Find me

Chapter 44

Aria POV

I took a deep breath and glanced at the mirror again.

I looked okay. Actually, I’ve never looked better. My clothes weren’t worn out and torn anymore. My shoes fit. My hair looked shinier. I even gained a little weight.

I looked like a normal 17-year-old girl.

Except for the height. I still had some growing to do.

For my first day back, I decided to wear jeans, a sweater, and my new Chucks. I let my hair down for a change. I used to always braid it or put it up in a ponytail because it looked unhealthy. But now it looked shiny and healthy, and I liked it a lot.

I looked okay. At least I hoped I did.

I grabbed my backpack and walked downstairs.

The past week flew by. I got to know my real dad a little bit better, and I absolutely loved him. He was amazing. He was kind, gentle, and understanding. He was everything a parent should be. He was everything I wanted. I’ve never felt more loved or wanted than right here with him.

I wished that he was always a part of my life.

Gabriel and I were glued to each other, and I had no issue with it. I felt safe with him. I wanted to be with him. I missed him when he was at school, and I was happiest when he came back.

He kept complaining about having to go to school, but somewhere around Thursday he stopped. Probably because my real dad said that I could go to school on Monday.

I got to know Gray a little bit better over the past week, and I really liked him. He was really funny, and he always knew what to say to make me laugh.

I talked to my uncle and cousins a few times as well. I liked them, and I was ready to meet them in person. I was going to tell my real dad to invite them over.

I was still scared. I was terrified, actually. I wasn’t scared of my family or Gray. I was scared of losing them. Now that I saw what it was like to have a family that wants you and loves you, I had no idea how I would survive going back to my parents.

I was scared of losing my real dad. I was terrified of losing Gabriel.

I couldn’t lose them. I just couldn’t.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to stop thinking about that. My heart was breaking just picturing my life without them in it.

“How do I look?” I asked as I walked into the kitchen.

My real dad and Gabriel were sitting at the table, eating breakfast and sipping coffee.

Both of them looked up at me

“You look beautiful, baby.” my real dad said softly, reaching out for me.

“Maybe a bit too pretty, Ari.” Gabe said, frowning. “I don’t want to fight the guys off on your first day.”

I walked to my real dad and he pulled me in for a hug.

“Don’t listen to your brother.” my real dad said. “You look amazing, and he will fight all the boys off. It’s his job.”

I chuckled and wrapped my arms around my real dad.

“Come on, love.” my real dad said as he let me go. “You need to eat breakfast before you leave.”

I sat down, and Gabe handed me a box of cereal.

I wanted to talk to my real dad about inviting my uncle and my cousins over. I wasn’t sure if he would be okay with it, though. It was his house. Would it be okay for me to suggest that he invite them over? Maybe I should wait until he asks me about it?