Chapter 11
Three weeks had passed since the incident, the girl still having not left the group home. Unless it was to get homeschooled, she hardly even ever left her room, her thoughts always stuck on the same thing.
"Aubrey…"
The woman, along with the rest of the family she left behind, were always on her mind, creating an ache in her heart she just couldn't shake. She missed them all terribly, and while a great part of her wanted to return…
"You can't. How can you go back now? You hurt Aubrey, and then hurt everyone else…and you hurt them even more by rejected their plea to come home. You even went as far as taking off every time Aubrey has come to visit…"
Twice Aubrey had come down to speak with her, and both times, she managed to escape the building before they could meet. She just couldn't face her.
"You gonna sit there and mope all day again?"
Harlyn, who had been curled up on her bed, simply rolled away from Cassi.
"Haven't you ever heard of knocking? And I'm not moping."
"All you ever do is mope…" Cassi thought, but she wasn't going to push it. Instead, she just walked over and sat beside her.
Aubrey called again today. She wanted to see how you were. She also said that the Christmas Tree Lighting Festival was tonight, in a few hours, and wanted to see if you'd go."
Harlyn said nothing at this. She had actually forgotten all about the festival, but hearing about it again did hurt a bit. They had plans after all…
"I'm sure she would love hearing from you. You positive you don't want to give her a call?"
"Very. Please leave me alone."
Knowing she wasn't going to get anywhere with the girl at the moment, she simply sighed and pat the girl on the leg.
"All right. I'll check on you later."
After the woman had left, Harlyn grabbed a nearby pillow and hugged it close to her chest, half hiding her face in the softness and warmth it had to offer.
"Her warmth was better…"
Now she hid her face fully, letting out a sigh. She could still remember how Aubrey's warmth felt…how soft and relaxing her snuggles were…how her voice easily calmed her mind…"
"You make me so happy, Harlybear. I love you so much!"
"Aubrey…"
"Harlyn!"
Snapping from her thoughts, she rolled over, a clear look of irritation plastered on.
"Cassi, I told you to leave me a-"
But before she could finish, she realized it wasn't Cassi she was speaking to, her brows furrowing slightly as she sat up and saw who was there. Yes, Cassi was behind the visitor, but…
"…Piper?"
The eleven year old walked in, Cassi remaining by the door.
"What are you doing here?"
The girl didn't reply at first, a look of anger and sadness in her deep brown eyes. The last time she saw Piper was on that day, and while it hurt to stop speaking to her best friend, she couldn't help it. She just couldn't bring herself to face anyone after what happened.
"Piper-"
"Come home."
Harlyn didn't say anything, trying hard to make her face show she didn't want to. She had made a decision, and the fear of just messing things up more than she already had kept her from what she really wanted.
"I said come home."
She had to be tough…she had to be…even if everything was breaking inside of her.
"I…I am home."
"I mean your real home, Harlyn."
The younger girl simply looked away.
"No…"
Talking with Piper was much different than talking to the others. Piper was a kid just like her. Piper was the first friend she ever had. Piper was the one who she told a lot of her fears to when she was struggling to really get close to Aubrey.
"Harlyn…"
The older brunette walked a little closer, her eyes glazing up from tears.
"Harlyn please…what happened that day…I saw it, too. We all did."
The memory now flashed through her mind, her heart clenching at it. It was something she had tried so hard to forget.
"It was scary…I know. It really scared me, too, but everyone was right though…it wasn't your fault. None of it was. The fault is on the driver, not you."
Harlyn still did not look back.
"Harlyn?"
"Let me guess, they all put you up to this?"
"What?" Piper asked, half in disbelief. "N-no. No one even knows I am here. My mom's think I am at a friend's house. They would kill me if they knew I traveled here by myself."
Now Harlyn looked back. Did Piper really travel here alone just to speak with her?
"Harlyn, please…just please come home…"
"You can't…" her mind said to her while everything else told her to go. "You hurt them too much already."
"I said no." she replied, standing up now and moving to her window, leaning against the wall as she looked out of it. "This is my home now."
Piper's heart literally fell, the tears she had tried holding back now falling down her cheek.
"Harlyn…" she said, with a hint of desperation in her voice, but the other ignore her.
