Adopting twins; Zalfie.

Chapter 4

                                                                                    October 2017

Erin's POV:

It was Saturday, and a week since Zoe and Alfie had visited the foster house. I still couldn't comprehend the situation. I almost couldn't believed that it had happened. We had met our idols. Insane. Today, Zalfie were returning so that they could meet us all individually. Though in my case, they were meeting me and Alexis together. We're sort of a package deal; two for the price of one, if you will. I made sure to wear the bracelet that Zoe had made me, and clutched it anxiously as we all awaited their arrival. I was sat on my top bunk, aimlessly scrolling through Instagram as a way to distract my self from my own impatience.  It wasn't working. Alexis sat by the window, waiting. And finally, after what felt like years, called out "They're here!"

We raced down the stairs and into the hallway, where Marion was opening the front door. Zoe and Alfie walked in, excitement written across their faces. They greeted us all with a hug, though it felt like they hugged me and Alexis a little longer than the others. But maybe not. "Guys, go off and play, it's too crowded!" Marion said with a laugh, "I'll come and get you when you're needed." We all dispersed in different directions, with me and Alexis resigning to the staircase. We sat, chattering on about everything and anything, not really taking notice of what the other was saying. I think it was a mix of nerves and excitement that had us so jittery, but either way, it was uncontrollable. 

Eventually, Marion came into the hallway and called out for me and my sister. She was shocked to see us sat right in front of her, but brushed it off and she led us  into her office. Zoe and Alfie stood up and hugged us again. "Hi girls!" Zoe greeted, and big grin on her face. "Hi." I said nervously, sitting opposite them on a bean bag. Marion had sat the four of us at a coffee table that, surprise surprise, was covered in arts and crafts. "So," she started, sitting at her desk, "Erin, Alexis, this is your own personal time with Zoe and Alfie. We're going to use it as a chance for you all to properly speak and get to know each other. And do a little arts and crafts too!" She giggled to herself. "I'm going to be observing, but just pretend i'm not here." 

I nodded and turned to the table. Sprawled across it were various Halloween activities and materials. How seasonal. I picked up a paper plate and the black paint, and began my craft. I listened as Zoe asked Alexis about how she did her hair, trying to think up a conversation starter. I had nothing. God, why was I so awkward? "So Erin, Marion says you're really into reading and writing?" Alfie said. Great, I sound like a total nerd. "Erm, yeah. I've always got my head in a book, haha" I kept my head down and continued to paint. "Me too. What are your favourites?" Zoe asked. "I really love 'All The Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven, have you read it?" Zoe nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I cried so much whilst reading it, I was bawling for days!" 

The four of us continued to chat for the next hour. Conversation flowed so easily, and I did eventually forget that Marion was in the room, despite the annoying tip tap of her keyboard as she wrote about all that was going on and everything being said. We laughed at my failed attempt of making a paper plate bat, as the wings fell off and the googly eyes slid about the face. I felt disheartened when we had to say goodbye, fearing that we might not get to spend time like this with Zalfie ever again. As I pulled away from my hug with Zoe, my bracelet slid up my arm. "You wore it!" she exclaimed smiling. I smiled back and waved as we left the office. 

Alexis' POV:

I wrapped my arms tightly around my sister when we got back to our room. "That went so well!" I exclaimed, resting my head on her shoulder. "I know, i'm so happy." she replied, pulling away and twirling around the room. She went over to our stereo, putting in a Little Mix CD and hitting play. We sang our hearts out and danced around for the next hour, happier than we had been in a long time. Until Leah ruined it. "Hey!" she shouted, storming in and pausing our music, "can you stop squealing like pigs? I'd rather not go deaf thanx." I rolled my eyes, heading over to start the music again. Leah kept one hand over the play button the other on her hip. This was one annoying twelve year old. 

I smiled sweetly, "move your hand please." She stayed completely still. "Can you please move your hand Leah." Nothing. "Leah, please remove your hand from the stereo before I remove it for you." She scoffed, raising her eyebrows. I reached forward, grabbed her arm and yanked it towards me. "Hey! That hurt you idiot." Ignoring her, I turned the CD back on and watched her stomp out, slamming the door. Sometimes living in a care home is like living with lots of siblings. I think so at least. I wouldn't know for sure though, I've only got Erin for reference, and we get on most of the time. And when we don't, it's just a lot of ignoring each other. We rarely have full blown arguments, just a lot of bickering.

About an hour later, we were called down to say goodbye to Zoe and Alfie. My heart sank as we watched them walk down the cobbled driveway, climb into their car, and drive off. I missed them already. To distract myself, I turned to Kayla. "Hey Kayles, wanna play?" I asked her. She nodded excitedly, grabbing my hand and pulling me up a flight of stairs and into her room. It was a pink palace, with neon walls and bright curtains to match. It was quite a big room, with bunk beds in the corner, a huge triple wardrobe and toys galore. She shared it with Lucy, and collectively they had hundreds of little characters and games. Their favourite was their old, Victorian doll house. It was Marion's growing up, and was truly beautiful. 

"Let's play dollies!" she commanded. I sat at the house, tracing the intricate windows and stairways. Truthfully, I loved playing with things like this, even if I was a bit too old. I never had these sort of toys growing up. When I was Kayla's age, I lived in the dirty upstairs flat of a dodgy corner shop and slept on a broken, old mattress. We could barely afford the food we ate, let alone beautiful doll houses and and barbies. Erin and I each had a smelly, old teddy and played with paper dolls that our father would make. We'd play with them so delicately, as if they were more precious than diamonds, and we'd be content. I longed for them now, as I clutched a wooden, Victorian school girl in my hand. "C'mon Lexi! It's the dolly's bedtime." I was shaken back into reality, and continued on with the game.