I entered my new room and looked around it all over again, like I did the first time. I opened the box with my comforter and laid it gently on my bed. And I placed the matching pillows on against the wall. I had only a mattress that laid on a large block of wood to hold it up with a white bed skirt. My pillows with coral accents gave the bland room a splash of slight color. I actually hope I stay in the home for a while. It's comforting and warm.
I hear a faint knock on the door and mumble a quiet,"Come in." Claire poked her head in with a smile.
"Hey." She quietly spoke and cracked the door slightly behind her.
"Josie, I don't want to rush you, but tomorrow you're enrolling in the local high school. We just thought you'd like to go but if you don't it's totally fine you could just tell us when-"
"It's not rush. I think I'd actually really like it." I gave her a reassuring nod.
"Good." I removed my eye contact with
her and smoothed out my bed again.
Claire held her body awkwardly before she swiftly exited my new room.
I finished putting together my nightstand and putting up my lamps and resetting my clock. Everything I used to have I decided to leave in former foster homes. Taking books and CD's with me everywhere was too much to handle.
I grazed into the bathroom and quickly stepped into the shower. The tile floor was cold but mixed with the steaming water made the cold tile seem like nothing. I was grateful for every water drop the spurred out of the shower head. The last time I had a shower was 4 days ago at my old home, I've been living in an office since then. Mrs. Rogers' office wasn't the most comfortable, but I was grateful for her lumpy chair that I could rest in.
I rinsed through my hair and washed my body, then stepped out of the shower. The steam on the mirror made my reflection foggy so I circled a hole with my hand. I look like an exhausted hobo. I avoided eye contact with myself and shuffled into my bare room and goosebumps rose on my skin.
--
--
Preparing for bed was the most relaxing thing I've done in a while. I climbed into my warm bed and cuddled with my blankets. I felt something jump on my bed which caused me to jerk upright. A furry creature stepped on my hip as I began to pet it. A dog. I didn't know they had a dog.
I stroked my hand across its fur and smiled. I turned on the flashlight on my phone and scanned the collar.
'Newman'
I smiled. That's the goofiest name for a dog.
"Come here Newman." I lifted my blanket and he crawled under, laying his head on my thigh.
I stared at black. It was dark and I couldn't see the ceiling, therefore I'm staring at nothing. Nothing is new. I'm going to be here for only three months, then moved again.
I rolled on my side.
This time I want it to be different. I actually want to start a life here and live here. I want sisters and a dog and a mom and dad. I want nights like I had tonight when the family would laugh together.
I smiled to myself.
I'm going to promise myself that I'm not going to screw this home up.
-
-
My alarm pounded my ears and I groaned as I smacked it until it shut up. I looked up and Newman was right in my face, snoring as he slept. I moved him to the side and sat up. Scratching my head, I walked out of my room.
I yawned and sat down.
"Good morning." Claire chirped and I didn't speak.
"Um, do you- would you like some coffee?"
"That would be great thank you. Do you have any bagels?" Her expression still shocked as she pressed random buttons on the coffee maker.