"Honey…" Cassi said, walking up to her. "Maybe we should just let her be for now."
"But-"
"She hasn't listened to anyone. She's-"
"I don't care!" Piper half snapped, pulling away from her and facing the young girl again. "She's gonna listen. Harlyn, everybody wants you home, especially Aubrey. You hers for cripes sake. You're her damn daughter."
"I'm not!" she found herself replying, her tone just as snappy. She was really sensitive about that subject as she still yearned for Aubrey to be her mother.
"Don't you dare say that!" Piper said back. "You know you are!"
"Not after what happened!"
"I just told you that wasn't your fault! It was an accident!"
"You know what, I don't even care, just-"
"Yes you do care! Don't feed me that bull. I know you better than that!"
"You don't know me at all!"
"I'm your best friend! Of course I do!"
"No you don't! Just…go!"
"Harlyn-"
"I said get out!"
Piper's heart just snapped. She was hurt. Nothing she was saying was getting through to her friend.
"Piper…" Cassi said again. "Let's just-"
"You were happy once…you know that?"
Harlyn pulled her gaze away again.
"You were truly happy. Aubrey showed you what it was like to be part of a family. She showed you how wonderful hugs and snuggles were, and loved you with every piece of her heart. Hell, she still loves you. I know what happened that day must have scared you…and I know if I had been in that position with one of my mom's I would have blamed myself, too, but I would have eventually realized it wasn't. They would have wanted me to realize that. She loves you Harlyn, and if you needed any other proof of her loving you, I think that the biggest damn piece of proof was the fact that Aubrey was willing to give her life to keep you safe."
Harlyn's heart suddenly came to a stop, her gaze shooting right back to Piper's, her eyes starting to well up as well.
"She saved your life, and not because she felt obligated to. Not because she had to. She did it because she wanted to. She did it because she couldn't stand the thought of losing you. She did it because she loves you, and when a mother loves her child, they will do anything they can to keep them safe. So please…please don't keep yourself from the one place that makes you happy. You deserve a family, even if you think you don't. And she misses you like crazy…you're all she ever talks about or thinks about. You're her whole world. Please…just think about it Harlyn. We really want you back."
And with that, both she and Cassi finally left, leaving Harlyn to her thoughts.
It took a little while for the eleven year old to move, her mind still in shock from Piper's words. Eventually though, she did walk to her bed, lying down upon it. Reaching out, she grabbed a nearby pillow and held it close.
"And if you needed any other proof of her loving you, I think that the biggest damn piece of proof was the fact that Aubrey was willing to give her life to keep you safe."
Yes, Aubrey did indeed save her life, but she had been so caught up in blaming herself and letting her old fears get to her that it never quite clicked that if it wasn't for Aubrey, she might not even be here right now. And instead of thanking her, she ran. Like always, when something went wrong, she ran.
"What…what have I done?"
Back at the Posen residence, life was…quiet. Aubrey had healed up pretty well, the cast on her wrist fixing to come off in another week or so. The Mitchell's had spent most of the day with her to keep her company as she was having a really hard time without her little girl. Right now though, she was alone, having snuck into a room that had been empty just a little too long.
"Harlyn…"
Sitting on the bed, she held one of the girl's sweatshirts close to her heart, her eyes watering up. She had tried so hard to get her back…they all had, but they were failing miserably, her heart breaking a little more as each day passed without her.
"Aubrey…."
Looking up, she saw Chloe standing at the door. Moments after, she walked in, sitting next to her best friend.
"Hey you…" she said gently. "How you holding up?"
"I'm ok." She replied, her voice and look betraying her. "I'm just…"
A few tears escaped her eyes.
"Chloe…I miss her. I really miss her."
"Oh honey…I know…" she said, wrapping her arm around her. "I know…we all do."
"Do you think I will ever get her back?"
"I think that, if you keep trying as you are, you will. Things may seem bad right now, but you just have to keep believing, and keep doing what you have been by showing that you still want her back."
Wiping away her tears, she snuggled the sweatshirt closer.
"Do you think she will ever listen?"
"I think so. You've gotten through to her once, I think you will do so again.
Aubrey nodded, placing the sweatshirt now beside her on the bed.
