Back To Where I've Never Been

Part 6

After eating, Camden and Collin excuse themselves. Collin has to wrap up things at the hospital and Collin has to get back to New York. No one told me, but I've put two and two together that the 'city' they keep mentioning is New York City, I'm guessing the family lives outside the city in a residential area.

After they leave, Christine puts down her wine and turns towards me, so we are fully facing each other on the couch. She reaches out to touch my cheek. Her fingers are light, but her expression is wonderous, like she still can't believe I'm real. I recognize the expression because I'm sure it's what's on my own face, I can't quite believe she's real either, that any of this is real. I'm like a real-life Cinderella, minus the prince.

Ugh. I realize. With Four, no five, older 'brothers' I don't think I will be dating for a while. I have seen how Thyra's cousins are with the boys she dates, and they aren't half as close as the Rodenheim-Steward-Haven family seems to be. I shudder, I'm going to die a virgin.

But it's almost worth it, to have that kind of support. I have gained more family than I know what to do with but instead of fear or panic, like I would expect to feel, I feel incredibly happy and excited. It's been me and mom for so long, as fiercely independent as I am, as I've had to be, I'm kind of looking forward to letting someone take care of me.

Grandmother stops perusing my face, daps at her eyes again before turning serious.

"I'm sure you're wondering what happens next." She says, her voice soft but firm.

"I can guess."

"Oh?" Her expression says she wants me to elaborate, so I do.

"You'll want me to come live with you and grandfather and Benjamin. Probably go to his school, too." She looks shocked but quickly brushes it away to reveal a pleased expression. She looks almost, proud. Which is weird because anyone with half a brain would figure out what the next step was but I don't correct her, I like when that look is directed towards me. I silently vow to make her proud often.

"You are correct. I have to say, I'm surprised at your easy acceptance of all this." She waves her hand delicately, gracefully indicating the room and the chairs where my cousins had perched.

"You seem like, no, I know you are a smart, independent and mature young woman. Not many teenage girls would have been able to take care of your mother, and yourself, the way you have. Especially not alone." I swallow the lump forming in my throat at the fierce gleam in her eyes. That proud look is still there, but it's stronger than before. I don't deserve it, not really. I had plenty of help and it's not that hard to care for yourself when there's a savings account and no mortgage. I tell her as much.

"No. Don't try to belittle your accomplishment, dear. You are a Rodenheim, now. Rodenheim women are strong, and we take our accolades when they are due." I feel my spine stiffen and her slight admonishment. The pleasure I feel at being referred to as a Rodenheim, as part of the family, it's indescribable.

"I'm so glad you are taking this all so well, but I still want to see someone after you have settled in with us. We have contacted a doctor who specializes in reunited families. Though our case is unusual, I think it would be best if we had some help to navigate the changes ahead." I nod, although I used to hate the idea of seeing a shrink, but the one the state set me up with after mom died helped me so much, I am a full believer in the power of professional help. I love my grandmother and cousins already but I'm not naïve enough to believe everything is going to be a bed of roses. I am happy to be a part of the family now, but I've always taken care of myself, even with mom I was more the adult sometimes than the child, so gaining so many strong-willed authority figures will probably be a big adjustment. When I tell grandmother this, that fiercely proud gleam shines ever brighter, she gives me the largest smile I've seen on her yet. I now know where Collin gets that killer grin of his.