Author's Note: Seth & Summer are still a couple, and have been since high school. Marissa was never kicked out of Harbor.
I just made some major changes to the first chapter so that the story makes sense, so you might want to read it again!
Disclaimer: I still don't own anything! I write fanfics for fun, nothing else!
Chapter 6- The Reunion Part 2:
Sandy heard a knocking at the door.
"I'll get it," he called to Kirsten who was putting the take-out on plates for everyone. Seth and Summer were setting the table.
"Hello!" said Sandy. "Come in."
As they sat down to eat Kaitlin felt a little lost. They all knew each other so well and she felt like an outsider.
"So Kaitlin, where are you going to go to school now?" asked Kirsten.
"Well Marissa is going to try and get me into Harbor," Kaitlin replied.
"Hey, Ryan, do you remember when you were trying to get into Harbor, and Marissa needed help, so you ran out in the middle of the placement exam?" asked Seth.
"Oh yeah, I remember that. And Sandy you had to explain to the dean what happened," said Ryan. "A word of advice, Kaitlin, don't run out in the middle of the exam, if you have to take one,"
Kaitlin smiled.
After dinner, when Kaitlin was playing Playstation with Seth and Ryan, Marissa spoke to Sandy in the living room.
"I have a legal question," Marissa told Sandy.
"It's about Kaitlin. You see, when we went to pick up my mom and dad from the airport, Kaitlin told Mom about what happened, the drugs and stuff and they had an argument and she kinda kicked Kaitlin out. Permanently. She doesn't want to be responsible for Kaitlin anymore, but my dad still does. Kaitlin has made it clear that she wants to live with me, so, seeing as I'm 21 I was wondering if along with my dad, I could be her legal guardian."
"Wow" said Sandy. "That is possible, but Kaitlin and your parents have to agree to it. I can get the papers, but you have to talk to them."
"Okay. And thanks, Sandy," said Marissa.
"Kaitlin, we have to go," called Marissa.
Ryan and Kaitlin got up off the floor. "See you," said Kaitlin to Seth and Summer. They said goodbye to Sandy and Kirsten and got in the car.
"Kaitlin, I have to ask you something. I spoke to Sandy, and he said if Mom agrees, she can give up her legal rights to you, and I can become your guardian. Are you happy for this to happen?" asked Marissa.
"Yes. Thank you Marissa! Anything to get me away from her," said Kaitlin. "But what about Dad?"
"Well, I don't think Dad wants to give up his rights, so if he's okay with it, you can live with us, but you can still see him if you want," said Marissa.
"Thanks Marissa," said Kaitlin.
"I still have to talk to Mom and Dad, but Sandy is bringing over the papers tomorrow."
"Okay," said Kaitlin.
"I booked you an appointment tomorrow before your meeting with the dean at Harbor," said Marissa.
"Okay," said Kaitlin.
When they arrived back at the house, Kaitlin went straight up to bed. She didn't want to be tired the next day.
Kaitlin sat outside the dean's office with Marissa. There were not too many other kids around, as it was only registration week.
She was very nervous about the meeting. The door opened and a tall, middle-aged lady came out. She had short hair and was wearing a navy blue knee length skirt and a white shirt with a navy blue blazer style jacket.
"Hello, Ms. Cooper," she said shaking Marissa's hand. "You must be Kaitlin," she smiled. "I'm Mrs. Jenkins, please come inside."
"Kaitlin, I've been looking over you file," said Mrs. Jenkins.
"We are happy to accept you at Harbor. You have excellent grades and a very impressive list of extra-curricular activity. Evergreen is a great school. I'm interested as to why you left. Were you unhappy there?" she asked.
Kaitlin looked at Marissa. She knew the dean would ask this question. Marissa thought it would be best if they didn't tell the dean that she was expelled or why.
"Well, I missed Newport. I grew up here, and I barely saw my family. I needed a change." explained Kaitlin.
