Hello guys. I hope everyone's having a great 2022 so far.

This was one of the last stories I updated in 2021, since then I added a chapter to a light in the dark, finished it and also finished the moment I needed the most and we're coming home. Upon them I have finished a oneshot for Austin and Ally.

It all comes down to, I have six ongoing multi-chapter stories, and two Oneshots (For Harry Potter and the night shift). Like always I'm trying to update all of my stories in the new year. I'm hoping that when I go on as usual, no story will be left not updated for months again.

After all of the stress and worry the last couple of days, during the night at home, I slept like a stone and didn't realize that I'd forgotten everything in between changing into a pyjamas and turning my phone off like I usually did.

And with that, because Mike had told me yesterday I could get today off after everything that had happened. I slept way through my alarms but for some reason. Three hours after my usual time to get up my phone suddenly buzzed with a message and tiredly I got up just enough to read it and reply.

Hi Emma. I haven't heard anything from you for days. I just wanted to make sure you're okay.
-Leon

Hey. I'm fine. A lot has happened the last few days but things are working themselves out….

While Tracie and David had come back home safely. There was also Wheezy and soon Nathan and Qwyn would be leaving and there was Marley who had thrown a fit yesterday.

….Let's just say the dumping ground have been a bit messy during the past week. Sorry. For half of the time I didn't have the phone on me. And for the other half of time I was just busy with something else.

Miss you.

Xx Emma.

I hadn't even been thinking about the message Johnny had sent me earlier since I checked it when I had been with Jim after he'd had a seizure due to the stress and worry for David. Now I got it up on my screen again, and replied before I had the time to plan for something else for the day.

Sorry I haven't been answering. Elm Tree House has been a bit chaotic the last few days and I forgot. Meeting for lunch or something sounds good.

-Emma

I put my phone to the side and pushed myself to sit up, I didn't have to get up just yet. And especially not since everything outside of the warm covers felt freezing cold. Then I was quite surprised when what couldn't have been two minutes my phone buzzed again with an answer that had come from Johnny.

Is there any time the dumping ground isn't chaotic?

I had to admit he did have a point. How couldn't things be all chaotic with a house full of kids that all lived together?

But I had to answer him something…

You might not even believe me if I told you.

I wasn't certain I believed it myself and I had been there and seen it all live.

Try me?

I had to make a pause when I suddenly remembered I was always working during confidentiality. Not total like a priest or a lawyer, but someone like a nurse or a teacher and it took me a while to answer him next time.

One of the younger kids ran away… Actually. I'm not really aware of what I'm supposed to share with you or not because of confidentiality. It might be a bit easier if we could meet in person, or maybe you could come to the dumping ground some time when I'm working and meet everyone.

Just as I sent away the message to Johnny my phone buzzed again with a new message from Leon.

I can imagine a place like this can get crazy sometimes with all the kids around. You know you can always talk to me if something's weighing on your mind.
I miss you too xx
Leon.

I sighed deeply reading the message from Leon. We had always been close, but of course especially since what had happened to the rest of my family. And now, still sitting on my bed and everything from the last few days still spinning in my mind I had to admit I missed him. And I would also have to admit that when I left to move here I hadn't exactly planned to stay here for any longer than what I did when I moved here when I was twelve.

Can't you come here for Christmas? I'm sure everyone at the dumping ground would love meeting you. And we could do it together like…

Like we have every Christmas since after the plane crash.

I deleted the message I had just written and started over.

It would be nice if you could come here for Christmas. All the kids I work with could meet you (again) and I'm sure you'd really like them. Well, you actually do since you came for a visit just when I started working. I know you liked it…

I did know he had liked it. But I also did know that plane tickets weren't exactly for free and if he took time off on this time of year from his work as a photographer he would lose a lot of money.

We'll have to see. I have a lot to do at work. Everyone wants their picture taken before Christmas. But I'll see what I can do. I'd like to meet the kids and Mike and you, of course again.

With another deep sigh- I was allowed to miss him, wasn't I? I got up from my bed and went into the kitchen, opening the fridge door, then the freezer and all of the cupboards I had to admit there wasn't as much as rusk, butter or milk there.

"I have nothing to eat." I mumbled to myself, then closed the fridge door and opened the freezer I already knew was empty. "Why didn't I know I have nothing to eat?"

For just a second I thought about what to do and remembered the text message from Johnny earlier, and after not a second of hesitating I put up the conversation with him again and wrote a quick message.

Although of course, I didn't even know if he had a job by now or was busy with whatever else…

Do you have time to meet for lunch already in a little while? I just noticed I have nothing to eat here and some company for a brunch wouldn't be too bad. Or just someone who knows the best café or restaurant for it.

I laid my phone on the kitchen counter where I'd see and hear if Johnny replied. And meanwhile I went to take a quick shower and get out of the clothes it felt like I had been wearing for days. Maybe I even had.

If I was to go out I could at least look presentable for the world and not smell like a sweaty monkey.

When I came out of the bathroom, my phone was blinking with a new message. And maybe that was why something fluttered in my stomach when I knew it was Johnny who had answered.

Sure! Sounds great. There's a café right by Pottiswood's supermarket. They have the tastiest freshly made bread. Does that sound good?

I thought for a second so I would know where Pottiswood's supermarket actually was. Then rubbed my hair with a towel for a few seconds while still texting with my right.

I just need to dry my hair and everything. Then I'll be right there.
-Emma.

Random fact

I'm not sure if this chapter makes any sense or if people are just confused about what text messages are to/ from whom… But I decided to do it like this. So…. See you next time.