Reupload because I'm a dork who missed posting a chapter
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Rosie woke up with her alarm the next morning. She was used to sleeping in with it being summer. She groaned and turned it off.
Sascha stretched and got up as well. Rosie went into the kitchen. She could smell coffee already brewing. She opened the back door and let Sascha out. Before she went and grabbed some clothes and went to the bathroom and got dressed.
She put on the new shorts she had received for her birthday and a short sleeve top. She did her hair up in a high ponytail and went back to the living room and picked up the couch a bit. She went and let Sascha in and filled his food and water bowls.
She grabbed a mug and got herself some coffee and sat at the table to drink it while looking though social media on her phone.
Slowly everyone else was getting up and getting ready for the day.
Hunter came in. "Do you need to eat something so you can take you meds?" He asked
Rosie smiled. "No. With coffee is fine."
"Doesn't caffeine make things worse?" Hunter asked
Rosie chuckled. "No. Caffeine doesn't work the same way for people with ADHD."
Hunter nodded. "Regardless, you need to eat something. There is cereal, toast, bagels. Fruit. Help yourself but eat something."
Rosie nodded. "Okay." She said
Hunter went to make sure the others were almost ready. Rosie went and made herself a bagel and found some cream cheese in the fridge. She sat down with it once it was made and ate it. Making sure to take her meds as well.
Hayley came in and got herself some cereal and sat down. "You're taking me to boxing?"
Rosie nodded. "Yup."
"How did you manage that with being grounded?" Hayley asked
"He was in a tight spot. Needed the help. Was told talking you and Maddison. And coming back here. No stops or I get grounded for longer." Rosie said
Hayley chuckled. "Well. We always stop at starbucks I'm sure that will be fine."
"Yeah. I was specifically told no starbucks." Rosie said with a smirk
"By your dad?" Hayley asked
"Nope. Yours." Rosie said
Hunter came into the kitchen.
"We -always do starbucks. Why cant we today?" Hayley asked
"Because I said so." Hunter told her
"Wow. That's a fair answer." Hayley said
"Life isn't always fair kid." He said
Everyone finished eating.
"I wanna go with Rosie and Hayley." Scarlet said
"Not today." Hunter said
"Whyyyyy?" Scarlet whined.
"Because we don't have time to move your car seat." Hunter said, "Lets all go." He said
Everyone headed out to the cars.
"Maddison and Hayley there is no starbucks you give Rose a hard time about it you will be in trouble." Hunter made sure he was clear.
"Yes papa." They both said
Rosie put in the address for Hayley's gym and started the drive.
"I have a boxing match right before school starts you can come watch if you want." Hayley told Rosie.
"I would love to. I almost started boxing in first year of highschool. Decided I wouldn't have the stamina." Rosie said
"Yeah. I started when I was five." Hayley said. "Its not easy."
Rosie nodded. "Well I will be at all your meets and such." With a smile.
"Really?" Hayley asked
"Isn't that what sisters do? We support each other." Rosie asked
"I can tell people you're my sister already?" Maddison asked
"Yes." Rosie said with a smile.
"Yay!" Maddison said
"I have a question." Hayley said
"Yup." Rosie said
"Would you have an issue with me calling your dad. Dad?" Hayley asked
"Of course not." Rosie said with a smile. "And even if I did its not up to me."
"I just don't want to step on any toes…" Hayley said
"Well if I was to start calling Hunter papa would you care?" Rosie asked
"No." Hayley said
"What you call him doesn't take away from who he is to me. And what I call yours papa doesn't take away who he is from you." Rosie said
Hayley smiled and nodded.
They dropped Hayley off. "Kick some butt. I'll be back by ten." Rosie said
Hayley chuckled "Okay. Thanks." She said and she went inside.
Rosie put in the address for Maddison's pool and started to drive.
"Can I ask you something?" Maddison asked
"Of course." Rosie said
"Where is your mom?" Maddison asked
"She passed away." Rosie said
"How old were you?" Maddison asked
"A baby. I don't remember her." Rosie said
"Have you ever had a mother figure?" Maddison asked
"Yup. A few. Still do. You know JJ, Emily and Penelope have been great motherly role models for me." Rosie said
Maddison nodded.
