I was getting Mia dressed when the nurse walked in with our food.
-Good morning. How is everything today?
-We are, I was just getting her dressed.
-Here is your breakfast and her food. How did you sleep?
-Good, I guess.
-So nothing happened, not even a nightmare or something like that.
I sighed and looked down at my hands.
-How did you know that?
-Come on, Emily.- she said sitting in bed. -I have worked here for a long time, and I have seen everything, especially people who suffered from a traumatic experience. Usually, people have nightmares after it's totally normal and nothing to be ashamed about. It's just the brain trying to process what happened. Do you want to talk about it?
-It was dark and I was hearing them call for me but I couldn't see anything. I started running and then I saw them inside the car and they weren't waking up. I wish you could say it was just a dream.
-Oh honey.- I was crying a lot so she hugged me and we stayed like that for a while.
-Thank you for listening Mary and sorry for your shirt.
-Don't be. Now eat your breakfast before it gets cold and I will come back later to check on you before you are dismissed from the hospital.
I was finishing giving Mia breakfast when my family walked in.
-Hi sweetie, how are you?- my grandma asked.
-OMG! Is that her?
-Yes Liz. Guys this is Mia.
-She is so cute- my aunt said.
-Yes she is. I was just finishing giving her breakfast.
-Can I finish giving it to her?
-I don't see why. Do you want to go to Liz, Mia?- I picked her up and gave her to Liz; she didn't even protest, just held on to her and started playing with her hair.
-She's such an angel that didn't even complain.-my grandma said.
-Come here Liz, sit on the bed.
Liz sat by my side and I gave her the bottle so she could feed Mia.
We continued talking until a nurse came and did a few exams so that I could be discharged.
While my uncles were signing the papers, Patricia walked in.
-Good morning.
-Good morning. Guys this is Patricia, the social worker.
-Hi. How are you feeling, Emily?
-Good.
-How was it with Mia?
-Wonderful. She is a sweet, eats well, never cries, and is super friendly with everyone.
-That's good. I don't know if your uncles talked to you, but we agreed to visit the house today. This way we have more time to get everything ready before your school starts.
-Ok, my uncles were just signing the discharge papers.
-There they are- my grandpa said.
-Hi Patricia, good to see you again.-mu uncle a Patricia shook hands.
-Darling you can start packing up, to go home.
Home, the meaning of that word was different now, while in the past meant mine and my parent's house now meant my uncle's house.
-I'm finished, we can go.
I picked Mia up from her crib.
-I guess she is going with you, now.
-Yes, but I will have to take her to the visit so you will see her again.
-Here she goes. I will see you later baby girl.
We started walking outside the room.
-You can go on, I just have to talk to someone.
-Ok, we will be outside.- my uncle said.
I walked up to the front desk.
-Hello, I would like to talk to the nurse Mary. Do you know where she is?
-Sorry I don't know, wait, there she is- the receptionist said pointing behind me.
-Thank you.
I turned around and started walking to Mary.
-Mary.
-Oh. Hi Emily, everything ok?
-Yes. I'm going home but before I wanted to say thank you, so thank you for being there for me and helping me.
-You're welcome, it was my job- she said giving me a hug.
-It was more than that. I wanted to ask you something. I know this is a bit unethical, but can I have your number?
-Sure but don't tell anyone.
I gave her my phone and she put her number in there.
-Thank you again. Bye, Mary.
-Take care, Emily.
-I will.
I walked out of the hospital with only one thought in my head. Things are getting better and everything is going to be okay. I'm going to get past this.
I go in the direction of my uncles and froze at the vision in front of me. I just can't go inside another car again, not right now.
-What's wrong Emily?- Liz asked.
-I can't get in. I can go by bus, bicycle, and even on foot but I'm not getting inside another car ever again. I can't go through it again.
-Ok. I'll go see if there are any buses to my house and I will go with you.
-Thank you.
She went to talk with her parents and then came back with my things.
-Come on. There's a bus that leaves in 5 minutes.
-You're the best cousin ever.- I say giving her a side hug.
-I'm your only one.
-That's why you're the best.- She pushed me to the side joking. -Ouch, why would push your favorite cousin?
-Who said that you were my favorite?
-Now I'm really hurt.- I joked. -Now seriously you are incredible never let anyone tell you otherwise.
-Thank you.
-I'm the one that has to say thank you. You probably don't know but you are being a lot o support right now and I just wanted you to know that.
We got on the bus a few moments later and went home. When we arrived we noticed the social worker already inside the house talking with my uncles.
-Hi. So can we start the visit now?- Patricia asked.
-I don't see why not. Emily, we called the school on our way here and the headmaster said we could be there today since she is already going there.- my uncle said turning to me.
-Ok, thanks.
The visit occurred with no problems, my uncle's house was big so space was not a problem. I was going to stay in the guest room, which had its own bathroom, which was kind of nice since I could give baths to Mia anytime I wanted. This was if everything occurred according to plan and I could get custody of Mia.
It was weird at the same time although my uncles and I were very close, I never considered their house like a second home and now it was my home too, I had my room and would go back here every holiday. Everything was surreal and not in a good way.
After lunch, we went to the school to talk to Principal Adams. This time we all went by car although the trip was fast I kept replaying that night over and over again in my head.
When we arrived at school the headmistress was already waiting for us in her room. I had only been there once and that was to talk to her about organizing a fundraiser to help the school buy gymnastic and cheer equipment.
Her office was huge it had bookshelves to the ceiling, her desk, and a sofa. As soon as she saw me she gave me the petty look everyone had been giving me, fortunately, she didn't make a comment about the situation.
-Ms. Arlington is good to see you.
-You too Headmaster Williams.
-On your phone call you said that you had to talk to me about something important. If this is about Emily missing her first days of school, her absences will be excused.- the headmasters said turning to my uncles.
-it's not about that. Either way, I think it best if Emily explains the situation.
-As you may have noticed, besides my family, there's Patricia and Mia. Mia was in the same accident as me and now since she's an orphan I'm going to adopt her. Now, I just want to know if it's possible to bring her to school with me.
-So what you are asking me is if you can bring her to school with you?
-Yes?!- I ask afraid of what her answer is going to be.
-I want you to think about this very well because you are going to have to leave her in a nursery outside of the campus or take her to classes and practices too. In the end, if this is really what you want, my answer is yes.
-Thank you so much this means the world to me.
-You're welcome I hope this doesn't affect your grades or your sports performance.
-Absolutely not.
-Then I will see you on the first day of school, Ms. Arlington.
-See you then. Thanks again.
Before exiting her office the headmaster asked to talk with the social worker, who politely accepted the offer, so my uncles and I exited with Mia while they talked. As soon as Patricia exited the room she picked Mia up and turned to us.
-I will leave you now. I'm sure you need to rest for tomorrow. I will tell you the court date as soon as I know. Take care.
-Ok, thank you. Bye Mia.- I said kissing her head.
On the way home I could only think about one thing, tomorrow.
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