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So...what's wrong?" Joel asked "Is she waking up?"
Dr. Brian looked at Lacey's parents and said, "Lacey's..."
Dr. Brian looked at Lacey's parents and said, "Lacey's going to be alright. She'll wake up soon."
Julia and Joel breathed a sigh of relief. They were so relieved that Lacey was alright.
Less an hour later, Lacey woke up to see her parents who looked like they had been all night. That's when she was certain of how much they loved her and she felt bad that she caused them to worry.
Lacey stuttered in a soft, raspy voice, "I...I...I'm s...s...sorry, mo...mo...mommy and d...dd..daddy. I just w...wanted it to st...stop. Ppp...please don't send me bbb...back."
"You wanted what to stop, Princess?" Joel asked concerned before adding "We would never send you back. Once you enter the Braverman family, you're a Braverman for life."
"Spending my birthday in the hospital." Lacey explained in a soft, raspy voice but without the stutter. "Ever since my sixth birthday I have been in the hospital from my foster parents abuse, but my tenth birthday I was in the hospital from malnutrition and dehydration since I ran away."
"Well you will never spend another birthday in the hospital again, Princess." Joel responded feeling sorry for his little princess "In fact once you are better we'll have a big birthday party just for you."
"Thanks daddy." Lacey said giving a smile. Then she looked at Julia and said, "Mommy, I'm sorry for worrying you and daddy."
"It's alright, Sweetheart." Julia assured her daughter, while gently stroking Lacey's hair. "You're okay now and that's all that matters. I love you, Sweetie"
"Yeah, I love you too, Princess" Joel stated
"I love you mommy and daddy" Lacey said
A couple of days later Lacey is released from the hospital and her grandma and grandpa had a party planned for her. Julia, Joel, Sydney and Lacey are walking into the Braverman's house and toward the backyard.
Once they stepped into the backyard the whole family yelled, "Surprise! Happy Birthday Lacey."
"Aw! Thanks grams and gramps." Lacey stated
"You're welcome, Lace" Camille responded
"You're welcome, granddaughter." Zeek replied
"Which birthday girl wants to open presents?" Sarah asked Lacey
"Presents?" Lacey asked confused "For me?"
"Yeah Lacey, haven't you ever gotten presents on your birthday before?" Sarah asked
"Not since my fifth birthday" Lacey responded
"Oh I'm sorry" Sarah replied sympathetically
"It's ok. It's not your fault." Lacey explained
When Lacey was opening presents. She already opened presents from Jabbar, Sydney, Haddie, Amber, Drew, Max, and Nora. She also opened Aunt Sarah's , Aunt Jasmine's and Uncle Crosby's presents.
"Ok now I'm going to open Aunt Kristina's." Lacey announced
Lacey opened Aunt Kristina's present which was revealed to be the American Girl doll, Julie.
Lacey got up and hugged her aunt, "Thanks so much, Aunt Kristina. I love it so much."
"You're welcome, Lace." Kristina replied "You definitely deserve it"
After all the presents were opened Lacey had two American Girl dolls and lots of doll clothes and accessories. Then Zeek cut the cake and served it. Later after eating cake, all the Braverman's played a game of football.
That night when Julia and Joel are saying goodnight to Lacey.
"So what was your favorite part about your party today, Princess?" Joel asked
"Opening presents and spending time with my family" Lacey responded
"Oh cool" Julia stated "Goodnight sweetheart. I love you."
"Goodnight mommy" Lacey replied "I love you too"
"Goodnight Princess" Joel said "I love you"
"Goodnight daddy" Lacey stated "I love you too"
The next day around lunchtime, Jasmine knocks on Julia and Joel's door. Julia walks to the door and answers it.
"Hello, Jasmine" Julia stated "How can I help you?"
"I was wondering if I could take Lacey out for lunch?" Jasmine responded curiously "Just Lacey and I."
"Of course, Jasmine" Julia replied "Hold on a sec."
"Ok thanks" Jasmine responded
Julia walked to where Lacey was sitting playing American Girl dolls with Sydney.
"Hey Lace, Aunt Jasmine wants to take you to lunch." Julia stated "Do you want to go?"
"Yes" Lacey said excitedly as she ran to the door "Hi Aunt Jasmine, I'm ready to go."
Jasmine laughed slightly, "Alright let's go."
"Great" Lacey responded "Bye Momma"
"Bye sweetie have fun" Julia told her daughter
After eating at lunch, Jasmine surprised Lacey by taking her to the Luncheonette.
When they arrived at the Luncheonette Lacey asked, "Why are we at the Luncheonette, Aunt Jasmine?"
"I decided to surprise you." Jasmine told her niece "I asked your Uncle Adam and Uncle Crosby if it was ok that you recorded a song and they are fine with it."
"But I don't know any songs that I could record." Lacey replied
"What about that song you are always humming?" Jasmine asked
"Oh right, I guess I could record that" Lacey stated
Inside the Luncheonette, Lacey runs to her uncles. "Uncle Crosby! Uncle Adam!" Lacey exclaimed
"Hey kiddo" Crosby said as her picked up Lacey.
"Hey Lace" Adam said
"You ready to record a song?" Crosby asked his niece
"Yes!" Lacey exclaimed
"Did you decide what song?" Adam asked
"Yes, I'm going to sing You are my sunshine." Lacey responded
"Sounds good" Adam replied
In the recording studio everything was set up. Crosby gave Lacey a thumbs up meaning everything was ready to go.
Lacey stated, "This song is dedicated to my adoptive mom, momma Janet. I was taken away from her due to a neighbor and I miss her a lot." Then Lacey took a breath."You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are grey. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away. The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping. I dreamt I held you in my arms. When I awoke, dear, I was mistaken. So I hung my head and cried." Lacey sang and continued singing until the song was over. "I love you momma Janet." Lacey said with tears welling up in her eyes.
Crosby stopped the track and left the sound booth to hug his niece. "That was wonderful, Lacey." Crosby complemented
"Yeah you have a really great voice" Adam stated
"Thanks Uncle Adam and Uncle Crosby" Lacey replied