Apologies for the tardiness of this update. I've been sick and my brain was clouded with medicine haha

No beta so please don't cringe too badly with my mistakes!

Anywho…

Chapter 21- Little Isabella

"Am I d-d-doing this right?"

"Yes, Kid, you're doing great. Just make sure not to burn yourself."

"I've ne-n-never cooked b-before. This is fun."

Renee giggles and hands me the salt. "Just a little. We don't want our soup to be salty."

I walked and talked so much with Mr. Charlie that I had forgotten I was hungry again until Renee suggested I help her make some lunch.

She later told me that she really just wanted to spend more time with me and was jealous of Charlie. I giggled in disbelief, but her sweet smile and bright eyes assured me she was being honest.

So we are now in the kitchen making soup and sandwiches while Charlie sits at the table. Renee says he makes great company while cooking.

"Now that you're feeling better, Kid, I've wanted to ask you a few questions," Renee says as she makes our sandwiches. "Where did you grow up? I doubt you've been homeless all your life."

"Oh, I um…I d-d-don't really know all of the f-f-facts, but I know I was adopted but then p-p-placed in foster homes. I didn't like em."

"Why is that?"

"I d-didn't really have l-luck with them. I don't think they e-e-ever liked me. I d-d-decided to be on my own instead of b-b-being in a p-place where p-p-people didn't want me around. I n-never wanted to be in the way."

"Was it hard deciding that? Wouldn't you want a family?"

I smile sadly at the bubbling soup. "There is nothing I wa-wa-want more, Mrs. Renee. But I'm s-s-starting to get used the idea that I'm n-n-not gonna have one."

Lunch is finally ready. Once again Renee and Charlie decide to sit on each of my sides. I tell them that I would love to meet Riley before I leave.

I don't know why, but every time I mention leaving, Charlie and Renee give each other funny looks. They assure me I'll get to meet him and that he's a lovely boy.

They tell me stories of his childhood and how much he's wanted a sibling. I listen in awe as Charlie gives me every detail he knows about the times his son has done something good in school or has gotten in trouble for silly things.

I giggle with them and eat chocolate cake, excited to hear another story. But for some reason they want to hear about my life.

I tell them about growing up in foster homes. I tell them how some parents were nice, but others not so much. I tell them about Maria and Cara and how I learned how to survive because of them and how I wish I could do so many things.

"What would be the first thing you would do if you had a home, Kid?" Charlie asks.

I smile because that question is easy. "I would a-a-ask if I c-c-could stay forever and if I could wa-watch cartoons," I say and they smile at my silliness. "But really…I w-w-would ask if they could t-t-teach me how to read and w-write. I wanna b-b-be smart. I don't wanna be a k-kid no more."

I stop talking as the real reason for wanting those things comes to my mind.

I don't only wanna learn and be smart for myself, but there's Edward.

As his name and face cross my mind, I realize how much I miss him. I think of him as the sun decides to go away and as the night sky takes over.

I stop thinking of the bad things that happened and remember the good.

I remember that night we sat on the roof and as he held me close because it was cold. I remember when he told me he would always think of me and I saddened at the realization that it may not be true. But if it is, I hope he remembers that I also promised that I wouldn't ever forget about him.

I decide that I need a new path. I need to start over again. Maybe going to Portland is the best idea and I may not forget Edward, Renee or Charlie, but I'll have a new chance. I have to believe that things will get a little bit better for me. Family or no family.

Something good is gotta happen. If there is a plan like that nice lady, Sandra, said, I have to open my eyes and start looking for it.

Charlie and Renee say that Riley will be coming home tomorrow and that I'll get to meet him.

We have dinner and I help Renee wash the dishes while Charlie gets the living room ready for what they call "movie night." I get excited as I've never done that before. Renee says we're just gonna watch a silly movie Charlie picked out and that I should go ahead and join him on the couch.

"Come on, kiddo," Charlie says and pats the spot next to him. I slowly sit, trying to hide the huge grin on my face.

I love everything about Charlie.

There just something about him. I only imagine my dad would be cool and sweet like him. Riley is a lucky boy.

He has a big smile and his big brown eyes sparkle as he excitedly tells me he's been looking forward to watching this movie. He says it's based on his favorite children's book and he thought I would like it.

When Renee finally joins in, Charlie plays the movie and soon enough I find myself lost in the images on screen. It's about a boy. His sister is mean to him and he's kind of a trouble maker. He dresses up in a wolf costume.