"You get along good with your mom?" Rosie asked
"Yes she's the best." Maddison said with a smile
"Good." Rosie said. "How long have you been swimming for?"
"Since I was two. I don't remember not swimming." Maddison said, "How long have you been doing photography?"
"In a club. Just in highschool. But I had someone teaching me when I was younger too." Rosie said
"Why didn't you start in a club before that?" Maddison asked
"Well most schools have a rule when it comes to extra curriculars you need to have a certain grade average before you can be part of a club. And before highschool I really struggled in school. I couldn't keep my grades up, so I didn't even bother to try." Rosie said
"What changed in highschool for you to be doing better?" Maddison asked
"I was diagnosed with ADHD. Do you know what that is?" Rosie asked
"Yeah. One of my friends in swim has that." Maddison said
"Well I was diagnosed right before I started highschool and was put on medication and get therapy to help my brain function like someone who is neurotypical." Rose said
"Neurotypical?" Maddison asked
"People who don't have any conditions like ADHD or ADD or autism or many other things. Can be categorized as Neurodivergent because out brains aren't 'typical'" Rosie said, "People who don't have any of those things are called Neurotypical."
"That almost sounds mean. Saying you aren't typical." Maddison said
Rosie shook her head. "Divergent is just saying diverse. Diversity can apply to more than just people with brains that work differently. Diversity can apply to lots of things. Different religions, races. ages, sexual orientation. It would only be wrong to exclude people from things because of what makes them diverse."
Maddison nodded. "Like people who exclude me because papa is gay?"
Rosie looked in the rear-view mirror. "Who does that?"
"Some people at school." Maddison said
"Does Papa know this?" Rosie asked
Maddison shook her head. "I don't want him to know."
"Does it happen to Mackenzie too?" Rosie asked
"And the rest of my sisters." Maddison said
Rosie took a breath. "Well there is nothing wrong with who papa loves. Its not a choice. Its who he is. Its no different than me having brown hair and you having blue eyes."
"You like boys though right? Cause you have a boyfriend." Maddison said
Rosie smiled. "I like people based on personality more than gender. So I could like someone who is male or female or non-binary. Its called pansexuality."
Maddison smiled and nodded.
"Do you have a crush on anyone?" Rosie asked the younger girl
"Yeah… His name is Peter." Maddison said blushing.
Rosie bit the inside of her cheek to keep from giggling. Ten years old seems about normal for crushes.
"Don't tell papa!" Maddison said quickly.
"I wont." Rosie said smiling at her. "Crushes are normal though I don't think he would be angry about it."
Maddison nodded. "He says none of us are allowed to date till we are married."
Rosie laughed. "A lot of dads say that about their daughters."
"Daddy lets you date Nolan." Maddison said
"He does but doesn't mean he likes the idea. He likes Nolan and trusts that Nolan isn't going to hurt me. I don't think Papa was serious. I think your parents agreed on sixteen for you to date. That's what papa told Hayley." Rosie said hoping that it was okay she was telling her this. She pulled in at the pool.
"But time to get inside." Rosie said getting out with Maddison and locking the car doors and going inside with Maddison.
"The watching area is there." Maddison told her.
"Okay. Thank you. Swim good." Rosie said with a smile
Maddison smiled and went to the change room.
Rosie went and sat in the viewing area. She took out her phone and texted Nolan.
'Big sister duties have started. Took Hayley to boxing and am now sitting in the viewing area of Maddison's swim class.' She sent
A mother sat next to her. "Hi. You are?" she asked
"My name is Rosie. I am here with Maddison Maddox. She is my step sister to be." Rosie said
The mother nodded and smiled. "Oh. Okay. Hunter has mentioned you."
"He has?" Rosie asked surprised.
"Yup. He thinks you are quickly falling into the big sister role quite well with not having any siblings before now." She said
Rosie smiled. "No siblings before now but have been around kids most of my life and babysitting for a few years. So not a hard transition."
The woman smiled and nodded. "You just turned sixteen didn't you?"
"Yes. A few days ago. Its why I'm able to help. Hunter and my dad bought me a car." Rosie said
"Ooh. Lucky." The woman said
"Very lucky. And very surprised." Rosie said with a smile "So I'm very much okay with helping out when they need it with my sisters."
The woman nodded and smiled.
