410 All Out In The Open Now (2/2)

Mr. Atkins frowned. "Slightly similar, but there are some differences."

"I'm..really angry." I sighed. And tired. I was really tired of this. "At him. Them. My mother."

"Don't keep it bottled in. You can talk to me and Mary about anything. Same with Dr. Moore and Mr. Duncan." Mr. Atkins put an arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer to keep me warm from the cool evening air. "I'm sorry we went behind your back when Mary took the trip to your old home."

I was confused on where he was going with that, but then I realized he wanted an apology too. We all kept secrets from each other. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys about my brother."

"It's okay. We all make mistakes." Mr. Atkins smiled at me.

Feeling shy, I looked out to the ocean. We sat in silence for a few minutes. "What happens now? Are...they going...to take me away?"

"Not necessarily." Mr. Atkins answered. "The first step is to tell Mr. Duncan everything. Then he'll have to confirm your relationship with them." I heard him swallow rather loudly. "After that..."

I looked up at him. "You'll have to give me up?"

"No. Errr." He hesitated. He scooted away so he could look me in the eyes. "Actually. What I'm trying to say is that...we've been hiding something else."

My heart started to pound in nervousness. "What..?"

"Jake, we were looking for your dad too. We want to officially adopt you into our family." Mr. Atkins watched me wearily.

For the first time today, I filled up with warmth. "Okay."

"Okay?" Mr. Atkins repeated. "You...aren't mad at me, are you?"

I laughed a little. "No. The reason Noah and I were looking for my dad...is to get him to sign away his parental rights. I want to stay with you guys all the time. You guys are amazing, kind, loving, and just...just what I think a family should be like."

Mr. Atkins beamed with happiness.

I looked away and rubbed my eyes. "You...do you think that makes me a bad person?" I paused. "Because I want a new family?"

"No way, kiddo. You were dealt a bad hand; nothing you can change about your parents." He patted my head. "It's just another detour for you."

I glanced at him, remembering the first time we came here. So he could tell me about his past and his dad. "You said you didn't get your answers immediately...how long did it take?"

Mr. Atkins smiled crookedly. "It was different for me. I was kicked out. As for you?" He shrugged a little. "We don't know what came first. Did he ever leave you or did he die? That's what Mr. Duncan will find out."

I looked to the sun setting on the ocean. "So...do you think...he loved me?" I took a deep breath. "Like a normal parent?"

Mr. Atkins took some time to respond. "I want to tell you yes. Just because, how could he not? You're a wonderful kid."

"But?" I asked, knowing one was coming.

"But I won't lie to you. I don't know this man. Heck, I hardly know your mom besides what I read. You can't judge someone based on a feeling. I know what your mom did to you, and that makes her a bad person. For your dad, we don't know anything just yet." He rested his hand on top of my head. "Let's wait and see, and reserve judgement for when we know the facts."

I nodded slowly. That's the best I could do for now.