Chapter 23

Trey's Point of View

I just watched my little sister leave with her best friend and Kirsten. Something that struck me though; the fact that she called Kirsten and Sandy mom and dad; Ryan did the same. I'm not too bothered by it, I mean it's great that they found two people to take them in and care for them like the Cohens do.

It was now just Ryan and myself in the living room, both of us silent on the couch. I decided to break the somewhat awkward silence.

"So uh, how have you been little brother? You and Elena; are you two good?" I cocked my head slightly to look at him and he gave me a slight smile.

"Actually, we have been pretty good. Ever since the Cohens adopted us, we never felt more love. They treat us like we were always their kids and it's great. I mean I know that nothing can erase our past, but-we can always start fresh right?"

The words, 'start fresh' certainly stuck out to me. That is what I am trying to do. I got out of jail and for my siblings sake, and for my own, I want to change my ways. I nodded with a supported smile. "Of course-starting fresh sounds pretty good to me."

Ryan just then wrapped his arm around me in a hug. "I'm really glad you're here Trey."

Returning the hug I replied "me too brother, me too."

I was actually a little jealous of my brother and sister. They have parents now that love them; I may be 24 years old, but no matter what age you are you always want to know you have parents that love you. Unfortunately I can't say that I do.

Third person point of view

A couple hours, and several shopping bags later Kirsten and the two girls walked to the car.

"I'm so excited, I haven't been bowling in so long!" Caitlin exclaimed as she buckled her seatbelt.

Elena chuckled as she buckled her seatbelt, much to her dismay. "I know, I don't think I have been bowling since um...since my dad." Her voice became soft.

Caitlin reached over and grabbed her hand. "Hey, it's okay." Caitlin looked out the car window and saw Kirsten still talking to another woman. "You can always talk about it if you want. You know I am always here for you."

Elena gave her a small smiled and used her free hand to dab away unwanted tears. "Thank you. I just-I just wonder if he remembers that it's my birthday. He's missed so many of them, he probably forgot all about it. And my mom...does she miss us? Does she even know it's my birthday?"

Caitlin still didn't know why her father was in jail, and she will continue to not know until Elena is ready to tell her-if she is ever going to tell her. Caitlin knows it's a sensitive subject and doesn't want to push her boundaries by prying. She gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm sure they know Lena. I don't see how they would forget a special day like your birthday." She smiled. "And your mom would be crazy if she didn't miss you. I mean I miss you on days we don't hang out. So she just has to miss you."

"But she knows where Ryan and I live, we haven't heard from her since that night she left." She shook her head. "It's crazy, I shouldn't be so upset about this. I have a mom and dad now who love me so much; and I love them. And I do have to be grateful for that; and having a bestfriend like you. I don't know what I would do without you Caitlin Roberts."

Caitlin, who started to tear up from seeing her best friend tear up, smiled. "The feeling is very much mutual Elena Atwood-Cohen. I love you so much." Both girls took off their seat belts and hugged each other tight.

After a long-much needed hug, the two girls broke the embrace and re-buckled themselves.

Kirsten opened the driver's side door and sat down. "Sorry girls, that was someone I used to go to school with." Kirsten smiled and turned her head to look at them. She definitely could tell they were crying. "Is everything okay?" She asked, her tone was filled with worry.

Elena smiled reassuringly, "Oh yeah mom, just-my birthdays can be emotional, but I'm okay mommy, really."

Kirsten nodded slowly but smiled. "Okay sweetheart. So you girls ready to eat, then bowling?"

The two girls nodded eagerly. "Yes please! I can't wait to kick Seth's butt at bowling! All week he has been ragging on me saying he's gonna win. But I got word from Summer that he isn't really that great." Elena giggled.

Kirsten just chuckled shaking her head as she started to pull out of the parking spot.

"Ooo can you please turn the radio on mom?" Elena asked when Kirsten stopped at the stop light.

Kirsten complied and turned on the radio station that Elena really liked. Kirsten almost had a heartattack when both girls screamed.

"What?!" Kirsten turned whipped her head around.

"It's Shawn Mendes! Turn it up pleeeasee!" Elena bounced in her seat along with Caitlin.

Kirsten tried to keep a stern face, but she just couldn't. She loved seeing Elena so excited. She chuckled. "Okay, but next time girls, don't scream, you scared me." She turned the volume up.

Both girls started to sing along with his song 'Treat you Better' as Kirsten continued to drive towards The Outback Steakhouse.

The rest of the car ride consisted of laughter, singing and dancing from the girls.

Elena thought to herself; 'this is turning out to be a really great birthday'.

A/N: So I know it's a little short but I really wanted to post this right away and I thought this was a good place to end it! Next chapter will start with her Birthday Dinner! But I hope you enjoyed this little chapter! Kind feedback is very much appreciated! Thank you!