Eye of the Storm -SAFE HOUSE BOOK 2-

7

Opening her closet, she swiped through the clothes she had before finally settling on something that at least closely resembled an outfit Courtney had worn a few weeks before. Zipping up her boots, Briana swung her backpack over one shoulder and headed down to the kitchen, where her foster father was making pancakes. "Hey, Briana. I made coffee if you wanted any. I think everyone else is still upstairs getting ready, but you're welcome to have anything you want for breakfast. Remember, this is your home, now, too," Jamie commented, most likely noticing her anxiety.

That reminder again... she needed it. It was still a bit odd having clothes that fit, having parental figures who actually cared about her well-being, and asked about her day. Before her, everyone's place was set for breakfast, even though the other kids usually came down at a variety of different times. Taking the bowl at her place, she poured some melon and berries just as Jamie brought the first batch of pancakes to the table, kissing her head as he passed.

Courtney bustled down the stairs a few seconds after, juggling a few shirts in her hand as she rushed to the foyer closet. "Hey, Briana, I don't really like this jacket anymore. Do you want it," the light-haired girl offered, holding up a seemingly expensive blazer, tag still attached. Waiting for an answer, Courtney slipped on her heeled boots, then walked through her stream of cranberry perfume as she fluffed her hair.

Hanging her bag on one of the hooks in the hall, Briana nodded before pouring a cup of coffee and cream. Browsing the endless array of containers and bowls, she decided on oatmeal and berries. After rinsing a handful of the frozen mixed berries Laura had gotten at the store, she measured the oats and water she needed and popped everything into the microwave. When the timer beeped, she looked at the clock. 6:15. She still had quite a bit of time before she needed to be ready to go, so there was no need to rush breakfast. Eating heartily, Briana put her own things into the dishwasher before heading back up to her room.

After brushing her teeth again and returning her old sweatshirt to that one spot on her bed, she slipped on a pair of sneakers and headed back downstairs to go over her notes until Devon told her it was time to go.

"Austin, I need to do my hair," Courtney called as their foster brother slipped into the bathroom to take a quick morning shower. Groaning at the top of her lungs, the teen pulled up her phone's camera and stomped back to her bedroom. They didn't have much time- Courtney and Devon hated being less than thirty minutes early for class.

Only a few minutes had passed before Austin emerged from the bathroom and headed down to the kitchen to see Briana. She grinned when he sat down with her, book in his hand. He twirled one lock of hair around his index finger before letting it fall perfectly back into place. As he took out his journal, they read and wrote side by side until Courtney said it was time to go.

The ride was filled with phone calls, Devon yelling at whoever was on the other line. "How many times do we have to talk about this? I was with Chad and Kyle! Why is that so important to you," he exclaimed, swerving to avoid a driver that cut him off. After a few more comments, Devon huffed and ended the call abruptly.

Briana would have been lying if she said she didn't regret going with Courtney. She had just gotten the new Anna & Belle album, and Briana was eager to listen to it before everyone else at school. At least then she would have something to talk about at lunch and between classes. So far, nobody seemed to give her the time of day. She was the new kid, but now she was just fading in with the crowed. Nobody wanted to be friends with her, which wasn't too bad until she had no one to sit with during free periods if her foster siblings were busy, nor did she have anyone to talk to at lunch.

When Devon swung into his parking spot, she waved goodbye and set off towards the library, the hustle and chatter of the hallway fading to silence as the doors clicked shut. After filling out the daily sign in sheet, she plopped herself and her books down at a vacant cubicle, complete with headphones, a new computer, utensils, and other school supplies for the taking, and packs of crackers for kids who forgot their lunch. Slipping some saltines into her backpack for later, Briana decided to go through her science homework again. Mr. Carlisle wouldn't be happy if he knew she was still having a bit of difficulty grasping the material.