597 V2 ch69 (2/2)

I shook my head. ”Not yet. They just got all the paperwork in. I think there's a few more steps? I'm not sure.”

”Ok..?” Jeremy looked confused. ”What's wrong? Do you guys need my help or something?”

I shook my head again. ”No. I just wanted to tell you that, I'm going to call them, 'Mom' and 'Dad'. In fact, I started to do so on Thursday.” I watched his face closely as I told him my decision.

”Oh.” He looked stunned.

He didn't say anything else so I asked, ”Do you call Uncle Jack your dad?”

”What? No.” He was thrown off by my question. ”I-” He stopped, then started again. ”He's my uncle. Not my dad. He may be a father figure, but he can't replace Dad.” He looked me in the eyes, a little dispirited. ”Our dad will forever be 'Dad' to me. I know you don't remember him, but it's different for me. Dad taught me how to ride a bike, tie my shoes, swing a bat, and throw a ball. I-I-I couldn't call someone else 'Dad'.”

I felt like I didn't have his approval. Not that I needed it, but...it would have been nice to know that I can claim the Atkins as my parents.

Jeremy was quick to notice my crestfallen expression. ”Hey, hey, don't get depressed. I didn't mean that you can't call the Atkins 'Mom' and 'Dad'. I'm just explaining why I don't call Uncle Jack like that. You...you can call them that. It must be a good feeling for you right?”

I nodded. ”I really like them.” I really want to fit in.

”That's good then. I know they like you too.” He said, patting my shoulder. ”Is it weird for you?”

I shrugged. ”A little. But, in a surreal feeling way. Like...I feel scared that it's a dream and I'll wake up.”

Jeremy gave my shoulder a squeeze. ”It's real. I'm happy that you told me. I would have been a little offended if you didn't.”

I looked up at him.

”Doesn't it feel like we're a little closer now?” He asked, smiling. ”We share our thoughts and feelings. I'm happy that you're happy. I'm happy that you're considerate of my feelings. I'm happy that you don't hate me. I'm happy.”

I let out a breath I had been holding. ”Yea...I feel like...we're moving on.” I glanced into the crowd for a second. ”Do you think Uncle Jack will cause the Atkins trouble with the adoption stuff?”

”No.” Jeremy stated firmly. ”Is that something you worry about?”

I nodded.

”I'll talk to him. He's not that hard to get along with. I know you have some negative connotations about him, but he's someone I can rely on.”

”What did Rose think of him at dinner on Thursday?” I asked, remembering her weird look when Noah asked.

Jeremy looked taken aback. ”Why would you ask about that?”

”Curiosity.” Rose is a nice person.

”Dinner went well. I introduced her to all of them. Uncle Jack, Aunt Ilene, their kids. Our cousins.” He smiled. ”You said you would meet our cousins right?”

I shrugged, kind of remembering a small detail like that, but all I could think about was how he thought they were more his siblings than I was.

”We can plan something this summer.” Jeremy started to come up with some suggestions. ”Either you all come to a game or maybe on one of my off days we'll have lunch or dinner.”

”I'm taking a summer class.” I reminded him. ”Monday to Thursday, 9am to noon.”

”Ah, right! I'll keep that in mind.”