"Yeah…I'm sorry. I'm not doubting, I…"
"I know, it's ok." Chloe replied, giving the woman a gentle squeeze. "I know it's hard and it hurts, but you'll get her back. You'll see."
For a few moments, the two just sat there in silence, Chloe comforting her the best she could.
"Are you sure you want to go out to the festival?" Chloe finally asked.
The other nodded.
"Yeah, I told you guys I'd go with you. Plus, I could use the distraction. I just need to finish getting ready.
"All right, if you are sure, but…come here."
She pulled Aubrey into a tight hug.
"It's going to be all right, honey. I promise. You will get through this and we will be right here to help. You're going to get her back, okay?"
Aubrey nodded again, and when the hug was over, the two got up and left to get ready for the night.
"I'm glad you will be coming. I love spending time with you."
"This day is special because your birth is the best thing that has ever happened to me."
"Can you be my Harlyn forever?
-Gasp-
Harlyn shot awake, disorientated and frantic as she tried to get her bearings. After Piper had left, she had passed out thinking about what she said, and as usual, her dreams were filled with the one person she longed for.
"Aubrey…"
Standing up, she walked back over to the window, her room dark now as night had come. As she stared out, she noticed that light snow flurries were falling from the sky. It was definitely a sight to see as snow didn't often happen in Georgia.
"Aubrey talked about snow once. She said she loved it…she loved the feel…"
She closed her eyes as this memory passed through her mind, a familiar warmth passing through her chest…a warmth she desperately missed so much.
"And she misses you like crazy…you're all she ever talks about or thinks about. You're her whole world."
"She is my world, too…she is all I ever think about. If so…then why am I afraid to go back?"
She rested her forehead on the window, her eyes watering up.
"It was because I hurt her, right? I was the reason Aubrey got hit, right?"
"It wasn't your fault. The driver was to blame. The biggest damn form of proof was the fact that Aubrey was willing to give her life to keep you safe."
"She did keep me safe." She told herself as Piper's words echoed through her mind. "She saved my life. I love and want her so much, but I'm just…afraid."
"You don't have anything to run away from anymore. You now have something you can run to."
Now Cassi's words played through her head. If that were true, why wouldn't she run back? What kept her from thinking she could?
"I don't want to hurt her again…but then…aren't I hurting her worst for being away? But just…what if I go back and more bad things happen? What if I go back and I hurt her again? What if I go back and mess things up?"
She was so afraid she was going to.
"But then…what if I don't? What if I go back and things are great…what if I go back and all goes well again…She'd be happy…I'd be happy…and I…."
She sighed and turned away, leaning over to flick on a nearby lamp.
"I don't know…what do I do?"
She crawled back on her bed to flop again, but as she did, she noticed something on her bureau that was near her door.
"What the…"
Walking over, she saw it was a piece of paper folded in half.
"What's this? I know I didn't leave this here…"
Picking it up, she opened it curiously, but seconds after she did, her eyes widened.
"Wh-what? How did this even…"
Much to her surprise, it was the hero essay she wrote about Aubrey, and on top of that, a picture of her and Aubrey smiling together was there, too.
"But…I didn't bring this with me. I left it at Aubrey's, so how did it…"
…
"Piper…"
It had to be. There were quite a few times she hadn't looked Piper's way when she came to visit, so the drop off could have happened at any moment.
"Aubrey…"
She found herself smiling lightly as she looked at the picture, a single finger sliding over it gently.
"I remember that day…" she said to herself. "It was my birthday…that was the first time I ever really hugged you. And this paper…"
Her eyes flickered over the neatly written words.
"I remember being so nervous to read this to you, but after seeing you defend me against Jake, I somehow found the courage to…and when I did…you were happy….you were so happy…"
Tears began to fall from her eyes as she thought about it.
"I never saw you smile so big…and it made me feel so good to see you that way. She was just so happy that she…"
Now her heart started to clench.
"She was going to adopt me."
Her mind then fell on the event that happened before the accident. The event that really changed her life. It was something that she never thought she would be lucky enough to hear…something she never thought she would ever have a chance of having.
"Can you be my Harlyn forever? Forever…I want to keep you."
