14 in Foster Care

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Authors note: just so you know, this story is told from Gregs perspective, like in Dysfunctional Perspective. There might be a few pov changes.

This is so uncool. So, for awhile now mom's been talking about wanting a daughter. Dads been very against it, and I'd have to agree with him. 3 days ago they say us down and told us that we're going to have a new sister. And I thought they were full of shit untill now.

Moms apparently been talking with a social worker and today some random kid is coming to stay with us. Mom woke us up at 8:00 this morning and had us all put on our church clothes. And now she has Me, dad, and Rodrick sitting on the couch. Manny sits on the floor coloring some coloring book he got for Christmas.

Mom rants as she paces infront of us. "Look, this is really important to me, so I need everyone on their best behavior." She looks at dad and Rodrick as she says that. They silently roll their eyes. "I want everyone to be nice and respectful. And welcoming! Please don't freak the poor girl out." Mom takes a deep breath before looking at dad. "Honey? Do you think you can contain yourself? At least for a few days?" He scoffs, looking at Rodrick through the corner of his eye. "It's not my fault, now is it?"

Before Rodrick can defend himself the doorbell is heard. "She's here!" Mom rushes to the door, muffled greetings are heard before mom walks into the room with a woman. A girl slowly follows behind, dragging her feet and looking at the ground. The case worker smiles as she looks around the room.

"Hello everyone! I'm Mrs. Cherry, the social worker. It's so lovely to meet you all." We stand and all shake her hand. She smiles again, wrapping her arm around he strange girls shoulders. "This is Claudia. She's a bit shy. Say hi, Claudia." The girl huffs before looking up with a bored expression. "Hi..." I can barely hear her speak.

Mom smiles, clasping her hands together. " Claudia, these are my boys. Greg, Rodrick and that there is Manny." She points to us respectively. "And that there is my husband, Frank." Dad reaches his arm out and shakes her hand. It's now that I notice she's shaking. What a baby.

Mom points to the other couch. "Please, have a seat." Mrs. Cherry leads Claudia to the couch and we all sit down. "So, I just have a few routine questions for you, and then I'll have to take a look around the house. Then I'll be out of your hair." Mrs. Cherry smiles as she pulls a clipboard out of her bag.

"So, have either one of you ever been arrested before?" Mom and dad shake their heads. "How much money do you make annually?" Dad clears his throat. "$83,000." Mom smiles and nods along. "I'm a stay at home mom, so I stay here and take care of the children." Mrs. Cherry smiles as she writes that down. "Perfect! So, how do y'all feel about taking care of a child who has some... Troubles?" Dad leans forward, scrunching his face. "What kind of troubles?"

"Well, Claudia was diagnosed with social anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. She is on medication, free of charge, the state takes care of the cost. But she is a very well behaved child, so long as she is on her medication and is taking it at the proper times. She's also very smart. She skipped the 9th grade this year, so she's actually in 10th!"

Mom smiles even wider. "Oh, of course we don't mind! She's expected to come with some trama! Hahaha! You must be very smart! You'll be in the same grade as my oldest, Rodrick." Mom points to him. For the first time since she's been here Claudia looks up. Her and Rodrick nod at each other.

Mrs. Cherry clicks her pen. "Well, that's all of my questions. But I am legally obligated to tell you about her biological parents." Mom nods enthusiasticly. "Well, Claudias only been in the system for about 3 weeks. We had visited her family numerous times before we took her from the home. On the last visit her, her mother, and step father were all living in a shared room at the motel 6 off of highway 96. There were drugs found in the room, as well as multiple signs of abuse. She is an only child, and her parents are still awaiting trial. But are expected to be doing at least 5 years each."

Mom covers her mouth with her palm. I look at Claudia with furrowed brows. I'm confused as I notice she has a blank expression. "What about her father?" "We are unable to locate him. There is no paternal signature on her birth certificate." Mom shakes her head with a pained expression. "Oh dear..." "So, we are looking for a long term home for her." Mom nods quickly. "Yes! Of course! We're happy to have her, right, Frank?"

Dad takes a deep breath, leaning forward. "Absolutely." His voice is cheerful. Something in Claudias face twitches at hearing him speak. This is so boring. I don't understand why I had to be here for this. Mrs. Cherry smiles, shoving her clipboard in her bag. "Excellent! I just need to have a look around and I'll be on my way." Moms quick to stand and lead her out the room. "Follow me!"

The air is thick as they leave the room. The only sounds heard re the muffled talking from the next room. "So how old are you?" We all look at her as she looks up at dad. "14, sir." He nods. "Good. You have some manners. Maybe you can teach my son here some." He smirks, nodding towards Rodrick. She chuckles nervously. "So... What do you do for work?" Dad raises his eyebrows at the unexpected question. "Oh... I manage my department at an insurance company." She nods. "Wow. That's interesting."

Mom and the social worker enter the room before things get anymore awkward. "Well. I'll be on my way now." Dad and Claudia both stand and shake her hand. Mrs. Cherry places her hands on Claudias shoulders. "Do you think you'll be ok here?" Claudia hums and shrugs. "Guess we'll find out." Rodrick snorts at that.

Mrs. Cherry chuckles as she starts walking to the door. "Goodbye. I'll be in contact."

Word count: 1,090