Michaela took Lu's hand as she led her into the kitchen. Mike didn't say much and Mark and Lu didn't push her to make her say anything. When they were done with dinner Lu could see how tired Mike was.

"Mark could you clean up the mess I'm going to put Mike to bed"

"I can clean it I don't mind I had to do it when I lived with my aunt and uncle"

"No, it's ok you had a long trip and you need your rest."

"Are you sure I don't mind?"

"Don't worry about it sweety Mark can do it, it's his job"

Lu took Mike to her room and helped the little girl into bed.

"Would you like me to read you a story?"

"No that's ok"

"Mike you know this is your home right?"

"Yes, I guess so"

Lu pulled Michaela close to her in a hug. It had been so long since she had one of those. She couldn't contain herself any longer, she started to cry.

"I'm sorry it's not right to cry, Aunt Meg hated when I cried, she said that I had nothing to cry about and not to let her see her do it again.

" Sweetheart you can cry all you want no one will stop you here let it out you'll feel so much better if you do." "Why don't you tell me how it was living with your aunt tell me how you feel I want to know.

To be continuted