She placed her hand over her heart as she remembered every single moment of that conversation. How could she ever forget? Never in a million years did she ever think that anyone would want to adopt her, especially someone as wonderful as Aubrey. She felt like the luckiest kid in the world when she heard that news.
"Me? Y-you want…me?"
"No one else but you. I love you so much and would love nothing more than to be your mother."
"Mother…" she whispered lightly…"I was going to have a mother."
You…w-want to a…a..adopt me?"
"Yes, I want to adopt you. I've wanted you from day one. I want you to be my little girl. Harlyn Posen does have a ring to it, don't you think?"
"Harlyn Posen…"
This also came out in a whisper, the name feeling oddly comfortable on her lips.
"Harlyn Posen…that's…that's me. That's me…"
It was indeed her. She was the one Aubrey wanted, and she wanted her just as much. Aubrey was her home.
"Home…"
She turned to face her current room, her heart feeling empty as she glanced around at it. She had told Piper that this was her home now, but…
"It's not…this isn't your home. You have only ever had one, and that was with…"
She looked back down at the paper, her eyes now falling onto the very last paragraph.
"And now…now my whole life is different. She is like a mother to me. I am seeing things in a way I've never seen them before. I am understanding that family is a good thing. I'm feeling things I never thought I would feel again. Everything has changed. No, she may not be one of those heroes who saves the world, but…but she saved mine. She saved my world. She saved me. I can tell you right now that I would not be this happy if it wasn't for her. The funny thing though is that she is the one who goes around and says how much I make her life better, that she's lucky to have me. I can honestly say that it's the other way around. I'm the lucky one. She's made my life better, and if there was anything I could say to her right now, it would be thank you. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for always being there. Thank you for loving me, thank you for saving my life, and thank you for being you. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me and I love you so much. Just…thank you."
It was then something dawned on her. Something she should have known already, but fear kept her from really listening.
"She never gave up on me. Even when I made life hard for her, she never gave up…and even now…she's still not giving up."
She placed the paper back down on the table, her hand over her heart again.
"She's still not. She's tried to come and visit…she calls every day…and she wants me…after all this she still wants me…and if she does…that means I really can go back…that means I can still have a chance at family…"
These thoughts were all hitting her at once. Yes, a good chunk of what was hitting her were things she was already told, but the girl had to come to the understanding in her own way before she could really see it…just as she was now.
"I'm wanted…I'm really wanted. I'm still scared because more bad things could happen, but then…"
One other fear now outranked that.
"I am more afraid of the good moments never happening again. I am more afraid to really lose her…
Now she knew what to do…exactly what to do, and it took her a total of two seconds to burst out that door.
Harlyn was going home.
"Dammit…why did I forget my jacket?"
Upon the realization of knowing where she really needed to be, she escaped the group home unnoticed. With it being about 8:00pm at the time, she knew Cassi had gone to bed. The woman had early mornings so sleep was precious to her. That also told her that if she had gone to wake her up and told her she wanted to come home that she would be told in return to wait until tomorrow, and for Harlyn, who knew she had been away too long, tomorrow was too far off. So, she hopped on a bus and traveled the half hour back to the familiar place she knew. It was definitely cold when she stepped off, the girl only in jeans and a t-shirt, but as soon as she found the familiar gathering of houses, she forgot all about it, breaking out into a run as she got closer to Aubrey's.
"Please be there…please be there…" she whispered as she ran, almost slipping when she made a turn. However, when she finally arrived…
"Oh no…"
All of the lights were completely off, which she knew was unusual for if Aubrey was a home, at least one light would be on.
"She's probably still at the festival…with so many people there it will be impossible to find her…"
She sighed and looked up and the building in front of her, a familiar ache making its way through her chest.
"God I have missed this place…"
She really had. It was the first place that ever felt like home to her.
"Home…"
Walking closer, she reached the door, placing her hand on the handle and resting her forehead on the white colored wood.
"My god…why did I run…why?"
Her other hand went over her heart again, that ache growing. All this time she could have been in that woman's arms. All this time she could have been with family and probably would have realized sooner that the accident really wasn't her fault. She probably wouldn't have even been bothered by it at this point and would be at the festival at this very moment if she just stayed in the first place.
