They drove past all of Chicago's famous highlights straight to the airport. Charlie looked out of the window, depressed. After 12 years, she left her home and her father. She definitely didn't know if she was doing the right thing. She would like to stay in Chicago because her school, friends and home were here. But she wanted to get to know her mom better and make up for the lack of time. Yesterday she said goodbye to her family. Intelligence was saddened by her plans, but wished her luck in her new home. Hank Voight invited them to the BBQ. Kim and Adam's children were there too. Your two boys were like little brothers to Charlie. She liked the two very much. She already missed everyone in her intelligence family. Kevin, Adam and Antonio - the world's best uncles (apart from Will). Kim and Hailey were like best friends to her (if not like a mom). Hank and Trudy with Mouch were like grandparents. When she thought about it, her family was perfect. The Intelligence family was unique. They were the best.
"There we are," Jay swallowed, parked in front of the entrance and looked at her sadly. He hoped Charlie would rethink her opinion and stay in Chicago.
"Do you think I'm doing the right thing?" She asked nervously.
"I can't tell you, but you will always find a home with me," Jay said.
"We call each other?" She asked hopefully.
"Definitely. We write, talk on the phone and visit each other, okay?"
"What if I don't like it?" She asked.
"Everything needs it's time. I am sure that you will quickly find your way to your new home. And if the worst case really happens, I'll pick you up at any time."
Charlie got out of the car. Her father carried her travel bag while walking into the airport. Jay accompanied her to the check-in.
"From here you have to go on alone," Jay said. Charlie looked sadly at her father figure. Why didn't he fly with her? Why didn't he take a vacation? Why did it feel like it was goodbye forever? Why did she express the desire to move to her mother? It felt wrong to move to a stranger. And if she was honest, she missed her father very much.
"I have something for you," he said. In the little black box, which he handed over to his daughter, she unpacked a dog tag.
To my daughter,
of all the thing I'll ever do in my life being your father will always be my greatest accomplishment, through good time and bad.
I will always be there and have your back.
My love will follow you wherever you go.
No matter how old you are.
No matter how far you travel.
Love you, Dad.
"I know I'm not your biological father. But you are still very close to my heart and will always be my daughter for me," said Jay, "I love you very much, Cece."
Charlie tried to suppress her tears, but she couldn't. She wrapped her arms around her dad, pressed her face into his jacket.
"I love you too, Daddy. I can't think of a better father. You are the very best in the whole universe."
"Please do me a favor and don't get in with any stranger and don't talk to any stranger, okay? Always stay good and do no mischief."
"I promised!"
Jay kissed her forehead and whispered, "I will miss you very much!"
Charlie didn't answer, but pressed harder on her father figure. In a few hours a new chapter of her life will begin apart from the person she knew inside out. The person who knew exactly what to do when she slept badly.
"I'm so grateful to you for everything, Daddy," Charlie whispered.
Hailey snuggled into the arms of her friend, who returned from the airport and was sitting sadly on the couch. It wasn't easy for her to let Charlie go, but she couldn't imagine the emptiness Jay felt now. Charlie was his life.
"I can't believe she's gone," Jay muttered sadly, "After everything that's happened, she just leaves me."
"Jay," Hailey said, "I'm pretty sure you checked her mom and stepfather."
"Of course. They are a long-term mis-parker with the amount of tickets."
"Have you ever thought that it is important for Charlie to get to know your biological family? She still has so many unanswered questions for her mom," she said.
"Her mom abandoned her in winter! A responsible mother doesn't do that!" Jay got upset. He now regretted having found the family, but on the other hand he promised his daughter and he keeps his promises.
"Nobody can take away the time you spent with Charlie, Jay. And Charlie's mother can never make up for this time with her. Charlie had the honor of spending her childhood with you as a father. And now it's time for Charlie to make her own experience."
"Why did I only agreed to it? Why did I let her fly alone? I should have flown with her. I should have stayed with her."
"Our home is Chicago," said Hailey, "Charlie will find out sooner or later where her home is."