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𝙒𝙚𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙎𝙚𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 13𝙩𝙝 2023

The next day, Rory sat on the edge of her bed, packing her belongings into a duffel bag. She didn't own a suitcase—never really had the chance to, not when her life was spent moving from place to place. She braided her vibrant ginger hair into two tight plaits, leaving a few strands to fall in front of her face as she focused on the task at hand.

Her eyes flickered over the few things that had remained constant in her life: a worn-out maroon hoodie that belonged to her dad, the only piece of clothing she had left from him, and her mom's favorite book, Dead Poet's Society. She had been introduced to it when she was seven, but it wasn't until after they died that she finally started reading it. It was one of the few things that felt like they were still with her.

As she reached into her pillowcase to grab the last few items, her fingers brushed against something small and delicate. She pulled out a photo—one of the few from her childhood. It was a picture of her when she was about three years old, wearing a bright yellow summer dress.

In the photo, her parents, Nick and Carrie Hudson, were holding her, smiling for the camera. The sun was shining, and they looked so happy, so unbothered by the world.

Rory studied the photo for a moment, feeling a lump form in her throat. She tucked it carefully into her duffel bag, knowing it was one of the only things she had left that connected her to the life she used to have.

She stood up, adjusted the straps of the bag, and walked outside, where Melanie was waiting by her car. Krissy stood nearby, her arms crossed, looking like she was ready to say something.

"Rory," Krissy said, her voice low.

Rory stopped in her tracks and turned to face the woman who had been in charge of the group home for years. "Yes, Krissy?"

"I know this is probably the last time I'm going to see you," Krissy began, her tone more serious than usual, "but I just wanted you to know that I honestly hope that the place you're going to will be a safe haven for you."

Rory raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a small, skeptical smile. "Seriously?"

"Seriously," Krissy replied, nodding. "Good luck with everything. Try to be better...I know you have it in you."

Rory's expression softened for a moment, her walls lowering just slightly. Despite the years of arguing and tension between them, she could hear the sincerity in Krissy's voice. "Thanks, Krissy" Rory
said quietly, extending her hand. "For trying."

Krissy hesitated for a moment, then shook Rory's hand firmly. "You've always been a handful, but I do hope things turn around for you."

Rory nodded slowly before turning to Melanie, who was already putting her bag into the trunk of the car. Melanie glanced over at her, then back at Krissy. She gave a small, encouraging smile to Rory before closing the trunk and getting into the driver's seat.

Rory climbed into the passenger side, and Melanie immediately reminded her to buckle up. Rory did so without argument, though she felt the familiar unease creep back in.

As the car started to move, she looked out the window at the group home building one last time. The place she'd spent so many years in and out of, running away, getting caught, or being brought back by foster families that didn't last.

It wasn't the first time she'd left a place behind, but this one felt different. This time, she wasn't just leaving behind a building—she was leaving behind a part of herself. She couldn't help but wonder what the future would hold. Would Moonhaven, the new place she was being sent to, be any different? Would it be any better?

The car drove through the familiar streets of Worcester, and Rory felt a strange sense of detachment as the buildings and streets she knew so well started to fade into the distance. It was as if the city was a part of her, but also a part of her she was ready to leave behind.

Melanie glanced over at her, sensing the silence. "You okay?" she asked, her voice soft.

Rory shrugged, not looking away from the window. "Yeah. Just going through the motions."

"I get it," Melanie said, her voice gentle. "But Moonhaven's a good town. I've heard great things about it. And the foster family you'll be staying with—Keith and Leanne—they're good people. I really believe this is a good thing for you."

Rory's gaze shifted slightly, but she didn't turn her head. "It's hard to believe in good things when I've been disappointed so many times," she said quietly. "But... I'll give Moonhaven a try."

Melanie smiled softly, her hands gripping the wheel as the car hummed along the road. "That's all I ask," she said. "One step at a time. That's all anyone can do."

Rory didn't respond, her mind still swirling with doubt and uncertainty. It wasn't the first time someone had told her to try again. She had tried so many times before, and each time, things fell apart. But something in Melanie's voice—something in her calm, steady reassurance—made Rory feel like maybe, just maybe, this time could be different.