"The festival…"
She turned and looked behind her, remembering exactly where it was supposed to take place. It was right at the park where Aubrey took her with Beca and her family a few weeks into her stay. She knew she could just wait on the steps for Aubrey to come home because of all of the people that would be there, but at the same time…
"This ache won't go until I find her…it won't stop until I am in her arms…."
Yeah, no. She wasn't going to wait. She was going to find her there no matter how hard it would be. So, without a second thought, she took off towards the park, navigating her way through the streets until a bundle of Christmas lights decorated all over different trees came through. She was happy she remembered where it was, but now the real problem began.
"Where do I even start?"
There were so many people, so many booths, so many places to visit…she had no idea where to even go.
"But that doesn't matter. Find her…you have to find her."
And with that, she started running all over the area, looking in the most common places of where she would be. The food area, some of the gaming booths, a path where the trees were all lit, but after a good fifteen minutes of searching, nothing came up, and at this point, with all the running she did, she had to take a break. That's when she found another familiar spot that had quite a few memories. It was her bridge, where she and Piper had their first real talk. Walking over to it, she sat down upon it. Not many people were in this area so she knew it would be ok. Looking down, she smiled just a little as she played one of the first memories with Piper she had through her mind.
"I really am an idiot for running from them. I should have just stayed. Why do I have to be scared of everything?"
She closed her eyes and fought back the tears that threatened to come.
"I want her so bad…I want them all…"
She just had to find them.
"But where else could they be?"
It was then something very much unexpected happened, the girl hearing a voice she hadn't planned to hear.
"Can I sit here?"
Quickly looking up, she found herself facing a familiar face, a teary brown gaze and a happy smile looking right back at her.
"Piper…"
The girl smiled a little more and held out her hand for Harlyn to grab.
"Just like that day…" she thought, the memory of her first time at the park still rolling through her mind, and although a little hesitant at first, she eventually reached out and grabbed back, lifting herself up before letting go.
At first, no one said a word, both females unsure of what to say. After a good minute or so, it was Piper that broke the ice.
"You nerd. It took you long enough to come back."
This caused both girls to giggle slightly, her gaze, along with Piper's, glazing right up.
"I guess I needed one more push to get out of whatever stupid zone I was in."
"And what gave you that push?"
"Well, somehow, my essay that I left at Aubrey's along with a picture of her and I together ended up in my bedroom and I have no idea how it got there."
"Hmmm…that's a curious thing." Piper said back. "I have no idea how it got there either. Whoever left it though it pretty damn smart for doing so because it looks like it got you home."
The two giggled again, Harlyn looking down shyly moments after.
"Thanks…and…about that day…I'm sorry. I'm sorry I was-"
"Oh shut up you dork and get over here."
And before she knew it, Piper had reached over and hugged her, the two friends now letting out those tears that had tried so hard to keep back.
"But…you're not mad at me?"
"Of course not. You're my best friend. I just wanted you to come back."
Harlyn hugged her a little tighter.
"I'm back…" she whispered. "And I missed you so much, Piper…"
"I missed you, too. Don't you ever go away again."
Harlyn snickered slightly.
"I won't."
"Good. You're not allowed to." She replied, now pulling back. It was then she looked around. "Did you come here by yourself?"
Harlyn looked away again, nodding slightly.
"Cassi was asleep. I was afraid if I woke her and asked her to come she would tell me to wait till morning, and I didn't want to."
Piper just smiled and shook her head.
"You and this running thing man….but, at least you ran in the right direction this time."
Harlyn just smiled and nodded lightly back.
"Piper…I miss everyone…and Aubrey…I want Aubrey."
The girl then held out her hand again, a warm look on her face.
"Then I guess we should go on and find them then, huh?"
"You know where they are?"
"Duh. I was just there. I left to visit this place real quick. You ready?"
Harlyn slowly reached out and took Piper's hand in her own. She was still scared and still had a lot of worries, but for once, she wouldn't let them control her. The only way out of all of that was through everything she was running from, and no longer would she run away.
"Come on!"
