Reconstructing Amelia (unedited)

Chapter 75

December 16th, 2019

"Now you're an official member of the family," Alan commented happily, sitting up from where he was sprawled out on my bed.

Everyone was busy getting ready for bed even though I knew most of the boys would be staying up for another few hours anyway. We'd celebrated together earlier, which had both been crazy and amazing - as it always seemed to be with this family.

"Yep," I answered, finishing plaiting my hair.

"You don't sound too excited," Alan said, glancing at me in concern.

"Neither did you,' I replied, avoiding his sudden intense gaze.

He folded his arms as his expression twisted up in confusion. "What are you talking about? I'm literally beyond happy that you're here,"

"At the courthouse," I said quietly. "After we met you on steps. You looked upset with me,"

"Oh," His eyes softened as his cheeks went red. "I was just jealous," he mumbled.

"Of what?"

Alan sighed. "You were clearly worried about today and you wouldn't talk to me about it at all. But you talked with Xander and then you seemed completely fine,"

"I didn't want to talk to him, he just got himself involved," I told him.

"Just like with Eli," muttered Alan.

I frowned slightly, moving to sit next to him. "I'm sorry, okay? Xander just knew how I was feeling and wanted to make me feel better,"

"But why couldn't you have talked to me?"

"Because I didn't want to ruin the adoption," I whispered.

He was staring at me, his bright green eyes searching mine pleadingly as he grabbed my hand. "How could you've ruined it?"

I bit my lip hesitantly.

"Mia, please tell me," he begged.

"Because I didn't want to go through with it," I blurted, ripping my hand away from his. I felt my cheeks heating up in shame.

Alan just sat there, looking equal parts sad and shocked at the same time. "You didn't want to be adopted?" he asked, his voice sounding so hurt.

"I just wasn't sure if I was ready," I responded quietly. "It felt wrong to be leaving my sister behind. I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings,"

Alan pulled me into a gentle hug. "You wouldn't've hurt anyone's feelings, I promise. Tell me next time, it's what twins are for,"

I nodded, glad he wasn't mad at me. "Okay, I will," I promised him.

"Good," Alan grinned. "We're twins; we're supposed to do everything together,"

I gave him a pointed look. "That's not true," I told him.

"It is in the movies," he argued. "Plus, there are these identical twins a year above us who are like . . . way scarily alike,"

"We're not identical," I reminded him with a soft laugh.

He shrugged. "We basically are. Look at us - very similar,"

I rolled my eyes. "It was genetic chance," I informed him. "Cato looks like us too,"

Alan stuck his tongue out at me. "Oh shush," he said. "You know I'm right,"

He was. And I couldn't argue. "Fine," I decided to give up and let him win this one.

My phone rang loudly from the bedside table, startling me and making Alan laugh at my reaction.

"You'll get used to it," he assured me, still chuckling. "G'night," he called as he slid off the bed, closing my door before disappearing out into the hallway.

"Hi," I spoke softly into the phone, lying down on my bed.

"Hola," Neo's voice filled my ear, making me smile. "How did it go today?"

"Javi and I are officially part of the family," I told him proudly.

"That's great, Mia," he replied. "I'm happy for you," He'd had his doubts when I'd originally told him out the whole thing.

I knew he'd only been worried for me, but I was glad he'd come around.

"So what are you doing tomorrow?"

I felt my heart flutter in anticipation. "I don't think we're doing anything," I answered. "Why?"

"We should do something. I miss you,"

"I miss you too," I told him, unable to stop smiling. I hadn't seen him since Friday morning when I'd moved out.

I could hear the happiness in his voice. "So it's a date?"

"Is there any special occasion?" I asked.

"Does there have to be one? I want to hang out with my girlfriend, that's all the occasion I need," he informed me with a slightly amused lilt to his voice.

"If you insist," I teased.

"Oh I definitely do," Neo answered playfully. "I'll pick you up at six?"

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "I'll see you then," I promised him.

He hummed in agreement. "Good. I love you," His voice was gentler now, softer as he spoke, making my face flush.

"I love you too,"