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WELCOME TO NEW YORK

"We are all alone in ways no
one understands." —Perry Poetry
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"WELCOME back Miss Osborn," Adeline was greeted by the family butler upon reaching the end of the terminal. At first, feeling anxious that she'll see Harry and her father after three years, now it only got worse with each passing moment. However, she remembered Bernard since she was a child, a devoted man that took care of them when their parents were away. The young woman could only imagine what New York looks like now, getting accustomed to England's unpredictable weather and beautiful landscapes. It was about time for a change— needing a break for a while before her last year.

"It's good to see you too," The young Osborn replied with a gentle smile, hiding her disappointment as she nodded in understanding. Of course, he was a busy man with priorities, she tried to forget about it and instead leaned in to give Bernard a short hug before letting go. The butler motioned her inside the vehicle while her luggage was stored away, she glanced down at her watch for the time. It was only the afternoon and the ceremony was in one hour and a half, hopefully, plenty of time to arrive and find seats.

"I know you were expecting your father but he'll be waiting for you at the ceremony," Bernard explained with a simple explanation, facing the girl before starting to head out. There was no doubt the sadness she had in her eyes, gripping her hands to surpass the urge to think negative emotions. Blinking away the tears, wiping her slight runny nose as she felt misplaced— not sure where she belonged.

"Of course, thank you," Adeline stated as she opened the window to distract herself as they got out of the airport. The chaotic traffic only troubled her mind and what he expected from her, she was already ahead for half a semester and waiting for the acceptance letter for the research program. Having the highest marks for science, math, and history with recognition from her professors that she has a bright future ahead. Without a doubt, she was thankful for the best education that her father didn't have a chance to.

However, part of her believed that this wasn't meant for herself, it was all just for his approval. Imagining the sacrifices he had to make to be where he is now? No... she couldn't disappoint him any more than what Harry did, Adeline shook her head swiftly before realizing what she was doing. By then, the young woman started touching up her hair and lips, trying to look presentable for when she finally arrived. The more she stared at herself, the resemblance between her mother was inevitable from the same facial features and similar smiles. She only inherited his hair and intelligence, a small portion compared to Harry who looks like him.

"We're here Miss Osborn," Bernard called out to her, opening the car door which she slowly stepped out. He gave her the ticket and booklet as he notified Adeline that he'll be nearby where the graduates will sit. It was overwhelming the number of people gathered trying to find their seats and hoping to get a glimpse of their son or daughter. The private chauffeur went to park the vehicle while Adeline followed the directions of the invitation she received from a student.

She hoped Harry wouldn't see her before the ceremony as it'll ruin the surprise, eventually, she found her father by the bleachers. Many would confuse her as a graduate from the way she was dressed but insisted on being only a guest. After mentioning her name, they swiftly replied with a quick response before leaving as if afraid of someone. It was a pleasant sunny day so it wasn't overbearing the heat and they were by a large tree that provided some shade. Once reaching her designated seat, Norman motioned for a moment to finish the phone call as she awkwardly stood there.

"Adeline, it's good to see you, sweetheart. How have you been?" Norman gave a warm smile as he gave her a small kiss on the forehead. It was a form of greeting between them, easing into a hug as she missed the warmth of his arms. After the embrace, he gently gripped her hand to sit down while indicating where Harry was at. Nonetheless, he wasted no time questioning how school is going or what career she had in mind.

"Harry told me about your new program and I really think about becoming a doctor. I've even applied for a research program like you wanted me to." She clarified as a nervous expression appeared but it went away as he only hummed in return. Worried he would be disappointed, she mentally held in the feeling but found him slowly nodding in acknowledgment.

"That's excellent, a fine doctor you'll be my dear," Norman answered briefly and Adeline knew why. It was all over the newspaper a few weeks ago, Harry mentioned it but was cut off by their father. She knew about the potential proposal Oscorp was going to lose and the stocks that came with it, he just wasn't himself right now. He seemed tense, stoic, eyes shifting ever so often that looked like someone was observing them.

