Scarlett's POV
New York City never fails to amaze me with its vibrant energy. It's a city that holds so many old and new memories. Today, it's buzzing with excitement as I navigate the bustling streets with Archer. It's been a few days since we went house hunting, and it is becoming clear that Archer loves it here. Although we have learnt the hard way that when walking around in New York, headphones are a must for Archer since there is always so much going on.
Now, as we explore the streets of New York, I'm filled with anticipation and joy as I prepare Archer to meet the rest of our family. She has only met Hunter so far, who has been a loving and supportive uncle to her. Ever since their hide-and-seek game, it has become clear that the two are trouble together, but the best kind. Watching them together is a fantastic feeling. But there's a whole clan of talented and caring individuals waiting to welcome her with open arms, or at least I'm hoping so.
Maybe I should have had Archer meet them individually. Still, they were all so excited, and after finding out that she had already met Hunter, agreeing to go out for dinner with everyone seemed like the easiest way for them all to meet. If I hadn't agreed to this, there was a good chance they would all drop by unannounced; my mom has been dying to meet Archer ever since I mentioned her. Which happened after the first week of knowing Archer.
I glance at Archer, her eyes wide with wonder as she takes in the sights and sounds of the city, her head bopping as she listens to Taylor Swift, who is, without a doubt, her favourite singer. I can't help but smile at her excitement as she plays hopscotch on the sidewalk. Although my smile wavers slightly when I have to jog slightly to catch her, grabbing her hand in mine when she yet again tries to run across the road when she sees a dog.
If there is one thing I have learned since we came to New York, it's that if Archer sees a dog, she is going to try and pet it no matter what. I am honestly considering getting her one in the hopes that it will lower the risk of her running away every time we walk down the street. I would typically drive everywhere, but Archer has been a bundle of energy ever since we got here, so we have been walking whenever possible in an attempt to keep her mellow.
"Archer, baby, today you're going to meet the rest of our family," I say, my voice filled with a mixture of excitement and reassurance. "They're all incredible people, just like you, and I know you're going to love them. Uncle Hunter is going to be there too. So if it all gets too much, you can come to either of us, and we will help you, ok? We can either leave, or you can take a break. You just let me know, and I will help you, ok baby? This is all on your terms."
Archer looks up at me, her eyes flickering with a mix of nerves and anticipation. I take her hand in mine, squeezing it gently to provide comfort. I understand how overwhelming it can be to meet new people, especially when they hold such significance in our lives.
"I promise, Archer, they're going to adore you," I continue, my voice filled with genuine warmth and assurance. "They've been waiting eagerly to meet the talented young actress who has stolen my heart. You bring something truly special to our family."
As Archer and I approach my childhood home, my heart quickens with a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. It's been a while since I last visited, and today holds a special significance as I introduce Archer to my extended family. This gathering brings together generations, a tapestry of love and shared experiences.
We step through the front door, and I'm immediately enveloped in a sense of warmth and familiarity. The scent of home-cooked meals wafts through the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. Archer clings to my hand, her eyes wide with curiosity as she takes in the sights and sounds of my childhood abode.
The first familiar face I spot is my mom, beaming with joy as she approaches us. Her warm embrace engulfs us, and I introduce Archer with a pride that fills every word I speak. "Mom, this is Archer. She's the talented young actress who's become such an important part of my life."
Archer gazes up at my mom, her eyes filled with a mixture of shyness and excitement. My mom's eyes sparkle with affection as she welcomes Archer into her arms. "It's lovely to meet you, dear. Scarlett has told me so much about you. Welcome to our family," my mom says, her voice carrying the genuine warmth and love that I've always known.
Archer's nervousness begins to melt away, replaced by a growing sense of belonging. This is her family now, and their embrace is both reassuring and comforting. As I take in the scene, I spot my dad, a bit further away but with a smile that reaches his eyes. He's always been a quiet presence, but his love for his family runs deep.
"Dad, this is Archer," I say, guiding her towards him. "She's the young actress who has captured my heart. Archer, this is my dad."
Archer meets my dad's gaze, and I see a flicker of recognition in his eyes. His arms open wide, and he welcomes her with a gentle hug. In that embrace, I see the bond between them forming, a testament to the way love transcends blood ties.
The room fills with the lively chatter of my siblings. My sister, Vanessa, exudes infectious energy as she introduces herself to Archer, offering words of encouragement and sisterly advice. My brothers, Hunter and Adrian, stand tall and proud, their expressions mirroring the joy and love that radiates from within.
