So I don't want to get into personal details but if you guys believe in God please pry for me and the love of my life, it's kind of really needed in the moment. I apologize if this chapter isn't what you were expecting but with everything going on right now I just can't think, this is just a distraction for me. I think it's the only one that actually works.
On with the chapter.
After a week and a half of staying with the flock, I actually felt like I belonged. My ankle was getting much better. Right now I was with Gazzy and Angel in the park. They were running around as I watched. Fang and the others had some business to deal with.
All three of them worked around the city in little places. That was what earned the money for the food we ate each day. I would probably have to chip in when I got better. We'd been looking for information on Ari but nothing came up.
"Time to head back guys!" I called and waved a hand so they saw me. They were very smart for their ages and very good at following orders. I was still on my crutches but since my hair was a light shade of brown we looked like we were a family so no one would question it. Iggy was usually the one that brought them to the park.
"A few more minutes Max" Gazzy said and managed to pry Celeste the bear from Angels grasp. Total was also running around. It turned out that their dog Total was actually a street dog that found his way to them. Angel had convinced Fang of keeping him. But Total could wander off if he'd like, there would be days that he wouldn't come back.
"No Gaz we have to head back, Fang will be waiting" I smiled as Angel tackled her brother and took her teddy bear back. "Come on it's a long walk back"
They both nodded and walked in front of me as I crutched my way behind them. I knew we had to pass a few stores and a news stand, then we had to turn a block and head down through some apartments and then we got to the back door of the building.
"Max can we get some comics?!" Gazzy was jumping up and down as we got to the news stand. He was a real fan of Spiderman and Iron man. "Please just oooone" he smiled "I won't tell Fang, please?"
"Gazzy I only have emergency money" I sighed, I would give this kid whatever he wanted with those Bambi eyes he was giving me. If he convinced Angel of doing the same eyes I would give those kids the world. "I'm sorry, really bud"
"But just look at them" He called and I glanced around the news stand.
Suddenly I was alone, nothing mattered but that moment. Right in front of me I couldn't mistake that face, I couldn't miss those eyes. He had our mom's eyes. He had grown so much since the last time I saw him. He was holding up a bat and a trophy. Some little league or whatever, but I could only see his smile, I could only see his face and go back to the last time I had him in my arms.
"Max?" Angel pulled at my shirt and I was snapped out of it. "Are you okay?"
"I'm actually perfectly fine" I smiled and took the newspaper "I'm sorry Gaz I'll buy you a comic next week okay?" I paid for the paper and rolled it up. Maybe with would be the clue we needed to find Ari, maybe I would see him again soon.
"Are you sure it's him?" Fang asked again as he studied the article. He was looking out for school names and such. I was too jumpy and couldn't keep calm about this, I wanted to run to him but I could barely walk without my ankle giving out.
"I'm positive, he has the same smile and the same eyes as my mom" I smiled "I found him after all these years"
"You're going to wake the kids" Iggy hissed and I went silent. It was late and everyone except for Fang, Iggy and I were awake. Iggy was going through the last of the dishes before he headed for bed.
"I'm sorry I just want to see him" I whispered. "Tomorrow we'll go back to the library and get some school records and maps right?" Fang just nodded and scribbled a few things in his little booklet.
"He seems happy" Fang said and handed the picture back to me.
"I know" I smiled "I got the short end of the stick this time, I'm glad he got to be with a good family"
"Max?" Iggy said as he tossed the towel onto the counter "If he seems so happy, are you planning on taking him out of that happiness?"
"I just want to see him" I smiled at the picture, but I was lying, I wanted to go get him and never leave him again. "I want to meet him" They were both silent as I folded the picture so it could fit in the pages of the diary. "When can I go find him?"
"You have to heal up and we have to find where he lives still" Fang looked a little unsure. "Get some sleep"
I got up and headed back to his room. I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be able to sleep tonight, I was so close.
So there you have it guys, it's the last I can squeeze out of my mind today. I hope you like it, Ari is finally in it again. Some surprises are coming so I hope you keep reading. Leave a review if you like. See you next time…