I Wanna Be Free, I Wanna Be Loved

Ch. 5: Welcome "Home"

I waited nervously in the crowded San Diego airport for whoever was supposed to pick me up. A woman who looked like the picture I had seen came rushing over to me with a smile on her face.

"Hannah!" she exclaimed "I'm Genevive but you can call me Gen, or G, or whatever you want"

"Hi" was all I said.

"So I guess we should pick up your bags?" she asked.

"Don't have any" I countered "Lost almost everything in the fire. A few of my books survived and my mom's favorite sweatshirt but that's it"

"So you don't have any clothes, shoes, anything?" she asked.

"Nope"

Linda had brought me a few things from some government clothing supply place full of things for victims like me; ugly shirts, jeans that didn't quite fit right, and even uglier sweaters. I looked like I belonged in an awkward Christmas photo or on a box of dollar store macaroni.

"Well that won't do! I'll take you shopping" Gen exclaimed.

"You reall--"

"Oh hush" she said "You're family now, no matter what my kids say. They're not exactly thrilled about you moving in but they'll warm up to you"

Oh great; my actual relatives didn't want me and neither did my second option. I looked at the bandages that were still on my wrists; why hadn't I just pushed that razor a little deeper? If I had, I wouldn't be here in a car with a woman who could make a girl scout sick. I wouldn't be sitting here in the passenger seat on my way to some shopping center to get spoiled by someone I barely knew, but I was here and I was going to have to deal with it. We pulled into the parking lot of a mall and it made me miss my car. I had to leave it back in Boise with the insurance company so that they could sell it and put together the money from our house, my parents life insurance, and everything else. All the money would be put into an account for me to be used for whatever after high school.

"Come on, Hannah. Let's get you some new clothes" Gen said excitedly.

Five hours later we were back in the car, the back seat and trunk completely laoded with outfits. Gen also bought me a new laptop which I really felt guilty about but she insisted since both of her kids had their own computers too. When we got to their house, I helped carry all my new things inside where she led me to what would be my room; it was small. There was a bed, window, closet, a dresser, and a nightstand all crammed into the little space.

"I guess the kids went out. I'll leave you to get settled. We can all go out for dinner later" she smiled before closing the door to my space. I unpacked all the bags of clothes and laid down on the twin size bed with my computer. I set up all the little details before turning it off and staring at the ceiling. I heard Ryan and Rachel come home but I was in no hurry to meet them, I heard Gen telling them I was here but they just stomped up the stairs to their rooms and slammed their doors. Guess we wouldn't be going out for dinner after all.