Archer is introduced to everyone; her presence is met with warmth and genuine interest. She's embraced as one of our own, a new member of this loving and diverse family. I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the connections we've forged.
As the joyful atmosphere envelops us, Archer immerses herself in the vibrant energy of my family. Laughter fills the room, and I watch with delight as she connects with each member, her enthusiasm infectious.
But as the excitement intensifies, I notice Archer's exuberance escalating beyond her control. She becomes more animated, her movements quick and erratic. My family watches curiously, their expressions shifting from amusement to concern.
Sensing Archer's growing restlessness, I approach her with a gentle touch on her arm. "Hey, sweetheart, is everything okay?" I inquire, my voice filled with genuine concern. Deep down, I feel frustrated, unable to help her find her balance amid the overwhelming stimulation. It hurts to see her in distress, and I wish there were something more I could do.
"I'm fine!" she snaps, her words laced with frustration. The tension in her voice echoes the turmoil brewing within. I take a step back, caught off guard by her response, and I can feel my own anxiety rising. I want to support her, but her refusal only adds to my worry.
The room falls silent as my family observes the interaction, their expressions shifting to a mix of empathy and uncertainty. It's the first time they witness Archer's struggles firsthand, and I can sense their desire to help, tempered by the unfamiliarity of the situation.
Attempting to diffuse the tension, my sister Vanessa steps forward with a compassionate smile. "Archer, it's okay. We understand. Sometimes things can get overwhelming, especially in a new environment," she says, her voice soft and comforting. "Let us know if you need anything or want some quiet time. We're here for you."
Archer's frustration seems to waver as Vanessa's words sink in. She glances around the room, taking in the understanding gazes of my family. The realization that she's not alone in her struggles begins to chip away at her resistance.
I approach her cautiously, extending my hand. "Archer, love, I know it can be tough, but I'm here to support you. We all are," I say, my voice filled with reassurance. "You don't have to go through this alone."
She hesitates, her eyes flickering with a mix of vulnerability and defiance. But after a moment of contemplation, she finally relents, accepting my outstretched hand. We retreat to a quieter corner of the room, away from the overwhelming stimuli.
Sitting beside her, I wrap my arms around her, providing a familiar anchor amidst the storm of emotions. Her body trembles with residual tension, and I stroke her back gently, offering comfort and understanding.
"You're doing great, Archer," I whisper, my voice filled with unwavering support. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed. Take deep breaths, and focus on your own rhythm. You're stronger than you realize."
Archer's resistance slowly dissipates as the familiar cadence of my voice and touch begins to soothe her frayed nerves. Together, we ride the wave of her emotions, finding solace in the unconditional love surrounding us.
In the background, I can see my family observing our tender moment, their eyes filled with empathy and compassion. They understand now, firsthand, the challenges that Archer faces. And in their understanding, I find a renewed gratitude for their strength and support.
As Archer's energy keeps bubbling inside her, I realize that just changing the setting won't be enough to calm her down. So, I look around the room, trying to find a way to channel her excitement in a positive way. And then it hits me—we should have a family workout session.
"Hey, Archer," I suggest with a mischievous grin, "how about we take our energy outside and get a good workout together? I think it could be a great way to let go of some of that built-up energy."
Archer's eyes light up, and her enthusiasm comes back to life. She nods eagerly, ready to take on the challenge. With the support of my family, we head outside, greeted by the refreshing embrace of fresh air and open spaces.
We all gather in the backyard, a place filled with memories of family get-togethers and fun moments from my own childhood. Archer takes the lead, her boundless energy contagious as she guides us through stretches and warm-up exercises.
My siblings and parents join in, their initial doubts replaced by excitement as they witness Archer's incredible stamina and determination. Even Hunter and Adrian, who are already fitness enthusiasts, look at Archer in awe, realizing she's a force to be reckoned with.
Together, we dive into a high-energy workout session filled with laughter, support, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Archer surprises us all with her never-ending energy, pushing herself beyond what we thought was possible for someone her age.
I watch with pride and a hint of amusement as Archer leads us through a series of exercises, her infectious enthusiasm motivating us to keep going. She jumps, skips, and lunges with unwavering dedication, her vibrant spirit lighting up the whole space.
The boys, initially sceptical, quickly gain immense respect for Archer's abilities. They join her in push-ups, squats, and burpees, fueling their competitive nature as they try to keep up with the amazing young girl who's become part of our family. Sweat drips down their faces as they push themselves to match her pace.