"Okay. Welcome to Harbor, Kaitlin. My secretary can give you a list of books to purchase and a schedule. Well then I will see you on Monday for the first day." said Mrs. Jenkins as she ushered Kaitlin out the door.
"I just have to speak to Marissa for a moment. Can you wait outside, dear?
"Of course," said Kaitlin.
She went to sit on a bench and noticed a boy already sitting there. He was tall and muscular, with sandy blond hair. He looked about Kaitlin's age, and if she didn't already have a boyfriend she would classify him as a hottie.
"Can I sit here?" asked Kaitlin.
"Sure," he said. "Are you new? I haven't seen you around before, that's all."
"Yeah, well kind of. I'm Kaitlin Cooper," said Kaitlin.
"I'm Eric. Eric Ward," said Eric.
He smiled. "I think our siblings dated for a while."
"You're Luke's brother?" asked Kaitlin.
"Yeah," he said. "Are you a junior too?"
"Yes," said Kaitlin.
They were interrupted by Marissa, who had just come out of the office.
"Are you ready to go Kaitlin?" she asked.
"Yeah," replied Kaitlin. She stood up.
"I'll see you on Monday," said Kaitlin.
"Yeah. See you," said Eric.
Kaitlin and Marissa got into the car and headed to Dr. Milano's office.
"Hello, Kaitlin," said Dr. Milano.
"Hi," said Kaitlin.
"So Kaitlin, I need you to tell me about yourself, what has been happening, what brought you here," said the doctor.
Kaitlin told him everything, what she had told Marissa and about the drugs.
"What do you think made you start taking drugs in the first place?" asked Dr. Milano.
Kaitlin thought about this for a moment.
"I think my boyfriend did. His name is Josh, and I met him at school. Back then I didn't know he was taking drugs and after we had been going out for a month, he offered them to me. I wanted him to like me, so I said yes. That first time it was an ecstasy pill. I'm not hooked on them or anything, but when I felt alone or something, alcohol made me feel much better, I couldn't feel any pain."
"Are you still dating Josh?" asked the doctor.
"Yes. Now I'm not at Evergreen it will be a long-distance relationship, because he lives in New Hampshire. I really love him though. I was planning to visit him this weekend," said Kaitlin.
"That's good. Relationships are very helpful in these situations. However, if he offers you drugs again, you're not going to take them, are you?" said the doctor.
"No way," said Kaitlin. "I've seen first-hand all the damage they can do."
"Good," said Dr. Milano. "Well that is the end of our time for today. I will see you next week."
"Bye," said Kaitlin.
She went out to Marissa's car and went home.
"Hey Kaitlin," said Marissa as Kaitlin walked in the door.
"I have some good news."
"What is it?"
"Mom agreed to give up her rights as a parent so now Dad and I are your official legal guardians," said Marissa.
"That's great!" said Kaitlin. She gave her sister a huge hug. "Thank you," she said.
"Marissa, I also wanted to ask you something," said Kaitlin.
"Go ahead," said Marissa.
"Can I go and visit Josh in New Hampshire this weekend? Please?" asked Kaitlin.
"Okay," said Marissa. "You are old enough to fly by yourself," said Marissa.
"Thank you so much, sis!" said Kaitlin. She gave Marissa another hug. "I'll use my bank account and just get cheap flights. I can fly economy for once," said Kaitlin.
"That's okay. I will pay for your flight." said Marissa.
"Thank you!" said Kaitlin and ran upstairs to pack.
Marissa booked her a flight for the next day, so she would get there late on Friday afternoon. She was due to be coming home on Sunday afternoon.
Kaitlin rang Josh's mother and told her about the visit but asked her to keep it a secret, because she wanted it to be a surprise. Josh's mom said that she wouldn't be there when Kaitlin got to their house, but the housekeeper could show her in.
Kaitlin was very excited about her visit. Even though it was only a few weeks since she had seen Josh, she had really missed him.
Kaitlin went to sleep very happy.