And with that, the two took off. They ran through half of the festival before Piper slipped over to a somewhat empty part that she herself had failed to check. When they came upon a bench that was occupied with three people, their running came to a slow, the two stopping a few feet from it. Looking closer, she saw that the three people there were Beca, Chloe, and Riley.
"I'll be right back." Piper then said, squeezing the girl's hand before running off.
"Oh god…please don't let them be mad…"
"Moms!"
Piper ran over to her family and stood in front of them.
"Where did Aubrey go?"
"Riley accidently dropped her hot chocolate." Chloe replied. "So Aubrey went to go and get her some. Why?"
Piper said nothing in return, only smiling.
"Hey punk…" Beca said, leaning in to get a closer look at her eldest daughter. "Are you all right? You look like you've been crying."
Piper still said nothing, but this time she looked straight up at Harlyn as she smiled.
"Piper what's going on?" Chloe asked.
It was then little Riley turned around, and it was the little squeal of joy and the calling of the name that finally made both parents turn.
"Harlyn!"
The six year old then tore from the bench and ran towards Harlyn, clinging to her tightly when she got there.
"Harlyn, Harlyn you're back!"
"Hey Riley." The girl giggled, hugging her back.
"Harlyn!"
Both women followed suit, the shocked looks on their faces turning into happy and teary eyed smiles as they ran over, both pulling her into a hug when they arrived. Harlyn was actually not expecting the sudden warmth from them both, her chest doing all sorts of little things as she tried to sort out her feelings.
"Oh my god, honey." Chloe said, kissing her head. "When did you get here? Aubrey said that when she spoke to Cassi that she was told you weren't coming."
"That did happen." Piper said, now joining them. "But a few hours later the punk realized where she really needed to be, hopped on a bus, and ran back here."
"Hopped on a bus?" Beca asked? "Did you come by yourself?"
Harlyn pulled away and looked down shyly, automatically giving both women the answer.
"Harlyn Locklear, you could have called and we would have gotten you!" Beca told her. "You are such a nerd. Get back here."
Both women hugged her again, the little girl getting all lost in her emotions as she had missed these hugs and the women in general.
"Chloe…Beca…"
They pulled away yet again, Chloe now reaching out to wipe the tears that were falling down Harlyn's cheeks.
"Aww honey, don't cry. We're here now."
"But…I don't get it…you're not mad?"
That's what was really confusing her. She had caused so much trouble with everybody, and upon meeting them so far, no one had shown an ounce of hurt or anger. They were all happy and greeted her with open arms.
"No, of course not." Chloe replied. "Why would we be?"
"Because I ran from you…I hurt everyone and messed things up."
"Harlyn you are so thick headed sometimes." Beca replied, slipping of her thin jacket and putting it on the girl. "No one is mad at you. You haven't messed anything up and no one is hurt. What's done is done, and all that matters is that you're here now."
Harlyn snuggled into Beca's jacket, her cold skin welcoming the extra warmth.
"But…I…"
"No buts!" Beca said back, poking her in the forehead.
"Honey, I promise you, no one is upset." Chloe told her softly. "Beca is right. You're here, and that's all that matters."
She could feel more tears welling up in her eyes. Seeing them was somewhat overwhelming yet so good at the same time. This was her family right here, and they were not mad at her at all. The only one that was missing…
"Aubrey…" she said softly. "Does…does that mean she won't be mad either."
"Oh believe me." Chloe said, thinking about the conversation her and her friend had today "She is not mad at you in the slightest. Honey she just wants you back.
"I wanna go back…"
"I'm back guys! Sorry that took so long. There was a small line."
The sound of the familiar voice caused her heart to stir dramatically, and she instantly went into hiding behind Beca as they all turned around. It was Riley who ran up to the blond, Aubrey instantly handing her the warm drink.
"Here you go little girl."
Riley just smiled and bounced in her spot. She was happy, but it was definitely not because of the hot chocolate.
"You all right there?" Aubrey asked, noticing a little look in her eyes. It was then she looked up to find everyone no longer on the bench, but a few feet away from it, huddling together.
"Guys?" she asked with a curious smile. "What are you doing?"
"It seems like Christmas came a little early this year." Chloe told her.
"What do you mean?"
