My Melody

Chapter 2

The last couple of days was cool. I got a card from the state agency for aging out. They gave me a $500 voucher to do some college shopping. Hey, I'll take what I can get. Graduation is tomorrow. I'm ready and I'm excited for what's to come. I've decided that I'm going to come out of my shell a bit more, and not to be hindered. For this new chapter in my life.

June 23....

We had to get up early and head to the high school. Once Nicolette and I saw each other we were screaming/laughing and hugging. The ceremony was outside. Which I was not feeling because June in New York can be brutal, and today's heat did not disappoint. Once we all got our diplomas and heard the principal announce the congratulations to all the graduates. In unison we all sang the school theme chant. Coming down from the bleachers I was met with hugs from my family. Everyone from the house came. Once all the hugs and pictures were done we made our way back to the van, and went home to have my last family dinner. Coming into the house I was surprised. The girls had decorated the house with streamers and balloons of my favorite color shimmering jungle green/white and/purple maroon mixes. They got me a card that everyone signed. And we had my favorite dinner and dessert which was chicken Shawarma wraps, beef and Turkish rice and a chocolate chocolate cake. It was amazing, and yet bitter sweet. Suddenly we heard a knock at the door and soon Freda was coming back into the kitchen with Nicolette close behind her.

"Hey ladies!!"

"Hey Nicki, what are you doing here?" I asked Surprised.

"Well I was invited, not by you I may add." She says sarcastically.

"No, the only reason I didn't, was because I knew you were doing stuff with your family."
Nicki putting her hands up, stopped me. "I know hon, I'm only kidding."

Nicki my sisters and I hung out until about 3 AM. She ended up spending the night. Everyone was pretty much out for the count, I was still up, but on my way. Until I heard a noise coming from the den. I peaked my head in and saw my sweet Darla. She was watching TV and enjoying another piece of cake. Eh, I decided to bother her.

"Hey what are you watching?" I asked coming to sit with her.

"Reruns of living single."

"What do you know about that show?" I asked as she scooped up her cake.

"I don't know, it was set in the DVR a few weeks back and I watched a few episodes. It's funny. I like it." She shrugged.
I like the show too.

"Haha,same. I think one of our den mothers recorded it." We looked at each other and said Miss Lauren name at the same time and laughed. We watched the show for a few minutes and then Darla spoke.

"Hey Melody." Laughing at what was on tv I turned and I looked at her, answering yeah.

"Are you scared? I mean like you're going out into the real world all alone."

"You know at first I was, but then I thought that I won't be alone. I got my best friend there, and you guys."

I heard sniffles. She had started crying. "What's up Darla? What's the matter?" I asked with concern.

"I'm going to miss you." She said wiping her tears. "Hey I'm only going to be three hours away. You can come visit, and if it's OK with the workers here I'll come visit when I can."

"It's still not gonna be the same without you here." Darla stated still looking sad.

"I know what you mean, but we'll stay in contact as best we can. You still my little sister." I said putting a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She smiles a little. With that we finish the episode, and went to bed. As I lay in my bed, and Nicki snoring on the pull out cot. "Oh my God I'm not sharing a room with her." I say to myself chuckling lowly. I was thinking about Darla. I know why she doesn't want me to leave. She attached herself to me. When she came to the house two years ago. She stayed to herself and was bullied a lot. It took a lot for her to trust. Seeing a bit of myself in her I was determined to break down the barriers. Letting her know that there are those who do really care.