The car continued down the road, leaving Worcester behind. Rory's gaze lingered on the familiar streets and hangouts she'd visited over the years—places that once felt like home but now felt like distant memories. As the city faded away in the rearview mirror, she couldn't help but wonder if she would ever return.

Would Moonhaven be any different? Would she ever find a place where she could belong? The uncertainty weighed on her, but for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, things could change.

The miles passed in silence, and Melanie broke it only once. "I know it's hard," she said softly. "But this is a fresh start. I'm not asking for miracles. Just... a chance."

Rory nodded, but she didn't speak. Instead, she pulled the photo from her duffel bag and looked at it once more—the smiling faces of her parents, the last memory of a time when things felt simple and good. She tucked it back into the bag, the small flicker of hope that Melanie had ignited still burning faintly inside her. Maybe, this time, things would be different.

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About an hour and forty minutes into the drive, Rory leaned against the window, her eyes scanning the  landscape. The headlights illuminated the road ahead as Melanie drove, following the GPS directions. As they neared a small town, Rory noticed a sign on the side of the road.

"Moonhaven," it read, with a quote below it: "Where the stars meet the earth." Beneath that was the year the town was founded: 1723.

For a brief moment, Rory felt a strange sense of déjà vu wash over her, like she'd been here before, but that didn't make sense. She had never heard of Moonhaven, let alone visited it. She quickly brushed off the feeling, focusing on the scenery around her. The town felt modern, but there was an undeniable sense of history in the air, a mixture of old and new that gave the place a certain charm.

They continued down the road, winding through tree-lined streets, eventually pulling into a suburban neighborhood. Melanie parked in front of a dark blue suburban house, its nicely sized white fenced porch lit by a soft yellow light. The yard was nicely kept, and a tree leaned over the front of the house, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. The window on both the first floor gave the house a cozy, homey vibe.

Rory looked at the house for a moment, keeping her guard up despite the inviting atmosphere. She wasn't sure what to expect, but she wasn't here to make friends—she was here to get through the next chapter of her life, however long that would be.

As she gathered her things from the back seat, the door to the house opened. Out stepped Keith and Leanne Parker, a couple in their mid-40s with dark hair and welcoming smiles. Rory stepped out of the car and Melanie walked over to introduce herself.

"Keith, Leanne, nice to see you two again it's been a while." Melanie Said, greeting the familiar couple.

"Yeah, it's been about a year." Keith Said

"Wait really? Wow that flew by fast." Leanne Said

"Yeah, life moves pretty fast in my life," She chuckles, "So there's someone you guys should meet, Keith, Leanne, this is Aurora Hudson," Melanie said, her voice warm.

"Nice to meet you, Aurora," Keith said, offering a handshake which Rory shook.

"Yeah, it's great to meet you!" Leanne added, her smile bright. "And can I just say, that's a pretty name..I've never met a person named Aurora."

"Thanks," Rory replied, her voice quieter than usual. "But if it's okay, I'd rather be called Rory. Haven't really been called Aurora in a while—except for doctor visits or when I'm in trouble at school."

Leanne laughed. "Right, sorry. Rory it is."

Keith smiled. "We'll call you Rory from now on."

"Okay, so are you guys ready?" Melanie asked.

"Yes, follow us, and we'll give you the tour," Keith said, leading the way.

Rory grabbed her bag from the trunk and followed Melanie and the Parkers into the house. As they walked through the front door, Rory took in her surroundings. The furniture was simple but comfortable, and the decor had a personal touch—family photos, small trinkets, and warm lighting that made the house feel lived-in.

Suddenly, the sound of fast footsteps echoed down the hallway. Two boys came running into the living room, chasing each other, laughing and yelling. Keith and Leanne immediately stepped in to stop them.

"Boys, say hi," Keith said, holding out his hands to stop the chaos.

"Hi," the boys said in unison, both giving Rory a quick glance.

"Who's the girl?" Jermey, the taller of the two, asked, pointing at Rory, who had been standing quietly.

"Boys, this is the girl we've been talking about," Leanne said. "This is Rory Hudson."

"Hey," Rory said, offering a small wave.

