Tuesday, July 10, 2007

   Second Chapter of my story so enjoy
Fred stopped the car but, thankfully, he didnt open the door right away. He turned to look at me. "Are you okay kiddo?" He asked. I had to swallow a couple of times before I could answer. "NO" "Look" he said Reaching into his shirt pocket. "Before we go in, I have something for you, It might make you feel better about everything." He handed me an envolope. "Thanks." I was surprised. He'd only taken over my case amonth ago.And in a whole string of social workers, not one had ever given me a gift. I hoped it was money. "Can I open it now?" A funny smile crinkled his face and a sparkle in his eyes made him look like a mad little elf. "No wait until later, When you;re on the computer." he said. By the time "later" came, my head was spinning. Maybe it was the cake Susan had made--Super sweet yellow with choclate icing, my favorite. Someone must have told her. (Fred) It was nice of her to make it and I managed to choke some down but I was uptight for one thing, the daughter Kelly wasnt exactly my type. She was skinny and tailored and tense. But Susan clearly thought that since we were both fifteen we were going to be the best of friends. "Now, you each have your own bedroom" Susan said upstairs after Fred had left and we'd brought in all my stuff. "You share the study and bathroom" My bedroom looked like the set of CITY GIRLS GO COUNTRY: Hardwood floors, fringy little rugs, and ruffled curtains tied back with yellow ribbons. I could tell Susan had decorated it and wanted me to gush. Well, tough. Sure, I was grateful to have my own room But this place totally wasnt me. I was chrome and black leather, not flowers and country charm. Just more evidence that this wasnt the right place for me. When I saw the computer in the study I brightened up. While I was here until I came up with a new plan at least I could stay in touch with my old friends. "I need to check my email," I said "I need the computer tonight too," Kelly said quickly. "Homework." "I'm sure you two can negotiate that," Susan said "Kelly you've got laundry in the basement to fold and put away and Trinity, you need to get your things organized for school tomorrow." "Whoa," I said "Wait up I cant start school tomorrow." "Why not" Susans eyebrows went up just a little. Because i'm freaking out here "I, um, Im not registered, Dont I have to do some official stuff first?" "I've got it all taken care of," Susan said "I'll go in with you tomorrow and we'll finalize your classs but thats it. You should be able to start with your homeroom period an go through the day." "Moma effiecient" Kelly said. I excused myself went into the bright pink bathroom I was to share with Kelly and threw up. When I came back out and went into my bedroom Susan was waiting.. "Are you okay?" I nodded "I just havent been feeling all that great maybe I have a little flu. Maybe I shouldnt go to school tomorrow" Susan patted the bed beside her and I sat down keeping a good foot of distance between me but I could tell she wanted to put her arm around me, but no matter what her title was shw wasnt my mother, and I wasnt staying so there was no point in getting all lovey-dovey. "Trinity," She said "I know this must be very difficult for you leaving you old home and strating out new." Its okay." I lied. Obviously she didnt believe me. "Even though Its hard, I want you to go to school tomorrow unless youre really sick. We believe in good school attendace in this family" I stared down at my knees. I wasnt really sick but I dreaded the tought of starting out new, in the middle of tenth grade at some school where everyone already had their friends. "Kelly will help you get through the day," She said. "and we'll make sure you know your way around." "Its a small school, so I think you'll find it a lot friendlier than what youre used too." "Sure" I said. I could tell there was no point in arguing with Susan After all she was a lawyer. Anywya, it was only for a few days," Good girl" She scooted over and gave me a little squeeze around my shoulders. I went into my fence post act. No way was I hugging her back. She stood up. "Now, I'll bet you can get on that computer before ke;;y comes back up." The thought of e mailing Nate made me smile. "Thanks" I said and I meant it. Moments later I was online and just as I'd hoped there was an email from Nate.

HEY BABE I MISS YOU WANT LOVE YOU SCOPE THE SCEEN AND TELL ME WHEN I'LL SNAG A CAR AND COME VISIT ITS NOT THE SAME AROUND HERE WITHOUT YOU.

I wrapped my arms around my middle as I read it again and again. Nate wasnt much of a talker but he was sincere and he had respect. We'd been together for a year and before I left we swore we'd stay faithful to each other I answered e-mails from some other friends and surfed a little. Kelly wasnt back yet and I figured she was talking to her mom. I didnt feel tired more like high sturng and worried and I didnt know what to do with myself. The I remembered the card old fred had given me. I got it out and opened it. The card itself looked like fred witha swirled design anc a cosmic poem inside. No money unfortunaltely. Freds message said, "If you ever feel like going home check out this site." and there was a web address. Oh, geez. Probably some psychologival site for unhappy teens. But wha the hey I qualified for that! I typed in the address: www.ALTLIVES.com. What came up was a game. Some gift. I mean, I know social workers didnt make much money but to tell me hes giving me a gift and then point me to a website with some silly computer game... Oh well. Fred wasnt the first social worker to disappoint me. Just for fun I stated playing. The first prompt was a car shows up in your driveway, Freds driving...........


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