My Teddy

18

Brooklyn

"Yeah, I was 2 years old when Gabby and Danny's mom adopted me."
I say, smiling fondly at the memory.

"Hmm."
Teddy nuzzles his head in my neck, humming.

This is really starting to confuse me.

Him.

His actions. The way he looks at me now.

It's not how it was at first.

"I actually didn't meet my real parents till I was 14."
I answer when Jacobs asks.

"Isn't that weird? Calling both of your mom's mom?"
Teddy asks quietly, raising his head just a little.

"Oh, I don't. I call my biological mom by her name, Julia."
I answer, sighing sadly when he moves all the way away from me.

Why did he move?

I was comfortable.

"And your dad?"
Jacob asks.

"I call him dad. Mom's husband died when I was 4. I don't remember him much."
I say softly.

"Me either."
Gabby says.

I turn in my seat, giving her a sad smile.

Teddy starts rubbing the back of my hand like he did in the car.

I wonder what he's thinking.

"So doesn't it be like, awkward when you have all of your parents in the same room?"
He asks, his eyes glued to the window.

I frown.

Absolutely not.

"No. My mom and Julia are really close. They have been ever since they met. My dad is like mom's sister. Yeah, it's kind of confusing."
I add.

Teddy turns to me.

He smiles slowly.

"Not really. I get it. It sounds nice."
He says softly.

I groan, looking away.

"Ugh. You're making me feel so bad right now."
I feel a little ashamed.

"What? Brooklyn, why-"

"Just...nevermind. I'll shut up."
I mumble, still not looking at him.

I can't.

Jacob and Brook remain quiet.

Teddy sighs.

"Brooklyn, look at me, princess."
He says quietly.

I almost don't hear it.

I turn back to him slowly.

He's frowning.

"I asked. Which means I wanted to hear about it. No need to feel bad. I want to get to know you a little better, I don't want you feeling uncomfortable talking about your family with me."
He mutters, staring into my eyes.

I blush, looking away.

His hand shoots up and he takes ahold​ of my chin.

"Okay?"
He asks, as my eyes connect with his again.

I find myself nodding.

"And that goes the same for me. You can ask me anything you want, whenever you want. I wouldn't mind. We're friends. Friends tell each other stuff."
He adds, which makes me think about what I was thinking earlier.

The possibility of my Teddy getting hurt.

Abused.

My eyes tear up at just the thought.