Chloe and Piper backed away a little, Beca staying in place to let Harlyn come out on her own. She was scared yes…very scared. She hadn't seen her since the accident…hadn't heard her voice since the day she ran.
"It's going to be all right." Beca whispered. "I promise."
Aubrey furrowed her brows.
"Beca, who are you-"
It was right in that moment that Harlyn decided to peek out, her heart literally stopping the moment they locked eyes. In fact, it wasn't just her heart that stopped, it was her whole world. For the first time since that day, the two had finally laid eyes on each other, and the pull of that mother and daughter need between both was so strong that no one would be surprised if other felt it, too.
"Aubrey…"
The feeling in the young child was just too over whelming. This was the one person she wanted…the one she always wanted even after she ran. She missed everything. Her presence, her hugs, her kisses, and her warmth…everything…she missed it all.
"Aubrey…" she called again, but this time she had to look away because tears just poured out without control, Harlyn reaching out to cover her face.
"Aubrey…"
"My baby…"
Going into instant mother mode, she ran over to the crying girl and held her so damn tight, cooing and whispering sweet words to help calm her. Yes, she was crying, too, but hers were out of happiness. She knew Harlyn's tears held much more.
"It's ok baby, I promise. Don't cry. I'm right here honey, I'm right here."
"Aubrey…" she said again, but nothing more could come out. She just couldn't stop crying.
"Shhhh, shhhh. It's ok love. It's all ok. I have you now."
It took a few tries to make the heavy tears stop, but eventually she pushed them back enough to speak, pulling away slightly to face the other.
"Oh god I have missed you…" she whispered.
"Honey I have missed you, too." Aubrey said back, tucking some of the girl's hair behind her ears. "So damn much. You have no idea how happy I am to see you. Did Cassi bring you here?"
Harlyn just shook her head.
"She came here herself." Beca told her, wiping her own tears away. "She wanted her mom."
Aubrey looked back at the child after Beca spoke, stroking her cheek.
"Honey…"
"Aubrey…I'm sorry for everything that has happened."
"Baby, there is no need to be-"
"Please…" Harlyn cut in, looking at the other with mild desperation. "Please, Aubrey…I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I just got so scared and ran when I should have just gone to you. I just felt so bad for the accident and blamed myself for you getting hit and-"
"And that wasn't your fault. I promise you darling you are not to blame."
"I know…" she said back softly, sniffling. "I know that now…but I should have realized it sooner, and I'm sorry I didn't. I'm sorry I ran and ignored you and hurt you. I'm just…sorry…please forgive me…"
"Harly, it has already been forgiven." Aubrey told her, pulling her back into a hug. "And really, there was nothing to forgive. You were scared and that's all right. What happened doesn't even matter anymore because you are here with me. You're right where you need to be."
Harlyn hid her face deeper into the woman's sweet smelling locks, clinging tightly. Aubrey was right. She was exactly where she needed to be. This was her home. Not the city, not the house, but right here in Aubrey arms…this was home.
"Aubrey…I love you…"
"I love you, too, baby…so, so much."
"And…and I never got to thank you either…"
This caused the two to pull away again.
"Thank me?" Aubrey asked, eyeing the other with a little curiosity.
"If it weren't for you…I wouldn't even be here." Harlyn replied, her voice cracking. "I would have been hit by that car if you didn't push me out of the way. You saved my life…so…thank you."
More tears fell out of Aubrey's eyes as they hugged once again, the woman kissing the girl on the head.
"Baby, you are my life. I will do anything to protect you. You're safe with me…with all of us."
Harlyn looked to the side to see the Mitchell family smiling back.
"Family…this is all my family…"
She turned and hid her face again, squeezing tighter.
"I have really missed you….I missed your hugs and kisses and snuggles…everything."
"As have I, but we have them now love."
"And you…you never gave up on me…none of you did."
"Silly…we were never going to. You're family…my daughter…my little girl…and families don't give up on each other."
Harlyn pushed away once more to face the other, a warm and happy smile on Aubrey's face.
"Daughter…"
Nothing had changed.
"Aubrey…can I come home now?"
A/N: Raaaawr! One more chapter to go! Thank you for the support so far! P.S. Check out the poll on my profile page that goes along with this story! I would love to hear feed back on an idea I had!