Survivor

2 > "There is no way, over my dead body." ~Giovanna

"Take a seat, Giovanna." I sat down in the chair next to Mia, directly opposite the principal. I was highly confused, but made sure to school my features and present a neutral look.

"Mr. Evans, what is this about?" I questioned. A million possibilities were running through my head and I did not like them, not one bit. The grave look on his face did not help my worry, and neither did the woman seated on a chair further to the right.

"Miss Parker, I'm sorry to inform you but your stepfather has been missing for weeks now. The police have been trying to get ahold of him due to an accusation that was made against him, but he was not found at his house. And he hasn't been there for weeks."

Shit shit shit. If they hadn't noticed any movement at the house for weeks that mea- "Which also gives rise to the question, as to why neither of you was present at the house when the police were monitoring it." Fuck!

"Leave that aside for now," the woman interjected.

"I'm sorry who are you?" It came out a bit more hostile than intended but I was already on edge.

"I'm miss Morrison and I'm your girls' social worker."

"Social worker?" I questioned. Why the heck would we need a social worker? Unless-
Shit, I don't like where this is headed.

"Your father-" she began.

"Stepfather" I cut her off and I could tell by the irritation that flashed in her eyes, she didn't like it one bit. I for one, did not care. Greg Thompson was no relation of mine. I knew him as the sperm donor of Mia and the guy I had the unfortunate opportunity of living with. He was nothing more and holds absolutely no place in my life at this point.

"Your stepfather is considered a criminal. Once he is found he will be taken straight to jail." I could feel the anger flow through my veins. Not the usual anger I felt whenever someone spoke about him, but rather anger at the social worker and principal Evans. Mia was 9 for crying out loud. Why did she have to sit here and listen to all of this?

I understand that due to that idiot's freaking stupidity we were going to have to live with someone else, and boy was I gonna be mad about that, but right now why the hell did they decide to keep her in this room and proceed to talk about her father like that. Why did she have to sit here and listen to them go on about what he has done?

Whether or not he was present for most of her life, that man is still her father, and she is 9. The least they could've done was asked her to sit outside the office. You don't just casually discuss things like this infront of kids.

"Therefore I am here to discuss where you two will be living." She continued not sensing the lasers I was aiming at her. "We have checked the system and have managed to locate your brother who is willing to take you in."

"I'm sorry, brother?" I asked, this time making sure not to cut her off.

"Yes, you have 6 older brothers." She replied swiftly.
Might as well have told me you digging my grave woman!

I could feel my mind go into overdrive already. 6 older brothers. And possibly my father. That meant 7 males in the house. If they turned out to be like Greg, how was I supposed to protect Mia? 1 girl against 7 men, the chances of me coming out unscathed (if they are like Greg) let alone Mia....is low. I don't like those odds. Not at all. They didn't work in my favour.

Wai- my eyes widened at the sudden realisation. "What about Mia?"

"What about who?" she asked looking annoyed. Lord, please give me patience, because if you give me the strength I'm gonna need bail money too.

"Eleonora" I stated calmly. Breathe Giovanna breathe.

"You said willing to take you in. Not willing to take ya'll in." I continued trying my hardest not to reach out and smack her. "Oh her, do they even know she exists?" My hands tightened considerably around the armrest of the chair at her reply.

Mr. Evans jumped in, seeing that I was furious. Someone looking calm, but furious is never a good thing. "I think what Miss Parker is trying to ask is what will happen to Eleonora?" he asked as he turned to face Miss Morrison.

"Well she would have to go into foster care of course." her squeaky voice called out loud.

"Foster care? No way, no fucking way in hell." My voice was cold and my eyes were narrowed staring her down. I always tried my best not to swear infront of Mia but right now, I was pissed.

Suddenly I felt a small warm hand slowly undo my vice-like grip around the armrest of the chair. "Rose calm down, you gonna get into trouble," she whispered as she stood next to me, sticking as close as possible. Mia was always someone to avoid confrontation. That and she didn't like getting into trouble or watching someone get into trouble.

"Hey it's fine, I don't care if I get into trouble. You are way more important than that." I looked at her closely noticing how fidgety she was. She was also on edge and this environment and situation did not sit well with her. " Rose it's fine, I'll go into fost-"
" Finish that sentence I dare you." My voice was stern. " There is no way you are going into foster care. Over my dead body."

She gave me a small teary-eyed smile and I stood up pulling her into a hug. "Why don't you go wait outside the office whilst I speak with Miss Morrison, yeah? I'll be out in a few minutes." I kissed her forehead and gave her one last smile before she left the room. Back to business.

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"Rose, do you know where my leather jacket is?" Mia called out from somewhere in our apartment.

"Yeah, I washed it and forgot to put it back. Just check the bag I use to do the laundry." I yelled back from my spot in the kitchen. I was quickly washing the dishes and trying to sort out the apartment before we left. Yes, we.

Miss Morrison had called the Accardi's who happen to be my family. At least that's what the DNA test said. They decided to take Mia in as well, after all, it was Giovanni Accardi's ex-wife's child. Plus, I refused to leave unless and until I knew Mia would be with me.

And now we would both be boarding a plane to New York in 2 hours. I guess I could say my persuasive skills work. I finished up with the dishes and grabbed the black bag sitting next to the counter and slipped a pair of flip-flops on.

"Mia I'm gonna take the dirt out quickly."

"K, don't get kidnapped."
I chuckled at her response and exited the flat taking the bag with me.

Greeting one of our neighbours on the way, I continued jogging down the stairs to the first floor. I went through the backdoor into the alley behind our apartment building and flung the black bag into the bin. Noticing the wooden box I usually use to hoist myself up was in the way, I moved it next to the bin so that no one would trip over it.

I got back in just in time to see Mia lugging the suitcases behind her. "Ok Supergirl, give 'em here." I took the 2 suitcases, one filled with clothing and the other with a few pairs of shoes and some extra things like pictures, books, and a few of the things we cherish, and placed them next to the door. Quickly swapping my shoes to my Nike, I packed my flip-flops away.

Doing a final check I made sure we hadn't forgotten anything of importance. I quickly walked around checking the bedroom, drawers, bathroom, and kitchen. Finding Mia's teddy bear in the small area we considered a living room, I quickly took it and left it on top of the suitcases.

"Right I'm done" Mia called out. I took one final look around our little apartment that we had grown to call home. Letting out a small sigh I hoisted my backpack onto my shoulder. Giving the place one more look, I grabbed the suitcases and locked the door.

Time to board a plane to New York.

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Thanks for reading
-Rain 🖋