Taste Of Fire

Chapter One

  Silently I slowly slide my window open from the tree branch next to it. I send up a prayer that my foster mother didn't check my bed in the middle of the night. What was supposed to be a quick training session at the gym turned into our group hanging out in a bar until dawn. My brother softly poke my back, telling me to go in without saying a word and I swing in, holding my breath as I land in a crouch, my eyes scanning the room quickly. The room is dark, as expected for six fifteen in the morning. My eyes glaze over the bed, where pillows are under the covers in the shape of a would be sleeping me, homework spread over my desk that I need to pack for school today, the door directly across from the window, a bookshelf to the left of it, and....our foster mother sitting in my rocking chair in the corner, next to my guitar, fast asleep. Cursing under my breath I straighten, turning to my brother and motion him inside, then point to the woman.
  A look of disapointment flashes in his eyes before its gone. This will be the third time we are caught coming in at odd hours. Last time she told us if she found us sneaking in after curfew again, she would have to send us away. That was a month ago. We had been doung so good slipping out for training, and back in unnoticed, but today the others convinced us we deserved a reward for working so hard. I had a feeling it was a bad idea, but he convinced me it would be fine. Then I was the one who didn't want to stop drinking.
  He meets my eyes, and I shrug. 'Sorry' he mouths and walks over to her. I watch as he gently shakes her awakeand go and stand next to him as she opens her eyes. She yawns, rubbing her eyes, and we wait for a few moments. "I see you made it back." She sounds calm, but we say nothing. "Where were you?" She looks to me, and I know she's expecting my usual 'nowhere' answer. "We were out at a party with some kids from school." The lie slips from my mouth, and they both look at me surprised. I know Rydel hates moving so much, but we're not exactly they best of kids. We fight with others alot, and skip school in favor of training. But, maybe if she thinks we were with friends, she will let us stay. For a little while at least. Until the next time we break her rules.
  I continue. "We're sorry we didn't ask. We really didn't plan on being out all night, but our friend who picked us up ended up drinking and passing out, and we didnt bring money for a cab." I lower my head. "I know you said if we snuck out again you would send us to another home, but we're really starting to like it here. Could we have another chance?" She stands and I look up, trying to look regretful. She sighs. "I called your social worker last night. We talked, and decided a boarding school might be better for you two." Rydels shoulders drop. "If you two can do good for a year, you can come back. He's coming to take you to the airport at twelve. You should start packing. I'll have food ready when you want to eat."
  She walks out, closing the door back behind her, and we stand in silence for a few moments. "I'm sorry Kels." Rydel says softly. I say nothing, looking around the room. "Me too." I say finally before going to my closet and pulling all of my suitcases from the back before starting to fold all of my clothes on the hangers. He takes another and starts taking all of my clothes out of the drawers and packing them away. We work silently as we pack away my room.
  We finish in two hours, and go down for breakfast. I give her all of my school books so she can return them, and we go up to Rydels room to pack his things. When we finish we drag all of our things downstairs. There's really not much to say so we just sit outside on the porch, Rydel on his phone, and me watching the clouds in the sky. My mind drifts, and all to soon Mr. Lys, our social worker, is pulling into the drive. I stand to start putting out things in the back of the van, and our foster mother comes out to help as Rydel talks to Mr. Lys. Soon they come to help as well.
  "Well, that's the last of it." Mr. Lys says as he closes the trunk. Rydel steps next to me. Our foster mom clasps her hands in front of her. "If you would like, you can come back on breaks. And you have my number if you want to call." Rydel nods, but I just look at the ground. After a few moments of silence Mr. Lys claps his hands together. "We should be going so we don't miss the flight." I climb into the van without a word, Rydel directly behind me. We sit in the back so I can lay my head on his lap and he can play in my hair. Soon Mr. Lys gets in. He looks back at us and smiles. "You two ready?" I close my eyes.
  "I'm sure you two are going to like this new school. Theres a surprise waiting for you." He continues, starting the van. We still remain quiet. Despite his words, I doubt we will like the place. But I do get the feeling we're in for a surprise. And I don't like surprises.

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And there is chapter one. Hope you enjoyed.