He runs away and Charlie just chuckles as I worriedly ask him if the boy is gonna be okay. Charlie just tells me to continue watching. But when he realizes my worry won't go away, he rubs my back and assures me that he's gonna be okay, but that's not the point of the story.

Max, that's the boy's name, lands on an island full of big, fluffy monsters.

I feel like I've seen this before and as soon as the realization hits me, I wanna share it with Charlie.

"Mr. Charlie it's the b-b-book. It's the b-b-book," I say excitedly and pat his leg.

"What book, darling?"

"Eh-Eh-Edward's book. I have it. I ha-have it in my b-backpack. Want me to s-s-show you? I can bring my ba-backpack and f-find the book. It's under Dolly. It's my f-f-favorite."

"You can show me later, sweetie. How about we finish watching the movie?" He tells me.

"Okay, s-sure." I agree with him and continue watching as Max goes on with his adventure with the monsters. My eyes and head begin to feel heavy, but I really wanna know if Max is gonna make it.

I don't remember how, but I end up with my head leaned against Charlie's shoulder. He's warm, smells nice and soon enough I realize I've been sleeping. I wake up and find Max having dinner with his mom on screen.

"Did he m-ma-make it home, Charlie?"

"Yes, sweetie, he did."

"Is his m-mom m-ad at him?"

"Maybe a little. But she's mostly happy he's finally back home."

"I wo-wo-would too."

~NLG~

"You d-d-don't want me to show you the b-b-book? It's the one f-f-from the movie."

Renee giggles as she places the cool rag over my forehead. "You can show it to us tomorrow."

"When Riley c-c-omes home?"

"Yes."

"I haven't cl-cleaned the house."

She laughs again. "I was never going to let you do it anyway. You're a guest in this house. Guests are treated special."

"Oh."

"On Monday, Charlie goes back to work, Riley goes to school and I have to meet with some people that are going to help me find my daughter. You can come along with me."

I smile at her as she takes my hand. "I d-d-don't think so. Maybe its t-t-time for me to go."

"Why don't you stay for a little while longer?"

"Because what if you f-f-find your da-daughter?"

"You'll just have someone else to meet."

"I'm o-o-older than her, right?"

"By one year."

"I wonder if I've e-e-ever met her."

"It's a big world, Kid."

"I guess," I yawn and Renee wishes me a goodnight and leaves.

After she closes the door, I get up, place the cool rag on the bedside table and grab my backpack. I take Dolly out, hug her to my chest and grab the book I wanted to show Renee and Charlie.

"D-D-Dolly, I finally know the re-real story!" I giggle. "I love it. You should ha-have seen it, D-D-Dolly."

I open the book. The pages are wrinkled and ruined from the times I've gotten caught in the rain, but the drawings and colors are still amazing.

I flip through the pages until I get to the middle where I placed Edward and my real mom's photos. I smile as Edward's eyes stare at me and I excitedly kiss his image.

"I miss you, Eh-Edward."

I then look at my mom's photo. The part of her face that was only visible is now even more faded. I sigh as I can't remember what it used to look like. I trace the small drawings on the baby blanket that was wrapped around me.

They are small pink teddy bears.

I used to be able to see a smile on my mom's lips before the photo was faded. I know she must have been happy to have me. The way she's holding me tight to her body in the picture is the same way Renee is holding Riley in their family photos. I can tell Renee loves him very much and would protect him from harm. I see the same with my mom as she holds my baby form.

Who took the picture?

I bet it was my dad.

If they were taking pictures, they must have been happy I was alive.

But why did they give me away?

Portland. I have to get to Portland. I just want an answer. I know that if I never get an answer, I won't be able to move on.

I need an answer.

~NLG~

I stretch my legs and arms as the new day has arrived. I grab Dolly from under my back and apologize for sleeping on top of her.

I hear voices downstairs and I quickly sit up and get dressed. I brush my teeth with the brush Renee gave me and poke at my face.

I look better. I'm still thin and my skin needs more lotion, but it's amazing how much better I look with just a day with Renee and Charlie.

I leave Dolly on top of the bed next to my book and start to head downstairs.

I stop when I hear more than two voices. It's an older man's voice. He sounds upset.

I hide behind a wall as I see Renee and Charlie talking to an older man with gray hair. He's wearing a big coat and his shoes look expensive.

"I just can't believe you have a stranger in this house. It's dangerous. You have a son to think about."

I cringe knowing he's talking about me.

"Dad," Renee interrupts. "I just wanted to tell you, because I knew you were going to make it worse if you saw her without me doing so."