"You must have a good memory if you remembered the birthday of the step daughter of someone who is the parent of a girl who swims with your kid." Rosie said
"Actually my daughters are both friends with a few of your sisters. So it's a closer connection." The woman said. "Hayley and my older daughter Georgia are basically attached at the hip."
"Ooh. You took them to the mall yesterday." Rosie said
"Yes I did." The older woman said with a smile.
"Did Georgia get her ears pierced too?" Rosie asked
"What? No. Wait is that why Hayley was wearing that beanie?" Georgia asked
Rosie nodded. "Yeah."
"Was Hunter okay with it?" The woman asked
"Well… I don't think he cared she did it just that she didn't ask before she did." Rosie said. "I don't know if I should have told you that…"
"I know Georgia didn't get hers pieced. She knows she just has to ask, and I would let her. And I'm glad you did I should call Hunter about it. I'm sure he wont be upset you told me. I'm surprised he didn't call me about it." The woman told her.
Rosie nodded. "Okay. I'm sorry I didn't get your name."
"Its Nancy." She said with a smile. "And yes you can call me Nancy. I'm not a formal person."
Rosie smiled. "okay. Nancy."
Class started and Rosie's phone went off with a text.
'Everything go okay with getting there on time?' No issues from any parents?' It was from Hunter.
Rosie texted back. 'Yes. Currently sitting next to Nancy talking.' Rosie sent
'Okay good. She will have your back if anyone does cause a problem.' Hunter said.
'I think I should let you know. It came up that Hayley got her ear pierced at the mall yesterday. She didn't know till I asked if Georgia got hers pierced too' She sent
'Okay. I figured she didn't know. Thank you for letting me know.' Hunter sent
"Texting someone special?" Nancy asked with a smile.
"Hunter. He just wanted to make sure I got Maddison here and Hayley to her boxing on time." Rosie said
Nancy nodded. "Do you have someone special?" she asked
Rosie smiled and pulled up a picture of her and Nolan. "Yes. This is my boyfriend. Nolan. We have been dating for almost a year. Friends for almost two years."
"Ooh. He is very cute." Nancy said
Rosie smiled and nodded. "And the kindest guy ever. I don't know how I got so lucky."
"He probably thinks the same about you." She said with a smile.
Rosie smiled and nodded. "I hope so."
They watched the kids swim.
Rosie noticed Maddison doing things a little different than the other kids and tilted her head.
"She is showing off for you." Nancy said smirking
Rosie covered her mouth to hide her chuckle and shook her head.
"She wouldn't dare do that with Hunter here I take it?" Rosie asked
"Nope. Not a chance." Nancy said
The coach quickly caught on to what she Maddison was doing, and she quickly redirected the girl who went back to doing what she was supposed to.
Nolan saw her text when she woke up and texted her back 'I had no doubt that you would'
Rosie saw the text and smiled.
'How are you feeling about everything today?" Nolan asked
'I'm trying to focus on the good things. Like watching my little sister show off trying to impress me.' Rosie said
Nolan chuckled '*crylaughemoji* I feel like someone who knew a kid would catch on pretty quick to that. How long has she been swimming with this instructor?' he sent
'Not sure. I assume since she has been in the level she is in. But she has been swimming since she was two. And yes the coach caught on pretty quickly and I could tell was telling her off. She stopped' Rosie sent
Soon the class ended.
"Don't rush to go meet her. She will be at least twenty minutes." Nancy told her.
Rosie chuckled. "Yeah. Hunter warned me."
The two talked abit more before they both went to wait closer to the change room. Maddison came out with a few of her friends laughing.
Rosie smiled.
Maddison dragged her friends over and introduced them to Rosie.
Rosie said hello and talked to her friends for a few minutes.
"You can talk to them later. We've got to go get Hayley." Rosie said
They all said bye and Rosie and Maddison went to the car and got in.
"You've got quite a few friends in the class it seems." Rosie said
Maddison smiled and nodded.
"Do you think we could get starbucks and just not tell papa?" Maddison asked
"Nope." Rosie said knowing he would find out. She put the directions back to Hayley's gym and drove over.
The two were quiet while they waited.
