Departure Lounge (Completed)

Unfit Lifestyle

**Unedited**

I sat in the car looking out the windshield waiting for both the caseworker and Benjamin to arrive. Amy and Emily sat in the backseat fully entertained with each other and oblivious to the fact that their life was about to change. I on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. Add to that three hours sleep and two energetic girls who can be quite demanding in the mornings. Never mind the fact that I have a mountain of paperwork on my desk at home I'm hoping and failing to reduce by Monday morning.

A light blond-haired woman started approaching the car; from the clipboard and dress I deduced that she must be the caseworker.

"Girls I'm going to be right outside okay. And remember I said that there is someone important that I want you to meet, so you're going to be on your best behavior, okay?"

"Okay." Amy replied while Emily just nodded her head. I continued to look at them without saying a word; sometimes I find myself just staring at them they look so much like their mother. I often find myself imagining what it would be like without the accident, where all our lives would be without it. They sat wide-eyed as if expecting me to say something more.

"I love you guys you know that right?" Their smiles and enthusiastic nods made me smile too, "And I want you to know that you mean the world to me." Though they may not fully understand what was happening they were still happily nodding. The caseworker was only a few steps away so I opened my car door getting out.

"Ms Romanos, I am Ms. Ward, you can call me Linda." I accepted her out-stretched hand shaking it.

"Hi, thanks for being here and you're more than welcome to call me Claire."

"I take it we are still waiting on Mr. Dorrell."

"Not anymore." As soon as she asked I spotted him crossing the street towards the parking lot.

"Nervous?" Linda asked noticing the constant shifting of my feet as he approached us.

"That obvious huh? Truth is I am not sure if I am more nervous for me or the girls."

"Perfectly understandable but there is still a way to go and if you remain focused on the ultimate goal, that both girls get the proper care in a nurturing environment we can all be happy."

"You make a valid point of course but you can imagine my position." Choosing not to discuss this topic anymore as she needs to remain an unbiased observer she offered a simple nod then proceeded to greet Benjamin.

"Hello again Claire." Remembering how we left our last conversation and now him using my first name, the overly sweet smile he offered my way told me immediately told me the kind of man I will be dealing with.

"Hello Mr. Dorrell, please to see you again."

"Now Claire, I think we are pass such formalities, call me Ben." Not wanting to respond I turned my attention back to Linda.

"The girls are quite anxious about their tea party so I'll go get them." I left the two talking and walked back to the car standing in front of the door I took a calming deep breath then opened the door.

"Let's go girls." Their excitement intensified even more, Emily practically jumping out of her seat as soon as I clicked it open. "Calm down guys- you're going to hurt yourselves."

Getting out one at a time they stood next to the car looking at Benjamin and Linda, who also stood watching them; immediately they tensed up, so dropping to their level I huddled us together. "It's going to okay I promise, remember I said you're going to meet someone important," they nodded, " Well that's him and the lady standing beside him is a friend and both of them are going to join us for your tea party. Don't you think that's nice?"