"Wow... she kinda looks like Danica," Cole, the younger twin, said, eyeing Rory closely.

"Yeah," Jermey agreed. "But hopefully, she won't be like Danica."

Jermey's comment made Cole laugh, and Rory couldn't help but smile, even if it was a little awkward.

"Okay, that's enough, boys. Go play," Keith said, waving them off. The boys ran off toward the backyard, their laughter fading into the distance.

"So they seem nice," Rory said, still feeling a little out of place.

"Trust me, once you get used to them, you'll love them," Leanne said, smiling.

"They mentioned Danica—is she here?" Melanie asked, clearly curious.

"Yes, she should be upstairs. Danica, come downstairs!" Keith called out.

"I'm coming!" Danica's voice rang back down from the stairs.

Calmer footsteps followed, and Rory watched as Danica appeared at the top of the stairs. She had brown boots on, and Rory could see white socks with yellow stripes peeking out from under her pants. Danica's ginger hair rested just above her shoulders, and she wore a black tank top with a yellow graphic on it, layered with a white, unbuttoned shirt, and navy blue shorts.

"What's up?" Danica greeted, her voice easygoing.

"Danica, this is Rory Hudson. She's going to be staying with us for a while," Leanne said, looking to Danica for a response.

Danica eyed Rory for a moment. She looked strangely familiar, but she couldn't place why. Despite that, she extended her hand with a smile.

"Hey, nice to meet you," Danica said, her voice friendly.

Rory hesitated for a second before shaking her hand. "You too."

"Glad we got all the introductions out of the way," Melanie said, sounding relieved.

"Dani, would you show Rory upstairs so we can talk to Melanie for a bit?" Leanne asked.

"Sure, no problem. Follow me," Danica said, stepping aside and gesturing for Rory to follow.

Rory adjusted the strap of her duffel bag and followed Danica upstairs. There were five bedrooms in the house—one on the first floor and the other four upstairs. As they walked down the hallway, Rory glanced into each room, noting the distinct personalities reflected in the decor.

At the far end of the hall, Danica opened a door to reveal a cozy room. "And voila, this is your room," she said, stepping inside. "Don't worry, my mom deep cleaned it. Not a speck of dust anywhere. The sheets are fresh, and there's just enough closet space. Plus, a nice view of the backyard and our neighbors' yards."

Rory nodded, setting her bag down on the bed. "Cool," she muttered, feeling slightly overwhelmed.

"So, Rory... what's that short for?" Danica asked, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking at her curiously.

"Huh?" Rory looked up, slightly caught off guard.

"Your name. Is it your birth name, or is it short for something?" Danica clarified.

"No, it's a nickname. It's short for Aurora," Rory explained, her voice quiet.

"Oh, like the Disney princess?" Danica asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, more like the borealis," Rory Corrected

Danica laughed. "Right, that makes more sense. Especially since she's the most underrated Disney princess, sucks cause she felt like an after thought in her one movie. But still really cool name. I don't think I've ever met anyone named Aurora or Rory."

"Really?" Rory asked, intrigued by the fact.

"Yeah, well, I guess there's a first for everything," Danica said, grinning.

"Mhm." Rory Nodded

"So, when's your birthday?" Danica asked, clearly eager to know more.

"October 30th," Rory replied.

Danica's eyes widened. "No way, shut up!"

"What?" Rory asked, confused by her reaction.

"That's my birthday too!" Danica exclaimed, excited. "We're birthday twins! Oh This is so awesome."

She held up her hand for a high five, and Rory, unsure, hesitated before awkwardly slapping her hand.

"This is going to be so fun," Danica said, bouncing on her feet. "You're 15 right?" Rory nodded, "Sweet so we're both turning 16 on the same day!I've never had a foster sibling with the same birthday as me before. We're going to make it awesome."

"Yeah, no that's okay. I don't usually do much for my birthday," Rory said, her voice trailing off.

"No way! We have to celebrate. Turning 16 is a big deal," Danica insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Rory smiled weakly, nodding. "Okay..."

"Great, I'm gonna start planning like soon, I have many ideas that I'll share with you later when we eventually get to know each other." Danica Said

"Uh so, anyways what's the deal with your family? Are you all adopted or something?" Rory asked, trying to change the subject.

