Welcome Home

Amy was on the porch with welcome home balloons, while the food and drinks were inside along with a few welcome home gifts. She knew her Granddaughter had gone through some things with her daughter and the man she married but didn't really know to what extent. So she was very happy inside to have her Granddaughter live with her permanently. Hoping it is not too late to show her how to enjoy life, enjoy being a child in a loving home. She knew she would have to be patient and hoped that she could be. There was just so much to ask and to do for her Grandchild. As soon as they were in sight, Amy stood up and walked towards Alex and Gabriela. Being overwhelmed with joy by the sight of her Granddaughter, despite her tomboyish looks, she couldn't help but smile. Her joy quickly fading to sadness as she noticed her Granddaughter's blank expression. It has been a few years since she last saw her Granddaughter. It seems that since then nothing has gotten better. When Amy did try talking to both her own Daughter as well as her Granddaughter. Her Daughter would defend her husband, saying it was just discipline, while Gabriela would just keep her head down as if it was really her fault for the "discipline" she received.

Quickly Amy went to grab her Granddaughters' hands and welcomed her, trying to sound happy despite her sadness. Even though Gabriela knew it was her Grandmother, she immediately retracted her hands and stepped back. Amy was shocked, her heart sinking even more. Trying not to cry and pull her Granddaughter into a hug, she took a deep breath and looked at Alex thanking him for bringing her Granddaughter home and that she didn't need any more assistance today. Alex forced a smile saying "You're welcome", before turning to look at the little girl beside him and said it was nice meeting her before he left. He said meeting since it was actually the first time they were formally introduced and the fact that she treated him as a stranger.

Recalling her actions, from the way she dressed, gripping her suitcase like it was her lifeline, the bruises on her wrists, staying silent but cautious of him during the trip to Amy's house, caused Alex to think Gabriela might have been bullied before. Seeing her back away from her Grandmother confirmed that she has been bullied, the next question though, would be why? He really hoped that he would have a chance to tell her not to worry anymore because he would look out for her and be there for her if anyone dare try to bully her.

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Amy asked Gabriela how she was and she just said, "Fine". Not once looking at her Grandmother as they continued to walk towards her room. Gabriela was fidgety, nervous her Grandmother would also notice her wrists and question her when she really didn't want to talk about it. Arriving at her room she, said "Thank you" in a barely audible voice before quickly walking inside and closing the door, not allowing her Grandmother to say anything else. As soon as the door closed Gabriela started unpacking, showered then fell asleep on her bed, exhausted both physically and mentally. The next morning, Amy called Gabriela down for breakfast but didn't hear any reply or any noise coming from upstairs. Worried, Amy went to Gabriela's room as fast as she could, knocked on the door, and when there was still no answer, taking a deep breath, her mind thinking the worst, she slowly opened the door only to find a sleeping girl sprawled out on the bed. Amy let out her breath and placed her hand over her heart, she was so happy that her granddaughter had not hurt herself or committed suicide. She then left closing the door behind her. Wondering how long it has been since her Granddaughter was able to get a good night's sleep. After breakfast, Amy made sure to call the Doctor and set an appointment for her Granddaughter to get a check-up. To make sure she has all her shots and to see to what extent she has been abused. She knew of the saying 'Love is Blind' and the man her daughter was in love with was a no-good sweet talker. She wanted custody of her Grandbaby as soon as she found out that the Father was an abusive drunk. But to her dismay her Daughter refused.

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It was noon now and you could hear footsteps coming down slowly. Amy looked towards the stairs to see her granddaughter wide awake and cautious of her surroundings. Gabriela was also fully dressed in a long-sleeved shirt (with an extra shirt underneath for protection), loose-fitting pants (with leggings underneath for protection), and hair combed. Amy smiled and greeted her Granddaughter. Her Granddaughter greeted her back and asked if she could have something to eat. Amy told her she is making some sandwiches and she could grab a bag of chips or a snack to go with it as well as anything to drink from the fridge. When Gabriela received the sandwich she said thanks and began to eat. After lunch, Amy explained that she had set a doctor's appointment for the following week for Gabriela. She saw for just a brief moment, the look of shock in her Granddaughter's eyes. She then asked casually when the last time she had been to the doctor, but Gabriela kept quiet. Amy took that as an 'it has been a very long time or never' answer and was grieved. That only proved that her Granddaughter had been hit or worse, beaten, by that drunkard.

Amy explained to Gabriela, that she would wait until after Spring Break to enroll her into school, allowing her time to relax and familiarize herself with her new surroundings. Also that she would not have to worry about what to wear since they had a school uniform. Gabriela asked if she would be able to wear pants, her voice monotone every time she spoke. Amy said she will ask the school and let her know. Gabriela just said ok in confirming she understood everything. Then Amy asked if she would like Alex to show her around the neighborhood and take her to school or would she prefer to go by herself. Gabriela said by herself. Amy sighed but agreed. Amy also explained that Gabriela could eat or drink anything that was in the house and to let her know if there was anything specific she ate or drank. Also that she was able to go outside, but needed to let her know where she was going as well as what time she would be back. Curfew being when it gets dark outside, no later than 8 pm during the summertime.