"You tired?" Rosie asked
"No." Maddison asked sulking abit
"Ah. Just disappointed." Rosie said
"I don't get why we cant. We always do." Maddison said
"I think its because I'm technically grounded from the car. I was only allowed to drive the two of you because papa was in abit of a time crunch to get four of you to classes and lessons." Rosie said
"You just got the car. How did you get grounded so fast?" Maddison asked
Rosie chuckled. "Skill."
"That's not a real answer." Maddison said
"I drove when I was really upset. And that can cause someone to be less alert on the road. And since I am a new driver, dad and papa weren't happy." Rosie said
"Ooh." Maddison said, "How long you grounded for?"
"A week." Rosie said. "As long as I don't break anymore rules."
Maddison nodded.
"So my fault and I'm sorry." Rosie said
"Its okay. No big deal." Maddison said
Hayley came out and got in the car.
"Hey. How did it go?" Rosie asked
"Fine." Hayley said, "We going to do starbucks and just not tell?" she asked
"No." Rosie said. "And if either of you ask again I will tell."
"Yikes. Okay." Hayley said
"Sorry." Rosie said. "I just."
"You don't want to be in more trouble." Hayley said
"Right." Rosie said
"I imagine being in trouble with him for the first time… I know I don't look forward to being in trouble with Dave for the first time." Hayley said
Rosie nodded and sighed.
"Papa is usually pretty much once the lecture is done its forgiven though." Hayley said
"Yes. He said that." Rosie said
"But you're holding on to the guilt. Why?" Hayley asked
Rosie took a breath. "Long story."
"You know you're not the only one who is a good listener." Hayley said
Rosie smiled abit. "I don't doubt that."
"So?" Hayley asked
"Maybe later." Rosie said
Hayley nodded. "Okay."
Rosie pulled in at Hunter's. Maddison ran inside. Hayley didn't move and neither did Rosie.
"I figured whatever it is you just didn't want to tell the ten-year-old." Hayley said
Rosie nodded. "If I tell you, you have got to promise. You wont tell the others. I'm okay with you knowing right now but not the others."
Hayley nodded. "Promise."
"So. When I was two I was kidnapped from my crib. Spent the next twelve years living with a couple who I thought were my parents. To say it was a shitty place to live is an under statement." Rosie said
"The scar on your shoulder…" Hayley said
Rosie touched her shoulder. "Yeah…" she said
"What happened to cause that?" Hayley asked
"What did I do or what did they do to leave the mark?" Rosie asked
"Well both." Hayley said
"I forgot to unload the dishwasher. Once." Rosie said. "Broke a plate on my shoulder cutting it open."
"Wow." Hayley said. "Papa would never do anything like that. Ever."
"I didn't think he would." Rosie said
"Okay. So you went through years of abuse. Not saying that was a good thing. It was awful. You didn't deserve that. But that doesn't explain why the guilt for something now?" Hayley said
"When I found out the truth and ended up with my dad he sat me down told me the expectations and consequences right up front. I knew what to expect. And I'm guessing things aren't going to change when it comes to papa." Rosie said "However. My first time with him responsible for me and I fucked up. First time I screw up around you all. And well…"
"The oldest sister guilt…" Hayley said
"Yeah. It doesn't take long to kick in does it…" Rosie said
"Sorry you have to take it on so quickly. It started slowly for me. I wasn't three when Callie came along so it wasn't an immediate thing." Hayley said
Rosie nodded.
"Don't take it all on. Might be older than me but not by much. We will take it on together?" Hayley said
Rosie smiled. "Thank you."
Hunter knocked on the door. Hayley jumped. Rosie chuckled and unlocked the doors. Hayley got out. "She still feels guilty about the car thing." Hayley told Hunter.
Rosie sighed.
"Hey. Sisters look out for each other. Even if it means they get upset." Hayley said
Rosie nodded.
Hayley went inside and Hunter got into the passenger seat and closed the door.
"Why are you feeling guilty?" Hunter asked
Rosie shrugged.
"Bullshit. Talk." Hunter said
"You yourself have said that I have fallen into the role of big sister very well." Rosie said
"I have. And I do believe that." Hunter said
"With that comes responsibility and setting a good example…" Rosie said
"Oldest sibling guilt." Hunter said
Rosie nodded.
"None of them know. Well expect Hayley." Hunter said.
