The Fosters

Chapter 2

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Nigel,

I'm glad to find your ad in the "Foster Dome" magazine this week. I'm Raven McMillan, seventeen, belonging from St. Williams Orphanage, Tennessee.

I've lost both my parents last year on the 15th of June in a car crash. They had received severe head and spine injury and couldn't be saved by the doctors.

Since then, I've been living in St. Williams. Looking at my records of mental and physical health, Tiffany Webster, the caretaker of St. Williams decided that I should be given a chance of living in a foster home. So, here I'm, writing to you.

I'm a student of first year literature in Marinade Arts College, Knoxville. I love to read a lot of fantasy fiction novels as well as sing and write short stories and articles. A few of my articles are published in the college monthly magazine. I'm a die hard fan of junk food, especially tacos and burgers. I'm a little introvert- don't like to have a large group of friends or go for partying, etc. I like to try different shoes i.e try out various activities.

That's all I've to say about myself. I hope you like me and take me under your protective wings.

Regards,
Raven McMillan

I stopped writing and read the letter over and over again. Yes, it was good enough for my character sketch.

I copied the same letter down for the remaining 14 couples, and put each one in separate envelopes.

I had skipped school today just to finish writing so many letters. I finished them by afternoon.

"Raven, they'll surely reply to your short and sweet letters." Tiffany smiled and patted my back one I showed her one of the letters.

"I hope they do." I smiled back.

"I'll drop these in the post office today while going to the fruit mart." She said and took all the letters from me.

"Uh, Tiffany," I called as she was about to go in her cabin.

"Yes?"

"I heard a new girl will be coming soon in my room. Is that why you're sending me out?" I asked her finally.

"No, no, dear." She was a little embarrassed. "It's nothing like that. The new girl will be here next week, anyway. I told you, if you don't like to stay outside, you can always return. St. Williams will always be your home." She smiled.

"Thanks." I nodded and left for my room.

The first letter appeared in the letter box two days later.

"Raven, look. You've got a reply." Tiffany grinned as she handed me a blue envelope in my room.

It was a sunny afternoon and I had just come from college.

"Wow! Let me read." I took a page out of the envelope.

Dear Miss. McMillan,

We've received your letter last day and since then my husband and I are pretty excited to meet you in person.

We've heard a lot about St. Williams. In fact, one of our family friend is fostering a girl named Clara Peterson from the same orphanage. She's a sweet girl. We've the same vibe about you.

My husband and I are dentists. We've a chamber in Knoxville. Our children, Poppy and David will be happy to meet you. Our third child, Jenny died at a very young age due to chronic lung cancer. That's why, we want to foster a child.

I'm hoping to see you this weekend with my family.

Regards,
Mrs. Madeline Brian

"Dentists?" I frowned.

I've never liked dentists as I had to visit one when I was in second grade. He had to pull my milk tooth out due to cavity.

"Don't worry. They're not gonna break any of your teeth." Tiffany giggled.

"Hey, come on." I shrugged. "This is just one reply. More 14 people to go."

"Let's hope they do reply." She smiled. "But the dentist family will be here this weekend, so you can just meet them and be nice. Nobody's forcing you to stay with them if you find them annoying."

"Yeah. We'll see." I said.