"Of course! You have a teenage delinquent staying with you. How in the hell did you think I was going to react?"

"John," Charlie is now talking. "She's not a delinquent. I've met her before. She's a very sweet girl."

"She's homeless, Charles. Why else would she be homeless if she wasn't trouble?"

I cover my mouth with my hand. I guess this means my time here is over. I bet he'll convince them to throw me out.

I continue listening as they bicker until from the kitchen a small boy runs to Charlie.

"Dad, can we go play?" The little boy asks. Charlie ignores his question as he continues to argue with John but pats the brown headed boy on the shoulder.

It takes me a few seconds until I remember him from the photos Charlie had shown me and from the ones on the walls.

It's Riley.

He huffs in disappointment as his father ignores him, but suddenly looks up and catches me looking at him. His brown eyes widen and his pale skin turns pink.

He examines my face for any sign of trouble but I guess he doesn't find any as he quickly smiles at me.

"I've already talked to Jennifer and Mag. They said they would be willing to help her," Renee says.

"You can't replace Marie with that girl, sweetie. You guys need to stop with this. You're going mad," John says.

"It's your and my father's fault anyway!" Charlie shouts. "And we're not trying to replace, Marie. We're just trying to help a young girl."

My eyes quickly go to Renee as she starts to speak. "All we have to do is find her a nice home. I know Sandra works down at the foster homes. She's been working with teens for years and has a room available. We'll just have to convince Kid."

I bite down on my lower lip in disappointment. They were going to get rid of me soon enough. Well I don't need anybody telling me that it's time to leave. I know how to show myself the door.

I run upstairs and grab my clothes. Even though Renee washed them three times, they still smell like smoke and the dirtiness of the streets.

I stuff Dolly and my book into the backpack and hang it over my shoulder. They are all standing in front of the door. I start wondering through which door I can leave when suddenly I feel someone tapping my hand. I look down and find Riley standing in front of me.

"Hi," he says.

"Hey."

"My name is Riley."

"I know."

"This is the part where you tell me your name," he says causing me to chuckle.

Smartass.

"Kid."

"Kid?"

"You g-g-got a problem with that?" I ask in a teasing tone so he'll know I'm not really mad.

He giggles. "No, it's cool. So you're the homeless girl."

"So you're the s-s-spoiled brat?"

He smirks.

"Fair enough. What are you doing with that backpack? Are you leaving?" I just nod. "But we just met."

"It's t-t-time for me to keep l-looking."

"For what?"

"A b-b-bench." My joke makes him giggle.

"You're silly."

"Do you know a d-d-door I could use to le-leave without b-b-being seen?"

"Well I can never get the backdoor to open. It has a secret code my dad won't tell me, but…" He taps his little chin in wonder as I impatiently wait. "Oh, Marie's window!"

"Who?"

"Marie, my sister. She got lost when she was baby, but my parents still have a room for her. They swear they're gonna find her and that's why they have a room ready. Anyway, there is a way you can jump from the window onto a balcony. There is this tree…"

"You've d-d-done this before?"

He smirks and shrugs his shoulders. "I'm a smart guy."

I roll my eyes at him. "Well s-s-smart guy, can you sh-sh-show me?"

"Of course."

I follow him as I still hear the shouting from downstairs.

"Don't get freaked, but my parents still have her baby stuff," Riley says as he stands in front of his sister's door.

"Why wo-wo-would I freak?"

"Because she would be 17 now and has never been in this house. Anyway, here we go." He opens the door and lets me step inside.

I gasp as my eyes take in the room.

The walls are painted pink, the small bed that is up against the wall is covered in a purple bedspread and a few stuffed pink animals lie on the pillow.

"I've told my parents to at least change it up and put some teen stuff. I mean I'm only twelve, but I'm pretty sure a teen girl wouldn't want to stare at this kiddy stuff."

I ran my fingers over the bedspread and smile at Riley's nonsense.

"Did they b-b-buy this s-s-stuff after your sister disappeared?"

"Nope. They've told me they bought it before and that Mom is gonna put it away because her brain doctor told her so, but she hasn't done it. I think she thinks that if she puts it away, it'll mean she's given up on finding Marie. She doesn't want to give up and neither do I. I can't wait for them to find her. I think it would be pretty cool to have an older sister."

I smile at Riley and glance around a little longer.

He walks over to the window and lets me know that he's ready whenever I am.

I run my finger tips over the spines of the baby books by a small dusty crib. The Swans really wanted to keep their daughter. My heart breaks for them.