As the workout progresses, I witness our family bonds grow more robust. Covered in sweat and out of breath, we cheer each other on, celebrating every small achievement. Archer's energy spreads like wildfire, bringing us closer as we embrace the shared experience of pushing our physical limits.
I catch Archer's eye, and we exchange a knowing smile. She thrives in this environment, finding comfort and empowerment in physical activity. It's a testament to her resilience, reminding us all that she has an unyielding determination to overcome any challenge.
Amidst our collective efforts' laughter and sounds, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. Grateful for this incredible young girl who has brought so much joy into my life. Grateful for the love and support of my family, who have welcomed Archer as their own.
As we reach the end of the workout, we gather in a huddle, catching our breath and savouring the sense of accomplishment. Archer's vibrant spirit radiates, igniting a spark within each of us. Sweaty and exhilarated, we exchange proud glances, knowing that this shared experience has solidified our family bond.
At that moment, it hits me that it's not just Archer who has grown within this family. We have all been transformed by the love and acceptance we share. And as we stand together, united in strength and resilience, I'm reminded once again of the extraordinary power of family and the incredible impact a single person can have on everyone around them.
With a heart full of love and renewed gratitude, I wrap my arms around Archer, ready to face the future together. As we head back into the house, the echoes of laughter and animated conversation follow us, a testament to our unbreakable bond.
Note to self. Fly with Archer after she has spent a good few hours working out and tiring herself out because getting her up at four am and then straight onto a flight was a big mistake on my part. I am not complaining because despite spending the whole six hours fidgeting, she really did try her best to be well-behaved. I was more annoyed by the people around us than Archer. They kept sending her dirty looks and glares as I tried to entertain her with a game of I Spy while simultaneously having a thumb war with her since she was still refusing to use a fiddle toy.
"Ceiling?" She asks, her eyes darting around the cabin as she tries to figure out what I am thinking while also taking everything and anything in around her. I am starting to see the floor in playing this game with her. "Ceiling starts with a C, baby. My word starts with S," I explain softly, watching her with soft eyes as she frowns at herself. "Sorry," she mumbles, dropping my hand as her leg bounces more aggressively.
"It's ok, baby; it's a hard word to know what it starts with. The word was stewardess baby, it's another word for an air hostess, and it was a difficult one. Do you want to cuddle for a bit, maybe watch a movie instead? I downloaded some for you on your iPad," I offer, although Archer never gets to respond because I can hear the guy next to us scoffing. "Spoiled brat", no way, I just heard that.
"Excuse me, what did you just say?" I ask, turning to face him as he continues to glare, shaking his head at Archer, who is tapping her fingers on the tray in front of her now as well. She is just a bundle of uncontrollable energy right now. "I said she is a spoiled brat. She seems pretty dumb, too, after listening to that pitiful game of I Spy. Do you mind getting her under control? This is first class; I would like some peace and quiet," the man continued, my blood boiling at his words.
"I'm sorry, who the hell do you think you are, speaking about my daughter like that? She is doing nothing to harm you. If anything, you are making more noise than she has," I hiss, trying not to make a scene, although this man is asking for a severe beating right now. He just scoffed, shaking his head at me. "Who brings a ten-year-old into first-class anyway?" He complains this guy is seriously out of line. What the hell is his problem?
"Look, I don't know what your issue is, but if you could just give it a rest, that would be great," I hiss, taking note of Archer, who is clearly becoming agitated by this guy's attitude. I don't want to upset her because she is clearly overstimulated, so I can't put this guy in his place, despite wanting nothing more. He knows absolutely nothing about Archer and her life, so who the hell is he to call her a spoiled brat? She is the furthest from that possible. I mean, I would give her anything she asked for happily, but she has worked hard for the things she has. Plus, she is in first class because I am, and I can't leave her alone to fly, can I? I can hear the guy mumbling, but I just ignore him, scooping a very fidgety Archer up before sliding into her seat, which is further away from that dick who was just spouting crap, as I settle her on my lap. Or at least try to.
"We only have an hour left, and as soon as we land, we can go home, and you can hit the gym," I tell her softly, holding her tight against my chest as I try and soothe her. Poor thing is very clearly overwhelmed, and her earphones are not doing enough to help her. She just squirms on my lap; her face dug into my neck as her hand taps what I think is my heartbeat on my chest lightly. I have never seen her this bad, and it is breaking my heart. "Baby, I have ear defenders in my bag. Should we try them?" I offer, playing with her hair which I had stuck braids into earlier. I know she hates them, but it is clear she is overwhelmed right now and needs a safe zone right now.
