We walk out of the bathroom and I smooth my clothes and he shakes his hair like a dog which gets me to laugh. When I hear the doorbell. As I walk toward the door I whip my head and throw a face saying _I told you so_ to Caden and he grinned. I open the door, “Hi Kallian! Thank you for having us over.” I grin letting them come in, “I’m glad you could come. Dinner was just made so you came right on time.” Then I see Cadens sister talking to Caden and he turns read as she turns to me with a raised eyebrow. “I’m not blind. Plus I know my brother. “ and I barked out a laugh. Caden and I led them to the table that we extended and they sat down as I got the food. Josie took a large sniff and sighed, “that smells amazing.”

I thanked her as I dished it onto their plates.

I sat beside Caden, and across from his parents.

“This looks amazing! What’s it called?” His mom asked.

“It’s called Greek Chicken. I can give you the recipe if you’d like,”

A wide smile split her face “that would be perfect.”

I smiled and gestured for them to dig in and we did. Caden ate it all super quickly.

“So, Kallian, how’s school been going?” His father asked me and it wasn’t a bad question. Not anymore. But Caden being a sweetheart looked at me with a glance saying I didn’t have to respond.

“It’s actually been really good. It’s getting easier- and we’ll- I’ve got someone by my side.” I smile softly nudging Caden with my knee.

“That’s good. I’m glad Caden can be used for something!” Josie stated which got the whole table to laugh. She’s an angel.

We had more conversations as we continued and I felt very happy to be with a family. Then his mom asked a question,

“Where are your parents?”

“Mom-“ Caden began

“No no. It’s ok. Well, my parents chose to go off and live closer to my brother in college while I was not in the best place mentally. But, I managed and I’m better. A lot better actually.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know it was a rough topic but I’m glad you are back on your feet.” Cadens dad said gently.

“Thank you.”

After dinner his mom pulled me to the side.

“Hey I apologize for asking about a touchy subject.”

I opened my mouth to speak and she put a finger up to silence me. “But, I want you to know that even though I don’t know you well i will always be here to be a mother figure for you. You are already like family.” My lips began to tremble and she pulled me into a hug as I thanked her holding back the tears.

When they left they let Caden stay over for the night.

Caden asked about what his mom said to me.

I told him. He pulled me into a hug kissing my head and said that I was always welcome.

I fell asleep in his arms in my room. Safe. Home. He was home.