My eyes land inside the crib and on a small blanket. My heart races as I pick it up. I run the soft material through my fingers and tears land on the small, familiar pink teddy bears.

"Kid? Are you okay?" Riley asks.

I don't know.

I don't know what's happening.

My hands begin to shake the blanket as they bring it to my face. I close my eyes and take in a deep breath. The blanket smells of old and unwashed, but also a little like something I know. I've smelled this before.

Suddenly I feel a hand grab my arm and pull me out of my thoughts.

"What the hell are you doing in my granddaughter's room?!" John, whose blue eyes glare down on me, shouts.

"I brought her here," Riley says in my defense, but John isn't listening.

"Are you stealing? What's in this backpack?" He asks and roughly snatches it off my shoulder making it sting.

"Dad, leave her alone," Renee says as she and Charlie run into the room.

"I'm going to show you the thief that she is!" John rips open my backpack and pulls out my sweater, my water bottle and throws them on the ground. He then pulls out my book and carelessly throws it as well.

"Puh-puh-please those are my things," I cry in desperation.

He doesn't listen and roughly grabs Dolly.

He is about to throw her too when it's taken from him.

Charlie holds Dolly in his shaky hands. "Isabella. It's little Isabella," he cries. Big, fat tears escape his red eyes and fall down his cheeks.

I don't know why he's calling Dolly by my name. "Kid?" He asks in a shaky voice. "Kid, where did you find this? Where did you find little Isabella?"

I look around and find Renee, Riley and John all staring at me, but I can't seem to make the words come out of my mouth.

"Please answer me, Kid," he begs. He desperately shakes me by the shoulders, hoping an answer will slip until his eyes land on the small blanket I'm holding in my own trembling hands.

He gasps, lets me go and drops Dolly on the ground.

I quickly snatch her up and run pass Renee and out the door.

"Kid!"

"Kid, sweetie!"

"Kid, wait!"

I ignore them. When I finally make it outside, I start to run with all my might. The cool air hits my lungs and the sun glares at me, but I don't stop running.

I sob as I realize that I've left my book with Edward and my mom's pictures inside back at the Swans, but I have to keep running.

I run for a long time until I reach the city.

I don't really know where I am, but I have to catch my breath. I sit in an alley and cry into my hands.

I have no idea what is going on.

I'm so confused and my head hurts. I sob into Dolly's hair.

Maybe I should go back?

Maybe I should explain Dolly.

My mind spins with what just happened. Why was Charlie so upset about Dolly? Why was he calling her Isabella?

"Dolly? Dolly, are you okay?" I take a look at her. There is small tear on the side of her neck, but she's gonna make it.

"Dolly…Isabella?"

My confused mind doesn't get a chance to untangle my thoughts because I'm suddenly being pulled up by my hair and Dolly is flying across the alley.

"Hey little, girl!" The bitter smell of the blonde man's breath hits my face. "You remember me?" he asks as I struggle in his arms.

"You remember us?" A red headed woman asks.

I stop struggling as I recognize their faces and voices and I remember that night.

Edward.

I remember the night I saved Edward.

"No!" I screech, but the blonde man covers my mouth with his dirty hand and shoves me against the brick wall.

"Are you going to punish her, James?" The girl asks. I can see now with the light of day that she's very young and so is he.

"I am, Vicky."

I sob into his hand as I continue to struggle.

"Yes, little girl! It's us. Remember when you hit me on the head? I remember. I do."

I refuse to answer and continue to fight him.

"I don't think she remembers, Vicky."

"What are you going to do, James?"

He chuckles. "I'm going to make her," he says and suddenly I feel a harsh and painful blow to my face and find myself out of breath on the ground. I see his boot move towards my face, but before I try to flinch away, darkness greets me while I hear my name.

"Kid!"

That voice.

That sweet voice I feared I would never hear again.

Maybe he's real.

Maybe he has been looking for me.

Maybe I'm dead.

Suddenly I don't feel anything anymore.

*Runs*

*Comes back*

I know! Another evil cliffie. And Kid, will you stay put?!

Shiz is about to explode.

I see about eight or so more chapters.

Leave me some hugs for Kid in the review box or another slap for me for the cliffie. I promise the next update will happen sooner as I'm no longer sick…maybe sick in the head.

Follow me on Twitter at HelloElla90 and join the facebook group, Kid Talk: Nobody's Little Girl.

See ya and hugs for Kid!

*runs off again*