SBI Bingo Season One

16. Foster

Tommy rolled his eyes as he faced Sam, his social worker who was not happy at the minute. At what, Tommy didn't really know nor care because he was being moved to another foster home. Sam had promised, time and time again, that he would find his forever home this time. Or that it would be his forever home. Everytime Tommy got his hopes up to be crushed the first day there, and Tommy would be left wondering why Sam had promised it. It was never right, so Tommy tried to stop believing him.

"I'm serious. I've worked with Mr. Watson before, he has two other boys, a bit older than you, that he fostered and later adopted. He genuinely cares about kids, and you may try to hide it or say that you aren't... But you are a kid in need of a loving home. And I'm sorry that I failed you as much as I have." Sam stressed, though well hidden Tommy could tell that Sam was upset with himself. Shit, now Tommy feels bad.

"It's okay, Sam." It was very much not okay. "I don't blame you." I blame you for getting my hopes up. I blame myself. "Besides, they just couldn't handle my awesomeness!" Yes, good. Distract with humour.

Sam seemed to notice Tommy's shift in personality, he knew this persona. The persona that pulled everything onto himself and kept his thoughts to himself as he comforted those around him even if they didn't deserve it. Comforting people like Sam, when it should be the other way around.

"Nice try, Toms. I know this side of you. It only comes out when you are particularly angry with someone, but you try to offer comfort because you feel bad about being mad at them." Sam responded, "It's okay to be mad at me. I'd understand, cause I'm mad at me too."

"But Sam. It's not fair. You are already beating yourself up about this, how can I fault you for something you couldn't control?" Tommy dropped the persona, having silently thought out his emotions as he watched Sam carefully. "Are you sure this man is okay taking me in? What about the two other boys?" Tommy continued, ignoring any feelings that might be showing on his face.

"Phil, Mr. Watson, is a long time friend of mine. Met him in High School. His father had left him and he transferred homes a couple of times but always found himself back at our school. No matter what." Sam explained, not going too far into anything, he wouldn't share anything Phil wouldn't want him too. "He hated the system, wanting to help the kids he noticed getting hurt in the system. So together we made a deal. If I couldn't find a kid a home, I'd call him. And I failed his oldest and his youngest. If he adopts you too, you'll be the youngest."

"Great. I'm the youngest. They better not fucking baby me or some shit." Tommy muttered as he looked out the window, seeing the houses began to get better and better as they went on. How well off was this guy? How well could he keep Tommy safe and taken care of? How long would he care for?

Tommy pushed that thought off because he knew he probably wouldn't be here long.

They pulled into a driveway that was too fancy for what it was, and the house was even more so.

It was a fucking mansion with trees surrounding it, towering over it, and keeping it tucked away from the rest of the neighborhood. There was a well taken care of garden somewhere in the back that Tommy could somewhat see, but he kept his eyes on the house, on his surroundings for if he ever needed to run away.

"Impressive, right?" Sam asked, a small smile in his voice as he looked around. He visited almost every month for family dinners, because the three considered him family, so he got to see this often. Though this time he was not there for a friendly visit.

"It's alright." Tommy muttered, but both could hear the amazement in his voice, with Tommy shaking it off, Sam noted that there was a tiny bit of fear laced into it as well. Tommy was still scared this wouldn't be his forever home. Sam should really get better at his job, huh?