"Well… Maddison asked why we couldn't go to starbucks. I figured it was because I'm grounded so I told her." Rosie said
"She try to get you to go?" Hunter asked
"No." Rosie said
"Okay. Lie. But I'm going to let it slide." Hunter said
Rosie sighed. "Sorry. Please don't come down on them because of it."
"I wont." Hunter said. "Because you obviously didn't do it."
"I didn't. I didn't want to make things worse on myself." Rosie said
"I get the oldest sibling guilt. I had it for a really long time after leaving. But you are not responsible for what they choose to do. Regardless of what you do. They are all going to make their own choices and do their own things. You are going to make mistakes. You cant expect that you wont. And the way to set an example is deal with the consequences with maturity. Which you are doing. By following the rules about coming straight home." Hunter said, "It shows them as well as dad and me that you know you made a mistake, and you are doing what you need to pay the price for it."
Rosie nodded abit.
"So don't feel guilty. You have six more days of the grounding and than its over." Hunter said
Rosie nodded. "I should tell you something."
"Okay. I'm listening." Hunter said
"Maddison told me that she and all of the girls have dealt with some bullying and exclusion at school because of the fact that well…" Rosie said
"Because I'm gay?" Hunter asked
Rosie nodded.
"How long has it been going on?" Hunter asked
"I'm not sure. She just told me about it. But I get the feeling its been awhile." Rosie said, "They didn't want you to know because they didn't want to upset you." Rosie said
Hunter nodded. "This is being a good sister. Helping them when they don't know how to help themselves."
Rosie smiled abit. "Their going to be upset."
"They will get over it." Hunter said. "you did the right thing. I'm proud of you."
Rosie smiled.
"Now come inside. There is starbucks for you." He said with a smile
Rosie looked at him.
"I wasn't going to break tradition. Just went about it a different way." He said
Rosie got out and so did Hunter and they both went inside Rosie locking the car door and handing Hunter the keys. Hunter took them. She went to the kitchen. She picked up her drink from the table.
"Salted caramel cold brew." Callie told her.
Rosie smiled. "My favorite." She took a sip and closed her eyes enjoying it.
"I can tell." Hayley said smiling
Rosie took a breath and looked down
"Nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite things." Hunter said
"Of course not." Hayley said
"So everyone go get ready. We are going to the store to get paint for everyone's rooms." Hunter said. The others went off leaving Hunter and Rosie.
"Rosie. Its okay to enjoy it." He told her
Rosie nodded.
"You thinking something you need to get out?" Hunter asked
"Just trying to remind myself not to spiral that this is just giving my body the fuel it needs and tasting good as it does." Rosie said
Hunter nodded. "Okay. Do I need to be on your case?"
Rosie nodded abit.
"Okay. Finish the drink." He said
"I will." Rosie said sipping it.
"What color are you thinking for Scarlet and Kara's room?" Rosie asked
"Pale yellow." Hunter said
"You think you might want to add some touches to your and dads room?" Rosie asked with a smirk
Hunter laughed. "You mean without consulting him? No."
"Okay." Rosie said
"Healthy relationships require discussion about everything." Hunter told her
Rosie nodded. "You're right."
"Anyways how did Maddison do with swimming?" Hunter asked
"Fine." Rosie said
"Good." He said
Once everyone was ready they all climbed into Hunter's minivan and started for the paint store.
"We don't know exact colors." Hayley said.
"Well you two can look at the options. Dave has gave the go ahead for any colors that I approve of. So we can figure it out. You have a general idea right?" Hunter asked
"Red and purple." Callie said
"We are doing a light blue." Mackenzie said
"That should be very nice." Hunter said he looked at Rosie. "Dad said if you wanted to change up your room you could."
Rosie shook her head and smiled. "I love my room."
"Okay." Hunter said with a smile.
They got to the paint shop.
"Who should I help?" Rosie asked
"Callie and Hayley you want her help?" Hunter asked
"No. We are good." Hayley said
"Okay bring me the color ideas once you have decided." He said he looked at Rosie. "Help the twins."
Rosie nodded "Okay."
They all went inside and went to the paint color swatches and two hours later they were all leaving the store with several cans of paint. And everything they would need to paint the rooms.
"So who is helping?" Rosie asked
"The team when they get back." Hunter said
Rosie nodded. "Good."
