Fostered by their teacher

Chapter 5

*Trigger warning mentions of car crash and hospitals*

Mrs. Lewis's POV

I'm just settling into my evening, enjoying a cup of tea and some quiet time after a busy day with the kids. It's nice to have helped Y/N out again—she's such a responsible young girl, doing more than any sixteen-year-old should have to. I can't imagine how overwhelming it must be, looking after all her siblings while her parents are constantly at work.

Just as I begin to relax, my phone buzzes on the coffee table. I glance at the screen, and it's Y/N. I answer quickly, expecting a quick check-in or a thank-you.

"Y/N? Is everything alright?"

But all I hear on the other end is panicked breathing—frantic, almost gasping. My heart skips a beat. "Y/N? Sweetheart, what's wrong?"

No response, just the sound of muffled sobbing. My stomach tightens with worry.

"Y/N? Please, talk to me. What's going on?" I ask, trying to stay calm, though my voice betrays the rising concern.

Still, nothing but more heavy breathing and soft cries. This isn't like her. Something's wrong—something serious. My mind races through a million possibilities, and none of them are good.

"I'm coming over," I say quickly, grabbing my keys. "Stay where you are, okay? I'll be right there."

I rush to my car, throwing on a jacket as I head out the door. As soon as I'm on the road, my hands start to shake. What could've happened? Were the little ones hurt? Did something happen with her parents? I don't know, and it's driving me crazy not to have any answers.

The road is eerily quiet, save for the sound of my tires rushing over the pavement. I grip the steering wheel tighter, trying to push back the fear gnawing at my chest.

I'm about halfway to Y/N's house when the traffic ahead suddenly slows to a crawl. Up ahead, I can see flashing lights—an accident. Of course, of all times.

"No, no, no, not now," I mutter under my breath, glancing at the time. I tap my fingers nervously against the wheel, trying to figure out how to get around the jam. But there's no side street to take, no quick detour.

I pull out my phone and try calling Y/N back. It rings and rings, but there's no answer. The sound of her earlier sobs echoes in my head, making the tension rise even more. I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, feeling utterly helpless.

"Come on, come on," I plead to no one in particular as the line of cars inches forward. Time feels like it's stretching out, each second heavier than the last.

Finally, the accident clears, and I speed up, determined to get to Y/N as fast as I can. Whatever's going on, she's going to need someone there, and I refuse to let her face this alone.

Y/N's POV

I sit at the kitchen table with Mason, helping him work through his math homework, when my phone rings. It's Mom. I answer quickly, hoping they're finally close to being home.

"Hey, Mom," I say, keeping my voice low so I don't wake the younger kids.

"Hey, sweetheart. We're almost home, just another few minutes," she says. Her voice sounds tired, like always, but there's a hint of relief in it.

I nod, feeling some of the weight lift off my shoulders. "Okay. I've got everyone settled. Harper, Taylor, and Trey are already asleep. I just put Lincon to bed."

"You're amazing, Y/N," Mom says softly. "I don't know how we'd manage without you."

I feel a tightness in my chest, not from panic but from something else—something I can't name. I open my mouth to say something back, maybe ask when they'll be home for good, but before I can speak, I hear something.