JUDE : Out of reach

Chapter 1- the Birthday

As soon as my alarm clock went off at 7am, I wished it didn't today was the one day I despised every year. Most people look forward to this day but I on the other had absolutely dread it. I took a deep breath and slammed my palm on the snooze button in annoyance. I pulled the duvet right the way over my head hoping somehow that when I came back up, it would be tomorrow. Just as I was about to doze off back to sleep, a couple of loud thuds were placed on my door.

"Jude! Jude wake up, you'll be late for work".

I fussed about in my bed before deciding it was time to get up.

"Jude! c'mon love, your breakkie's getting cold".

"Alright Steph", I replied. The cockney twang of her accent was so protruding. Stephanie was the head care worker at the Speargrove care home. My name is Simone St. Jude, but everyone calls me Jude for short. I've been in care ever since I can remember, my family were killed in a car accident 14 years ago and apparently I was the only survivor. I have grandparents in Florida, they send money over every few months, but for some reason, decided not to stay in contact. I guess it's down to the traumatic stress or whatever. I hopped out of my bed and opened my curtains, and looked out of my window, December 20th, always a long day; I look at the grey London sky and sighed. My deep thoughts were interrupted by another few bangs.

"Simone, this is the last ti-"

"Alright!" I replied, slightly frustrated.v

I threw a jumper over my purple pyjama set and moped my way down the longer corridor of Speargrove house, I reached the dining room where I was greeted with a huge...

..."SURPRISE!"

The rest of the kids and care workers shouted. There was a sweetly decorated Victoria sponge with my favourites, buttercream icing. As much as I would like to hate every second of my birthday, I did love Dave -our cook's- buttercream icing Victoria sponge. Dave lit up eighteen candles on the cake.

"17 years and one for luck", Steph exclaimed

"Go on then, blow them out kiddo". Dave added. I went ahead and blew out my candles, every ounce of excitement inside was depleted instantly when I made my wish, to finally get out of this place, but of course I had every reason to stay. I was essentially an orphan. After devouring the cake, the rest of the kids handed me cards and presents.- I received a few chocolate bars from Ryan and Jeff the twins, a perfume set from Scarlett and Lisa- my only friends in this place, and a couple of half hearted, messily written birthday cars from the others. Just then, my social worker Hazel appeared through the dining room door. Great.

"Lovely" she started

"Seeing as everyone is all here, I'd like to give Simone a very special gift".

Hazel slid a small neatly wrapped package along the dining table. I carefully opened the package admiring Hazel's effort. I gasped in excitement. It was a new iPhone. I looked up at Hazel in appreciation.

"I don't know what to say Hazel", I was astonished and excited at the same time, maybe this birthday wasn't going to be so bad after all. Ryan and Jeff cooed over the phone whilst the rest of the kids moaned and complained in jealousy.

"Why does Jude get a new phone" Laura complained in annoyance - Laura was probably the biggest troublemaker at Speargrove.

"Because", Dave started "She's seventeen, almost an adult now". Laura huffed and then stormed out of the dining room. I was too busy enthusing about all the cool apps and features on my phone, that I didn't realise the time. It was already 7.45; I only had half an hour to get to work. With that I grabbed the box and headed to my room. I lay the box down on my pillow and got ready for work. I had a quick 10 minute shower and changed into some dark wash slim fit jeans, grey high top chucks and a plain white tee. I looked in the mirror. I brushed my long tangled curly mahogany hair. I wasn't too much of a makeup enthusiast so I applied a dollop of tinted moisturiser to my caramel skin and my usual smudged liner and mascara. I grabbed my slouchy backpack and shoved my new phone in. I'll charge it at work, I thought, not trusting the other kids here, especially Laura. I looked at my watch, even if I took on of the house bikes, I still wouldn't make it to work on time. I decided to ask Steph or Dave to drop me there.

I made my way down towards the office, just as I was about to knock, I stopped at the sound of hushed whispering. It was Hazel and Steph.

"I found this in the post this mornin'" Steph explained. I couldn't hear clearly so I eased the door open a few inches just enough to see Steph hand Hazel a letter.

"It's for Jude" I heard Steph say. I was listening more intently now. Hazel looked at the return address on the back of the envelope and gasped slightly.

"We can't let her know..." just as Hazel put the letter in a filing cabinet, I was shocked from behind.

"erm, what are you doing'" Laura asked, being pesky as usual.

"Nothing Laura, now scram" I scowled back.

"Yeah, whatever" she said as she sauntered down the hallway, I watched her walk down. When I turned back around, I came face to face with Steph.

"Is there something you want love?" she asked. I stared at her confused for a minute as to why she hid my letter. I quickly snapped out of my thought.

"Oh... yeah, I was just wondering if you could drop me at work, I'm a bit late" I asked, still confused.

"Sure thing, love, I'll just get me keys", she smiled.

With that we headed to her small fiat car.