"Thank you...." The young girl muttered while fidgeting with her ring that belonged to her mother. Hoping he would say something else but expected it, in his eyes she's only useful for her intelligence— yet neither of his children lives up to the family name. That's why she carried the burden of being in the shadows, to exceed his expectations and temporarily overlook Harry's mistakes to avoid what she had.

"I know I haven't been around for some time but I'm glad that you'll be here for the summer. Harry will really appreciate it." He declared as her thoughts were interrupted, doing his best in making amends. Her forehead furrowed at the statement, wondering if she was imagining or he was actually trying to say he missed her. Nevertheless, it was always about Harry... and she understood it was an important moment for him.

"Of course— anything for Harry," Adeline answered swiftly, now it was her turn to repay the favor he did years ago. As the ceremony started shortly, beginning with introducing the graduates as they were filling out the platform. Eventually, the Principal and Valedictorian gave their speeches to congratulate them before handing out the diplomas and special awards. The girl quickly took out the camera that she had in the bag and snapped some pictures when her brother got up.

Once they concluded with announcements about half an hour later, the class of 2002 threw their caps in the air. Everyone did a final clap for them before slowly making their way to either go home or to the graduates. The Osborn's linked their arms together through the crowd, as Adeline tried to find the perfect moment to surprise him. Her father advised in splitting up and then he would distract him for her to sneak up behind. It didn't take long for Harry to speak with someone but she swiftly hid to avoid being seen. Using the invitation to cover her face, she steadily walked up the stage to approach him at the right moment.

"You made it. It's not the first time I've been proven wrong. Congratulations." Norman started with a small smile, extending his hand out for a handshake. His son hesitated for a moment until he realized he finally gained his approval, accepting it firmly.

"Thanks, Dad." Harry grinned widely, feeling prideful of his accomplishments as he showed the diploma. Adeline managed to not make a noise as she reached over to give a small poke on the shoulder, but didn't react at all. That's when she tried again and at first, he turned around to only stare to look away. Not seconds later did he recognize who it was and quickly she shouted 'surprise' to him.

"Ada! I-I thought you were still at Warminster?!" Harry called her in amazement, thinking he was imagining her yet she embraced him. The pair laughed and somehow managed to repress their tears after not seeing each other for so long. She slowly let go to take a good look at him, definitely more confident and mature now and not to mention looking more like their father every day.

"Well dad sent the invitation and you know I wouldn't have missed this for anything in the world. I'm proud of you," She explained, beaming with excitement as she took the diploma to take a glance. Now it was a matter of time before it was her turn— to graduate, study in the medical field, and work alongside them for Oscorp.

"Thank you... wasn't the same without you." He whispered, pulling into another tight hug to reassure himself he wasn't dreaming. She managed to grab out of the document to prevent falling, however, Harry saw his best friend standing nearby talking with their father. He had an idea and gently grabbed her hand to introduce her, feeling apprehensive at the praise Peter received.

"Pete, you remember my sister Adeline right?" Harry questioned, giving her a good look at his friend. She paused for a few seconds, wondering if it really was the same kid she met years ago but then she remembered those same blue eyes. Meanwhile, Peter immediately recognized her with that same kind smile... and how Harry mentions her from time to time.

"Oh yeah, it's been a while, the last time was when we were kids." Peter shyly answered, her hand outstretched to shake his only to feel a jolt. Quickly pulling apart as she fiddled with the ring out of habit, him trying to avoid further eye contact. It was silent for a while, Adeline hated how unease it became so she tried to say something.

"True and now you're both— well almost adults but who's counting?" Adeline attempted to joke, which made the pair laugh softly at her effort. That's when she recalled her camera inside the purse, wanting to treasure the moment. She walked closer to Peter, hoping he could help as the girl asked while holding the camera, "Actually do you mind maybe taking a picture of us? I want to have a new family photo."

