Strings of Fate

207- Guests and gathering

Since that meeting went much faster than we anticipated, we decide to return and join the others in preparing for dinner. But first we ask Kiara to come and speak with us in the office. She looks nervous. Actually, she looks like she is going to be sick. I shut the door so we can all speak privately and then I quickly reassure her.

“Kiara, I would never send you anywhere that you aren’t wanted.” I start. Her shoulders relax a little bit. I suspect that while it is unlikely her parents told her a lot about their relationship with her grandfather since she is only nine years old, that it is highly possible that she knows SOMETHING. Kids are smart, she would know that it’s odd she’s never met him and probably has noticed that her parents don’t get along with him. They wouldn’t have had to tell her, one irritated sigh or off tone could probably tell her that. I make eye contact with Bellamy and he nods for me to take the lead in speaking with Kiara. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves. What if she is upset about it? What if she doesn’t want to stay with me?

“Kiara, your grandfather is not in a position to be able to take care of you and honestly, I don’t think I would be comfortable sending you to him. According to Alex you don’t have any other relatives you could go and stay with. Your grandfather has left it up to Bellamy and I to decide where you live from now on.” I start. Kiara seems to curl up in on herself. She pulls

her knees up onto the chair she’s sitting on and hugs them to her chest. She then mostly hides her face against them. All I can see is the glint of her eyes peeking out at me.

“Please, I don’t want you to worry. I promised I would keep you safe and I would never lie to

you. Bellamy

and I talked about it and we decided… Well, we wanted to ask you if… if you would like to stay with us. Not temporarily that is. You could make your home here with us. That is, if you want to…” I trail off. Kiara’s head darts up and she is staring at me with wide eyes. She looks as if she doesn’t quite believe what I’ve just told her. She turns to Bellamy who gives an encouraging smile.

“We would love to have you join our family Kiara.” He tells her softly.

“You can take some time to think about it if you would like. You don’t have to decide right now.” I reluctantly tell her. I don’t want that. I want her to immediately respond because waiting is the absolute worst. I feel a twinge of guilt because this wait is just a small hint of what I’ve ended up putting Bellamy through with being all anxious about our relationship. I probably need to sit down and have a proper think about that one.

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and

banishing you. We will always be here if you need us.” I add. I freeze in place and my eyes widen as for the second time in my life, my vision flickers for a moment and reveals two new threads. Bellamy and I are both now connected

to take some time to think about all this?” Bellamy offers gently. Kiara shakes her head so quickly I’m surprised she doesn’t tip off

want to do? Kiara… do you want to stay with us?” I ask nervously. Kiara seems to take a couple of deep

response.

voice is small and croaky. She sounds anxious, but she doesn’t hesitate in

I don’t want to make too big a deal it. I don’t want to make

glad! I am sorry that so many awful things happened to you, but I am so happy that you will be staying with us.” I tell her, opening my arms to her. In a second she is out of her chair and climbing into my lap for a hug

arrange another

your bedroom nice. We can repaint it for you if you want too. On the paperwork I am going to put myself and Ryann

stay

tell everyone tonight? At dinner?” He suggests. Kiara gives an

a strange combination of elated and sad. I assume because she is thinking about her parents and her

that you can collect anything you want. The house belonged to your parents and we will keep it safe for you until you are old enough to

will