Meeting Noelle 2

As I followed the receptionist across the small playroom, my heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. I couldn't shake the feeling that this 17-year-old girl, Noelle, seems kind of different from the other children I had encountered. There was an air of vulnerability about her, a fragility that tugged at my heartstrings.

The receptionist stopped in front of Noelle, who was still curled up in the corner, her eyes fixed on the floor. "Noelle, dear, there's someone I'd like you to meet," she said in a gentle, coaxing tone.

Slowly, Noelle lifted her head, her gaze meeting at me for the briefest of moments before darting away. I felt a pang of empathy at the sight of her guarded demeanor.

"Noelle, this is James," the receptionist continued. "He's here because he's interested in adopting a child, and he was wondering if you'd be willing to chat with him a bit."

Noelle remained silent, her fingers nervously picking at the hem of her sleeve. I could see the apprehension etched on her face, and I knew I would need to tread carefully.

"Hi, Noelle," I said, my voice is soft and warm, my body is already in heat as soon as I said that. "It's nice to meet you." I paused, unsure of how to proceed. "I, uh, I kind of want to adopt a daughter because I want to. But I promise I'm not here to scare you or pressure you into anything. I just... I'd really like the chance to get to know you better."

Noelle's gaze flickered up to meet me, and for a moment, I could see the glimmer of emotion behind her guarded expression. I held her gaze, offering a gentle smile, hoping to convey my sincerity.

After what felt like an eternity, Noelle finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Okay."

The receptionist beamed, pleased to see the initial ice being broken. "Wonderful! I'll leave you two to get acquainted. Let me know if you need anything."

As the receptionist stepped away, I slowly lowered himself to the floor, maintaining a respectful distance from Noelle. I didn't want to overwhelm her, so I decided to start with something simple.

"So, Noelle, what kinds of things do you like to do for fun?" I asked, leaning back against the wall.

Noelle's brow furrowed slightly, as if she were trying to remember the last time she had done something purely for enjoyment. "I... I don't know," she admitted, her gaze shifting to the floor once more.

I nodded, understanding the hesitation in her voice. "That's okay. You know, I can give you whatever you want when we are out of here after signing the contract."

Noelle's eyes slowly lifted to meet me, a flicker of recognition in her expression. I took that as an encouraging sign and pressed on.

"But, you know, once I got a little older and started to find my own way, I discovered all sorts of things that I actually enjoyed doing. Like, uh, reading old books, or taking long walks in the park. Simple things, but they really made a difference, you know?"

Emma remained silent, but I could see the wheels turning in her mind, I didn't know doing this is really hard. I decided to shift the conversation in a different direction, hoping to learn a bit more about her.

"So, what's your story, Noelle? How did you end up here?" I paused, then quickly added, "I mean, you don't have to share if you don't want to. I just... I'd like to understand a little more about you, if you're willing."

For a moment, Noelle's eyes clouded with a deep sadness, and I immediately regretted pushing too hard. But then, to my surprise, she began to speak.

"I, um... I was with my family for a long time," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We were... we were happy. But then, one day, everything changed." Her fingers clenched around the fabric of her sleeve, and I could see the telltale signs of distress.

"Hey, it's okay," I said quickly, my tone soothing. "You don't have to talk about it if it's too hard. I didn't mean to pry."

Noelle shook her head, her gaze meeting his with a newfound determination. "No, it's... it's okay. I want to tell you." She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "My parents, they... they were in an accident. They didn't make it."

I felt my heart ache at the raw pain in her words, SH*T, I SHOULDN'T HAVE ASKED THAT, THAT WAS MESSED UP. I instinctively wanted to reach out and comfort her, but I held back, knowing that physical contact might only serve to push her further away.

"I'm so sorry, Noelle," I said, my voice thick with empathy. "That must have been so difficult. I can't even imagine how you must have felt."

Noelle nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It was... it was the worst thing that's ever happened to me. I was all alone, with no one else to turn to. That's how I ended up here, at the adoption agency."

I felt a deep admiration for the young woman in front of him, despite her obvious pain. Her resilience and courage in the face of such tragedy were truly inspiring.

"Well, Noelle, I want you to know that you're not alone anymore," I said, leaning in slightly. "I may not be able to replace your family, but I'd like to be here for you, if you'll let me."

Noelle's eyes widened, a flicker of hope shining through the sorrow. "You... you'd really want to do that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, a gentle smile spreading across my face. "More than anything. I want to give you the family you deserve, Noelle. If you'll have me, I'd be honored to be your father."

For the first time since their encounter, Noelle's lips curved into a tentative smile, and I knew in that moment that I had found my new daughter.

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