"No, my mom gave birth to Cole and Jermey. They were the first kids she could actually have," Danica said, her voice soft. "They're seven years younger than me. My parents didn't think they'd ever have biological kids, but here they are two twin boys."

Rory looked at Danica, trying to piece together her story. "And you...?"

"Oh, yeah, I'm adopted," Danica said with a small laugh. "I was found outside their house when I was a baby, wrapped in a yellow blanket with a note. They've never figured out who left me, but they raised me, and they're my parents. That's all that matters."

Rory was quiet for a moment, processing everything. "Do you ever wonder who your real parents are? Or what happened to them?"

Danica shrugged. "Sometimes, but not as much as I used to. I know who my family is now."

Rory nodded, not sure what to say.

"Well, I'm gonna leave you to get settled. I have chores to finish, but I'll catch up with you later. I'm downstairs if you need me," Danica said, flashing a quick smile before closing the door behind her.

Rory sat down on the bed, staring at the walls of the room. She couldn't help but feel the weight of everything—new house, new life, new people. She was going to be here for a while that's for sure, but she wasn't sure how long she would stay.

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15 minutes later Rory made her way back downstairs and ended up in the living room, as Melanie told her to sit down for a moment.

As she sat on the couch, her mind swirling with uncertainty, Melanie walked over to her. She had finished her conversation with Keith and Leanne and was about to leave, but she had promised to check in with Rory one last time before she did.

"How are you doing?" Melanie asked, her voice gentle but probing, as she sat down beside Rory.

Rory let out a long, frustrated sigh, glancing at the floor before meeting Melanie's eyes. "I don't know, Mel. This... all of this. It's a lot. I'm not sure if I can handle it."

Melanie nodded, her expression softening. "I get it. I know it's a big change nothing you're not used too. But remember what we talked about in the car. You promised me you'd give it a chance, try to make the most of it. I know it's overwhelming right now, but I think this place can be good for you. The people here—they're kind, and they want to help you."

Rory hesitated, her gaze drifting to the window. "I don't know if I can... I've been let down before. I'm not sure I can trust anyone again."

Melanie reached out, her hand resting on Rory's. "I know you've been through a lot. But you don't have to do this alone. I'm here, and so are Keith and Leanne. And you're not stuck here forever—you can take your time. But I do believe that, given the chance, this could be a good place for you."

Rory bit her lip, the words settling deep in her chest. "I'll try."

Melanie smiled warmly. "That's all I ask. And I'll be back in a month for the usual check-in. By then, I hope you'll have found a bit of comfort here. I've got a good feeling about this, Rory. I really do. Just try to stay out of trouble, okay?"

Rory shrugged slightly, her eyes distant. "We'll see."

Melanie stood, pulling Rory into a quick, comforting hug. "I'll see you soon."

Rory nodded, giving her a tight squeeze before letting go. As Melanie opened the door, she looked back one last time, her voice full of encouragement. "Take care, Rory."

Rory watched as Melanie stepped outside, walking to her car and getting in. The engine hummed to life, and with a final wave, Melanie drove off, leaving Rory standing in the doorway. For a moment, she just stood there, staring at the road, unsure of what to expect next.

Turning around, Rory found Keith and Leanne standing in the living room, watching her with friendly smiles. "Hey, how's it going?" Keith asked, his tone casual.

Rory gave a small shrug, her voice quiet. "I'm fine."

Leanne raised an eyebrow. "Did you like the room? Is it okay?"

"It's nice," Rory said, offering a small smile. "The bed's more comfortable than the one at the group home, so that's a plus."

Keith nodded approvingly. "Good. If you need anything, or just want to talk, we're here. Don't hesitate to ask."

Rory nodded, appreciating the offer but still unsure of how to open up. "Thanks," she said, before a thought crossed her mind. "Hey, can I get some air? Stretch my legs on my skateboard?"

Leanne smiled. "Of course, go ahead. It'll do you some good."

Just as Rory was about to head out, Danica walked back inside, tossing the garbage bag into the bin outside. She glanced up and spotted Rory by the door. "What's up?"