"Sure, no problem." Parker nodded, handling the device delicately, fixing its lens, and looking through to find it directly at Adeline. He swiftly adjusted to a wider range and saw the Osborn family display delightful smiles, wondering how it felt having a family. She motioned Harry to be in the middle and gave him the diploma, Norman being beside him and her on the opposite side.

"You know, Pete is the best I know with a camera. He was our school photographer." Harry vouched for him, adjusting his diploma to show it off as his sister was impressed.

"Really? You must be good then," She sounded amazed, everyone looking forward and waited for him to signal them. Peter was never one to receive compliments so seeing it was from a girl too... let's say he was stunned momentarily.

"Thanks... oh, um smile on three," Peter fumbled with his words but managed to keep a tight grip on the camera. Seconds later, small flashes followed and he decided to take a few for her to select from the album. Adeline reached forward to share it with Harry, who had a large grin on his face. Teasing her that she was shorter by at least five inches, that's when he had an idea.

"These are all great! You know... I just graduated, Peter's moving out, and you're finally home. This calls for a celebration, we are still on for tonight, Pete?" Harry called out to them, grabbing his friend's shoulder for a joyous occasion. However, Parker didn't hold the same emotion as he slowly backed away with an unfamiliar expression.

"...I don't think I'll go." Peter decided, trying to avoid contact with him. Something was still weighing on his mind, grieving for his late uncle and trying to balance his life to help pay the bills.

"What? Bud, this will be like our going away party." The eldest Osborn sounded disappointed that he'll miss the surprise he had for him. Norman was right about one thing— they were like brothers, Adeline observed how much they cared for the other. Feeling the pit of her stomach growing heavy, surely what the sudden emotion she felt.

"Thank you for the invitation but I-I just need some time." Peter insisted firmly, nodding his head to affirm the decision. Seeing Harry couldn't convince him out of it, he understands what he must have gone through.

"Alright, just give me a call when you have the chance so we can show Ada around." He pestered in a remark tone, Adeline in response frowned at the comment. Look, just because it's been seven years (excluding that one Christmas after her eleventh birthday), doesn't mean she forgot everything. This was home— the only place besides Warminster that made her feel... like she belonged.

"I'm not completely clueless, Harold. I still remember... some places." Adeline attempted to glare at him, nudging the arm to which he reacted with a sour expression of his own.

"Sure, goodbye you two," Peter awkwardly waved goodbye as he searched for his aunt. Therefore, Norman suggested heading home and to pick up a cake on the way. The siblings sat in the back and their father with Bernard, having some phone calls he missed. Adeline tried to start the conversation throughout the way home, traffic started building up, and didn't want to be bored. Yet, Harry was having troubling thoughts on the last few weeks, wondering if she knew.

"Is dad always so... busy?" She finished her question, sensing the subtle glances towards the front seat. He motioned her to lean closer so he could whisper something, slightly worried about him prancing her when they were kids. Instead, taking a moment to contemplate it, wanting her to know about the incident.

"Well not always— but take it easy on dad, I found him sleeping on the floor the other time," Harry mumbled enough for her to hear, causing the girl to straighten herself and stare with big eyes in front.

"What?!" She shouted that startled everyone in the car, Norman giving her a silent glance before resuming. Immediately, her brother pulled her down and placed his finger over the lips. She smacked it away with a serious face, wanting him to continue. Harry muttered softly near her ear, "Listen! I don't know why it happened but it did. It's probably just stress. We'll just have to pretend everything's fine. For dad?"

"Alright...." Adeline promised with a short sigh, no longer wanting to talk as she distracted herself with the traffic lights. It just reminded her how nothing has really changed, everyone saw them as the perfect little family. But it was nothing more than an image the media portrayed of them— What do you expect Adeline? No one knows what's really happening, she told herself.

And it wasn't the first time she had to pretend everything was perfect.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I hope it wasn't a boring-ish chapter but I just wanted them to meet and start with the more exciting stuff. Anyway, don't forget to comment, like, and please don't be a silent reader! Take care and stay safe my loves!