Complicated

29. Foster Home #1

In the projects of South Central was Chresanto's first foster home. It was already a long day for him from being distanced from his father to being sent off to a new home with strangers. The whole time he spent there, he never left the house. He never actually saw South Central, only that street in the projects.

Bianca drove for 20 minutes to his foster home to drop him off and introduce how things were going to be. Chresanto stayed silent, looking down at his feet the whole way there. Bianca pulled up into the gated community and turned off the car. She let out a deep sigh, "Well, we're here. Let's go."

Chresanto looked up and out the window. Kids running around, playing cops and robbers, jumping rope, being loud and reckless. As for everyone else, old people sat in their chairs outside their buildings, talking and playing dominoes. People who were younger seemed to just hang out against their buildings; some would be making drops, gambling for each others money, smoking and drinking or just talking. It was an environment that Chresanto never seen.

When everyone saw Bianca and Chresanto get out their car, they grew silent then questioned among themselves.

"Who's the cracka lady?" asked one of the old ladies. "I dunno.." her friend shrugged.

"Aye y'all, y'all see that white bitch ova there?" some guy asked, smoking a cigarette, pointing at the two walking on the sidewalk. "Yea man, I never thought I would see one of 'em over here," answered his friend. "Forreal! Someone better get that ass while they still can.. she rare out here."

"I think a nigga already did.. she got a black boy wit her! She prolly here for that child support or some shit.."

As all those comments stirred around in the street, Chres and Bianca ignored them and went along with their business. They walked into the building marked "81" and looked around for apartment 17A. On the way, more people ran through the halls and gave them funny looks while talking under their breathe. Approaching the door, you could hear yelling and things banging around. Bianca nervously knocked on the door and held Chresanto close; she was afraid.

"I'm comin', I'm comin'! Hol' on.." someone groaned from inside. Finally, the door was opened by a short, plump black woman. Her hair was wrapped up with a colorful scarf and she wore bright pink sweat pants, a white dirty t-shirt and slippers. She was dark skin with a monroe lip piercing. "Uh.. can I help you?" she asked.

Bianca waited before answering, still trying to process how crazy this lady looked to her. "Um yes, I'm Bianca from Human Services.. I called earlier. You must be Diamond."

"Ohhhh! Yea, that's me; come in, come in!" Diamond invited them in and sat them on the couch. "I'll be right back!" She ran out the room and left Bianca and Chresanto on the couch to themselves. The woman's home didn't look as bad as expected. The kitchen was combined with the living room, making the room extra hot because Diamond was cooking something on the stove. The kitchen looked messy, with the sink full of dishes and every inch of the counter was covered. The living room floor was covered with toys and a game station. The coffee table had ashes from cigarettes missing the ashtray and more plates. In comparison to the other apartments in the building, it was decent living.

Diamond came back in the room with a clean t-shirt and jeans. Her hair was black and midlength, using the scarf as a headband. By the looks of it, it was a wig she put on for short notice. In that small amount of time, Diamond cleaned up herself very well and it was pretty impressive. She sat herself down in the recliner chair next to the couch. "Sorry it's a mess in here. I was in the middle of cleaning up.." Diamond apologized. "It's quite fine.. so like I said over the phone, this is the boy who is going to be staying with you. His name is Chresanto." Bianca explained. Diamond kindly smiled at him, "how you doing, baby? You'll love it here, I promise you that." Chresanto didn't respond. "He's quiet but I'm sure you guys will get along just fine!" Bianca looked at her watch, realizing she had other things to do. "I actually have to get going, I have a meeting at the office.. Chresanto, you'll be staying with Ms. Diamond for a while. I can't stay and help you guys get acquainted with each other but I'm sure you guys will be alright." Bianca got up and headed to the door. "Don't ignore Ms. Diamond either. I'm serious." He glared at her without saying a word. "Fine. You two have fun. I'll be back in a couple of days to check on you!" Moments later, Bianca was gone.