Escape

"New Home"

I'm sitting on the hospital bed, watching tv, and eating a turkey sandwich. Waiting for the CPS lady to come back. Hoping she doesn't... Oh spoke to soon.
"You're looking well."
I try to smile, with my mouth closed because my mouth is full. God, I was so hungry.
"Well, good news. I found a cute house, up state, an older married couple, who take in troubled teens, there's 2 teens there already but the house is 4 bedrooms. So, you're in a lot of luck."
"That doesn't sound too bad." I say uncomfortably. Troubled teens?? That just sounds dangerous. I've never really gotten into sex, drugs, legal trouble or anything. I'm on the track team, I get straight A's, all I do is read. So, living with "troubled teens", is gonna be a new experience.
"Alright, we're going to the center, we're gonna finalize some paper work, then you'll be all set."
"Oh okay.."
This really fucking sucks. I'm not going to lie. I just wanna go home. But oh wait, my home is fucking destroyed. And my family is fucking dead and all I have left is the clothes on my back and my cat.
"I have a question."
"Yes?"
"I had a cat, would I be able to get him back?"
"Maybe. Most likely. The Jamison's are very nice people."
"Oh. Okay."
She looks at me with sympathy on her face.
"I know it's hard, but I promise, you will get through this. And the teens there, aren't even troubled, they just had rough lives, they are nice. I met everyone, you will be in good hands."
"Thank you."

●●●●●

{The house}

"Here we are."
I get out the car and it's a cute house. Not too big but not tiny. It's not home, but it's a start.
"I'll walk you in, and then I gotta go. Here's my card, call me with any concerns or if you just wanna talk. I can only imagine the pain you're going through." She walks me to the door, rings the doorbell and a middle-aged woman answers.
"Oh hi Amanda! Oh, this must be the new girl. You're such a pretty girl. Oh my. Come in sweetie."
"Alright, thank you Mrs. Jamison. Bye Lucid. Call me if you need me."
She closes the door, and once again, I'm with strangers.
"Kids, kids, come meet her."
2 teenagers come down stairs, one boy and one girl. The girl looks 12, and the boy looks a good 16-17. They look clean, well-dressed, well nourished. Maybe this won't be as awful as I expected.
"Hi, I'm Cynthia." The girl says. She's short, pale, brown, shoulder length hair, brown eyes. She's adorable. I wonder why she's here.
"Hi." I say shyly.
"Elis."
The boy says as he shakes my hand. He's tall, shoulder length black hair, blue eyes. He's cute.
"Well, I'll show you your room. Tomorrow we can go shopping for some new clothes for you. You must be exhausted."
We get to my new room and it's a normal sized room, white walls, twin size bed, light blue bed sheets and blankets. A bed side night stand with a lamp. A dresser and a tv on top of it.
"Here we are. You're a small girl, I'll see if Cynthia has any pajama pants and an old tshirt. I'll be back. Get comfty."
"Thank you so much." I say greatfully. Not gonna lie, this really isn't that bad. I still really miss my family. I can't believe they're gone. The thought of it brings tears to my eyes. "No." My mind tells me. "Don't let them see you cry. They'll ask questions. You've had a long day you don't need it."
I listen to my conscience. Mrs. Jamison comes back.
"Here you go, some pajamas. There's a clean pair of underwear in there also if you wanna change completely. If you wanna shower, I'll show you the bathroom. We have a brand new toothbrush and everything for you already. Feel free."
"Oh my goodness, thank you."
"No problem sweetie." She leaves my room and closes the door.
I change into the pajamas then I turn on the tv, turn off the light, lay down and immediately fall asleep.