Archer lifts her head slightly, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. The overwhelming noise and sensory overload seem to have taken a toll on her. She indicates her willingness to try the ear defenders with a soft nod. I quickly reach into my bag and retrieve them, gently placing the protective headphones over her ears.
As the noise is muted, Archer visibly relaxes, her body finally finding some respite from the constant bombardment of stimuli. She snuggles closer to me, seeking comfort and security in my embrace. I hold her tenderly, running my fingers through her hair, offering a soothing presence in the midst of the chaotic environment.
The man who had been causing trouble sits there, silent and uncomfortable, perhaps realizing the impact of his thoughtless remarks. I pay him no further attention, focusing solely on Archer and her well-being. I refuse to let his ignorance and judgment affect us any longer.
The minutes tick by, the plane steadily descending towards our destination. Archer's breathing begins to steady, her restless energy gradually subsiding. I whisper words of encouragement and praise in her ear, reminding her of her strength and resilience. She is not defined by her ADHD or dyslexia; she is a remarkable individual with boundless potential.
As we touch down at the airport in Los Angeles, I feel a mix of relief and gratitude. The flight was arduous, but we made it through together. I gather our belongings, keeping a watchful eye on Archer, ensuring she feels supported every step of the way.
Once we step off the plane and make our way through the bustling airport, Archer's spirits start to lift. The change of scenery and the familiarity of home beckoned her. We finally exit the terminal, greeted by the warm California sun and a sense of relief washing over us.
"Are you feeling better, sweetheart?" I ask, my voice filled with tenderness as I take her hand in mine. Archer nods, a faint smile gracing her lips. The worst of the ADHD episode is behind us, and we can now focus on regaining our balance.
Once we step off the plane and make our way through the bustling airport, I notice Archer gradually regaining her composure. The change in the environment seems to have a calming effect on her as we navigate the crowded terminal.
We make our way to the baggage claim area, where Archer's excitement reignites as she spots our suitcases making their way around the conveyor belt. With a renewed burst of energy, she eagerly helps me retrieve our luggage, her enthusiasm contagious as she bounces around, ensuring we don't miss anything.
As we exit the airport, the warm California sun embraces us, signalling the start of our adventure. I take a moment to appreciate the palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, the clear blue sky stretching endlessly above us. It's a stark contrast to the confined space of the aeroplane, and I can see the relief on Archer's face as she takes in the new surroundings.
Our journey continues as we make our way to the car rental. Archer eagerly takes on the navigator role, holding the map and helping me navigate the unfamiliar roads. She embraces the challenge with gusto, her determination shining through as she directs me with unwavering confidence.
With the windows rolled down and the wind tousling our hair, we embark on a scenic drive along the coastline, the ocean stretching out before us in all its majestic splendour. Archer's face lights up as she catches glimpses of the crashing waves and the seagulls soaring overhead. It's moments like these that make me cherish our time together and the incredible bond we share.
Our destination is a cosy beach house nestled along the shoreline, a tranquil retreat that promises relaxation and rejuvenation. Archer's excitement bubbles over as we step out of the car and make our way inside. She explores every nook and cranny, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar surroundings.
As the evening approaches, we find ourselves on the sandy beach, the sound of the waves providing a soothing backdrop to our conversations. Archer skips along the water's edge, her laughter filling the air as she chases seagulls and collects seashells. It's a moment of pure joy and serenity, a respite from the challenges we faced during the flight.
As the sun sets, casting a warm golden glow across the horizon, we gather around a crackling bonfire, it's flickering flames dancing in rhythm with our shared stories and laughter. Archer's eyes sparkle with delight as she roasts marshmallows and indulges in sweet treats, savouring the simple pleasures of this special evening.
As the night draws to a close, we retreat to the comfort of our beach house, exhaustion tugging at our bodies. Archer curls up in her bed, her energy spent but her spirit still vibrant. I tuck her in, gently kissing her forehead, grateful for the precious moments we shared.
As I turn off the lights and settle into bed, I can't help but reflect on the incredible journey we've been on together. From the challenges of the flight to the serenity of the beach, Archer has shown me the power of resilience, the importance of embracing every moment, and the strength of the bond that holds us together as a family.
Tomorrow, a new adventure awaits us, filled with possibilities and the promise of discovery. But for now, as we drift off to sleep, I find solace in knowing that no matter where our journey takes us, Archer's indomitable spirit will guide us through, lighting the way with her infectious energy and unwavering determination.