Leanne looked over at Danica. "Hey, what are you up to?"

"Nothing much," Danica replied, leaning against the doorway. "Just finished my chores."

Keith looked at her thoughtfully. "How about showing Rory around? Give her a little tour of Moonhaven? Let her see what this place has to offer."

Danica grinned, glancing at Rory. "Sure, I'd be happy to. It's not every day I get to do this. I'll grab my bike."

Keith gave a knowing smile. "Have fun, you two."

Keith and Leanne watched as the two girls walked upstairs, she leaned over towards her husband.

Leanne added, "I think those two are going to be really good friends, I can tell."

"Yeah, or Danica might drive her crazy." Keith agreed, nodding as he watched them head out the door.

Outside, Rory stood by the front steps, her skateboard tucked under her arm, as Danica emerged from the side of the house with her bike. She grinned as she saw Rory. "Nice skateboard," she said, her tone teasing. "Hope you can keep up."

Rory gave a dry smile. "We'll see."

Danica mounted her bike and looked back at Rory with a mischievous grin. "Hope you're ready for a short but ever so sweet tour."

Rory rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped her lips. "Let's get it over with then."

"See that's the spirit I was hoping for." Danica Said, laughing a little as she started pedaling down the driveway.

Rory pushed off the ground with her foot and began to follow on her skateboard, easily keeping up with Danica's pace as they left the quiet neighborhood behind. As they made their way into the town of Moonhaven, Rory couldn't help but feel a small sense of curiosity building inside her.

Danica glanced back over her shoulder as they entered the town proper. "There's a lot to see here. We'll hit the best spots, and then you can decide if you like it. You'll see that it's not all bad."

"Sure, let's see what Moonhaven has to offer," Rory said, her voice still a little uncertain, but there was a hint of interest there now.

Danica grinned. "Let's go, New Girl." As they glided down the quiet streets, of the small town.

As Danica continued her tour of Moonhaven, the quiet streets of the small town began to feel a little more familiar to Rory. They passed by charming storefronts and small businesses, the kind that seemed like they had been around forever.

Their first stop was Keith's mechanic shop. It had a worn-in look to it, the kind of place that had seen its fair share of grease stains and car parts. The faded sign out front still read "Keith's Auto Repair", but it was clear from the surrounding equipment and the photos inside that this place had a deeper history.

"This is my dad's shop," Danica said, gesturing toward the building. "Used to be his dad's, but he took it over a few years ago after gramps retired back in 2010, and he's been running it ever since."

Rory took in the sight of the shop, noticing the small details—the family photos on the walls, the tools meticulously arranged, and the old engine parts piled up in the back. "Seems like a good place to know about cars," Rory remarked, her eyes scanning the shop.

Danica chuckled. "Yeah, Dad knows everything about them. He's always been the mechanic in the family. His dad's been teaching him since he was a kid."

After a few moments of silence, they headed back out onto the street, making their way toward their next stop. Danica led the way down the road, steering Rory past a row of shops, the arcade, the movie theater, the comic book store, and soon they found themselves standing in front of the town's bakery.

"This is Mom's," Danica said, her eyes lighting up as she looked at the bakery's cheerful sign. "She works here, myself and the twins love coming to visit, especially for the sweets. The cinnamon rolls are a big hit, in my opinion they're second best next to the brownies, don't tell my mom."

Rory chuckles softly and then she took a sniff as she could smell the warm, sugary aroma wafting out of the bakery, making her stomach growl. She couldn't help but grin. "I'm starting to see why everyone loves it here."

Danica laughed. "Ooh when you inevitably come here, you should definitely try the cookies sometime. Trust me, they're worth it."

"Noted, so what else is around here?" Rory Asked

"Follow me." Danica Said

As they continued walking, Danica pointed out the small diner on the corner, where the locals often gathered for breakfast or a quick bite. "This place has the best pancakes in town," she said, giving Rory a quick grin. "I was going to show you, but it's a little busy right now."

"Maybe next time," Rory replied, feeling her curiosity growing. "You've already shown me a lot."

Danica gave a short laugh. "You're welcome. I know Moonhaven can be a little quiet, but it's got a lot of history."

