Escaping Reality

Chapter 2

  CALEB'S POV

  Two weeks into autumn, a black Cadillac pulled up to the adoption center. I watched from the window as a middle-aged woman walked into the building. A man, who I assumed to be her husband, followed.

   About ten minutes later, I was called downstairs.

  "Caleb, this is Frank and Julie Anderson," Ms. Beth, the gray-haired old secretary, said. "They would like to adopt you."

    I just stared at her.

Julie stuck out her perfectly manicured hand, and said, "Hi, Caleb!"

   I didn't shake her hand.

  "So, boy, you like football?" Frank asked, slapping his huge hand on my back.

  I shook my head no.

"Baseball? Basketball?" he asked, a look of hope in his eyes.

  "I like Hockey." was all I said.

  "Oh...cool." Frank said, a little disappointed.

  After telling the Anderson's my hobbies, which include music and reading books with sad endings, I was sent back upstairs while they filled out the papers.

  I sat on my bed, and looked out the window. It was raining.

  Just as I started to doze off, I was once again called downstairs.

  "Caleb, say hello to your new parents!" Ms. Beth exclaimed.

  "Hi." I said, expressionless.

  "Why don't you go and get your stuff?" Ms. Beth said, a trace of happiness in her voice.

  For the fourth time today, I ran up the creaky staircase. Luckily, I wouldn't have to see this staircase again...hopefully.

  I walked over to the makeshift bed that was pushed against the wall, and grabbed my suitcase from underneath it.

  I quickly made the bed, and went back downstairs.

"Are you ready?" Julie asked me.

  I nodded, and waved goodbye to Ms. Beth. She smiled her old lady smile, and went back to typing on the computer.

  I walked out of the adoption center, the cold raindrops hitting my face, but for once I wasn't bothered by it. Frank unlocked the car, and I quickly got in.

  The ride to their house was silent, so I put my headphones in. I was so tuned into my music, that I didn't realize the car was stopped. I quickly pulled out the headphones, and jumped out of the car.

  I grabbed my suitcase, and followed Julie and Frank into the house that I would soon call mine.

  "So, Caleb, your room is still undecided, so pick whichever one you want upstairs. Also, you will be enrolled in the public school right down the street." Frank said, sitting down in a big brown chair.

  "Thank you," I said, running up the stairs.

  I picked the biggest room. It had its own bathroom, and a decent sized bed. I set my suitcase on the bed, and hung up all the clothes in my new closet. I then hung up all my posters that I was sure would scare the crap out of Julie.

  Oh, well.

  The next morning was my first day at school. When I woke up, I went down the stairs to get some breakfast. I shuffled into the kitchen, only to find a note.

  Caleb,

I will be gone at work until 10 pm. Please lock the door on your way out. Frank will be at work as well, but until 5 pm.

  From,

     Julie

  I made myself a bowl of cereal, and since I was home alone, I played my music out loud.

  I was left to my own devices

  Many days fell away

With nothing to show

  And the walls kept tumbling

down in the city that we love

Grey clouds roll over the hills

Bringing darkness from above

But if you close your eyes

  Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all

And if you close your eyes

  Does it almost feel like you've been here before?

Jasmine Thompson's beautiful voice sang out, filled with heart and soul.

  After my fourth bowl of cereal, I decided to get ready. I put my dishes away, and ran back up to my room.

  I took a quick shower, and then picked out my clothes. I decided on a plain black T-shirt, dark blue jeans, and black Converse.

  I tamed my wild hair, and grabbed a gray beanie. Checking the clock, my breathing quickened. I was already late on my first day.

  I ran down the stairs, and out the door. I quickly locked the door behind me, and started to run down the street.

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Author's Note: I absolutely LOVE Jasmine Thompson, and if you haven't heard her, you should listen to her music! she does excellent covers of songs and she has some of her own!