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 Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2023 8:38 pm
It had been…really…really nice sitting with Oliver.
Brooklyn didn’t want to admit just how much she had enjoyed it. And wondered if that was what it was like all the time for Elliot and Atticus…to have fathers that loved them and held them and…didn’t care that they cried.
She had almost fallen asleep there to be honest, covered in the blanket and just feeling warm and…safe. Comfortable.
When she heard the door shut though, she bolted upright, rubbing at her face to try and get rid of any traces of tears…it didn’t work out too well, but she was trying at the very least.
Glancing at Oliver, Brooklyn gave a sheepish smile and muttered a quick thanks before heading towards the other room, hoping to find Elliot without having to talk to the other parent. Not that she didn’t want to, but…she was kind of completely adulted out today and just…
Well. Just wanted her friends.
“...Elliot? Hi.”
Not eloquent, but Brooklyn was there, red rimmed puffy eyes and all, and she was happy to see Elliot there too.
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Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2023 6:26 pm
Oliver had smiled at Brooklyn, reassuring and hopeful, but as Brooklyn went to find Elliot, he went out to find Asher. They could come into the kitchen through the garage so the kids could have some space to talk. He might be able to resist the urge to hover or check in on them, but he could try to be discreet about his worry. For now.
Elliot’s face was initially full of surprise, but it rapidly shifted into relief, and then worry again.
“Brooklyn,” he greeted warmly. He looked healthy enough–wearing an extra sweater to combat the cold, and maybe give himself a little extra padding against whatever trouble he might bump into–but he certainly looked like the effort he’d put into healing had done him well.
He didn’t comment on her appearance, partly because he knew that was something you really shouldn’t do to a girl, but also because he had the distinct impression that she wouldn't want attention brought to it.
“Hey, it’s good to see you. I didn’t know you were coming over, I would have hurried back. How are you doing?”
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Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2023 1:20 pm
Brooklyn nodded and gave a little sigh before forcing a smile. “It…it was okay. I didn’t call or anything, and your dad was really nice…hah…think I could ever talk them into adopting me? I…” She broke off and shrugged. “I just came to say that I was sorry for last night, and I hoped to talk with you and Atticus like…you know, like I had said I would.”
She still wanted to run away but…it was easy to force her feet to remain right where they were. It was easy to stay when you…well. When you really didn’t want to leave.
Leaving the problem, the awkwardness was one thing…but there was nothing Brooklyn wanted less than to leave this house. “So…I’m here, and I'm sorry…and I hope that your shopping went well!”
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 10:23 am
“Yeah, it was good,” Elliot said, trying to keep a casual tone even as he kept a close eye on her. He had the distinct impression that she was keeping secrets, or at least, not saying everything on her mind. He wasn’t a mind reader, but he was doing his best to at least get as much of an idea of what might be bubbling below the surface as possible.
“I’m glad you came by,” he said again, just in case she had any traces of doubt lingering. It was worth the effort to put on a smile to ease her, so he did. “My dad’s great, I’m glad you had some time with him. He always makes me feel better. I’m sorry for last night, too. I was just texting Atticus, he’s next door. I could invite him over, or we could go out to the backyard or the park or anything if you wanted to talk? If we stick around here, my parents will probably show up with snacks or check in to make sure we’re doing okay. They’re great! But, you know. They worry. So if you wanted any privacy for talking, we could all go somewhere else? But I’m good with anything. Especially if you want a snack or something. Dad’s been excited about the warm cider, have you had a glass yet?”
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 11:11 am
“The backyard sounds good…that way we…you know…we can talk in the cold and then go inside if it gets ugly and warm up and your dads can feed us…and…warm our insides too?” Brooklyn didn’t quite meet his eyes when she spoke, but she blew out a breath. “I don’t not want your dads to possibly listen in, I mean. I just spilled all my guts to your one while you weren’t here so…I don’t think he’s actually going to ban me from your life which…”
Shrugging, Brooklyn finally met Elliot’s eyes and gave a sheepish grin. “I still think is kind of dumb of him but…whatever. I did have some of the cider, yeah…I’m not going to say no to more of it with the two of you though, so…let’s go chat outside and get chilly, then the cider will taste even better? And we can…figure out where to go from here?”
It seemed reasonable, and she hoped that Elliot would agree…but…they both deserved to hear it all together, everything that Soleiyu had told her…and…together, they could figure out what happened next.
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2023 12:37 pm
Elliot almost gave her a look when she said it was kind of dumb of his dad, but he supposed she was just being self deprecating and trying to prepare for the worst, anyway. “Well, it’s true. Warm cider does taste better after you’ve come in for the cold. I’ll text Atticus so he can meet us outside. Oh, but I can show you our garden. Have you seen it already?”
He gestured for her to follow him, apparently eager to show it off. “My parents have been working hard to get some life back there. If we were back home at the old house, we’d have really have something to show off. I’ve got pictures, I’ll show you. But it’s getting nice back there, and there’s a bench. I’ll grab a blanket so it isn’t too cold to sit on.”
He already had his phone in his hand and navigated to Atticus’ messages and typed something quick and sent it off.
Elliot didn’t think Atticus would be long, not when it seemed like they were all eager to get things sorted out.
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