Athena

42. Change of Plans

My mouth drops in shock.

What?

They want to adopt my sister?

I blurt out to Persie, "But you don't need them because I'll take care of you!"

Persie mutters, "I know, Athena... I know."

"What did you tell the Hoffmans?"

"I told them that I needed some time to think about it. Rick and Willow know about you, Athena. They know about our plans to be a family again."

"And they still want to adopt you? Knowing that I'm coming for you?"

"They said it'll be my choice."

I don't know how this makes me feel.

Although, an uncomfortable thought occurs to me: Persie wouldn't bother mentioning any of this to me if she wasn't having doubts about our future. She would've simply refused Rick and Willow's offer outright.

Right?

Right...

My mind reels some more.

An ache emerges in my chest once I realize that Persie might actually be considering their offer of adoption over mine. It definitely stings. Persie is my only blood relative. I love her with my whole damn heart, and she loves me back with her whole damn heart. We're family. Family is supposed to stick together. That was what our mom always taught us, anyway.

But I don't blame Persie for doubting me. For doubting my ability to take care of her. I can be such a clueless fuck up at times.

For now, I push aside my own selfish reaction. I need to do what's best for Persie. Lately, over our last few chats, I have to admit, I noticed that she did seem a bit happier with Rick and Willow. From what Persie has told me, their home sounds safer and more stable than some of the other foster families she has been assigned to.

Would Persie be better off with the Hoffmans than me?

I don't know.

I don't think they're very well off, but, at least, they have real paying grown-up jobs as a plumber and a waitress.

Unlike me.

All I know how to do is sell weed.

But I plan to get a real job in New Jersey. As a waitress. As a receptionist. Whatever will pay the bills.

Does Persie want to stay with the Hoffmans, though?

Other than the bits and pieces that my sister has shared with me, I don't know much about Rick and Willow. There's no way I'm handing over my baby sister to some strangers without getting to know everything about them first.

This is why, for now, I still believe that I'm the best person to take care of my sister. Because I love Persie more than anyone ever could, and I'll always fight harder for her than anyone else.

I turn my attention back to Persie and ask, "How do you feel about Rick and Willow, Persie?"

"They're nice, I guess, most of the time. Sometimes they get into fights over money, but I think they love each other, and I think they like me."

"What about you, though? How do you feel about them? Do you trust them? And don't worry about hurting my feelings if you genuinely like them and want to stay with them."

Hesitation clings to her voice. "I mean, they're good to me. Sometimes, I think it might be nice to live with them. Long term. They don't yell or get mad over little things. They try to take me out to fun places. I like Willow better than the other foster moms I've had."