At that moment, Danica took a deep breath and looked at Rory, as if preparing for a little history lesson. "Speaking of history, Moonhaven was founded almost 300 years ago. The seven founding families are the reason this town exists."

Rory blinked in surprise. "Wait, this place actually has founding families?"

Danica nodded, her voice becoming a bit more animated as she shared the town's history. "Yeah, it's kind of a big deal here. There's the Middleton's, the Harrington's, the Sullivan's, the Montgomery's, the Barnes... and my personal favorite, the Maddox family."

Rory nodded, understanding the history, "Wait, you said seven families, but you only named six."

Danica grinned. "Yeah, well, there's one more—the Bradbury family. They were a respected family around here, but... they had a tragic history."

"Tragic?" Rory Said

"Well a few members of the family died in 2007, and it was like a huge thing in town the biggest thing to happen in years. My grandma told me it was like a massacre. It was really sad."

Rory frowned, intrigued but unsure of what to make of it. "A massacre? What happened?"

Danica's face darkened slightly as she continued. "I don't know all the details, but it was bad. My grandma said it was like something straight out of a horror movie. The parents died, their two daughters died along with their son in law, crazy stuff man.
But the town had a huge service for them, after that, the Bradbury family kind of disappeared."

Rory looked around, sensing a lingering sadness in Danica's tone. "So there hasn't been a Bradbury in this town since?"

Danica shook her head. "Nope. I mean I get it so much happened here probably don't want to be reminded of that horrible night. The old Bradbury house is still standing, though. It's been abandoned for years. Nobody's ever really claimed it. Some people think the town might eventually tear it down and build something else there, but who knows? It's one of those things that just kind of...hangs around."

Rory felt a shiver run down her spine. "That's..sad."

"Yeah," Danica agreed,"But that's Moonhaven for you. Full of stories, some of them darker than others."

The two walked in silence for a moment, each processing the information in their own way. Rory felt the weight of the town's history settle in, a mix of intrigue and caution. There was clearly more to Moonhaven than met the eye.

Finally, Rory broke the silence. "So, is that house... haunted or something?"

Danica shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "Who knows? Maybe. But I wouldn't be the one to go looking for ghosts."

Rory chuckled softly, the tension easing between them. "Yeah, I think I'll pass on that."

As they continued walking, Rory felt herself slowly adjusting to the quiet rhythm of the town.

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The night was calm, and Rory had retreated upstairs to her room after a long day of exploring the town with Danica. She was curled up on her bed, wearing her vintage headphones that she'd bought a while ago.

The music played softly, a soothing backdrop as she flipped through the pages of a comic book she'd found at a second-hand store. The dim light from her lamp cast a soft glow over the room, and for a moment, she allowed herself to relax.

A knock on the door interrupted her peace. "Come in," she called out without looking up from her book.

The door creaked open, and Leanne's warm voice followed. "Hey, I just wanted to let you know that dinner's ready."

Rory paused her music and slid her phone into her pocket. She stretched, feeling the slight stiffness in her limbs, and got up from the bed. "Oh Okay, so do I...make a plate and eat it upstairs—"

"No don't be silly honey, we all eat together at the table come on we're waiting on you." Leanne Said

"Oh...I'll be right down." Rory Said

Leanne smiled and nodded. "See you downstairs."

Rory put her stuff down then she left her room and went down the stairs, the scent of home-cooked food growing stronger with each step.

She entered the dining room and was met with the sight of the whole family gathered around the table. Cole and Jermey were already seated, while Danica sat across from them, and Keith was at the head of the table.

"There you are, nice of you to join us," Keith said with a grin, his eyes twinkling with a mix of humor and warmth.

Rory hesitated at the doorway, eyeing the scene in front of her. "Wait, so you guys eat at this table for every meal?" she asked, genuinely curious. It was something she hadn't done in a long time, not since her old life before everything changed.

"Yeah, well, minus lunch," Keith replied. "But we uphold the tradition of eating breakfast and dinner as a family."

Leanne chimed in, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks to me, of course."

"Mom values family traditions." Jermey Said

"Big time." Cole Added

"Come sit," Danica said, motioning to the empty chair next to her.

