Adopted

Chapter 17

"Morning sweetie," Sarah said. "How did you sleep?"

"Good, thanks," I said.

"Hungry? We've got cereal or eggs."

"Cereal is fine," I said.

Sarah pulled out a few different types of cereal and a bowl and the milk. Brendon came downstairs and got himself a bowl and grabbed the box of Froot Loops.

"Breakfast of champions," he said, winking.

He was texting on his phone while I poured myself a bowl.

"Zack and Kala will meet us in the parking lot. They'll tell us where they've parked when they get there, if they get there before us. Which they will because they've already left."

"Okay," Sarah said. "Jess, you have everything? Took your meds?"

"Everything but sunscreen," I said.

"I have sunscreen. You can put some on in the car."

"Don't forget your hat," Brendon said, putting my cap on and pulling it down.

We cleared up from breakfast, and headed into the car. I took out my book and started reading as well drive south to Anaheim.

I must have dozed off, because Sarah was shaking me when we stopped.

"That interesting a book?" Brendon asked.

"Yeah. But long car rides, I guess I still fall asleep," I grinned sheepishly.

We had arrived at Disneyland and had parked near Zack and Kala's car, who were standing outside the door looking concerned.

"You okay, kiddo?" Zack asked.

"Yep. Just fell asleep on the drive. No biggie," I said.

We went into the park, and got our passes and met with the staff member who would be with us for the day. Sarah and Brendon introduced me to her as their daughter, and that felt really nice.

Brendon is like a kid at Disneyland. He was all over the place wanting to go everywhere. We all just followed in his wake. I couldn't help but smile. We rode everything pretty much. At lunch time, we went to a restaurant and had a nice sit down meal. After lunch Brendon suggested a water park, and so we went and got changed. Sarah, Kala and I sat in the cabana they'd rented and I dozed off in the warm summer sun.

"Is she okay?" I heard Kala ask Sarah as I was drifting off.

"I think so. It's been a busy day. I'm sure she's tired. I'll let her nap for a little while."

"How was the doctor yesterday?"

"He's really nice. Clearly cares a great deal about Jessica. But we got some not great news that were all trying to process still."

"What happened?"

"It turns out Jess transitioned to full blown AIDS a year ago or so. No one told her. We were all blindsided."

"Oh no. Do they know how long?"

"No. But it's made us realize how precious she really is. We're going to make sure she gets as much out of life as she can."

"Poor kid," I heard Kala sigh. "She's so young to be dealing with all this. You guys are so great. She's very lucky,"

"So are we," was the last thing I heard Sarah say. I felt her cover me with a towel and kiss me on the head.

I was woken up by what felt like raindrops landing on my head.

"Brendon!" Sarah cried out. "First of all you got me wet and second of all, Jess was sleeping!"

"It's okay," I said.

"Come on the water slides with me," he said.

I looked at Sarah.

"Don't look at me. That's your decision," she smiled. "But sunscreen as soon as you're done."

Brendon took my hand and we went to the slides.

After a while, we were all slid out and went back to the cabana. 

Sarah handed me the sunscreen and gave me a look that said 'put it on and don't argue'.  I did as she silently asked.

We went back into the park and went on more rides. I loved the Haunted Mansion and they pleased with me to not make them go on 'It's a Small World'. 

Finally it was dinner time and we went to another restaurants for dinner.  Kala kept looking at me and smiling.

"Are you having a good day?" She asked me.

"Yes, thank you."

"She's so polite," Zack said. Brendon and Sarah smiled.

After dinner we looked in the shops on Main Street. Brendon bought me a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt and a piece of art to hang in my room. Sarah found a small Mickey Mouse necklace and bought it for me, too.

"Souvenirs of our first visit as a family," she said, putting the necklace on me. We went into a photo booth and took photos of the 3 of us making faces and smiling, then had Zack and Kala join us and we did the same. Everyone got a copy.

We went back out into the park to wait for the fireworks and watched them. When we got up to go leave, I was exhausted. I could hardly keep my eyes open or stand on my own two feet.

"Jess?  You okay sweetie?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah. Just tired," I said.

"It's been a long day," Sarah said.

Zack scooped me up and Sarah took my backpack. I fell asleep in his arms as they carried me out of the park and to the car.

"Sweet dreams, sweet girl," Zack said as he buckled me into the car.  I don't remember the ride home at all.

Before I knew it, I was being lifted out of the car.

"Sarah, grab her bag, and the other stuff?  I've got her," Brendon said.

I felt him place me on my bed, take off my shoes and cover me with a blanket. He put Mr. Bunny in my arms and kissed my forehead.

"Good night you special young lady. Sweet dreams," he whispered.

I rolled over and went to sleep.