bad", I sigh.

"Hey it'll be okay. Trust me.", he says passing me a smile.

"I hope so. It's just so frustrating.", I say giving an airy laugh. He laughs with me.

"I get it"

"Yeah"

A comfortable silence settles between us. To be honest I am not really a peoples' person. But talking with Ryan seems to come naturally at me. It feels like we've known each other since forever. I know cringe but it's just...... well it is what it is. You can't help the way you feel for someone.

I glance at him. This was the first time I was having a good look at him. His brown wavy hair, flawless smile and his eyes! He was muscular but not very muscular, seems like an athlete.

Realizing that I had been staring at him a bit too long, I tear my gaze from him and sip my drink.

"Hey could I have your number", he suddenly breaks the silence, catching me off-guard.

"Sure", he hands me his phone and I type in my number. I return it to him and see him type 'Park Bench Girl' in place of name.

"Hey, I have a name you know", and he just laughs, while I shake my head laughing along with him.

My phone starts ringing. I check the ID and it was Mom.

"Hello?", I say in a monotone.

"Wow that was cold", Ryan says raising his eyebrows. I just roll my eyes and stick my tongue out. His eyebrows shot up even more and he looked like a monkey. I bit my inner cheek to contain my laughter.

"Are you even listening?", Mom asks from the other end of the call.

"Sorry, I got distracted", I reply.

"Well I asked you to head back home because your parents will be here in an hour", then she hangs up. I check the time and it was noon. Already?

"Well I am guessing you have to head home?", Ryan asks cocking an eyebrow.

"Why yes, Mr. Wiggly Eyebrows", I say and get up from my seat. He starts laughing hysterically at my nickname. As I reach the door, I hear him shout my name and turn around.

"You looking good, by the way", he says. I blush and get out the door.

************************

Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy arrive right on time for lunch. My dad had set up the barbeque in our backyard. A backyard where I spent my childhood with people who don't consider me their daughter.

I blink my eyes to avoid tears falling. I helped Mom to set the table and soon we were ready for lunch.

"So, Sophie what have you decided", Mrs. Kennedy asks. But before I could answer, Mom speaks up-

"She is ready to come with you", she says blankly. I look down at my plate, suddenly losing my appetite.

"That's great. Oh, Sophie you have no idea how happy I am.", Mrs. Kennedy chirps.

"When are you planning to come over", Mr. Kennedy says trying to keep the convo going.

"Today. We've packed her stuff only some essentials are left. She'll leave with you after lunch", Mom says without looking up from her plate. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy exchange a glance. I think they sensed it too that something was off, but they didn't say anything just passed me a smile.

I was overcome with grief. She wants to get rid of me so bad. It's not that I don't wanna go with them. I had decided to give them a chance, to go with them. But the change in Mom's attitude is what shocks me and hurts me. I excuse myself from the table and go to my room.

When I get there, I was shocked. My room was completely empty. And my room was filled with boxes. Everything had been packed except some of my electronics. She didn't even inform me about it. I was out for a few hours and she already made all the arrangements to throw me out of the house.

My rage had found its peak. I go downstairs into the store and get a carboard box and return. I start to stuff my electronics in it and carry the boxes downstairs.

As I brought my last box down the adults came into the living room. Mr. Kennedy steps forward and takes the box from my hand.

"I see you're excited", he says.

"I am", I give him my best grin and when he turns around, I glance at Mom and Dad. Mom had the same expressionless face but Dad was having mixed feelings. At least he stills cares.

All the boxes were loaded and it was time to say our goodbyes. At first, I thought I would just get in the car without bidding them goodbyes. But then decide against it as I run over to Dad and hug him tight. Tears were continuously falling from my eyes.

"Dad, if you want, I'll stay. Just say the word and I won't go", I cry onto his shoulder.

"Hey, Hey! Don't cry. Don't cry. You're fighter. Right? You're my fighter. And you don't have to stay. You see, those people had been desperate to get you back. Would it be fair on our side if we be selfish and don't let them act as a parent to you?", I shake my head. He places both his hands on each of cheeks.

"See you agree with us. And I've said them that if you don't like it there or you miss us you can come to us. You can come to us whenever you want. We will be here for you Sophie, always and forever. Even if you aren't our daughter, we see you as our daughter and have loved as one our own. We love you Sweetie, don't ever forget that. You're one lucky girl to have not one but two Moms and Dads. Go with them, find out who you really are. What you were born as, what you were born for. Okay?", he says and I nod and hug him tightly. He hugs me back. Then I go over to Mom and give her a hug too.

"If I hadn't been stubborn then you wouldn't have left. I am so sorry if I hurt you", she says while hugging.

"It's okay. I get it", I shrug.

"You see William. She's all grown up now. She is so mature now."

"She is", Dad replies and we group hug once more before I leave with Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy.

I sat in the car as the adults exchanged some words. Silent tears constantly falling like a waterfall. I know many will tell me to stop crying, be strong. But crying is not a sign of weakness but, proof of the fact that I care about my old world as much as I am curious about the new one. That I may be going on to find my real self, but won't forget the person they molded me into.

When we were ready to leave, I poked my head out of the window clutching my Dad's hand. But as the car drove out of the driveway, it slipped. Tears blurring my vision, I sat back inside. It was hard to let go but I won't be lying if I say that I am no good at goodbyes. But that wasn't a goodbye. It is the start of a new chapter in my life. And I will make the most out of it.