Rory made her way to the seat and sat down, eyeing the spread on the table. The food looked incredible—steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, and a side of freshly baked bread. Her stomach growled at the sight, and she realized how hungry she was.

"So, what's for dinner?" Rory asked, looking at Leanne, who was already reaching for the serving spoons.

Leanne smiled and began listing off the dishes. "We've got roasted chicken with rosemary, mashed potatoes with garlic, steamed green beans, cream corn and my homemade dinner rolls."

Keith leaned back in his chair, a teasing smirk on his face. "Don't worry Rory, It looks appetizing because I didn't cook it so we're in the clear."

Rory couldn't help but laugh at Keith's self-deprecating humor.

"Dad's cooking compared to Mom's is okay," Cole said with a grin, glancing over at his father.

"Hey!" Leanne said, feigning offense but clearly amused.

"What? It's good, but it's not yours," Jermey added with a shrug, his mouth already full.

"Guys, that's mean," Danica said, rolling her eyes at her brothers.

"No, no, I agree," Keith said with a small chuckle. "My cooking isn't as good as your mom's. Subpar but nowhere near my lovely wife, thank god for you, Lea."

"Thank you, well, to me you're a good cook," Leanne said, her smile softening as she looked at her husband.

"Oh, Mom, you're too kind," Cole said sarcastically, making Jermey chuckle again.

"Alright, shush," Keith said, trying to steer the conversation back to the food.

Rory took a bite of the chicken and was instantly impressed. It was perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were creamy, and the bread was soft with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had a meal this good.

Leanne, noticing Rory's reaction, raised an eyebrow. "Is the food okay?"

Rory swallowed her bite and quickly nodded. "No—oh, I mean yes, it's good. It's really good." She smiled, feeling her cheeks warm slightly at the compliment.

Leanne's face lit up with a pleased smile. "I'm glad you like it."

The conversation turned back to lighter topics as everyone dug into their meals, and Leanne looked over at Rory again, this time with a more serious expression. "So, Rory, tomorrow's your first day at your new school. How are you feeling about it?"

Rory hesitated, glancing down at her plate. She hadn't really thought much about school yet—too busy adjusting to everything else. "Um... you know, okay. So far, I've been to five schools throughout my life, but I guess the nerves are still there."

Keith laughed, shaking his head. "It's okay to be nervous. I remember my first day of school, I absolutely dreaded it. My mom said I peed my pants," he said, winking at Rory. "Yeah, I was remembered as the boy who peed on himself for five grades. Thankfully, that didn't affect me much after 9th grade."

The table burst into laughter, and Rory couldn't help but chuckle. "That's... definitely a memorable first day."

"Oh it was." Keith Said

Danica leaned forward, grinning. "Don't worry, I've got you. I'll show you around the school tomorrow. I'll be your guide."

Rory raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit more reassured. "Cool. Thanks, Danica."

As they continued eating, Rory took another bite, savoring the warmth of the food and the feeling of being around a family who genuinely seemed to care. It was a new experience for her, one that felt both comforting and unfamiliar at the same time.

After a good and warm dinner it was time for bed, upstairs Rory sat on her bed, brushing her hair in front of the small mirror propped against the wall. The soft glow of her bedside lamp lit up the cozy room Leanne had prepared for her. As she set the brush down and began folding the blanket at the edge of her bed, there was a light knock on the door.

"Come in," she called.

Keith and Leanne stepped inside, leaning casually against the doorframe.

"Hey, just wanted to check in before we head to bed," Keith said, his voice warm. "You doing okay?"

Rory nodded, forcing a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

Leanne studied her for a moment, as if trying to read her thoughts. "Alright, sweetheart. If you need anything, we're right down the hall, okay?"

"Okay," Rory said softly.

"Goodnight, Rory," Leanne said with a gentle smile.

"Goodnight, kiddo," Keith added as they stepped out and quietly closed the door behind them.

Rory sighed, turned off her lamp, and climbed into bed. The room fell into darkness, save for the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains. Staring at the ceiling, she let her thoughts drift. Slowly, her eyes grew heavy, and she slipped into sleep.

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