It had made her available. Available to love three kids who needed someone to show up. Available to build a family that had nothing to do with blood and everything to do with choice. She wasn't broken. Never had been.
She'd just been waiting for the right people to see her worth. The kids came home that afternoon full of stories and complaints and demands for snacks. Lena listened to all of it while making dinner, fielding questions about homework and permission slips and whether they could please get a dog. Still no, Adrien said when he got home. You never let us have anything fun, Marcus complained.
You have video games, bikes, and a pool. You're doing fine. At dinner, Sophieie announced she'd gotten the lead in the school play. Thomas said he'd aced his math test. Marcus asked if they could go to the basketball game on Saturday. normal family stuff.
The kind Lena used to watch other people have and wonder what it felt like. Now she knew. It felt like Sophieie's hand in hers while they walked to the car. Like Thomas asking her opinion on which song to play for his recital. Like Marcus defending her honor, even when she didn't ask him to.
It felt like Adrien's arm around her shoulders at night. His quiet I'm glad you're here in the darkness. It felt like home. That night, tucking Sophieie into bed, the girl looked up at her with serious eyes. Lena.
Yeah. I'm glad Dad found you. Me, too, sweetheart. Do you think mom would like you? The question caught her off guard.
They didn't talk about Catherine often. It felt like walking on sacred ground. I don't know, Lena said honestly. I hope so, Sophieie considered this. I think she would.
I think she'd be happy you're taking care of us. You think? Yeah, because she loved us and you love us, too. So, you'd probably like each other. The simplicity of kid logic, the idea that love was enough to bridge any gap.
I do love you, Lena said softly. All of you so much. I know, Sophieie hugged her stuffed rabbit. That's why you're staying, right? Because you love us.
That's exactly why. Good. Sophieie yawned. because we love you, too. Lena stayed until Sophieie fell asleep, then quietly left the room. Adrien was in the hallway, leaning against the wall.
"How much of that did you hear?" she asked. "Enough," he pulled her close. "You okay?" "More than okay." She rested her head against his chest.
"I never thought I'd have this." "What? eavesdropping in hallways?" She smacked his arm. a family, people who wanted me around, a place I actually belonged. Well, you do. And we're not letting you go.