They went home picking up pizza on the way and all sitting down to watch a movie while they ate.
At one point Hunter got up and went and made a call he came back and when the movie finished he helped the youngest two get ready for bed and told the others to get ready for bed as well. Once everyone was ready he sat with his four oldest and talked to them about what was going on at school. Rosie sat in the living room pretending to listen to music on headphones but listening to the conversation.
"I cant believe she told you." Maddison said crossing her arms.
Hayley took a breath. "Rose did the right thing. She did what I should have done as your big sister from the beginning."
"None of you are in trouble. I'm not angry with any of you. I'm upset that you have been going through this. I told you all that if this happened you needed to come to me. I just don't know why you didn't." Hunter said
"I told them to let me handle it. Its on me." Hayley said
"Hal why?" Hunter asked
"You were going though the divorce from mom and finding yourself. I just wanted to help. I didn't want you to feel guilty for being yourself. You have raised us to fight for what we believe in, and I will always fight for you to be happy with whomever that happens to be with." Hayley said
"I appreciate that you wanted to fight for what's right. But you could have done that while also telling me about all this. It's a parents job to take care of their kids. Not the other way around. You are not responsible for this family just because you are the oldest." Hunter told her.
Hayley nodded.
"You are fourteen years old. You are supposed to be having crushes. And going out with friends. Making mistakes that teenagers make. Not carrying the burden of keeping this secret from your mom and I." Hunter said
Hayley took a breath and nodded. "Does mom know?"
"I called her and told her yes. You are going to highschool anyways and I think the school Rosie goes to might be the best bet for you." Hunter said
"Figured that would happen." Hayley said
"And they have an elementry and jr. high run by the same charter company so your mom and I think you are all going to be much happier there." Hunter said. "But your opinions are important too. So what do you all think?"
"Rosie isn't going to be annoyed I'm in the same school as her?" Hayley asked
"No I wont." Rosie said before she realized she wasn't supposed to have heard that.
Hunter shook his head. "If you are going to listen you might as well be in here too." He said
Rosie came into the room biting her lip. "Sorry."
"No you're not." Hunter said with a smiling and pointing to an open chair.
Rosie sat down.
Hayley looked at Rosie. "Thank you for doing what I couldn't."
Rosie smiled "Sisters look after each other right?"
Hayley smiled and nodded.
"And I think its normal for sisters to go to the same school. And the school has a really good boxing team. If you wanted to join it." Rosie said
Hayley nodded and smiled.
"And the Jr. High and elementry schools within the charter are good too." Rosie said
"Did you go to them too?" Maddison asked
"No. But most of my friends did." Rosie said
"Why didn't you go there from the beginning?" Callie asked
Rosie took a breath.
Hunter looked at her. "You do not have to."
"Its okay. It's a really long story. But I lived in California from the age of two till almost fourteen. So I started highschool here, but my other school was in California." Rosie said
"Are you adopted?" Callie asked
"No. Dad is my dad. Biologically and everything. Like I said long story." Rosie said
"But you didn't live with your mom cause she was already passed?" Maddison asked
Rosie let out a breath.
"She said it was a long story. Meaning to drop it." Hayley said
"Hals is right. If Rosie wants to share things with you she will otherwise it doesn't matter for you to know." Hunter said
They nodded.
"Its late. Everyone head to bed." The four went upstairs.
"You okay?" Hunter asked Rosie.
"Yes." Rosie said
"By the way I heard about Maddy showing off for you?" Hunter said with a smirk
"Urm. Yeah. I figured the coach handled it I didn't need to bring it up." Rosie said
Hunter nodded. "I figured. Just want you to know. I know."
Rosie laughed. "Your way of saying you know everything that goes on with your girls."
"Yup. And you are one of them now, so it goes for you too." Hunter said
Rosie smiled and nodded. He got up from the table and kissed her head. "Get to bed."
"Will do." She said with a smile. "good night." she got up and went to the couch. She texted Nolan.
'You have been quiet the last few days. Everything okay?' She asked
'Just have a lot on my mind.' He sent back
'Do you need me to come over tomorrow so we can talk?' Rosie sent
'No. Its something I cant share right now.' Nolan said
'Okay. I love you.' She said
'Love you too.' He said
Rosie went to sleep.