Noah didn't come right back, which should have made me worried, but all I felt was relief . His comment on my lack of childhood felt like it shattered something inside and I needed time to gather myself . Mr . Duncan said before that I would have to see a therapist and I can understand why . I'm still broken . Maybe not on the outside anymore, but definitely on the inside .
After twenty or so minutes, I felt better . Maybe crying is a stress reliever? I got up, stretched, and went to the bathroom to wash my face . Then I went to go look for Noah . Maybe his brothers were back and that's why he didn't come back .
I heard voices coming from the dining room so I peeked in . Mrs . Atkins and Mr . Duncan were on one side of the table talking to one another, while Noah was on the other end just frowning at them .
Mr . Duncan noticed me first . "Oh, hi Jake . How's it going? Getting adjusted?"
I nodded once . Noah and his mom were very welcoming .
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"That's good . " He nodded in satisfaction . "I wanted to be here for you when you meet the rest of the Atkins in case you get overwhelmed . "
I tilted my head in confusion . Why would I get overwhelmed?
"He's not that wimpy . " Noah rolled his eyes .
"Noah James . " Mrs . Atkins frowned . "Mr . Duncan is just doing his job, looking out for Jake . "
"I'll be looking out for him . " Noah gave me a smile . "I wouldn't let anything happen to my little brother . "
I felt warm inside from his sincerity . Noah made me feel safer than anyone I've met, including police and doctors . I went over and sat next to him to show Mr . Duncan that I believe in Noah .
Mr . Duncan gave a light laugh . "I'm glad you guys have bonded so quickly . Nonetheless I have to make sure your brothers and dad have the right attitudes to a new addition . Even if you guys pass tonight, I will still have to make visits every now and then . Scheduled visits and surprise visits . I'll also receive progress reports from your school, therapist, Mary and Wayne . And I'll also be giving you updates on the search for your dad . "
I turned away to show my displeasure .
Noah took note . "You don't want them to find your dad?"
I sneered . He didn't want me to begin with; why would he want me now . He already has the son he wants .
Noah looked upset and asked Mr . Duncan, "What if his dad isn't a good dad?"
Mr . Duncan was caught off guard . "Uh, well, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it . We're still looking through records just trying to find a name so it won't be any time soon . "
Noah didn't look happy with that answer, but I didn't mind . They could take all the time they need . Finding him would be pointless .
"Jake doesn't need him anyways . " Noah huffed . "A dad like that already ran off on him so what's the point wasting time looking for a deadbeat . Jake can just stay with us . "
"Noah . " Mrs . Atkins warned . "You don't speak ill about strangers . There could be circumstances that couldn't be helped . You should always look for the best in the people and not assume the worst . What does making assumptions do?"
"Make an ass out of you and me . " Noah sighed, but I laughed . I've never heard of a saying like that . "Mom has a lot of those . She's what you call an optimist . Always seeing the bright side of things . Just wait until dinner . "
"Oh . Dinner . I should get the Salisbury steaks out of the oven and finish the sides . " Mrs . Atkins got up in a hurry . "Why don't you set the table, Noah? Let Mr . Duncan chat with Jake . "
"Ridiculous . Jake only talks to me . "
Mr . Duncan looked at us in surprise . "You've heard Jake talk?"
"A little here and there . " Noah slapped my shoulder . "It's a work in progress . "
Mr . Duncan looked at us, happy .
Chapter end
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